Completely the same. 

But when you are face to face with this reality for everyday people, like you and I, it takes a completely different toll. This is reality for millions, and millions of people. I'm sitting on a dirty sidewalk holding these starving street kids. They have dirty, tattered clothes, lice, and have a displeasing smell. But that doesn't bother me. They're children of God, and I can't but help squeeze them with huge hugs. I can't help but run my hands through their knotty hair. I can't help but give them kisses on the forehead, and showing them love for every second I am with them. And I can't help but have my heart break, because these young sweet pieces of innocence, are being beaten down. Being broken by the world. Forcing them to be adults, before being able to be a child. It breaks my heart that they've never had mommies and daddies to hold them. To tell them that they're beautiful. Tell them they're proud of them. Tell them they're worth something. 

Staring into these big, dark, hopeful eyes...I get it. I get why I am here. I am here to show them love. I am here to tell them my story, and how God completely changed my life. I am here to give them that hope. The hope that what their lives are like right now- That this isn't their Forever. That God has HUGE plans for their life, and even though the seconds on the clock may be ticking at a beyond slow speed, and that the hours seem dark..There's light up ahead. God's been able to bring my team and I here to show them that light. Show them that they have a chance. Their lives can CHANGE. Isn't that the hope we all need though? 

"There are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it."

 

 " The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know your name will trust in you, for you Lord have never forsaken those who seek you." Psalm 9:9-10