Over my years of interacting with kids in foster care, I have had a few rare occasions where in the course of conversation, kids were willing to expose their hearts and share their deepest emotions.  Sometimes that was in a verbal form, more often in sharing a written page or a picture.  When that happens I feel like I am on holy ground, in a place where few if any others have been allowed to enter.  I am deeply respectful of what they have allowed me to share with them, and I want to give you a glimpse into the soul of children who have been abused, neglected, abandoned. 

There is anger, but also joy.  Turmoil, but also peace.  Despair, but also hope. 

Journal Entry #1

The world sees my smile.  No one sees what is hidden inside me.  Something is missing in my heart.  Even though I know you love me and that love is always there, I miss being close to you.  I miss your hugs and your voice.  I look like I am doing OK, but inside I am falling apart because you aren’t here.  The only thing keeping me together is knowing that tomorrow everything could change and we could be together.