ODE TO ALLIE's RINGWORM

When our recent Kenya missions team arrived in Kitale, we were greeted by our friend and my hero...Allison Hibbard. 

Allie had been serving orphans and run-aways and throw-aways for 7 months in Kenya and just days before we arrived, this sweet case of ringworm joined her facial family...to her complete dismay, since so many friends would soon be seeing her and greeting her with...'What's that about?' looks, and various unspoken messages of disgust.

I wrote this poem to dear Allison and consider it some of my better work... I am so proud of her and her choice to come to Kitale.

There are signs that mark our journey,

As we move from land to land

Some are told and some are written 

Some in ink, on back or hand

One such marking I will carry,

Of Kitale- home with me

It's a circle--it's a virus

On my cheek, for all to see

I won't cover or deny

This tiny 'O' upon my face 

It will be a sweet reminder 

Of these people...of this place

I will never forget this journey 

Or the changes that I see

Tho' this mark will some day fade, I pray

I KNOW, that these children stay with me.

 

The ringworm has now, in fact, faded....but Allison wears her red badge of courage elsewhere, in her heart.