My Kids and Street Kids
Having three small children keeps me from being on the streets too much, but I have been blessed with opportunities to serve in my own way. My kids and I attend pool night once or twice a month. We’ve helped collect sleeping bags and blankets to keep our friends warm at night, brought pizza to the park for the Thursday night meal, and we have celebrated Thanksgiving and Christmas with some of our street friends. All three of our children love hanging out downtown.
Children don’t have all the pretenses that adults do, and when they look at our friends from the streets they just see a person. They aren’t fearful of weird hair, multiple piercings, or tattoos. The cussing doesn’t throw them
off guard. They love the street kids because we do. They learn by watching the example set for them by their parents. When Benny and I are friendly with a street kid, so are they. When we find a way to bless one of them individually, our kids are there to bless them too. It’s a family thing.
Before we came to Denver there were people in our life who were concerned about our children. “Is it safe to take your kids with you when you hang out on the streets or go to the pool hall? Aren’t you worried about what they’ll see?” The answer is both yes and no. I think my kids are just as safe when we are downtown as they are when we are at the park, or in the grocery store. Sometimes I do worry about what they might see, but I know that they are going home with me. I have the opportunity and the responsibility to explain whatever needs to be explained. More importantly, I know they are seeing what Jesus sees…struggling people looking for love, hope, and peace.
The street kids that we know have been good to my children. Max and Zoe have sat at the park and chatted away with street kids over plates of food.
Zoe has a treasured penny that she received from one of them a few weeks ago. Pete gets excited when he sees Cheeto, our friend who has been off the streets for a while now. I don’t fear for their safety when the street kids are around, and they love the attention. The street kids are even protective of my kids.
It’s important to us that our children learn and live servanthood, and that they try to serve everyone regardless of position, title, or circumstance in life. We will not shelter our children from seeing the needs of the homeless and the poor. How can they be a part of the solution if we do? I see a miracle happen before my eyes when one of my children gives selflessly, and one of the street kids accepts graciously. I’ve seen it the other way around as well, and it makes me want to cry. We’re helping each other. I help provide for their needs, and they help me teach my children about meeting the needs of others. Which is the greater blessing?
Comments
Thanks for this wonderful post. It has revealed to me that we should explain and include (more) to our kids as to the what and the why, when we are visting hurting people.
Thank you.
Posted by: Jerry | May 1, 2006 11:48 AM
having worked with street children in Romanian, and not being an American... this surprised me...
street children in the USA? How come? You mean they live full time in the streets? How old are the?
Posted by: Miguel de Luis | May 3, 2006 03:36 PM
Miguel,
I have some of the same questions...Street children in the USA - Why?? Yes, they live full time on the streets, under bridges, in vacant buildings, etc. until they are forced to move on or get help putting their life back together. We use the term "street kid" loosely. The ages range anywhere from 11-27. You may have thought I meant small children, and though I'm sure they exist somewhere also, I assume most here in Denver are with their families who are homeless as well. I'm not very knowledgeable in that area.
As an answer to the "Why?" question...that is the question of the day. Why in a wealthy country like the USA do we have kids begging for food, sleeping anywhere they can get warm in the winter or cool in the summer, and trading sex for protection, status, or food. It's crazy. I can't possibly cover every possible reason here, but here are a few. Some are fleeing sexual or physical abuse in the home, some are driven to the streets by their own addictions, some are rebellious and choose that lifestyle, and some are on the streets because of a combination of unfortunate circumstances and bad choices made. Regardless of the reasons, our ministry exists to reach out to them and show them love - consistently. I hope you check out our website to learn more about Dry Bones and the kids we work with. (www.drybonesdenver.org)I'm interested in hearing more about your work in Romania. I wonder about the differences and similarities. Maybe we can learn from each other. Feel free to contact me on my blog if you'd like to take this chat further, and thank you for commenting!
You too Jerry!
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May 5, 2006 12:07 AM
I believe You are right on track. Our kids learn by what they see and hear.
So many things we try to teach our kids like Christianity, love, respect, etc., I say these are action words. If they see us acting on what we are teaching they will follow suit.
You are an inspiration.
Keep it up.
Posted by: Mountain Mama | May 7, 2006 08:30 PM
Hi again
Well from what I have been able to see in the video I am now getting used to the idea that differences are not that big as I thought they would be.
However romanian street kids seem to be much more deteriorated and starved, to put it plainly. Partly because many grew up in orphanages which were not exactly great.
While the situation is improving "Chidren Underground" is a good documentary about them. Also check the Concordia website which is an ngo I worked with (not for, long story) and I found to be great, almost a different country
http://www.concordia.co.at/concordia/aktiv/briefe/eng-letters/letters-start.htm
Ages now typically range (from what I have seen) from 10 to 20, though I have spot some as young as 6-8. Mostly boys but many girls disguise themselves as boys, you know why.
Posted by: Miguel de Luis | May 10, 2006 07:09 AM