Up until a few weeks ago, I thought I would be in Honduras for the month of December. I couldn’t help but think, “Well instead of being with my family in Illinois for Christmas, I’m going to be in the murder capital of the world. Cool.”
I wasn’t exactly thrilled for the holiday season to say the least. But God continues to throw surprises at me this year. I found out at the end of November that my team would be going to El Salvador instead of Honduras to do ministry at an ORPHANAGE for the month. So much better, right? Yay kids!
I was still sad about not getting to spend Christmas with my family, but thought how can I justify that when I’m going to be with children that don’t even have a family? I quickly turned my self-pity into joy, thinking that I would get to be family to these children.
Once we arrived, I was surprised yet again. We aren’t at an orphanage. We’re at a home. This isn’t a place where kids dream about finding their families, like in the classic musical Annie, because they’ve already found them here at Mi Casa Kids. The men and women that work at the home aren’t just caretakers; each one is an aunt or uncle that loves these children so well. And nothing made my heart melt more than the first time I heard one of the kids call the founder “Daddy”. This is family.
They’ve all welcomed my team and I into their home and hearts for the holiday season. So I may not be with my blood family this Christmas, but my heart is full of joy and love for the family I have here in El Salvador.
I am so blessed to have the opportunity to be here with these beautiful children during this special season. They’ve already taught me so much about life and love. Each one has a story, most filled with abuse, abandonment, neglect, or all three, but regardless of their past circumstances, they are some of the best kids I have ever met.
Julia has the best laugh in the world.
Melvin dances to Michael Jackson like it’s nobody’s business.
Cecilia gives the biggest hugs.
Javier is completely selfless and full of compassion.
Luz is a light to everyone.
Juan is absolutely nuts, but is more aware of people’s hearts than most adults.
It’s taken me barely over a week to fall so in love with these children and I want nothing more than to see their dreams come true. In order for that to happen, we need your help.
El Salvador is the most dangerous country in the world for children under the age of 20. The children at Mi Casa have previously gone to a private Christian school because the public schools are overcrowded, unsafe and the picking grounds for the gangs that control most of the country. However, Melvin, Luz, Nicole, Leydin, Majo, Brenda, and Julia don’t yet have funding for school, which starts in January. If you would like to make a donation or get more information on this cause, please go to:
http://www.gofundme.com/iqr2ko
Thank you for all of your love and support!
Tara
