questions from my nieces...

My sister, Donja, has been sharing about my time here in Brasil with my nieces and nephew. It is so special to hear how they are praying for me and the kids on the streets. Last night during bedtime prayer, Alyssa (almost 7) and Ashlyn (6) asked Donja some questions about the children here. Email is so great! Donja emailed me after the girls went to bed…I emailed back before I went to bed…and Uncle Didi's answers (my best attempt anyway) were waiting for the girls this morning!

Here are their questions…
- Is there anyone Aidan's age or younger that lives on the streets (Aidan is their 3-year old brother)? (Alyssa)
- Are the children okay on the streets? (Ashlyn)
- What do they sleep on? What keeps them warm? (Alyssa)
- What do they eat? (Ashlyn)

Wow, those questions really get to the heart of it! Sometimes I get numb to the reality of the kids lives here, so those questions were a good reality check for me today as we spent time with the moms and younger children downtown. I thought of the questions and prayers of Alyssa and Ashlyn as I sat on the busy street corner with about eight children, age 8 and younger. Three little boys are Aidan’s age (or younger) and a few of the little girls are Alyssa and Ashlyn’s age. I couldn’t help but think of the contrast of their lives. But, at the same time, it was extra special to spend time coloring, playing, and loving the kids today. I was much more aware and attentive to the kids as they tried to talk to me, jumped all over me, and plopped in my lap. In some ways, I felt like God was using me to answer some of Alyssa and Ashlyn’s loving and caring prayers for the children today.