When I was ten years old, my biggest concerns consisted of showing off my skills on the four square court and arguing with my mom about doing homework. There was never a question of where I would sleep every night or when my next meal would be. I am beyond blessed to have grown up in the loving environment that I did.
Last month, while I was in the Philippines I had the opportunity to serve alongside an organization who reaches out to the street children of Manila. Twice a month, they invite around twenty children to come spend the weekend up in the mountains away from the reality of their lives on the streets. Most of these children spend their days sleeping or begging and their nights inhaling glue to numb their discomfort and hunger.
I have seen their interactions with people on the streets. Some people toss them some change; most people keep walking as if they don’t really exist. Having to witness this has been one of my hardest experiences overseas.
I remember an overwhelming amount of love come over me the first time I saw them. I walked down the stairs and saw all of them playing as if it was recess. From a distance, it was hard to tell that they had just come off of the streets. The closer I got, the harder the reality set in. As I was giving many of them high fives, I noticed the triangle shaped cigarette burn on most of their arms signifying their loyalty to a street gang. Some were fifteen or sixteen and there were some as young as nine. Kids.
Later that night, my new friend John Paul fell asleep on my lap. As the rest of the room had their eyes glued on “Into the Woods” playing on the big screen, I couldn’t stop looking at him. The thought that I had no idea where he usually lays his head at night wrecked me and I started to cry. I didn’t know him, but I felt so much hurt for him.
But what hit me most was the amount of joy these boys carried. Most of them had nothing but the clothes they were wearing, but they laughed and rejoiced unapologetically. God is so present in their lives whether or not they realize it yet or not. I had an amazing weekend spending time with them and just treating them like the children they were. On the last night they were there, we got the opportunity to wash their feet. When each boy heard it was their turn, they jumped with a grin and ran over. They didn’t understand what this represented, but to them it was a chance for them to be noticed and known.
God has given me crazy love and compassion for this population. Please join me in praying for these children and all of the street children of the world. Those of us who have been blessed with lives such as mine have a responsibility to fight for those who don’t.
I am in need of $5,000 to reach my fundraising goal. My second time squad leading has been amazing so far. God has been all over everything and I’m excited to see what the next three and half months have in store. If you feel led to donate, click the “Support Me” tab on the left side of my blog. If you wish to donate by mail, checks can be made to Adventures in Missions, with Erin Hogan written on the memo line. These can be sent to: Adventures in Missions PO Box 742570 Atlanta, GA 30374-2570
