Street Kids

Over the past few days I have been reading some friends blogs, catching up on the happenings of their lives. There seemed to be a common theme among my friends with children. That is they feel so blessed to be a mother. They are so happy in the role they play as mother. It made me think about how blessed those wonderful little babies are to have someone who loves them, cares for them, kisses them, teaches them, and maybe even gets mad at them occassionaly. I never realized how much a tender kiss, or a warm hug, or a strict lesson in manners, or a bath for heavens sake could really mean until I came in contact with some of the sweetest children I have met in my lifetime, and I've known a lot of kids. Think of your children or children you know maybe a nephew or niece. How sad would it be if you could not afford to take care of your child? What point in your life would you have to be at to leave your child in the street? How painful would it be to leave your child and maybe even knowing they may not live or if they do they may live a horrible life but it would be better than being with you. What would you think your children would turn out like?  It is hard for me to imagine or even think what that would be like.

One place I have visited often here in Haiti and one place I have loved immensly is a place where "The Street Kids" live. These children were literally found living on the street, some of them were dropped off at this facility, or some of them have just found this place through previous friends or something. There are about 70 kids living in a tiny house. The man who runs it is a former street kid. He is doing his best(he has some funding from a group within the U.S.) to teach these children a trade and provide a better life for them than begging on the streets. They at least get food here and a place to sleep that is relatively safe. These children (mostly boys) have not had an easy life. They have not had someone to constantly love on them, feed them, bathe them, kiss them, and give them their basic needs. Since a young age they have worked for their suck. They have pleaded for love and affection. They have begged for their living so they can keep living! Everytime I see a child on the street my heart breaks. They did not choose this life. It seems they are disregarded by everyone. Here they are in worn clothes and dirty/broken shoes going from car to car asking for money. Can you imagine your child doing that?? I can't and I dont' have children. Everytime a child comes to my car it breaks my heart. The worst part is I have been told I should not give money to them. (I do sometimes). Usually there is a whole group of them and if you give to one you have a huge risk of many coming and clawing at your car basically. And for what?? One dollar, maybe 50 cents? The kids we visit have a good place to live where they all take care of eachother and the former street kid treats them well. However, that is not the case for all of these boys. Some of them will get beaten if they do not provide money to their head person. It just consumes me with sadness when I think about all of it.

HOWEVER, I am BLESSED and GRATEFUL for what they have shown me. It would be so easy to be a hardened child or treat others unkindly. This is what you would assume would happen to a child who has grown up in such harsh conditions. But they are still Children. Just like every child they want love, they want affection, they want friends, and they love toys:) . However, they are not consumed by material things, they just want to eat some food and maybe have some clothes. I have been impressed each time I go to visit the street kids. I am overwhelmed with love and compassion, and it is not always me giving those feelings. I am learning from them. They LOVE me unconditionally. They do not care what I look like or that I can't understand them when they try to talk to me. They come up to me and embrace me and tell me they love me and that we are family. (They always call me sister). They are so gracious for the small things we may bring for them, or that we take the time to blow bubbles with them, or fingerpaint with them, or work on their writing with them. They are happy! They have the cutest smiles! They are still CHILDREN OF GOD no matter what kind of life they have been born into. And Heavenly Father loves each of them. I know this because I have felt that pure love come through me for them. I can't explain the love I have for these children. They make me smile. They bring joy into my life. They are an example of love, patience, and kindness. I am blessed for having known them. I will miss arriving in their court yard in the back of the truck, jumping out to be greeted by many little children with hugs and kisses and hellos. I am so thankful for these "Street Kids" They have changed my life!

Bony....A Former Street Kid...he is the sweetest!

Look at those Priceless Smiles

Its all Good!

A cutie

This little boy always wants his picture taken!

Look at those smiles!!

 Loves!

Respect-That is what that thumb sign means!

 I told him to make that pose!

This kid was cracking me up!

They were loving the Sungless Miss Carah gave them!



We went to a place called The Artisan Village...It was all Iron Works and you just walk from each little hut to the next...there were at least 20 if not more ..These men were working on Some

It looks Like Quite the Process and Hard Work

 I guess they are training them young!

Even after 6 months,  I have not gotten used to the Tent Cities

It's been really rainy Lately and I thought that Stream of clouds was Awesome!

Another Former Street Boy that I just love and Adore...He is soooo Sweet and Such a good Kid!

Little Boys carrying Jugs of Water down the Street!

Sweet Karah, the blonde took us to Eat at this Really Cute Chinese restauraunt

The Girls...Margareth, Karah-She is from New York City and is just teh Sweetest Kindest Person, we really bonded! Me and Rebecca-who is also just a great person!

It was a wonderful Saturday and Im so grateful for all the wonderful people I  have come in contact with in Haiti!