Enrique is a very special boy. He is one of the students at the Albergue center in San Antonio Sodzil. His mom died several years ago. His father tries to make the best their lives but often the pain surrenders easily to the liquor bottle. Enrique had been living with a sister on the weekends and during the week he is taken care of at the care center in San Antonio. HOWEVER during this holiday season we were unaware that he had to leave his sister's house and was living with his dad.

We went to visit. We found him living in a rented shack patched up with crd board, cut up pieces of metal containers without running water nor electricity. It broke my heart! Every time we visit the center, I had been calling him, "Socio" (partner!). I told him, "Enrique, these are not empty words, I will be here to help you every step of the way!" BUT, on this day I felt like a liar! How could I say I care that much and speak those promises yet have not known about his situation for a month! I can give excuses, my work load, the holiday season, and so much more! The new pair of shoes we got for him were covered in mud telling me there was no room for excuses in the face of the hopelessness that filled Enriques life.

BUT IT IS IN MOMENTS LIKE THIS THE HOPE OF JESUS SPEAKS LOUDER. It is the ray of hope that breaks through the darkness of Enrique's borrowed shack. We can construct HOPE! We can do mor than simply feel guilty and hopeless. We can become a bridge of hope! Enrique's dad has a small piece of land without a home we have begun laying out plans to build a small home of HOPE for them. Meanwhile Enrique lives with us over the weekends.. matter of fact I am on my way to pick up my Socio now! Thank you for reading this and thank you for bringing us the means to construct hope!