A few months shy of his 15th birthday, Diego is the oldest boy living at Casa Amor. His exterior might seem tough and strong at first glance, but after observing his actions for a few days, he is clearly filling the "big brother" role of protector in the family. It took him a few hours to warm up to the Americanos the first day of our trip, but I can't really blame him. As the big brother who has had his share of disappointments in life, he stood back and watched us before deciding if he could trust us.
We must have passed the test because, before we knew it, Diego had quietly made his way under the pavilion where most of the children were making Rainbow Loom bracelets. He made a bracelet or two and was hooked! He has his own sense of style, and jewelry is a part of it. Sitting around the table making bracelets was the best way to get to know the children, even with all of us speaking different languages. By the end of the day Diego had twenty-two bracelets on his arm and was grinning from ear to ear!
Diego's favorite way to pass the day is playing basketball, no matter how hot the sun is blazing. It was obvious he loved having Michael and Brian on his court, and they were able to bond with him in a way the others couldn't. If you decide to play basketball with Diego, you have to realize he plays by his own rules! His game is definitely entertaining to watch! It is apparent he is craving male attention, and we are praying for more positive male influences to be involved in his life. He acts like a tough guy, but deep down he wants the same things any other teenage boy wants... affirmation and acceptance!
No Longer provides for Diego's basic needs... food, shelter and education. Thankfully there are mommas, security guards and church members in his life to fill the role of parents, but Diego needs more positive male influences in his life. That is our biggest prayer for Diego, and we hope you will join us in praying for Christian men willing to invest in his life. He lost his mother to a fatal illness and, much like many men in the Dominican Republic, his father has taken no responsibility for him and his whereabouts are unknown. He needs to know he has worth as a man and he can make a difference with his life.
If you would like to join No Longer in caring for Diego and the other children, monthly sponsorships are a great way to help! The average cost to care for a child at Casa Amor is around $100 per month, and as more children move in, more funds will be needed. These funds provide salaries for the mommas and security guards, food and school tuition, as well as medical care and other monthly expenses. To learn more about monthly giving, click here.
"Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.
Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow."
Isaiah 1:17
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