North-side vs. South-side

Down a path through thick island jungle to a small cleared out soccer field under the hot midday sun all the students from both the North-side and South-side Spanish schools were having a soccer match.  What fun to be in the middle of it!  Bare feet and socks for those without shoes and such energy from the excited crowd.  In the middle of it I look down and a little boy has sidled up alongside me. When I put my arm around him and say hello, he leans in for a long hug.  I love the moments I get to love on these kids.  The highlight of yesterday was sitting on the deck looking up at the kids on the benches as I doled out bandaids to every miniscule cut and prickle and sliver.  Kissed fingers and giggles: it was grand.  It's in those moments I just drink deeply of amazement and wonder. God loves these kids so much and I get to be a part of it.