A Hope Extinguished

Three years ago our family had the opportunity to be involved in the life of this young man. His name is Ben. He lives in a village in Zambia in a little cinderblock home with no electricity. He loves to learn and recently passed his exams to begin high school, an accomplishment that is very uncommon where he lives. His eyes sparkle with joy and hope, his beautiful smile manifests the love he has for life, and, in his heavily-accented English, he speaks of God and goodness.

Our lives and hearts have been so enriched by his spirit as we have exchanged letters, sent care packages, and received wonderful pieces of his world. We have prayed for him and loved him.

Ben was involved in a bicycle accident earlier this week. He has been in critical condition in a substandard hospital in a third world country. Ben passed away this morning in surgery. Such promise and so few resources. My soul aches for what the world lost today. For a boy I never met who has my heart.

We gave Ben books, art supplies, a little money to go to school, letters and cards. Little things. In exchange, Ben gave us so much. Ben gave us an incredible vision of hope, goodness, and an unfailing love for God and all His many blessings. He amazed us with his quick mind and his thirst for knowledge against great odds. He taught us humility and faith. He made the world a little smaller as our love spanned continents to connect us to him. He showed us that happiness is a decision we can make, no matter our circumstances. We may have helped offer opportunities that changed Ben's life, but he changed our hearts.

Dream small, let God use you where you are. Sometimes it is the little things that take up the most room in our hearts. I look forward to meeting you in heaven, Ben. Until then, I hold you in a big spot of my heart.