Josue (Joshua in English) literally lights up my life! He is almost always smiling and asking everyone "beleza" How's it going? He is usually laughing and in high spirits and always wanting to hug you, unless he is having a particularly rough day. Josue surely knows how to put a smile on my face, if I'm feeling down all I have to do is spend some time with him. And every once and a while he is sure to remind me, "Tia, voce esta Linda" Auntie, you are beautiful. He truly is a blessing to my life!
I had to share this picture because when Josue came here to the mountain, in October of 2011, he came with many fears, one of them was to go swimming, he was sure he was going to drown. But with some coaxing and help along the way, he has learned to really enjoy swimming, he is like a fish now.
We don't know a lot about Josue's background, since much of his paperwork has gotten lost along the way. We have heard that where he was staying before here, he was kept in a cage, hunched over most of the day. So, when he arrived here he walked hunched over. It is hard for me to even begin to imagine the hurts he has been through and the things he has seen, as much of the time the things he talks about are very violent. We have also been told that some mental illnesses run in his family.
We don't know a lot about Josue's background, since much of his paperwork has gotten lost along the way. We have heard that where he was staying before here, he was kept in a cage, hunched over most of the day. So, when he arrived here he walked hunched over. It is hard for me to even begin to imagine the hurts he has been through and the things he has seen, as much of the time the things he talks about are very violent. We have also been told that some mental illnesses run in his family.
It literally brings tears to my eyes as I think about how far he has come since he came to live here with us in 2011, God has truly done a beautiful work in Josue's life. It has been such an honor for Bruno and I to be able to be here and watch the transformation. His smile and laugh are so very contagious! You can truly see how much he enjoys life and being around others. Working with him takes lots of patience and love, but Josue is such a gift! Two of his favorite things are coloring and dancing. He literally "dances as if no one is watching" music speaks to him in a way we can't. He really becomes free when you turn on the music, and everyone enjoys watching him as well!
Please join Bruno and I in prayer for Josue this week, that God would continue to heal those deep rooted hurts in his life, the abandonment of his family. That God would show him how deeply he loves and cherishes him. That Josue could see the love of a father and mother through our lives. Also, that his joy and excitement for life would to continue to grow.
You are worth more then many sparrows! Matthew 10:31
Please note: We have many boys here that come from very dangerous situations, please help us protect them and their privacy by not posting this blog or any of their photos on any social media networks: facebook, twitter etc.....thank you!
You are worth more then many sparrows! Matthew 10:31
Please note: We have many boys here that come from very dangerous situations, please help us protect them and their privacy by not posting this blog or any of their photos on any social media networks: facebook, twitter etc.....thank you!