It’s no surprise that growing up on the street roughs you up a bit. Children that grow up living on the streets here in the Philippines learn to fend for themselves. If you don’t develop some thick skin, then you probably won’t make it. The kids that we have been working with this month definitely have some thick skin and tough exteriors.
But what I have learned is that even though they act tough and independent, these kids are still just kids at their core. They love hugs and playing basketball. The girls love having their nails painted. They cry when they get hurt, and all they really need is someone to love them. It has been heartbreaking to see how they switch back and forth from being kids to fighting for themselves. When they are with us, its almost like they get a break from the reality of their lives. They are able to let loose, relax, and be a kid again. They love to sit on our laps, and lay their heads on our shoulders. They are able to take a shower, eat good food, and go to school.
But when they leave us, and when we catch them in their “other life,” they have to focus on how they will make money and fight off threats that may come at them in various forms throughout the day. They wonder where they will sleep at night and if their shoes will get stolen today.
I never could have anticipated how emotional I would be when we are able to see them be kids again. We had a birthday party for a few of them a couple of days ago. Tomeo and J.R. were able to celebrate how kids should celebrate, with food, friends, cupcakes, and boxing. Yep, boxing. A boxing trainer came in to teach the kids how to hit (and hopefully channel their aggression into exercise instead of fighting each other) it was beautiful to see the looks on their faces, and I wanted to share some of the special moments of that day with you. Thanks to Shannon McGowan for the awesome pictures!
