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You are here: Home / Compassion / The irony is that I’m eating Oreos right now

The irony is that I’m eating Oreos right now

November 5, 2008 ·

I talked about how hard yesterday was in my last post, but it was also my favorite day so far. The kids were so excited to see us and I got a small glimpse of what it must feel like to be Hannah Montana, but without the long blonde hair and legwarmers.

I couldn’t get enough of them as they climbed all over me while saying, “Mi Americana! Mi Americana!”

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They were all so precious and I took pictures of them with my camera so that they could see themselves. I let them hold my backpack. I let them braid my hair and wear my Aggie baseball cap.

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At one point one of the little girls lifted up my shirt a little bit and started poking my stomach. Wanting to use one of my few Spanish vocabulary words, I said, “Blanco!” thinking that she must be fascinated by my white skin.

The translator looked at me a little sheepishly and said, “She says you’re a little bit fat.”

Perfect.

So I said, “Great. Tell her the fat girl wants her camera back.”

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  1. Melanie

    November 5, 2008 at 9:02 pm

    Oh, I can’t imagine what they would say about this Americana.

    Praying for you!

  2. My Twenty Cents Keeps Moving

    November 5, 2008 at 9:06 pm

    See the translator should have made something up. You would have never known the difference.

    β€œShe says you’re pretty.”

  3. boomama

    November 5, 2008 at 9:09 pm

    That last picture perfectly sums up the joy of getting to visit Compassion kids. It’s just the best. THE BEST.

  4. Debbi Chesney

    November 5, 2008 at 9:17 pm

    Fatter than you here-
    praying for you guys

  5. melanie dawn

    November 5, 2008 at 9:22 pm

    In her defense, “gordita” (little fat) is totally a compliment, especially in a third world country. It recognizes the fact that you are well-fed and therefore NOT poor. “Gordo” is usually an indication of (relative) wealth. Much like fayncee clothes are a status symbol here in the US, the ability to have “meat on your bones” is that in much of Latin America.

    And OH.MY.STARS. that last picture is totally worth the price of admission!!

    So glad you are being so blessed even as you are being a blessing! Love how God does that!!

  6. Ashley Griffin

    November 5, 2008 at 9:24 pm

    hahahaha thats funny!

  7. Holly @ Crownlaiddown

    November 5, 2008 at 9:26 pm

    I think that is so awesome, Melanie! I love how you are loving on those kids.

    Now, I’m feeling a little insecure about ever going and visiting. If the little girl called YOU a little fat, then I would be mucho fat. Ah well, mark it up to 4 children and the love of cooking and eating said cooking. πŸ™‚ Hee hee!

    I want to pass some of my fat-ness to these kiddos–by sending them what they need. Yes, I do!

  8. Holly @ Crownlaiddown

    November 5, 2008 at 9:27 pm

    OH–thank you Melanie Dawn! I am glad it’s a compliment.

  9. Katy

    November 5, 2008 at 9:28 pm

    Don’t be offended by the fat comment! In Africa, it’s a compliment; to be fat means that you have the means to feed yourself well. As an MK, whenever we would return “home” from a furlough in the states, we were always greeting with “You’ve gotten fat!” Gee, thanks! πŸ˜‰

    Love the photos. Looks like you’re having such a great time and making such a difference!

  10. Sufficient Grace

    November 5, 2008 at 9:56 pm

    Cracked me up. I guess kids are point blank honest all over the world. That must be something that also crosses cultural boundaries. Praying for you guys!!

  11. Becky

    November 5, 2008 at 10:00 pm

    Dear you don’t even come close to being fat! Thanks for showing God’s love to these children. Your post yesterday was so touching.

  12. Emilie

    November 5, 2008 at 10:05 pm

    I’d take that as a compliment πŸ˜‰ Wonder what they would say about my belly and its basketball like shape!

  13. Prairie Rose

    November 5, 2008 at 10:08 pm

    To me, the irony is that THESE little girls are happy and excited and jumping and hugging all over you, and your own little Ana was so sad and unenthusiastic. It is so heartbreaking to think of her, and to think of what it must be like for you in thinking of her and realizing how dire are her circumstances, emotionally, not just physically. I pray your love and support for her can in time turn her into one of these excited loving joyful little girls — and that you will know she has changed so your own heart won’t continue to break for her forever.

  14. Tootie

    November 5, 2008 at 10:10 pm

    I love hearing about your experiences! You can see the genuine joy in everyone’s faces in your pictures.

    My prayers are with you!

  15. Tater Mama

    November 5, 2008 at 10:14 pm

    I would certainly be considered well-fed…..

    The pictures are wonderful, as are your posts.

  16. Fran

    November 5, 2008 at 10:18 pm

    I just cry with each of your updates!! Oh gosh…I would come back with a new sibling for my boys! Thanks so much for going, for sharing, for loving, and bring awareness to us all.

    Much love~

  17. Ang in TX

    November 5, 2008 at 10:52 pm

    Thank you for the giggles. I’ve been reading each and every blog involved… I cry than I laugh and I certainly have found my new “American Idols”

    God Bless you!

  18. Lori

    November 5, 2008 at 10:56 pm

    I love your posts on this trip, I am looking forward to many more wise words

  19. Marla Taviano

    November 5, 2008 at 11:04 pm

    I’m echoing everybody else who said that being “fat” in a third world country is the highest compliment.

    My aunt and uncle were missionaries in Indonesia for several years, and my uncle was overweight. The women there thought he was a god. For reals.

    Hannah Montana may have a lower BMI, but she’s got nothing on you in the DR.

  20. Christine

    November 5, 2008 at 11:18 pm

    “…but without the long blonde hair and leg warmers” Hahahahaha! You are awesome Melanie! I was laughing out loud thru most of the post, after reading. Laughing out loud with eyes full of tears. What precious, beautiful girls! When I hear stories or see pictures of children, any children, who’ve suffered a tragedy or a serious setback in life I can’t help but picture my own daughters in that circumstance. I imagine you see Caroline’s face everywhere with you this week. I know I’d be seeing Amy and Maia. What a wonderful experience for you and your traveling companions to have the blessing of seeing the lives Compassion is transforming. I’m reading every single person’s blog and just soaking in your whole experience. Many prayers being lifted for you all as you move through each day and what it brings.

  21. PJ

    November 5, 2008 at 11:29 pm

    In this culture, fat is good. It means you’re rich enough to afford good food. (Just look at the pin-up calendars in the auto repair shops — or the equivalent…the women will be very fat by our standards) Really!!! (I know, you probably won’t BE anywhere they have pin-up calendars…but just in case you find yourself in a Guy kind of backroom place!)

  22. Lynn

    November 5, 2008 at 11:31 pm

    So glad you are home safely on TEXAS soil. I know your family was beyond glad to see you and hear all your stories. Thanks for all the sharing with us too. Save some Oreos for Caroline’s breakfast!

  23. Natalie @ I AM (not)

    November 5, 2008 at 11:57 pm

    If you’re a “little bit fat”…I’m morbidly obese.

  24. Chelsea

    November 6, 2008 at 12:20 am

    That last photo makes my heart happy. I just love it.

  25. Diana

    November 6, 2008 at 1:05 am

    I say now you can finally wear your “Big Mama” moniker with pride!

  26. Kelly

    November 6, 2008 at 1:23 am

    I wish MY fat looked like that

  27. chickadee

    November 6, 2008 at 2:07 am

    i’m finding it hard to believe you have any fat.

    i’m enjoying your reports.

  28. Doodlerah

    November 6, 2008 at 2:32 am

    I have been reading your blog for about a year. I cried many tears reading about Sophie and the others in Uganda.I have been reading your blog as you take this step into another world. Once again I have been so moved. I just sponcered a little girl. Her name is Betty and she is four years old. I have no idea why I waited so long. You know, my husband and I always wanted a little girl now I feel like we kinda got one. So “It’s A Girl”! Thank you for doing what I don’t have the courage to do!
    Andrea (Houston)

  29. Jennifer

    November 6, 2008 at 7:52 am

    Ha! I can totally relate. I live in Botswana, and it’s the ultimate compliment to be told you’re fat here. It means you don’t look HIV positive (as if there’s a look about it) and you have enough money to eat. Anyway, I’m not a big girl, so when people started telling me I was fat, I was mortified! Still am, to be honest.

  30. Tara

    November 6, 2008 at 8:25 am

    I cannot wait to move (tomorrow!) and unpack my Compassion child’s information and send him his very first letter from his new sponsors in Minnesota. Complete with Christmas stickers!

  31. chocolatechic

    November 6, 2008 at 8:27 am

    I wonder what she would say if she saw me….

    You are skin and bones.

  32. kim

    November 6, 2008 at 10:52 am

    LOL
    That is GREAT
    If they think you are fat then I would be in trouble!! They would get a kick out of my jiggle – hehe
    I love the pics by the way – they are awesome and totally capture the emotions from each of you!
    Praying for you sweet Mel!
    Love ya
    Kim

  33. Deanna

    November 6, 2008 at 10:55 am

    I agree with most other commentors…

    IF YOU ARE FAT, I’d hate to know what they would say of me!!

    You have a way with words…and this post was beautiful. I’ve cried the last two days in a row while reading this blog.
    Thanks for giving me the opportunity to see their world through your eyes.

    God bless!

  34. Leah

    November 6, 2008 at 12:23 pm

    In that case, I’m putting off my trip till I can shave off about 50 LB’s.

    That’s hilarious!

  35. Tina

    November 6, 2008 at 2:20 pm

    Me toooo!!! (in agreement with Leah above)…

    God Bless!!!

  36. Heather

    November 6, 2008 at 6:19 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing!!! Your posts bring tears to my eyes!

    Mrs. Nurse Boy

  37. Michelle

    November 6, 2008 at 9:37 pm

    We have friends that were missionaries in Haiti. Being told you look fat is a huge compliment, it means you have more than enough to eat. A big deal in a country like Haiti or the DR. It’s just so hard to comprehend.

    Thank you for being so totally honest in your blogging. We have sponsored thru Compassion before, and currently sponsor thru our church a young girl in Haiti. Your post about Joy being in the one house as opposed to the other really made me stop and think. Thank you!

    God Bless,
    Michelle

  38. Julie

    November 6, 2008 at 11:46 pm

    Your blog and your life blesses me so much! Thank you for reflecting Jesus in such a powerful way.

    Prayers and love to you!!!
    Julie K.

  39. Steph

    November 7, 2008 at 4:30 pm

    Mel, love the pictures! Can’t wait to hear about your trip. Lord, they would think I was a whale then! haha

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Who is Melanie?

Melanie ShankleMy name is Melanie and, in some strange twist of fate, I’m also known as Big Mama because I started this blog in July of 2006 when my daughter, Caroline, was not quite three years old and I was in the process of convincing her that BIG girls use the potty and BIG girls don’t have pacifiers, thus she thought BIG was the highest compliment in the land and began referring to me as BIG MAMA.Read More

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We will never get over all the love and fun we had We will never get over all the love and fun we had at The Big Boo Bowl.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Y’all made it a magical night. πŸ’–
I got home from College Station a few hours ago an I got home from College Station a few hours ago and have been sitting here trying to come up with words to describe The Big Boo Bowl this past Thursday night. Here’s the short version:⁣
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When I looked around the venue on Thursday morning with Sophie and Retha, my brain tried to process what was going to happen that night. All I could think was, β€œI can’t believe this is my job and it all began because two fools met on the internet back in the year of our Lord 2006.”⁣
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