Boys

Many of the kids in our neighborhood live in homes without fathers. Many people in our neighborhood work shift jobs. They aren't always around to be with their kids after school. I'm sure many parents are too tired and exhausted when their kids get home from school. As a result, kids are left without supervision.

There are so many boys in our neighborhood around the ages of 10-14ish. Two days ago we were driving and stopped to say hi to a couple kids we knew. Thank goodness we did. When we rolled down the window we realized they were cursing at each other and close to getting in a fight. Ben and Dustin each took a kid and got them away from each other. Why is it that boys have the need to solve their problems through fighting? Maybe it's what they see at school. Maybe it's what they see at home. Maybe it's what they see on TV. Getting angry is normal, controling your anger is something you learn.

A group of boys have started coming over after school looking to play sports with the guys in our house. Thankfully, we have a soccer ball, football, and some baseball equipment and an empty lot next to our house! There is such a need for male role models in our neighborhood. Because of our current location we have many opportunites to be Jesus to the kids on our street. Yesterday Ben and I went to birthday party of one of the boys who regulary comes to our house. He is in one of my reading groups at schools. I had really been wanting to visit with his family and the party allowed to visit with with mom and grandmother. I learned a bit more about him which helps me in being his teacher. It was also a great opportunity for Ben to hang out with the boys.

My prayer is that we continue to take hold of these opportunites and not let them pass us by.