The last couple of days has been colder than normal…we are already in the 30’s and low 40’s. I have been asking the kids on the bus..”where is your jacket?”, and for the ones who willingly tell me its in their backpack, I say ” put it on, someone made you bring it, so that you wear it”…Today, five year old “angel” (that is really her name, and she fits it very well) climbed on the bus and said, “Miss Darla, look I have a jacket, and I have it on……my mom said you are a pain in her butt”, so I smiled at her and she at me, and I told her to tell her mom “thank you”. LOL Shortly after this, I unload the elementary children at school, but Angel stays on the bus with the other Kindergarten kids, as I pick up more kids to go to the Kindergarten Center. She stands up when the others have left, and promptly reminds me that I no longer say “where is my kindergarten let me see your hands? stay on the bus” I explained that I don’t need to do that anymore, because I know who they are, and they are so smart to know to stay on the bus. She looked so sad and said “Just do it one more time”. Although it seemed silly, I did it anyway. I aim to please! She came running down the aisle and gave me a big hug and said “Here I am, your kindergarten kid!” LOL
Everyday I am more amazed at how things we take for granted, like someone just talking to us, or smiling, or caring enough to say “put your jacket on” means so much to someone who doesn’t get this in thier life. I know what my childhood was like, but I did have a mom who wanted to see a jacket on…simple things, yet when they are not present leave such a void. This year I have more kids without parents than I did before, and lots with parents in Jail. Its so sad, and after the last 8 weeks, I am finally breaking through to some of them. I get a smile, and at times a laugh.
I have one little girl on the Kindergarten bus who stops in front of me every day and says “Miss Darla are you coming back for me”. But the one that broke my heart today is Madeline. Her hair is never combed, and is always very very quiet, no smile, fear all over her, and I asked her today if she would be my line leader and lead the kids out of the bus, and she just came closer to me and said “do you think you could be my mom?” I don’t know her story, but my prayers are going up for her and the other ones on my bus. Everyday, I pray “please don’t let them leave here with out you”… I get weary and tired, and then these little ones break my heart, and make me laugh, and fill me with great joy…and I remember why God put me in the bus, and after turning my world upside down to get me here..OH how HE loves them!
ponderings of a princess... 
Ahhh, Darla. Sounds like we live in the same town. Out of 23 kids on my caseload, I had 5 who still lived with both biological parents. Four lived with neither biological parent and never saw them. One of them was old enough to remember when his mom said she didn’t want him. These kids can rip your heart out just with a crooked smile. The abuse–mental, physical, sexual is rampant in families, and fear is one of the results. (Not that every child with big fear is abused)
We stand in the gap for these little ones in our charge, and the Lord delights in the tears you bring Him on their behalf.
Dale there is a five year old on my bus that told me “when her mom and dad find out what their life is about, they are coming back for her..she asked if i know what my life is about…deep conversation for a five year old. We do stand in the gap, and every single day I plead for them…I know abuse when i see it, and for most of these kids the biggest abuse is neglect, and little hearts left to fend for themselves…the world is full of unwanted unloved children..and Jesus said let the children come to me…its on my heart every day. Thanks for standing in the gap for the ones who come your way…
Oh Darla, this makes me choked up with tears. 😦 I don’t know how you do it!
♥ you
oh and your comment…. 😥
breaks my heart.
Bran- didn’t mean to make you sad…it seems like when I think I can’t stand one more minute of the world in my face,,,HE reminds me that HIS grace is sufficient for me…HE will give me what I need for each one and each day. I couldn’t walk away from them now…it seems like everyone has already done that to them, and I really want them to remember me, and always trust me…Our children are so very blessed by God, hope we always teach them the things of God. Love you!!!
Darla, you are beautiful.
Thank you for loving me. Thank you for loving the little children. You’re a blessing.
shaking my head.
its so sad the things we as parents do, or dont do, that will stick with our young ones for the rest of their lives. there is no going back. so much damage is being done.
you have a enormous purpose and calling on that bus, darla!
I still wanna ride your bus… 😉 I promise to wear my jacket… 😉
Oh my my precious daughter – if only the world would realize there are little girls and boys out there – in fact we all are! We are scaring the children with our adult antics – you are where God wants you! I will wear my jacket today too!
Wow, Darla. Thanks for sharing all of that. It breaks my heart to hear those stories, but I’m so glad you are right there praying for them, and being there for them. When I was teaching, I had children in my class that I wanted to take home with me rather than send them back to their situations. Heartbreaking, I know.
God Bless you, Darla!
Hi just got back from “horsing” around! I helped a lady riding friend rig up her new saddle. I did wear my jacket !!
Hiya there sister!
Have not hugged you for a while. Was a bit busy. But now… I am back to the blogging land. Hee he!
Hope things are doing ok?
Hugs from me. 🙂
God bless thee.
Papa- glad you wore your jacket young man! 😉
CK-any time my friend any time..I could introduce you and the new kid. they would love you!
HW- how are you?? I really post these to raise awareness , we really need to pray for the children of the world that have been forgotten, so many more forgotten then the ones I meet.
Sherma!!!! how are you..later today I must get caught up with you..love you!
Tam , Michelle, you both always encourage me and inspire me to keep pressing on..thanks for being you and for loving me!
Darla, you’ve got one of the most important jobs in the world, and you’re just the right person for it. Those kids need love, and you’re overflowing with it. You’re a beautiful example of how we’re to give the love to others that is freely given to us by God.
And I’ll be praying for every one of those kids, and I’ll also be praying that there are other Darlas out there helping other little ones who have no-one else to help them.
You’re beautiful. (Wiping tears from eyes)
At least while the kids are on your bus they do have an angel with them – you Darla.
When will people learn that how we treat our children determines what our future will be like, they are our future.
Anotherlostsheep (sheep) -thank you for your kind response, and for your prayers, for me and the kids and all the others that are out there sent by God to love the children. They are precious in HIS sight…and mine too.
Ed- you are a sweetie! thanks for the compliment, 😳 I think the same thing everyday, this is our future, and it is literally being thrown away..American has no one to blame but itself..how sad when people can actually discard people like an old newspaper. I am just glad that nothing escapes God, HE sees and HE acts, and people are being sent to the aid of children…we just need more people. Love ya Ed!
Your right ED, those kids are “Touched by an Angel”!
Papa- 😳 too sweet!! between you and ed … you sure know how to make a girl feel good and remember that its all good!
Just to keep you humble – I sense a little mischieviousnes in this angel at times – in fact maybe quite a bit of the time. What do you think Ed ??
Especially on Fridays!!!! Muahahahhaha
WOW! How sweet is that!? Priceless.
Darla, your bus stories are so wonderful. Truly moving. Who knows how much we can change in such a way? God bless.