We are eating hamburgers and discussing the day. A few days ago we met a couple of people named Jonny and Vicki. They looked like they were looking for money, but something made me pay attention. When I found out what they were looking for, I paid more attention, and asked if they wanted voluteers. I had never heard of the organization, but it seems they went into hospitals and played with kids.
This afternoon, we rode the Subte to the hospital, and I was still sweating from eating so much meat. I was wondering if I had a fever, and did not really feel up for playing with sick kids. I definitely wanted to see what this organization was about, even if I just watched what they did. Just before heading in, I bought a cheap Red Bull rip off. I am glad I did. We then met Johnny and Dan and put on our clown clothes. The Billy Joel song, Leningrad, keeps going through my mind, as I was feeling lousy but playing with these young cancer patients was like a natural anti-depressant.
We sang some songs, and then I did my best sheep act, as we told the story of the ‘boy who cried wolf’. Then we sang again and gave some books away and prayed with the kids.
Johnny and Dan are both fluent in spanish and english, are musicians, comedians, and evangelists. They told us stories of praying with kids and seeing miraculous healings. The group they are with grew out of the hippie/Jesus freak movement, which was killed by corporate christians, who have a controlling partnership in heaven. The group they are with, I believe, is called Family International. Uh, an international organization present in over 100 countries. They have been active since the 60’s.
One thing I found interesting was one of the guys was not too excited about having to do the dishes tonight. He says they take turns doing the chores, as they live in community with over 30 other people. Full time! This living in community has been a stretch for me, but at least as I sit here, I can make some adjustments, hold on for a few more months.
