Lets start with the things that make my heart soar. Today as I neared my house there were a bunch of children out playing. When they saw my car they started yelling "Sand(e) emphasis on the e. They come to the care just to say hi and shake hands. On Sunday night we had a fellowship with other missionaries here in Tana and when I arrived several of the children came to me saying "Aunt Sandi" and giving me a hug. On Sunday mornings when I head out to teach children's ministry when they all want to grab my hand to walk with them. Oh and how eager they are to hear the story of the week. 2 weeks ago we were making faith cross necklaces and I couldn't find the same size black bead so I had to get one size bigger, one of the 4 year old girls came and said "Aunt Sandi I know why the black bead is bigger" I said "Why?" she said "Because our sins are bigger." Oh how I love the little children. Jesus tells his disciples to let the little ones come to him. I know how much I love them and can only imagine the love Jesus has for them. Another thing that makes my heart soar is the young adults in the English club. Today we started with them making presentations so they can earn an advanced certificate. I am so happy to see the progress they have made over the past year. I know how hard it is to learn language and give them my hats off. Well done. The class I taught the first year I was in Madagascar graduated this year. I am so proud of these young adults. All are planning to continue their education abroad. Hats off to Vision Valley 2012 graduates. 
Now to the sore part. There are 2 little girls in the neighborhood that are street kids. They have parents, but the parents don't provide or care for them. Last Tuesday one of them was in the parking lot of the supermarket and went in the store with me. After I got the cheese I wanted I got some bread and meat for her to make a big sandwich. On Thursday I saw her again close to the same place. She looked very sick. I ask her what was wrong she said she was OK. I ask if she was hungry she said yes very. I brought her to my house and gave her some rice and laoka (meat sauce)that we had for lunch. She came in and when she was talking to me while eating I ask when was her last meal she said on Tuesday when I gave her the bread and meat. The next day the sister came to my door and I gave them some rice to take home and cook and some fruit. I see these girls often and try to buy them food when I see them. Another thing that makes my heart sore is the corner on the way to my house at night. It is like an open area bar. Every night there are many people on the corner drinking and drunk. Some times you can't even get through the street because there are so many standing there drinking. How can one little girl go 2 days without food and others have money to drink every night. It also makes me sad to see people sleeping on the side of the road because they have no home. Poverty is great here and many have lost their jobs since the presidential take over in 2009. For many there are no jobs to be found, not that they don't want to work or try to find work. There just isn't work for all.
Thanks for reading my post. Sorry for the play on words. It just seemed so right for the title.
Blessings
Sandi Horen
Serving Christ in Madagascar
