Nafchita’s family

Nafchita is a five year old girl sponsored by West Coast Community Church. Like Rosel, I think she was a little bit terrified of me. And just like at Rosel’s, the family was incredibly gracious with me. Despite the dozen cultural faux pas that I’m sure I made in our first five minutes together, they offered me drinks (again, catering to my made-in-China stomach) and a seat of honour in their small home. Her father even shook my hand, which truly is a big deal here.

Like everyone else here, they were curious about whether I had any children. But when I answered no - rather than asking why - they simply said that Nafchita is my daughter now. (Surprise, Justin!)

I think if I could choose one superpower, it would be to know every language in the world. Nafchita’s mother Nasima was like a bubbling brook. In answering a question, she should would talk and talk, with hands flying all over the place, laughter never ending, and her head scarf falling down in excitement and animation. Then my translator would look at me and say something along the lines of “she is happy you are here”. But after several rounds of “that’s not what she said”, I usually managed to get the full story. Her father, Mohammod was kind and gentle and his love for his family was so evident in every move he made.

In a culture that is still struggling to see the value of women outside the home, Nafchita’s family is a good news story. Mohammod and Nasima’s dreams for their two daughters is that they will take their education as far as they possibly can. Nafchita would like to be a pilot and her sister would like to be a doctor… and that is exactly what their parents want for them. For them to be whatever they want to be.

When Nafchita was asked if she had any questions about Canada, she replied that she would like to come visit. Although it was tempting, World Vision has a very strict policy against stealing children, so instead I promised her that when she is a pilot, she can fly to Canada and come stay in my home.
Thank you West Coast Community Church for giving Nafchita permission to dream, hope for the future, wings to fly, and the chance to live life in all its fullness.