After Marale and Porvenir, we headed to Jalteva's boys home. This is a kind of detention home for boys and young men. Like so many children in Honduras, these are kids that no one cared for and that nobody wants. They aren't accustomed to all that this night had in store for them. This night, December 16th, was going to be different. There was a party for the boys. Music played (loudly), a meal was served, and then each boy received gifts. Their gifts included a hat, a shirt, candy, balloons, Christian literature, a New Testament, a cross, and a toothbrush and toothpaste. More importantly, the boys were showered with lots of hugs and love. All of the boys were polite and loving. They were a blessing to be around. I would like to go back to visit them again one day.
We all received an apple after our meal.
Karla and Alejandro got to come too. It was a family affair!
Cindy and I hung out together most of the evening.
Shari sat on the other side.
Of course, Kristian and Lee were a few seats down being as crazy as ever.
Shari getting ready to take pictures.
Gracie personally handed the boys their gifts.
I was glad that Gracie got to hand out the gift bags at Jalteva. Gracie was so busy at the other events. She was the only one among us who could speak fluent Spanish. So much preparation went into these events. She had a list of children that was gathered by each village. After we went through the list, she would write down the names of the extra children, so we could keep an accurate count. She would call their names and then hand us the age-appropriate gift. We would get the honor of personally giving each child a gift, while she was moving on to the next name on the list. That had to be done to keep us on schedule, but I felt badly that she didn't get the personal gratification that we were all getting with the hugs, love, thank you's, etc.
Even though we were exhausted from doing two events earlier this day, I was excited about this event. Even though we had thousands of children on our lists in all the other villages, this event I think touched me the most. These were boys who, for whatever reason of neglect, dysfunctional family, ended up in the streets and in gangs and committed a small crime and we sent away. Being a state-run institution, they had very little. And they were forgotten by the world. When I realized their situation in October, God pressed on my heart to adopt them and minister to them. They welcomed us with open arms and love. Tese boys only need love and guidance. If they have that, then when they leave Jalteva, their lives will be changed. And maybe we can prevent them from becoming criminals. Anything is possible with God's love.
ReplyDeleteLove and guidance is so important!! Thank you for everything you do!!!
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