Tears and Smiles

In 2003 we went to Kosovo. The war had just ended. We saw the effects of bombs and bullets, witnessed mass burials as bodies were returned, heard heartbreaking stories from ordinary, courageous families.

We went with ‘Smile International’, whose vision statement states:

Our vision is to see people and their lives transformed, for them to become self-sustainable, empowered and encouraged.

There are so many needs and desperate situations around the world but if we can help even one person, by turning tears into smiles, that’s what it’s all about.

God has called us to ‘bring good news to the poor’ and so we strive to share God’s love with those we work with…’

Last night I was reminded of the beautiful old Charlie Chaplin song:

Smile, though your heart is aching
Smile, even though it’s breaking
When there are clouds in the sky
you’ll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow
Smile and maybe tomorrow
You’ll see the sun come shining through
for you…

Yesterday our friend Karen described her experiences this year… January’s scan… February’s urgent surgery, removing a large tumour from her bowel… March’s recovery, scan… Chemo over 6/7 months starting next week:

‘…right now we don’t know if there are any cancer cells left in my body floating about. Not gonna lie it’s all pretty f***ing scary. But, throughout all of this sh*t show I have come to realise how truly blessed I am. Family, friends, work colleagues and neighbours have stepped up and shown me continuous kindness, care, practical help, emotional support and love. Meals have been delivered, enough flowers to open a florist, shopping done, house cleaned, beds changed, nightly injections given, driving me to apts, endless texts and visits from so many people to keep my spirits up and most of all people knowing that I need to find the humour in the tumour to get through this…’

Musing and praying… ‘Turning tears into smiles’… ‘Smile, though your heart is aching’… ‘Humour in the tumour’…