It is hard to believe this is my 19th trip here in the past 11 years working with King's Castle Ministries. With so many relationships formed and familiarity with the culture, El Salvador has become like a second home to me. The children here hold a special place in my heart. It is an amazing feeling to give of myself to them. . . a feeling that can only be understood when experienced first hand. In a country where the population is 6.4 million and the median age is only 14, children permeate. Sadly, 70% of those children do not live with either birth parent. It is estimated that 240,000 children work on the streets as vendors, windshield washers or just beggars. . . while 400,000 more work full time and do not attend school leaving a literacy rate of only 58% of those under 25. It is just so different here. Enclosed is a painting I did of a young girl who is caring for her little brother. This is such a common sight here in El Salvador as many times the parent or guardian is working. or simply does not care, leaving children to take care of the children. But in a culture where the kids are the victims there is an inner strength that cannot go unnoticed when siblings show love and care that they themselves have many times not been shown. It reminds me that we each have the power to overcome our past and change our future. . . as well as the futures of those around us. I will be home soon, but not before I touch a few more lives and they touch mine. . . Much Love, Michele