Liliana came to El Jordan for several years...  no one has yet topped her incredible smile... but sadly, she has been back on the streets for a couple years...  Pura is Liliana’s younger sister... with huge eyes and a great laugh...  When she was only 12 years old, she already looked 18…  Whenever I’d visit their house (actually, a metal container), she’d come up behind me and give me a HUGE hug - until I begged for mercy and a bit of air...

I went to the streets on Monday night with Nelly (one of our students)...  Keiden was the center of attention...  He’s small enough to not see dirt, scars, tattoos or glue bottles being hidden away... he only sees smiling faces and obligingly gives back huge smiles that make his whole face shine...

A girl in a miniskirt and tight top came up behind me.  Others called her “Sole” (short for Soledad...)  It was Pura!  She has rejected her real name: Pura – Pure...  and chosen her street name: Soledad – Loneliness...  How sad!!!

She saw me... squealed with delight... and promptly gave me her HUGE hug... leaving me begging for mercy and a bit of air...  There’s still a bit of kid on the inside...  She met Keiden for the first time... commented on his bare feet and the cooler breeze... and took him from me... (Bolivian babies tend to get bundled up with socks, hat and several layers...  any less and their moms are sure they’ll catch a cold.)  A few minutes later I saw a bunch of girls hovering around him... Pura had bought (?) some little socks and  everyone was helping to put them on...  Pura had to rush off... clients waiting?... probably... she promised she’d come to class this week at El Jordán... but hasn’t shown up...  Please pray with me for Pura... that one day she will know God’s grace and love in her life... the forgiveness and new life He offers... the privilege of being part of His family so we are never again alone... to all those who believe and receive Him... so that one day, instead of being “Soledad”... she can once again be  “Pura”.

I have lots more that I want to tell you all... but my little one is soon going to be up from his nap... and then we are going “Christmas on the Streets” shopping... I’ll try and write more later or tomorrow... before all that’s in my head and heart gets crowded out by so many other things!

Lots of love, Corina... for Marco and Keiden...