New things around the 'Burg

Kevin enjoying popcorn at a party before bedtime

Kevin having fun at the beach

So new things happening.

1). I get to go HOME for Thanksgiving. That is 2 weeks away in case you were wondering. :)

2). I am getting a spring cold.

3). The garden is looking great! Squash and cucumbers are growing rapidly. Already picked the radishes and the turnips. Next is the lettuce!

4). Kevin left.

Ok so this last one is what I really want to talk about. Kevin came here to Hogar de Esperanza 8, yeah I said 8, years ago. He was one of the first kids to come months after the doors opened. This place has been his home. His life. His family. When I arrived in August, the first day he came up to me and told me he was going to teach me Spanish and I could teach him English. Then after a few days I found out I would be working with him 3 days of the week. We would be washing and cleaning the vehicles, working in the garden, cleaning the kitchen, and many other odd jobs around the place. Now I have to tell you that Kevin is more of a special needs child. I think his mind is growing slower than his body. He almost seems to have the mind of a younger child, not one of a 15 yr old. And let me tell you that when I found out I would be working with him I wasn't very excited. I would rather work with the cute kids, the smart ones, not him. But I did and it was hard. I really felt like God was working in my life. When we worked I would constantly be telling him to keep working, hurry to the bathroom, or no you cannot get water for the 20th time! He tried my patience. He made me work slower. He made me love. Kevin is a loving child. He loves everything and everyone. He never wants you to be mad at him and always wants you to tell him he has been doing a great job. There were days that were great. He worked hard and I hardly had to get onto him. Other days wore me out, very painful days. We would talk and laugh and sing while working. I really feel like I got to know him. We talked about our families and friends. We talked about God and what He has in store for our lives. He is a child who loves the Lord with all his heart. He has taught me so much and I feel like the Lord used him to work in my heart. Thanks Kevin! He left the other day for another orphanage that can work with him better than we can right now. He found out last Friday and he was so different. We expected him to tell everyone. But he didn't. He was very quite and somber. He usually laughs, smiles, makes happy yelling (WHOOOOO-HOOOO) noises, and says "Como que no?" Which means "how come?" but, he didn't do any of that. I mean really who would if they found out they had to leave a place they loved and called home? So Monday came and when it came time for him to leave, we all walked him to the car and gave him hugs goodbye. When hugging him goodbye I cried. And I mean I cried hard. It wasn't because he was one of the first kids to leave while I was here, but because we had developed a friendship. He means so much to me. I know know why mothers cry when their children leave home. I am nervous for him, his new home, his future. I love him so much that I cried for him. We may be able visit some. I sure hope so. It has been different here since he has gone. He is greatly missed but dearly loved. I know that he has God with him and that He will take care of him always. We must keep him always in our prayers. Please pray for my child, Kevin. I will always love this child with all of my heart.

Love from a learning child.