Where Do They Go? || M'Kalee - July 19

We pulled up in the bus to the church in Rocafuerte today, and the kids were there waiting for us at the gate of the church. This is our second day here in Rocafuerte working with the kids (mainly street kids) that show up. A lot of them greeted us at the door of the bus when we drove up, and gave us lots of hugs. :) It is surprisingly easy to communicate even though we don't speak the same language, and the team has already made some great connections with the kids.I have been *slowly* learning some Spanish phrases, and I saw this one little boy sitting all by himself that looked really shy. So I went over and asked him how he was. He didn't answer me out loud, but he just turned and looked into my eyes, and I have never seen a child's eyes look so sad and hurt in my whole life. It made me want to just pick him up and protect him forever. Violence and abuse are very common here, and it is sad to see these things affect the children firsthand.When we left Rocafuerte today, I couldn't stop wondering where the kids were going after they left our kids program. There are two and three year olds that toddle off into the streets totally alone and no one in sight to account for them. And I watch them walk off to their homes, or wherever they go (because many of them do not have homes), and think that most of these little bare feet have walked through hard times that I could not even begin to understand.But they still smile, and their whole faces just light up just from making a simple paper dog in craft team or watching a silly skit put on by our team... and it makes me remember why we are here, which is to share Jesus with these children so that no matter what happens to them in their lives, and even though so much has already happened, they can still be joyful because Jesus loves them and will never leave them."How sweet to hold a newborn baby, And feel the pride and joy he gives, But greater still the calm assurance: This child can face uncertain days because He lives."- M'Kalee