Most of you know- that I’m serving at an orphanage in Guatemala. These kids aren’t like most kids- these kids were made special. And special they are! These kids have a way of melting your heart, a way of making you fall in love with them and it’s amazing how you are able to see these kids, through the eyes of Jesus. Because when you look at them you don’t see their disabilities- you see their hearts! Today I want you to meet Candy- A little girl that has stolen my heart! And this is her story…
Candy was born to a prostitute in Guatemala City. During her first year Candy had many health problems, mainly multiple lung infections. When her mother took Candy to an special needs orphanage near Antigua, Guatemala (specifically for severe multiple disabilities serving 75 such children) they told her that she needed another type of care and specialized attention they couldn’t offer. The mother threatened them that if they did not accept Candy in the Home, she was going to leave Candy on the doorstep of the building or kill her in the street because she had never felt any type of love for Candy. Candy had been suffering from a fever for almost six months. The mother said she was tired of dealing with her. For humanitarian reasons the Home accepted Candy.
When Candy was nine years old the Home changed administration and began looking for a place she could receive more appropriate care. They looked at several other possibilities but were turned down by all because of her age and how violently uncontrollable she was. Then they found us. We are very happy to have Candy with us. We already had two children with Down syndrome in our home and for us they are a very special delight.
Candy came to the home unable to eat solid food, only being fed baby food and without being able to walk without aid. She scooted around on her bottom like a spider although she had the strength to hold herself up but was afraid to let go. She sucked on her hands to the point of deforming her fingers, actually sucking the skin off in large areas. She didn’t have basic skills like: eating by herself, clothing herself or using the bathroom (she came in diapers).
She is now walking and feeding herself, using the bathroom and brushing her teeth. She dresses herself and puts on her shoes. She washes and dries dishes and helps carry one dish from the table.
She said her first word on New Years Eve 2008 “panqueques” it means pancakes. But has not spoken since.
Candy is very compassionate. When she sees someone crying she goes and hugs them, pats their back and wipes their tears away. She doesn’t like to give kisses. She’s more likely to lick your cheek than kiss you but now she will give you her cheek to kiss. She is also very funny. She loves to laugh and make others laugh with her. She loves to help you clap your hands. She may be our practical joker when she’s older.
I took this from the website
http://www.losgozosos.org/Children/LosGozososChildren/Candida.html because her story is amazing! I can’t thank God enough for this little life. She has melt my heart- she has changed my heart- and I thank God that her mom did not take her life. Because this house would not be the same. She love’s to clap- She gets into my lap on the porch swing and she loves to clap my hands together. I even taught her “ride little horsey- up and down” and she just laughs and laughs!
