WYD Rio 2013 ahead

Our work is done. Last Thursday we had our final day of work at the day centre for street children. With less time at that 2nd project, it really went quick, and the days were short anyhow. As described before, in the mornings we'd pick up the kids from the Central Bus Station. Ellio, a social worker, would make a special effort to wake the kids from their cold cardboard slumber to get them to join us. Some were reluctant because of tiredness or because they were high, but ellio is patient with them and convinces them it's for their good. Sometimes you'll have regulars, other times you have one-timers. You never know who will be at the bus station. 

At this project, it was hard to see what use we were. We'd play with the kids, but sometimes they weren't interest in us. Sometimes they just wanted to sleep because they are so tired, or go on facebook. There are so many different characters on the streets; some rude, some polite, some shy, some loud. All leaving home for different reasons. The sadest part is that often the kids choose the street living. It feels free to them, without boundaries and restrictions. They think they can be who they want; they think they are adults, but they are merely kids. Ages 8 - 16 generally come to the centre, but there can be toddlers homeless too. They all sleep together, with adults and dogs, in dirty clothes and blankets. It's unsafe; girls are taken advantage of. 

The sadness part for me is the lack of motivation or hope these kids have; that they have the capacity for greater things and are called to them too is not on their radar. They do not see themselves as having such potential. They are given the chance to get off the streets by another project, but often they don't want it. They can't tell what's good for themselves. They don't think in the long term; I guess that's the nature of being a kid. Parents make decisions and plans for you, and facilitate your growth into adulthood, but if you don't have that support you don't really care about what's ahead - you just want to have fun in the present. For the children, this often means taking drugs. The day centre is good, therefore, because at least it gives them a safe place where they can gain that adult support. But, as I say, sometimes they just don't want to listen: because of despair, hurt, indifference.. Many things.

On the Friday we went to a mass at the Candelaria church for the AMAR projects, that marked the 20th anniversary of the brutal shooting of 8 street children by police, who were simply sleeping on the streets and were shot in order to be cleared. The mass was followed by a march around the city asking for equal rights for those living on the streets. It was moving. Afterwards, we returned to the first project to help with a day where WYD pilgrims visited the school. The kids remembered us, and enjoyed seeing us again, as we enjoyed seeing them too.

We visited the tijuca national park of Saturday, climbing the highest peak (1000m), and on Sunday I was able to facilitate mass for a priest friend mine, Fr Dominic Allain, at the convent. He came with the Take A Stand group - a total of 33 British Pilgrims. It was wonderful to see some familiar faces there, and hang out with them later in the afternoon at Flamengo beach.

And so, World Youth Day will commence tomorrow. Pilgrims have filled Rio. Groups of 30, 50, 100, parade in and out of metro stations singing hymns and flying flags, bearing a joy that is unique to these events, from every corner of the globe.

And why are they here? In the name of their faith in Christ, which they share in the presence of the pope for this electric gathering. The air buzzes with excitement. I am so hopeful and expectant for what lies ahead, how God will work: I can't help but break a smile at the thought of what's in store.

Ellio (blue) and volunteers after AMAR mass:

Tijuca National Park from the top of the highest peak:

Pilgrims fill Rio: