When I first moved into these apartments a few months ago, I met 3 kids who live in my complex. The older girl, probably about 11, talks constantly at a mile a minute and tells me things that make me want to move out of the complex! I hadn't seen them for a few weeks and on my way back home from a trip I prayed that I would see them again to know if they are okay. Sure enough, that night (last night) I saw them! They seemed just fine but the girl was the same. I realized today that maybe she's telling me all of these scary things so that I will comfort her and want for her company. The things she says are so outlandish that they must be lies, but I just sit and listen. I don't know but something is wrong with those kids. The younger brother said something about champagne, I don't know if they were drinking it or what he meant about it.

Their mom seems nice enough but today I saw her sister's baby, and it didn't look healthy. I let them come into my yard, which you enter from the courtyard where their yard is, but the youngest child's father told them to come out where he could see them, which I agreed with, but then he started yelling at them, telling them if he ever went in my yard again he will beat the s*** out of them. And I was right there!!! The reason I play with them is because I have a little dog. But this guy didn't care that he was threatening his little girl (probably 3 years old, I don't know) right in front of me. The oldest girl gave me a sad look as they had to go inside.

So I don't know what's going on, I was praying for them when I noticed that something wasn't right, but it worries me. It scares me! So please pray about these poor kids, I'm sure there are plenty more like them. These are the people we try to forget are alive, but they are out there and they need our help. I would also appreciate any suggestions. Sorry I can't explain better, it's just a bit too bizarre for words! Thank you.

It sounds like the kids are in an abusive situation. Just a couple of red flags would be the very talkative one, who may be wanting to befriend you...maybe you should listen to her and ask her specific questions..the champagne thing also worries me, could one of the parents or both be getting the children drunk? And for what purpose...if you feel that the children are in danger contact your local child advocacy group and/or family court system and report it...Better to be safe than sorry.

I will be praying for them.

editing in:

The National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD.

Here's my wild guess. Middle American family, perhaps caucasian, married couple with three children, oldest girl 11, middle boy about 9, youngest girl 3. Lives in 2 bedroom apartment in complex, and perhaps first year (recently moved in). Husband, 28-35 yrs old, wife 26-32 yrs old, both highschool graduates or GED, wife maybe some community college.

Median combined family income $32K to $36K. If both work $36-$42K. Standard of living, stressful economics.

Psychology, husband. Feels "trapped" between making financial ends meet and supporting his family. Posses strong minded sense for independence to rely on self and avoid "handouts." Resentment towards his financial predicament, cynical with today's social issues and openly expresses negative opinions in front of children (wait till he comments about the Virginia Tech shooting). Might have misdemeanor record with alcohol, might posses firearms.

Psychology, wife. Feels very dependent on her husband to support her and her children. Lacks self esteem for independence, fears consequences should husband leaves or loses job. May suffer from bouts of depression.

Psychology of couple. First marriage, husband and wife love and support each other. Both are committed to providing for their children, with love and protection. Desire a better family situation but believes economics impedes their efforts.

Well, if any of this is true, pray for the husband, he's the head of the household. Pray that the Lord will lead him to strong but spirit filled man, perhaps older, wisened, experienced with lifes issues, maybe even once a felon but found Christ in prison.

I dunno, I'm just making this stuff up but I do feel to pray for the husband first.