Travis

Gabrielle and I teach the 3 & 4 year old Sunday School class. Shortly after we took the class we met Travis. He came to church on the bus and his brother would walk him to class. Travis would cling to his brother for dear life. So, I let brother stay that first Sunday or two. Then the day came when we asked brother to go on to his class. OH. My. Goodness. That child screamed like we were killing him. Drew the attention of every teacher down the row. One from each class came to check on us. Of course at first we tried to distract him, reason with him and console him. Finally, we invited him to join us and then ignored him. I was most amazed at Gab's ability to handle this situation. It is actually her class, I just help, so I followed her lead. Then one Sunday I noticed Casey, the bus caption walked Travis to class. No screaming. So peaceful. He wouldn't interact with us, he sat by himself and pouted. Again, we invited and then ignored. I always greeted him with much excitement and enthusiasm. He would come in dirty and oddly dressed. I actually considered reporting the situation to social services, because I believed there was neglect. I mean isn't that what any well meaning Christian Sunday School teacher would do? :( No, I couldn't do that, at least he was coming to church. So, I started to pray for little Travis. Just when he came to mind I'd pray. Eventually, he would hesitantly join us, or be with us from a distance. I no longer ignored him, but I made sure I gave him lots of space. One Sunday I reached to hug him or pat him, I can't remember which and he pulled away from me. I said it's ok I just wanted a hug, is it not ok for me to touch? He told me that no one could touch him but his mom. I said ok, no problem I understand! I didn't try again. Oh, sometimes I would forget and pat him on the head but he was ok with that. Then one Sunday he came in wearing shorts and a matching shirt with spiderman on it. I think his shoes were even spiderman. I commented about spiderman and he backed away and said it was the only thing clean, all he could wear. I reassured him that I was just super glad he made it to church and thought to bring spiderman to join us. The next time I saw Travis he was clean and his hair was combed. I'm sure I over did the wow! you look great. :) Ok let me wind this up to the really good part.
Today my Michael helped me in class. Travis took to Michael. They were talking and interacting and as I watched Travis leaned into Michael's shoulder to watch what Michael was doing. I was amazed. THEN, Mr George came into the classroom and Travis ran to him and wrapped him in a hug.
I am so thankful that I got to be a part of this transformation. To see this frightened dirty little kid, come to life with the love and attention of the people he came in contact with at church is just amazing to me. It shouldn't be. This is what we as Christians are called to do and called to be. But seeing it first hand and knowing that I was a teeny tiny small part of it makes me see God.