the loves of my life

I just walked here to the internet cafe from the library, where I met with three of my new friends, Cristo, Dion and Woosie. I wasn't sure how the whole experience was going to pan out - my three friends aren't allowed in the library on their own because they're known for destroying property and stealing things. My three friends are "street kids," a group of children and teenagers here in Jeffreys Bay that I have fallen in love with. They are smelly, dirty, and aggressive. Many of them are often high on glue or other narcotics. As I took Andrew to the 7-11 yesterday to buy him a hotdog, one of the employees glared at him angrily, then looked at me and said, "This boy smokes glue." I responded calmly, saying, "Most of them do." They spend most of their days and nights on the streets, literally trying to survive. These are the human beings that I have decided to focus my time and attention on while I'm here and for an indefinite amount of time following that.

I want to tell you one of my favourite street kid stories. When I first spoke with Diego, he was a sweet 12 year old who wanted to learn how to play the guitar. There weren't enough guitars to go around, though, and someone said something that made him very irritated. He and another boy began arguing, and though I'm not sure what they were speaking in Afrikaans, I can imagine. Their fight ended when the other boy smacked Diego hard on his face. Diego began crying and ran outside. I tried my best to talk to him and comfort him, but he only became more and more aggressive, and began picking up rocks, sticks and glass, and throwing them at people. He ran away and I began singing songs with my little friend Maylene. Suddenly something landed next to my ankle and as I looked up, I saw Diego trying to hide behind a wall. He continued to throw rocks at me until I said to Maylene, "let's go over here." He kept following us, and eventually we had to go inside so we could avoid the rocks. He tried to get in and we held the door closed. Eventually my Afrikaans speaking friend Steve went out and spoke firmly with him. It was time for us to leave, and as we walked, Diego followed us, continuing to throw rocks. Eventually I went to him and said, "Diego, I'm afraid that you're going to hurt me when you throw those rocks. Would you like to come back with us?" He nodded yes, and for the rest of the walk home he walked WITH us, instead of behind us. This was a much better arrangement for everyone. We started tossing a football back and forth, though neither of us were very good at throwing or catching. At one point he caught the ball and it must have hurt his fingers because he began crying and collapsed onto the ground. He looked like he thought he was going to die. As I approached him he said, "F*** you, man!" I said, "Diego, I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. It was an accident. Can you forgive me?" He violently shook his head no. "Please? Please will you forgive me?" Again, no. Eventually, though, he stood up and said, "I don't want to play with that ball any more." We found a soccer ball and began kicking it around with another of my little friends named Manon, who's probably 3 or 4 years old. Though there were a few struggles and tears during our game, it was pretty fun. Diego eventually told us that he had to leave and off he went. I walked to my room, and he walked by on the other side of the fence. He saw me and flashed the biggest smile I've ever seen. He said, "What's your name again?" "Lindsay," I replied. We both approached the fence and he grabbed my hand through the space between the wire. He kissed it and said, "I love you." I said, "I love you too!" And then he kept walking. I was so shocked. In just a few hours he went from throwing rocks at me to telling me he loved me. It was an extremely rewarding experience.

As I reflected on the afternoon, I realized that aggression and unforgiveness is all these boys know. It's not their fault that they're the way they are. They NEED people to show them love and teach them basic skills and morals. And that, my friends, is what I plan on doing. I can't wait to tell you more about my ideas and plans. Until then, please pray for these kids. They are just as special to God as your children, sisters, brothers, nieces, favourite little kids at church. They have just as much worth and just as much potential.

God bless all of you lovely people.
Lindsay <><