The Project Kids That Stole My Heart

I have pretty much posted all of of these pics on instagram & twitter but never here for some reason, so I figured better late than never!
Pueblos. This was by far one of my hardest goodbyes. I went here at least three times a week when I lived in LA, and it was basically my favourite days every week. Not because it was easy, cause it sure as hell was not easy for the most part, A lot of the time I just felt like the bad guy who made them follow the rules. But even though they didn't listen to me more than half of the time, I just gained so so so much love for this community. They're misunderstood by most, and I am not saying I completely understand either, but I just have such a big heart for them.
I remember visting Hillsong one week and got asked the question about where my favourite part of LA was, and I answered spontaneously without thinking "there's this specific project site". The guy I was talking to looked so confused, and I felt kinda weird and awkward after saying that, but when I explained why to Him I understood how genuine that response was for me. These people and these kids have impacted me more than anyone else ever could. They were the highlight of my every week in LA.

It's hard to explain, but oh how I miss them.
The kids calling me Miss Joey. The kids drawing stuff and the proudly showing it to me. Playing silly games with the kids. The spanish speaking moms and grandmas forcing me to accept their water bottles and their food. The kids running into my arms. Seeing kids that usually don't get along play together. Finally getting the kids to say I'm sorry after fighting over the most ridiculous things. Having kids or youth or even parents or grandparents opening up to me.
Oh would I give for another afternoon with them.

It's been two months, and I am literally counting down the days until I can go back and visit.
Cheers for all these wonderful memories!

(blir en lång engelsk post i dag, som i stort sett bara handlar om hur mycket impakt dessa barn och deras familjer har gjort på mitt liv och om hur mycket jag saknar dem.)   

My little goofballs, ugh love em so much! <3

 They drew their and my name in a heart... uggghhh, so cute. I miss them so much.

Love love love this family!

These two absolutely BALLED their eyes out when I had to say goodbye. One of the hardest moments ever.

 That one time I got to see one of my boys play baseball... ugh, definitely one of the best memories.

 From a Christmas party. Goodness the kids were sooo cute!

This family means so much to me!

<3