Come with us as we return to South America this summer to volunteer at La Casa De Fe, a home for abandoned and special needs children in Shell, Ecuador.

"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” ~Mathew 19:14

Friday, July 22, 2011

It’s Always Hard to Say Goodbye

by sara

One of the most difficult parts of working at a home for abandoned and special needs kids is knowing that there is always a chance that the kids might go home and that you might not see them again. It is bittersweet to see any of the kids leave, but it is especially hard when the child’s home life is not that great. While they are at Casa de Fe they feel like part of our family, but we have to keep reminding ourselves that God is in control and that he is watching over each child wherever they go.

 

Sarita

2011-06-12 Shell Day 2 022

One of the children who went home recently was Sarita, an adorable little girl who was just old enough to realize that she and I had the same name. Every time I would see her she would say in her little voice, “Look, two Sara’s!”  When Sarita was born her mother was 14 years old and was not ready to raise a child. She brought Sarita to Casa de Fe and said that she would be back when she could take care of her.

One day we showed up at CDF to find that Sarita was gone, her mother had come for her and was going to be taking care of her from now on. I am happy for Sarita that she will be with her biological mom, but it was hard not to get to say goodbye.

Gaby, Jimmy, Ariel, Kevin

2011-06-19 0062011-06-20 036

One of the family groups also went home. 13 year old Gaby went home with her mom a few weeks ago. We were told that she might be back for school, but it is doubtful. Especially because today Gaby’s mom returned to pick up her brothers Jimmy, Ariel, and Kevin. 

6-26-11 076D 2011-07-22 210D 2011-07-22 216

         Jimmy                                Ariel                           Kevin

We are going to miss them a lot.

Nataniel and Josue

Ecuador 6-4-2010 042

Another two children who have gone home are the brothers Nataniel and Josue (the photo is from last year, I realized that I don’t have a good one from this year).While we call them twins, they are actually two of triplets. Hopefully their return home means that they will get to interact more with their brother who is being raised by an aunt. The preschool group seems small without their smiling faces, but we are happy that they are going home to be with their brother and family.

We are praying that Sarita, Gaby, Jimmy, Ariel, Kevin, Nataniel, and Josue are doing well with their families and we are thanking God for the time that he gave us with them.

No comments:

Post a Comment