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Love for Niños

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by Amanda Kwak Amanda was a member of the EM Cuba Staff during the summer of 2017, helping lead short-term mission trips in Cuba.

“Mamá! I can’t wait for tomorrow morning! I am so excited!”

These are the words of an 18-year old teenager with autism every Tuesday night. Here’s what’s interesting. He does not know the days of the week, but somehow he knows the day when the ministry meets. So, the night before, every Wednesday, he shares his excitement with his mom.

What is this boy excited about, you may ask?

Every Wednesday morning, at a house in a Cuban town, mothers and their children with disabilities congregate to spend time together, sing praises, share words of thankfulness, and study the word of God. "Los niños," the people with disabilities the ministry cares for, are referred to as kids, not because of their age but because they are mentally young. When the needs of the children, youth, and young adults with mental or physical disabilities are neglected by the Cuban government, it’s the ministry that cares for them and provides the necessary assistance. The niños find friendship, love, and, acceptance at the ministry because they are at a safe place where they are seen as unique children of God. The smiles on their faces when they interact with their teachers and visiting mission trip teams by coloring books, taking pictures, throwing balls, and blowing bubble are rewarding for sure.

Just like the 18-year old boy who is excited to meet his teachers and friends every Wednesday morning, I too have grown to count the nights until Wednesday, because of the trust these niños have shown to me, expressed by their radiating smiles and friendship.

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