Kids Night in El Callejon

During each two week outreach, we take groups from the American teams and go out to communities to share the Good News of the Gospel on a week night. There is a kids outreach, volleyball outreach, and music outreach. The purpose of the events is to rub elbows with people and enjoy their company while sharing the gospel.

Last night, I went out with the kids outreach to get video for an SI DVD. I took my camera of course and was able to get some pictures before the sun went down. We first walked around inviting the whole neighborhood. Then we sang songs, did two dramas, sang more songs, gave a Bible story followed by an opportunity to receive Jesus, and then played several small carnival type games. We have not yet edited the video footage, but here are some kid pics.

I purposefully did not touch these pictures digitally. Not even to just lighten them up a bit. I want you to know that these are genuine in every way. I want you to really identify with the expressions, colors, and surroundings as experienced. But really, you just gotta be here! Enjoy these beautiful children :)
The beautiful thing about this picture is also what you don't see. All along the left side by a little colmado(store), are many community members that came out to see the entertainment.
The girl on the right is a team member here for two weeks helping in the Microfinance ministry. She is 15 and very mature for her age. Obviously, the little girl she is holding is glad this young lady came to her home to spend time with her and play.
I just missed a big laughing smile on the girls face. The boy on her back still wasn't sure about the crazy Americans running around being loud. Or, maybe it was THE CLOWN!
Besides the adorable girl in this picture, I noticed something else you wouldn't. El Callejon has LOTS of biting flies. She has a fresh bite in the middle left side of her forehead. It is a small raised lighter area with a tiny red dot in the middle. You can tell she has already been scratching at it because the skin is a bit reddish around the bite.
I had a hard time getting a shot of this girls face because her hair is so big. Adorable!
This little boy has such a cute face with his big dark eyes! He does look concerned though. Maybe it has something to do with the recent mishap evidenced by the scab down the bridge of his nose.
Aren't you jealous that you don't get to pinch this little boys cheeks too? I would just settle for his beautiful head of thick hair!

Well I hope you enjoyed the pics of some children from El Callejon. There is one little fella I could not get a picture of for several reasons. People just generally call him, "Naked Frankie". His name speaks for the lack of a picture. I for one have never seen him clothed. I hear he was one day because it was required to attend a class we offered. Then he went back to naked.

There are truly many beautiful people living in El Callejon. Life is hard for those living there, but I have seen hope sprouting through the ministries going on through Students International.