(Scott) What is a flower?

Simple plant that consumes nutrients, water, and air.  Pretty simple. So why don't flowers grow everywhere?  They need a place to grow that is safe.

I found a place like that. In the middle of 27 million people here, there is a little place where 100+ kids get more than food, water and a bed.  The kids here range from 4 to 18, from shy beyond belief to more piggy back rides, to quiet and in a shell.

It is amazing to see God working here in His one of his biggest commands: to love your neighbor as yourself.  Here twelve to fifteen kids live in one of seven houses with house parents, that love each and child right where they are.  Each child has their own story, some painful and full of self doubt others that have turned a corner and have started to bloom.

Today I got to make a few of them smile.  Just spending time playing connect 4, giving piggy back rides, playing tether ball or teaching the starting steps to juggling.  Their eyes light up.  Every time I think I can't take another step with this little one on my back, they yell "Otra vez" - again, again and then I find the energy to go around the grass again and again.

Thank You God for loving these little ones, for these places that they can grow safely, for this day where You could use me to love Your flowers.

Scott