Kids Kids kiiids!

We have gotten numerous opportunities to hang out with street kids, church kids, cute kids, shy kids, all kinds of kids!!! This morning we went to 2 feeding centers, the first at the DAvao Vineyard, where we watched a few dances, and did a few skits. There were some kids we had seen previously at church or the night before when we were outside feeding and playing with the street kids. We walked in, and they began saying "Hi Uh leece" (Elyce) it was precious, They remembered my name, they were just all sitting waiting for us to get there. There are soooo many children, so many older (like 9 or 10 or younger) kids that are responsible for precious little ones, who just carry them on their hip, make sure they are fed, quiet, and content. It was absolutely amazing to sing and dance and smile at them, to say more than words could say, our hearts connected, and mine desperately broke for them. I don't know why, but i am struggling with emotions, i want to cry at the sights of these places- especially where we were today as you see in the picture of the "huts" if you will, i don't even have words to describe it, and the beautiful ocean crashing under them, and behind them. It doesn't make sense to me, i am reminded by the battle in my head- they are okay, they make it work,they are happy you should be too. I CAN'T BE HAPPY when i am treated so dang well, when i just tell myself when the stinch is too strong to bear, or i am overwhelmed by the fact that a family has a store out of their home, they have food to sell, but 2 of their 4 children, with one on the way are malnourished!!! And all i am doing is Thanking God that I GET TO LEAVE! I Thank God for the Vineyard and the people here and the complete dedication they have to these kids. They love them, they show them hope, the kids are beautiful, full of joy, love, and just want to be loved, as they SO DESPERATLY DESERVE TO BE!!!

I feel like i should be distraught, sobbing i guess is what i would like to do, to just break down and yell at God for making these people live like this. i just don't even know how to understand this, i usually wouldn't publicly state these things, and save them for my journal i am dreading to write because i know my heart is breaking and the words need to flow. We started off the day at McDonalds, where we were automatically approached by atleast 2 beggar kids, filthy, just holding out their hands asking for money. I was talking with Amy Blakeslee (SCCD Alumni :) ) before we left, and she told me to not just brush off the kids, to not get stuck in that "no" state, like we are here for "more important" people. i asked "Well, what do i do? especially if i don't have money to give them?" She responded with a statement that has made me think and be humble:

"You let it make you uncomfortable, you give them money if you have it or feel inclined to do so, and you love them"
It's hard to eat your sausage egg mcmuffin with a side hashbrown and a coffee full of cremer and sugar while a mother and baby are sitting outside on the sidewalk and you know they aren't going anywhere soon, where 2 boys are staring at you through the window, hands filthy and pasted on the windows...and men are trying to make eye contact with you so that they have some hope of selling their pearls to you when you exit the golden arches. I felt sick, but knew i had to eat, to swallow and keep going.

Please pray for me! I am doing fine, we got to go to a crocidile zoo place today, to walk around get some great pics and can't wait for all of your reactions on them! Justin, don't worry further notice i'm still ALL YOURS! lol don't fret... The pics are silly and perfect for today. We then went to the mall, where i got an hour fulll body massage for 3 dollars!!!!!! by a blind woman sounds funny and crazy, but it was amazing and so needed, then we got to go up on the "hill" i guess and have a great dinner overlooking the city. SEe the contrast? We are taking care of God's kids, and he is taking care of us! love you all much
Elyce