"Cool Breeze"

It is late in the night and I awake to the small cool breeze coming through the window. I get up and go to get closer to the refreshing air of the night as "cool" is not something I have experienced much of in the past month. I begin to think of these faces and many more as I embrace the cold air and know they are on a bench, under a tree and probably looking for the sun to break so they can get warm! One man's blessing could be another man's curse.

I begin to reflect on the time spent with them, getting to know them and a glimpse of their lives. How can one ever begin to understand a life on the streets, unless you actually live it? Maybe I can't experience but I can take time to understand and get to know them.

One Thursday a group of 9 adults came to the Center that is used in the day for the children. They came to eat, shower and get a bible study and prayer. The Center is a place for people to be fed physically and spiritually. After eating we worshiped and a message was given a Pastor who preaches in the prisons. Then we had quiet time and prayed for the specific needs of each person. Here is their request:

1. One young man's father who has beat him since childhood, and is mute because of the abuse, request special prayer for his father who is sick.

2. Another prays for a job because he does not like living on the streets.

3. A couple prays for a job and housing as they are tired of living on the streets.

4. A young lady prays she will be able to attend school.

These are just a few of the request from the hearts of these everyday faces. People who have dreams and visions for a better life. Just like you and me. Their circumstances, the language, the country is different but the heart is the same.

As another blast of cool air comes through the window my mind races with thoughts of helping their lives change. I look forward to sharing those things with you when I return to the States from September to December. Next time you feel a cool breeze, pray for the homeless around the world, do something kind for them, get to know their heart. Together we can make a difference!

ONE STEP AT A TIME!

Thirty Five Dollars and 3 Months.

Everyday when I leave in the morning and return in the evening I look for these 3 girls who play in the park outside my apartment. Since the day I arrived they have been there several times a week. They participate in the Saturday Lumina program where they come and hear a bible story and then get a sandwich or a pizza from the bakery. However, during the week they stay on the streets begging for food and money.

Eleven year old Mariana carries that baby around on her hip all day and is responsible for her as well as Erica her 4 year old sister. Their matted hair and worn clothes are signs of the poverty and despair they live in. In the past months I found out that they live in the Garden, I don't know where that is or what that means but it has to be near here.

Every time I see them I greet them from a distance and they tell me they are hungry. I go to the nearest store and buy them bread, milk, fruit or yogurt. With $35 that was donated to the mission I decided to see how long and how many kids I could feed. In one month, I not only fed these kids but several others.

Mariana and her siblings always take the food and I tell them that Jesus loves them. They usually take it at a distance, never getting to close, and always have a smile. I tell them to say thank you and pray before they eat and as I walk away they set up their little meal in the park playhouse.

When I was gone for 2 weeks and returned I saw them for the first time at Lumina. Erica ran to me and greeted me with a hug that would melt your heart. She hugged so tight I did not think she would let go! I was surprised as the relationship we have was strictly about the food but in this moment I knew it was so much more than food! I am still moved to tears by the warm greeting. The bonus is that for the first time, Marianna brought her 2 brothers to Lumina.

Thirty five dollars and 3 months, my life and these girls lives have been changed and we both know that love goes deeper than money and food. Words can't express the love I have for these kids on the streets wondering around, hanging out in parks and bakery's asking for food and money.

My time is in the middle here and nearing the end, as I return to the States in September. When I return there will be a clear plan on how, where and when we will be able to feed these kids and their families. Thank you for your love, prayers and support, these kids are just one example of many lives we are changing here. These girls give me hope that we can and are, "changing lives around the world with the love of Christ, one step at a time!"