claudio's community

We were blessed to be able to visit Claudio's community. For many, this day was the highlight of our trip. There is so much emotion that comes from seeing such poverty and little broken hearts. We hugged and played with every child that came out that day.

We taught them to play baseball, had a large parachute, played futebol, and whatever other small things we could do. The group from the farm always comes out in yellow shirts. It helps the kids and families understand who is safe and makes their presence very real. The faces may change with the different teams that come, but the children rely upon someone in a yellow shirt for a hug and a smile. We were able to provide that on that particular day.

For some on our team, this day was too emotionally difficult to repeat. Having to leave the children at the end of the day was heartbreaking. We had to get in our van knowing what abuse, filth, and danger they would stay in. As many tears as I shed upon leaving, I loved every minute I had with them.

There is so much hurt in the world. We were able to witness a small piece of it that day. But children are children. No mater what color, what language, what income, or what location. They all deserve love. Love can come in the form of food, clothing, housing, hugs, and smiles. Most of them have very little if any of these things.

I would love to share the stories that touched our hearts, but since this blog is such a public space, I would prefer to respect the families' privacy. I hope these pictures are worth a thousand words.

This little boy's name was Eric and he LOVED Eric. He followed him around most of the day. It was the first time I ever heard Eric say that he wanted to bring a child home forever. That tends to be my regular statement at home.

I adored Luiza. She clung to me every second she could and often it was hard to walk because I had so many children attached to me. Of all the little girls I met that day, she touched my heart the most. I wanted so desperately to bring her home with me.

Claudio and two of his brothers

Faith worked at the farm for many years and only recently returned to England. We were so thankful to have a translator and friend during our trip.