Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Antonio and Leonel

We are visiting the families of 2 more boys this weekend, Antonio and Leonel. Our hope is to talk with the families about why the boys are living on the streets and to discuss how Masana can help get them back home.


Antonio is 14 years old. His father works in South Africa so is only home a few weeks out of the year. His mom lives in Xai-Xai which is about 3 hours from the city of Maputo. He has 3 siblings that live there as well. Antonio has lived on the streets for 2 years.


Leonel is 13 years old. His mother also lives in Xai-Xai and his father lives near Maputo. His parents are separated and both have remarried. Leonel has lived on the streets for 4 years.


Please pray that we are able to locate their families and that the families are willing to take the boys back in. From there, pray for God's wisdom in coming up with a plan on how to help the families so that they boys return home for good.

UPDATE: The visits went well today. It was so beautiful too see how excited Leonel was as we drove to his house. His mom is very sweet and definitely wants him back at home. I almost started to cry as she looked at the scars her son has from his harsh life on the street. Leonel has a younger brother who was so excited to see him! He kept running and hiding then when Leonel found him his face would light up! Pray for the Lord to show Leonal in a very real way what a blessing it is to have a family that cares about him so much!!!

The reunion was not as great with Antonio. He and his mom don't get along that great. It was actually quite sad to watch as she showed no emotion and Antonio sat there with his head hung in shame the whole time. Antonio really wants to live with his older brother but at the moment, his older brother does not have his own home . . he and his wife are staying with his mom. Antonio is ready to be off the streets though so pray for wisdom as we decide what to do.

Both of the boys decided to return back to the city with us today until all of the arrangements can be made for them to stay in their house - mainly getting them registered for school and organizing some clothes for them. Sadly, the school holidays are getting ready to begin so it will be almost a full month before we are able to make the 3 hour drive back to Xai-Xai to meet with the directors of local schools about the boys starting classes. So that's one more month on the street for both of them.

I am look for individuals, families or small groups to sponsor these 2 boys as we make a plan to reintegrate them in their homes. The cost of this is $500 which includes new clothes, blankets, school fees, school uniform, school books, school supplies, and the start-up cost for a small business. If you are interested in sponsoring one of them, please email me at solds19@gmail.com and i will send you more information.

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