This month my team and I are in El Salvador doing ministry at Mi Casa, which is an orphanage for some of the most neediest children in the country. Bob, the director, the kids, and the house parents like to call it a “family” instead of an “orphanage” (which makes sense because their lifestyle screams family). There’s a boys’ house and a girls’ house. My team and I are blessed to be staying in the girls’ house (Barbie’s Dream House! – it’s all pink). I am absolutely loving being here. All my team and I have been shown is genuine love, generosity, hospitality, and joy. These girls and boys have gone through unimaginable tragedy, yet carry a joy with them that I know comes from Jesus. The kids have had a lot of their childhood taken from them, yet they just want to give and give to me and my team. The other day, some people stopped by to give the kids treats and presents. Instead of automatically wanting to keep the snacks for themselves (like I would have as a child), each kid was practically shoving their ice cream, candy, and donuts at us. Their nature is to share and to give to others and it’s just beautiful.
As I’ve said, these children have risen above many extreme challenges in their short lives. Talking to Bob, he was able to tell us about a lot of the kids’ pasts. Many began their lives being born into gangs (which are a huge problem in El Salvador). Some of these children have witnessed their mom, grandma, father, sister, uncle, brother, etc. being murdered in front of their eyes. Others have grown up part of their lives in the government run orphanage, which is also controlled by gangs. It’s obvious they weren’t receiving the love they deserve there and instead, being encouraged into the gang lifestyle. Others have been sold into child slavery, as they were not wanted by their own parents. One child was forced by her mother into prostitution. If she wouldn’t obey what her mom wanted, she would then be beaten. A countless number of these kids have been horribly sexually and physically abused, some so severely that surgeries may be needed. Others grew up being forced to beg on the street, therefore not receiving any education.
Regardless of these children’s pasts, they have a zeal for life that is hard to find. They are all so unique and I know they all have bright futures ahead of them. In order to help ensure those bright futures, a solid education is needed for them. The problem is that the public schools are not safe here. They are also run by gangs. This means that if a child is sent to public school, then the girls are highly likely to be raped during the school day and the boys are highly likely to be forced to join gangs. Obviously that is not what is desired for the kids at Mi Casa. They attend a Christian private school that also teaches the kids English. The private school is not run by gangs and the kids are sure to receive a strong education there.
Here is where you can help: private school costs money. When divided out, it costs $80 per month per child (32 children) to send them to private school. Bob and the rest of the staff do not have the money yet to send the kids this year (school year begins in January here). I’m attaching a link to each child’s donation page. Please prayerfully consider donating. Maybe join up with three other people and donate $20 a month each, equaling $80 a month, which would cover one child’s cost of education for the whole year. Each child has a donation page. Please let me know if you would like me to send you their link. Do whatever you can to help! These children deserve to continue receiving a good education. They have SO MUCH potential and I know their futures are going to impact so many people for the better.
Also, please do not post these pictures of them on social media for their safety. Thank you!
