Jr The orphan

We had a much unexpected visit this morning from the DSWD, a government agency that deals with children. I guess it is similar to our social services in the states. Cris Ann and I did not know what to expect, we knew they were here to talk about Jr, but we did not know what their reaction would be. I started to think the worst right away, but I took a deep breath and put it in the Lord's hands. The agent was very nice and had a real genuine care for JR. She has known him for five years, which means he has been homeless and living in the streets since he was eight years old. She was able to explain his situation to us because she has been the agent assigned to Jr. She told us how she has contacted Jr's father and mother several times and they want nothing to do with him. His mother came one time to a meeting at the DSWD office but only to blame and condemn Jr for her miserable situation and left him in town for good. What a painful experience that must have been. The excitement of seeing your mother for the first time in a while and she only shows up to blame and condemn and to make sure Jr knew she did not want him. The Agent said she contacted his grandparents, as well, who took him in, but they would severally beat him and he chose to live on the streets rather than being someone's punching bag. There is absolutely no one who wants this boy; he is alone in the world. She, the Agent, tried to get him into other government ran programs but they would not accept him because of his age. Jr would end up in her office often, over the last five years, escorted by the police because he was stealing food or other items. They could not press charges until he is of age because there is no juvenile system here. So everyone was just waiting till Jr is old enough to throw him in jail. The agent asked him about a week ago what his plan for the future is and he told her that when he grows up he will go home because they won't be able to beat him anymore and they will accept him; that is sad.

The Agent was happy with what we are doing for Jr and she was shocked at his progress socially and in school. It has been no easy task thus far; an abused orphan for five years has behaviour problems as well as many other issues. But the reward of watching the Lord give this boy a new heart and a new life makes the sacrifice seem like nothing at all.