I have a collection of hats, gloves, and scarfs! These little kiddos come so bundled up to the bus stop they can hardly move. Very cute actually. But they leave these things behind, and will not claim them. Behind my seat looks like a yard sale! Not sure how long I need to keep them, but there they are.
My problem kids have all settled down and are now okay with the rules I have on the bus. Praying for these kids to have someone show them Jesus throughout thier day, and that none will leave here without HIM.
Driving in the ice is not fun, do-able but not fun. Its always a huge lesson in trust for me, and leaves me exhausted.
Yesterday,
-little boy 7 stopped to tell me that he had a birthday and all the things he recieved,WOW that was alot of stuff for a birthday! I told him, “you got a lot for your birthday”…no he didn’t it was all made up, to impress the kids, and he tried it out on me first. Trying not to smile, I told him no one usually gets that much stuff for their birthday. Just be yourself.
-a little boy 9 years old, not sure what is his malfunction, but at times its just evil. He has promoted to my misbehaving seat, mostly for his own protection but from time to time I need to tell him to be quieter(loud outbursts of something I never heard before..strange), the other boys pound him from time to time, and I feel sorry for him although he starts it everytime. He asked me if I love Jesus, which kind of was out of no where…and then said his mom does too. But he thinks Jesus is strange…(now that is the pot calling the kettle black!) so he is my boy, up front with me everymorning and afternoon. He realized yesterday that its not because he is bad, he said “you kind of protect me here huh?” all I could say was, “I don’t want you to get hurt”. Don’t know what happened, but he became peaceful, less agitated, almost pleasant.
The power of GOD, and HIS plan are awesome, I am always amazed at how HE loves these children. I love them, but HE LOVES them.
Comic Relief
One of my afternoon stops, an older Brown Lab, decides he loves the bus..I can see him running to the bus stop even before I am stopped. The little girl gets off the dog gets on…and lays next to my seat. The owners have to come out and pull him off my bus, he does not go willingly. The kids that are still on the bus, just laugh and laugh..It is funny and predictable.
ponderings of a princess... 
I wish you had been my bus driver when I was a little boy. I could have used a little encouragement, assurance. My mother was gone, hospitalized, for over 3 1/2 years during my first few years of school. I missed her. Was scared.
“He realized yesterday that its not because he is bad, he said ‘you kind of protect me here huh?’ all I could say was, ‘I don’t want you to get hurt.’ Don’t know what happened, but he became peaceful, less agitated, almost pleasant.”
God just did this for me. I’m feeling a bit more peaceful. Thank you, Darla.
What a beautiful picture of being salt and light. Love it!
I couldn’t do this with out the LORD, and your prayers. Thanks for praying me through more times than you will ever know! love this family..and yes you are my family!
I love your passion and love for your kids Darla. It’s so encouraging to me. And I thought it was so cute when the boy thought Jesus was strange lol. I can imagine that to a 9 year old, some of the things Jesus did may seem a bit strange. Shoo they seem strange to us as grown people! I praise God for you and the purpose He has called you to. Love you XO
I love your bus stories! I’m sure I’ve said that before. 🙂 They are absolutely priceless. You might be able to write a book someday. The dog … lol … it’s a shame you don’t make a full circle, because he’s be in dog-heaven just traveling the route with you. 🙂
These bus stories break my heart and make me laugh….Love it…
Oh.. and where is your Philippians post.. You think I didn’t notice while I was playing Clue, watching the UK and typing on my Blackberry?
Carl, you are very good at multi tasking!!! I would try to smooth talk here, but I really did forget what day it is, and then I got sidetracked..I should not pull up facebook when I have things to do…am I rambling??? back peddaling?? yes I am.
First thing in the morning! Philippians study..love ya brother..peace (forgiveness huh? it is the Christ follower way) 😉
You are still my sis don’t worry…
Peace and love. Have a wonderful evening.
PS. we have an inch of ice that has fallen now. With more coming… Our front yard reflects the lights from the houses. No school for the kiddo’s again.
Have I ever told you that I think you have one of the most wonderful jobs in the world? I do. I would love to do your job.
Love your bus stories. Especially about the special kids. They are, of course, close to my heart as well since I was a teacher for those awesome vessels of God’s love.
Those kids will remember your patience and love for them at a future time in their lives when they need some encouragement. You are Jesus with skin on to them.
wish i’d had a bus driver like you. i’d have been in the special seat a few times before i found Jesus. your bus kids are finding out what your own already know – you are a special lady and have a big heart for kids of all ages.
“He realized yesterday that its not because he is bad, he said “you kind of protect me here huh?” ”
darla- that is incredible. 1) he “gets” it! 2) youre impacting him. youre giving him a chance. he recognized it. even if for a moment. even if he continues to be a pill. that revelation will always stay with him!
i wanta ride the bus with you!