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Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Mon Ami

I have been wanting to share with you about my "mon ami" for quite awhile now. Everyday, since our Durango arrived, I have been driving our kids to and from school. After dropping off our three oldest I take a road that has gangs of young boys begging. They remind of the gang of petty thieves in Charles Dickens classic tale, "Oliver Twist".

I know that these gangs of boys are most likely sent out to beg by a "pimp", of sorts, to get the money they can and bring it back to the "boss".

As I watched these boys each day, one stood out to me. He would run after my car to be right next to me when I came to a stop at the stoplight he was camped out at. At first I didn't give him anything only cheered for his fast running and asked him in French "Ca va?" he would answer with "oui, ca va." which means "yes, I am fine."

After a few days of this running I would look forward to greeting my friend. One day when I did not see him immediately I began to grow concerned. I wondered was he hit by a car while begging or beaten for not collecting enough money? After some time he eventually found my car. My car stands out and I am thankful for that, in this situation. I rolled down my window and said "Mon ami, ca va?" he smiled so big and responded with his usual response that he was indeed o.k.

His smile near tore my heart out! I could tell he was thrilled that I had called him "Mon ami" or "my friend" in English. I gave him change that day and have been doing so everyday since. I don't know where that money goes and frankly I shutter to think about it. I hope and pray he gets to keep sone to eat. I wonder does he have a family? Has he ever had the privilege to attend school? I wish I could take him in and undo all the wrongs in his life. I can't fix everything for him. That is overwhelmingly sad at times forvme to think about. But, for now I can befriend him. We can both look forward to each others visit. I will cheer for him as he runs and he will smile for me. I am glad in this situation I know the one who has this boy's life, and my own, in his hands. I am not completely helpless, I can pray! I will pray for my friend and ask God to show me why it is this boy that he has allowed to touch my heart. I will pray for his safety and security. I will trust that God can work in this boys life and mine, in mighty ways!

The photos attached to this blog post are of my friend running and smiling for me. The other photos are sone of the crazy traffic I drive in each morning. Have good day, Crystal