Bea, Osiel, Diego, and Elias
About six weeks ago we welcomed a new youth, Diego, into our home. Admittedly, the circumstances surrounding Diego's arrival were challenging for us. We were approached by one of Diego's family members who asked us if we could take Diego in for just a few days and then quickly realized that we had been deceived and that Diego's stay with us would be long-term. In addition, when Diego was dropped off at our home, he had absolutely nothing but the clothes on his back so we had to quickly rush out and get him some clothing and other essentials. Over time, we have been slowly learning of his background and history....abandoned at a young age and living on the streets since he was 11 (he is now 15) and only a second grade education.
To be honest, when Diego first arrived in our home, there was a lot of frustration and confusion. We didn't understand why his family dropped him off with aboslutely nothing but the clothes on his back. We didn't understand why they didn't come and pick him up after a few days. We didn't know what was going on. And neither did Diego. We all quickly learned that the family that had abandoned Diego at an early age was not going to be taking responsibility for him as they had promised. Feelings of anger, frustration, and betrayal arose within us and we struggled to forgive. Over time we gave it over to God and trusted that He knew from the beginning that this family would not return back for Diego, yet He allowed it to happen. God brought Diego into our home, in a rather strange way perhaps, but we have long learned to not try and understand God. His ways are not our ways.We just trust and know that His ways are perfect and good.
The past few weeks have been a difficult adjustment for us all. Diego came from a life on the street, so adjusting to a home and family life has not been easy for him...or us! On the difficult days we try and turn our frustrations into praise. Praise that he is safe. Praise that he can now get an education and that he enjoys learning. Praise that he is now being cared for. Praise for his great sense of humor and strong worth ethic. Praise that he can now learn of God's love for him. And, humbly praise our God that He would see fit to choose us to raise this young man and help form him into a mighty arrow.
Would you please pray for us, Diego, and our whole family? Pray that we would have the wisdom and strength to disciple and train each of our youth and that they would grow into amazing, completly sold-out, young men and women of the Lord. Pray for their past hurts and wounds, and that, most of all, God would be glorified in each of our lives.
