I was forwarded an article that upon finishing filled me with an immediate desire to respond to what I believe is a dangerous position. It terrifies me that justice seekers are going to jump on a bandwagon of support for notions that are idealistic in the immediate, leaving organizations who are on the ground, fighting a daily battle, in a lurch, while we run off in search of better solutions, abandoning the work that needs to continue to be done today.
For some of the boys it was the first time they had ever seen the beach and ocean. Their trepidation was soon replaced by giggles and laughter as the waves rushed at them from the Pacific. The older boys charged the waves, riding them towards shore and getting tumbled in the surf.
I wouldn’t have believed you if you had told me today would look like it does, not with the way this story started. Just be prepared if you decide to raise your hand and say “Oh, oh! Pick me! Send me!” Chances are good that you will get picked, but it will look nothing like what you think it will.
My heart has been cracked wide open to feel things that I sometimes wish I could put away for awhile. There are days when my heart just feels too much, when I become aware of what comfortable used to be and what knowledge really feels like. Comfortable was ignorance and ambivalence. Comfortable was caring but from a distance.
So, why For Esperanza? The best answer I can give you is, BECAUSE OF LOVE. Let me try to explain. I have this bracelet that I always wear…it simply says esperanza. Hope. I wear it as a reminder to pray hope over all of my CB kids. Hope, if they still believe in it, can scare them to death. It’s a dangerous thing to believe in.
A quick video compilation from our July 2018 trip. This was our first trip together as an entire family.
Poverty creates obstacles to children’s survival, development, protection and participation in decisions that affect their lives. These effects can last a lifetime, and be passed on to the next generation. The loss of basic necessities required for a fulfilled childhood threatens both the immediate survival and long-term future of children.