The Casa Hogar is an amazing place. Fernando & Blanca selflessly give up normalcy to take care of 25 orphaned or abandoned boys, calling them their own. These boys are 1 1/2 to 16 years of age & depend on Fernando & Blanca as parents, role models, & providers. The best part about the Casa Hogar is that it is a place of love. Imagine what it's like to have 25 boys hanging around each other everyday? Close your eyes & imagine if you had TWENTY-FIVE boys to take care of. Obviously there are the daily wrestling matches, farting contests, lucha competitions, etc...But more than that, at least between these 25 boys, there is love. The older take care of the younger, looking out for one another. They serve one another. Sure they do the normal boy stuff, but beyond that, they are a brotherhood, being brought up in an atmosphere of love despite their tragic pasts.
Last week, we were reminded of God's hand of protection over each of His cherished sons. While we were playing with the boys, Fernando & some of the other workers were going about their normal business. While getting in the truck to back out of the driveway, the truck sped into gear and shot forward, heading right for us & all of the boys! It seems surreal & almost in slow motion as I think back on it, but was one of the scariest 10 seconds I've ever experienced. We rushed to get all of the children moved, pushing one another away from the truck. It ended quickly & there was a lull, a surprised hush.
Then we realized that Tito, the 1 1/2 year old had been run over. He was screaming & crying loudly but none of us could get the words out quick enough in Spanish. Finally it was communicated and in a heartbeat we began to pray over little Tito's body. We prayed that God would touch his little legs & bones. We prayed for a peace over Tito's body & that God would take away the fear. Moments passed & eventually Tito quieted down.
We all just walked around in a daze after that. Except for the boys! They returned to their normal selves rather quickly. We continued to pray for Fernando, Tito, & the rest of the boys as we left. And God answered our prayers! Little Tito was totally fine, just a few minor scratches
Amen for God's hand of protection! It is true that even when we see battered children, He sees His precious little ones who are always in need of His protection. It's hard to imagine anyone ever abandoning these little boys, but the truth is, God never will. And for that I am grateful.
Pictures:
1) Hannah playing with Cesar at her birthday party at Peter Piper Pizza. Hannah celebrated her birthday by taking all the boys out for pizza & a night of games. They had a blast!
2) Tito playing at Peter Piper Pizza. This was 4 days after he had been run over. He was doing great!
3) Some of the other boys enjoying their pizza.
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