Alicia and Catalina come from a big family who's parents immigrated from Nicaragua, which is typical for Los Guido. But there are many things that set them a part from the average family here in Los Guido. All six of the kids share the same father and mother, who are still together. Both parents have steady jobs in construction and cleaning. This is good for the family income, but leaves the kids at home alone from 5am till 6 or 7pm. Another thing that makes this family different is a strong value of education. Despite the fact several of the kids have learning disabilities and Mom has no free time, she continues to push her kids to do well in school, never allowing dropping out to be an option.
This family is very dear to me, and I have been praying for them a lot. Even though there are many things that set them apart from the average family in Los Guido, they face many of the same daily obstacles of poverty: the struggle to financially support a big family, safe play areas for the kids, support in school, positive role models, and most importantly emotional and spiritual support for each member of their family.
Alica, Catalina and Belkys on our trip to Leaves and Lizard
Shortly after Alicia and Catalina started coming to the Tutoring Center, they also started coming to Sunday school at the church. Then they brought their younger siblings, Roger and Marjorie; and then their older sisters, Hazel and Belkys.
Catalina and Marjorie decorating cookies for Thanksgiving
Roger working on his key holder during our vacation workshops
At the beginning of this year Giannina, the pastora, and I were able to visit Darling (Mom) on one of her few days off. During our visit she expressed a strong desire to be part of a fellowship of believers, but she doesn't have much time and didn't think her husband would support it. Giannina encouraged her to come just once a month to the women's meeting so she could be supported by other moms in the community. Today Giannina told me that Darling has been coming to every women's meeting for the last month. Also, over Semana Santa, she came with all of her kids to every activity the church had. Darling and her family no longer are isolated. They can be encouraged and supported in all aspects of life by this family of believers.
My prayer is that as we continue to support kids educationally and reach out to their whole family, we will see God transform their lives and break the bonds of poverty and isolation in all aspects of their (and our) lives.
2 comments:
This is it Krysta! How amazing! Loving one person, one family at a time until the world around you starts to become His Kingdom Come :)
Thanks Melina! I agree.
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