This is the last and probably my most heart-wrenching story. Several years ago we started sponsoring a couple of boys at Mana de Vida. It's a school that is affiliated with the church and ministry that we work with in Guatemala. The two boys, Daniel and Brayan, are roughly James and Christopher's ages. We were so fortunate to be able to meet them when we were there 18 months or so ago. I felt like we had an instant bond.
This year we were able to once again set up a meeting. We were really looking forward to seeing them. Unlike last year when we went to their school to see them, their principal brought them to us, which was a big trip for them. Unfortunately, there is never enough time, but the guys did get some playing in.
They had hoped that Christopher would be with us this time, but they were content with "just" James. After they played a while, we had a short visit with them and Jessica, the principal. She gave us an update on how they were doing in school. It's amazing how much they seems like our guys. Brayan, the younger one, is the class entertainer and is very outgoing. (Sound like anyone you know?) Daniel is one of the best students in the school and more...shall we say controlled. But then heart-breaking part, she said that his mom had tried to pull him out of school before the end of the year. Fortunately, they talked her into letting him stay. (Their school year ends in October.) She was very concerned about next year.
His mom is a street vendor and makes about $12 a month. I'm sure that every little bit helps, but for him to start street vending now means that would be his life. He stood there and just cried. I really could hardly stand it (and have tears welling up again to think about it). We really don't realize how good we have it.
We look forward to seeing them again next and hope and pray that Daniel will be there for us to see.
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