followup to 'Rodelyn's new portrait'

April 23, 2007: Manila Philippines - Rodelyn sits with Anna outside Rosa & Auntie Josie's Shelter at 5:02pm.

...After I'd asked Roddy if she was ok, I asked why she ran away after Auntie Josie took her in, and she just decided not to speak much (she speaks very, very good English).

I tried to explain to her that people care about her, want her to have a safe place to live, and that she should respect Rosa's auntie for making the sacrifice to take her into their home, for feeding her, etc. - and to all this, she slowly nodded her head 'yes.

I turned to Auntie Josie and told her Roddy might have been rebelling to to the 'discipline' of actually being in a Family - getting up at a certain hour, eating certain foods, washing clothes & bathing, doing some chores, having to respect others who are older then herself, having to get to bed at a certain hour, etc.

My thoughts were that Roddy's discipline was the street - she slept where she could, she came & went where she pleased, did what she needed to do on her own schedule, and didn't have to answer to anyone, etc.

In the minute it took for me to say that to Auntie Josie, I turned around again and found Roddy had disappeared - she ran away again and this is one of the last images I have of her.

I don't know if there are any adults where Roddy is staying; I don't know who's caring for her - if there is someone caring for her.

I'll try & find out more when I get to Manila - keep Roddy in your prayers that she's able to stay safe on the street.

Thanks for reading today,
PJAMES