pray.

hello dear friends.
yesterday we were flying kites with the boys, and the kite got stuck in a mango tree. abilio, one of the boys went up to get it out--these boys really are like monkeys. the branch he was on, broke off, and he fell to the ground. after checking to make sure he had movement in his limbs, appendages, etc. abilio was taken to the hospital (laying on a mat in the back). it took a while for him to be seen, but they did some x-rays and nothing is broken. he is, however, having some internal bleeding (he's been coughing up blood), and they aren't sure where it is coming from. he is still in the hospital, and is in a lot of pain.
the children have responded in varied ways. some of the girls have been crying or very quiet. the younger boys can't really grasp the situation, and the older boys seem kind of at a loss. our team isn't sure what to do either, but we have been praying with the kids, and encouraging them to express their feelings to us and to one another.
the problem is that so many of these kids have seen death face to face (watching a mother hang herself, watching their mother/father get killed, seeing people get beaten). so when you have watched someone you know and love die, you begin to find yourself more disaffected by it. you begin to expect bad things to happen and even for death to come. for example, one of the boys gave a little speech, saying "if God wants to take abilio, he can. and if God wants to leave abilio with us, then he can." i later approached him, and said, "you have to fight-- through prayer, for those you love."
and not only have they seen death, but they have been so neglected that they don't show emotion in ways that we, as americans, see as appropriate. they automatically isolate themselves when they feel strong emotions. they do not want to be touched or to talk. they shut down. today we had them draw pictures of how they felt, and then to explain their feelings to the group, and then break up into groups of three to pray. please pray for them also, as they need to learn it is okay to feel and to care very deeply, because they are no longer alone (as orphans) but are part of a family. i also think that they are afraid to pray (as i am) that God will heal abilio, because if He doesn't, then what will become of their faith?
we will try to keep you updated as much as possible.
whit