Those of you who have ever served on an ACE mission trip, been an intern, or been part of our long-term volunteer team understand the type of tiredness our summer brings. Yet each short-term mission team that comes down brings our ACE staff a boost of adrenaline that helps keep us moving forward to accomplish a multitude of projects that our small but mighty team could never accomplish otherwise.
Even amid the summer craze, God grants me special moments, as if giving me a rare jewel, that remind me of the why behind my job title. There are some stories that we hear that stick in our hearts, inspiring us to push through when the going gets tough.
Saneeka is a six-year-old student who continues to push past adversities. During our most recent graduation ceremony at Mason Hall Primary and Infant School, we watched in amazement as Saneeka walked to the front to receive the top reader award, dressed in her graduation attire with her head held high. She led the graduates in their poem and song with a smile. Upon outward appearance, one would assume that Saneeka’s parents must be in the crowd of people, fully engaged and invested. Unfortunately, that is far from the reality of this precious little girl. She would often attend our ACE events malnourished and ragged. Our amazing staff took notice, visited her home, and realized that someone in the community is taking care of Saneeka. Although her mother is physically present, she is young and cannot properly nurture and care for her children. Latoya and I cheered a little louder to ensure she knew how proud ACE is of her great accomplishment. A Jamaican proverb perfectly describes her: “She likkle but she tallawah,” which means “She is small but mighty.”
We are so proud of all 33 of our sponsored students who have graduated from either Basic School, Primary School, High School, or Edghill School of Special Education. We pray that the Lord will continue to shine upon them as they journey into new endeavors. Their stories of focus, endurance, and achievements inspire us to continue running the race that the Lord has called each of us to. And right now, He’s called us to finish the summer strong and prepare for another incredible backpack distribution in August. Please keep our “likkle but tallawah” team in your prayers as we set out to run this race with endurance.
To say we are grateful — for God’s callings and provision, for you, our ACE family, and for our amazing community here in St. Mary — is an understatement.
