Carlos

The other night we took the group to the El Picachu (a giant statue of Jesus Christ).  We planned on a bible study and to enjoy the breathtaking view of the city.  Every time I am up there, the view of the lights illuminating the cool air impacts my heart, but this time it was more than the view.

            Carlos is an 18-year-old Honduran who lives with us at Jen’s house.  His life has been plagued with surrendered temptations.  He got into drugs, alcohol, and trouble with girls.  Needless to say his life was in disarray.

            Just before out devo time, Carlos and Jen had a talk.  They decided that Carlos should share what’s going on in his life.  Carlos began to speak and immediately choked up. 

            In his class, they asked him to describe his family.  His relationship with his mother is shaky at best and like many in this country, he did not know his father.  Thinking deeply about it troubled him.  Carlos realized how much he really loved his mother and the sacrifices she had made for him to have a better life.  So his family portrait consisted of his mother and brothers.  He added angels at the top.  With tears in his eyes he said we were the angels.  Jen was like having another mother.  Ashley was a sister.  And David and I, resembled the father he never got to meet. 

            Voice shaking and tears in his eyes he made us promises.  He promised to be a better person.  His desire was to be a man of God.  He put his whole heart on his sleeve that night.

            We all shared hugs with tears steaming down our faces.  We can all learn a lot form that young man.