Our Pikin Den (Children in Krio)

Well it seems that a couple of children have adopted Kristen and me. There are two children who live in our compound. Their names are David (age 6) and Sudi (age 12). They both are children who have no parents and who are left to take care of themselves. Since we got here, they pretty much live with us. They eat with us, we walk them to school, we study with them. Sudi was telling me about how her mom and dad died, and it was so sad to hear her talk about it. She has been given the responsibility of caring for David, but she is still a child herself. We have been helping her learn to read. She is so smart, and it's exciting to see how much she loves learning.

David is a typical six-year-old boy who is so sweet but still gets into trouble, especially because no one is looking after him. I love spending time reading with him or just showing him that someone does love him. He loves to just sit and be held, but he also loves to play tag and to look at our pictures. He could explain to you about all the people in my pictures because he asks me over and over to tell me about my family and friends.



Another child that has found a place in our home and our hearts in Brima. Brima is a five-year-old boy who is so malnourished that he looks much younger than he is. His mother brought him to the clinic for malnourished babies. When we first got here, he looked so sick and wouldn't even look at us. But he has started to warm up to us, and it is amazing to see the difference in not only his attitude but also his health. We are in the process of trying to get him enrolled in school because he is so smart and is learning English from us so quickly. After school, he comes to our house and sits and repeats everything that we say. It's amazing what a little bit of love has done for him. It's sad because his parents don't care for him or show him love. When he is around them, he once again becomes a scared, sick little boy. It is really hard for Kristen and me to see that and not know what to do for him. Pray for these children that they would come to know the love of Jesus in a real and tangible way.