Ups & downs in Laura Flores

As per usual on  a Wednesday, this afternoon I went to Laura Flores to help with the women's Bible study group. Sounds pretty boring but believe it is anything but boring!! A new year but LF is still the same; dirty, smelly, over crowded and full of hair raising tales of abuse, crime and neglect.
       Today only 4 women came but small is best! One lady arrived quite upset since a relative has recently died and she is worried about him. She said he was a Christian but was concerned if he was well, safe and happy. Since there was so few of us we had the time to sit with her and chat. Comfort her, calm her doubts and assure her that her relative hasn't been abandoned but is safe with God. I am still mourning the recent loss of a friend and it was so nice to hear these reassurances as well. I know many people who don't share my faith but for me; to know that my friend is safe, well, happy and loved is a huge comfort  and I am so grateful for that consolation.
     During the study the same lady talked about a cousin of hers, LJ. LJ is 22 and is a drug addict who lives on the streets. According to her he is nice " he isn't violent to me or rob me"(!) but he does rob from everyone else including his mother. In spite of being in rehab 3 times he is still an addict and his poor family are giving up hope. What can we do? To be honest there  is very little I can do and I feel so sorry for her and the family. I was saddened even more to hear all the other women share similar concerns. All 4 women are robbed and beaten by drug/alcohol fuelled relatives. All of them live in dread of yet another relative being found dead in the street! They lead such unhappy lives but each week they come and say how blessed they are!
     After the study it was suggested that we could visit LJ (he was having a sleep at his cousins house) but to be careful because if he saw strangers he might run away or turn violent. After long and mature consideration I suggested that it might be best if I and Amy didn't go, after all we wouldn't want to overwhelm LJ(!) This meant that instead Amy and I sat in the mini bus for half an hour and entertained the local kids. This is very easy...just take out a camera. These kids have nothing-no toys, no books, no games, nothing. For them; the joy of having a photo taken or even...TO HOLD THE CAMERA is the highlight of their day! And these are the results...