For almost my entire life, I've had two families.
When I was 2 years old, my parents got divorced. Before I turned 5, they had both remarried. Within the span of three years, I went from having one sibling, my older brother Ryan, to having five. I have always felt so fortunate to have all them — well, not always.
Now I feel even luckier.
On Sunday, the kids at Rosa De Amor had their monthly visit from their parents. The kids here aren't orphans — they are victims, most of the time of their parents. For some kids, the reunions are happy because the abusive parent isn't allowed to come, so they get to see the family that cares for them and placed them in this home to protect them.
For others, the reunions are filled with lies. Parents come by and promise to take their kids home, even though the courts make that decision; they say that things will be better, that they won't hurt them anymore, but how can kids know the truth? These kids are so filled with love and forgiveness from Christ that they want to go home and be happy, but this is a better place for them.
Throughout our time here, my team has sought to show these kids what family really looks like. Because my team is a family. We pray for each other, share with each other, and put each other before ourselves.
What I learned when I was little, and what I'm rediscovering now, is that you can find family everywhere.
