Re: GM

"I think a lot of children are attention-starved "

The sad part is that this is so true, Im not saying the parents are bad parents but it's obvious a lot of the children aren't getting the amount of attention they need.
All I have done to get their attention is like you said, talked/played with them and now I have over 30 (as more families join the church that number grows) kids who rush over as soon as I get to the church (if I were to stand still there would be a minimum of 10-15 kids crowded around me all competing for my attention).
and an adult who actually takes an interest in them, talks to them, plays with them or just be's with them (I don't think I have conjugated that verb properly!) is quite special.
My problem with this is, they attached themselves to me so easily (like I said I didnt do anything special, just paid attention to them) what would of happened had someone else (with evil intent) got to them before I did? If they attached themselves to the first person that paid attention to them then that person could of used their attention needs against them and could of harmed them. While I am not perfect, I know deep down that I would never do anything to harm these children but there are people that would do it without a 2nd thought and that scares me (especially since my job will be taking me away for a while pretty soon) theres not a whole lot I can do once I leave.
It sounds wonderful for you (and them) that you can be with all those children. Long may it continue.
Being able to spend time with these kids is wonderful and I wouldnt trade it for anything in the world. It truly is amazing what a childs love can do to you (even though theres only been one LG who came out and told me she loved me, others have hinted it and with others its just obvious whether or not they say it) it truly is a special thing.
I have been careful not to do anything that would upset the parents (so far Ive had several parents thank/encourage me to continue playing with the children) Always follow the rules they set (the kids dont exactly tell me when a new rule is put into place but I try my best to follow the ones I know) stay out in plain site where anyone who wants to check up on us can easily find us (just follow the trail of laughter lol) and so I hope that I can continue spending time with these kids up until I have to leave. I honestly dont know what I would do if the privilege of playing with these kids was taken away; it would suck very much I know that much.