God at work

Ok this is kind of a random blog, but I really just want to tell the world about the amazing changes I’ve seen in these boys in the past year. I can’t describe it all in words, but I think it’s worth trying because people need to know the power of God’s love. These boys were street kids, they did drugs, they stole, they had no responsibility, no idea of how to resolve conflict, no concept of sharing and community. For the past 2ish weeks, I have witnessed such changes in them! They are clean from drugs, and even when Herman went back into Los Pinos about a week ago to visit his parents, he didn’t do any drugs (this is the first time this has happened). He was so proud to tell me and everyone he stayed in with his family that night, and although his friends offered him drugs, he turned them down. He knows how big of a step this was for him. These kids have so much more respect for us and for the property of others as well. In the past if an Ipod went missing, it was often times (not always) because someone saw it and wanted it. This summer, my Ipod went missing because one of the boys saw it sitting out and decided to put it in Tony’s room to keep it safe. We’ve had a few conflicts lately between the boys and between the boys and some of the adults here, but every single one has been resolved in a timely manner. Saying I’m sorry and apologizing for your actions is super difficult to do, and even more difficult to learn if you’ve never done it before. But every conflict, no matter how bad the fight, has come with an apology and a lesson learned. They respect each other more, and they are embracing living in a community. Every night we come together to hear about each other’s days, a message and a prayer, and every single person participates and acts like a family together. Considering the family lives these boys have come from, seeing them in a loving family situation, with amazing parents like Tony and Nidia is absolutely incredible. Last summer, we might not have seen what all our time and effort with the boys was doing, but we certainly do now. They are growing up, and I firmly believe that we have many future Christian leaders here. What is also amazing about this situation is that it’s one where only God can take the credit. These kids are considered trash, and unchangeable in this country, but God has changed them in less than a year. He has completely invaded their hearts like no therapy could ever do. He is an incredible God, and I am honored to serve Him.