Back in 2007 when I was still working at the boys’ home, I used to come into the city and make use of different coffee shops’ free WIFI. I got to know a family of brothers who were all shoe shiners in the area. The youngest was probably two and the oldest ten or eleven. You can read about the first time I met them here.
Over the years I’ve stayed friends with them. I run into them every once in a while and we stop and chat. I usually give them a few Bolivianos or buy them a little something to eat. Now that I live in the city, I see them less because I don’t go to use the WIFI as often (only when I’m trying to escape the house).
After working for so many years with kids who spent years on the streets, I really want to help these young guys to not go down that road. I feel like there’s a chance to be proactive here rather than just picking up the pieces afterwards. But it’s complicated. I’m not sure how to help this family without starting to pay for everything. To begin with, I can’t afford that, and secondly I don’t think it’s healthy for them either, to completely depend on the gringo. So I’m thinking it through. Pray for wisdom for me as well.
Thanks everyone, for taking the time to read this. I know it’s a bit of a novel. And as always, thanks for taking the time to pray for us!
Over the years I’ve stayed friends with them. I run into them every once in a while and we stop and chat. I usually give them a few Bolivianos or buy them a little something to eat. Now that I live in the city, I see them less because I don’t go to use the WIFI as often (only when I’m trying to escape the house).
Recently though, I ran into Erlan (the middle boy). I visited with him for a while and told him I’d like to meet his mom someday. A couple of weeks later I was once again trying to escape and I went into the coffee shop I use. There he was waiting for me. He must have been going every day to see if I was there. He had a list of school supplies and asked if I would be willing to help him out. I said sure, and we made plans to meet the next day to go to the market.
The next day Maribel, Yimy, Erlan, his little brother Fernando and I headed off to the market. I let Maribel do most of the shopping. I just waited nearby with the money. It’s kind of how we do things. As it turned out, he needed a lot of supplies. I have no idea how most families afford them. It was over $50 worth which is a lot down here.
The price aside, it was darn fun seeing him and Fernando carrying the big bags of school supplies back to the truck. I gave him the lecture that he’d better study hard and get good marks now. He solemnly assured me he would. =)
We dropped the boys off at their house because I wanted to meet their mom. The house is pretty far out on the edge of town but it’s definitely a hard place to miss. It’s painted bright purple with a neon green set of chairs and table out front. It made me smile. The boys’ mom shyly came over with a smile and introduced herself. No doubt it’s intimidating to have a gringo with a big truck show up at your house. But Yimy, Maribel and I were our chatty, happy selves and she seemed to relax.
As we were about to leave, Erlan asked if we could by his little brother’s school supplies as well (he didn’t have his list yet), so we made plans to get together again the next week.
The next week when Yimy and I arrived at the house, the boys’ mom told me that they’d already left for “work” (shining shoes), so she hopped in the truck and away we went to find the guys.
They were sitting on the same corner I first saw them at five years ago. Christian was there too, so all three boys piled into the truck with their mom. I decided it would be fun to treat us to a Saltena (a Bolivian breakfast food), so we stopped along the way at one of the many Saltena restaurants.
Erlan |
Even though they’re a popular, traditional food here, I’m not sure any of them had ever had a Saltena before. They weren’t entirely sure how to eat them. They figured it out mind you and we had a good time eating and getting to know each other better
I found out that there are nine kids in the family. The boys’ mom washes clothes to support her family. There’s no dad in the picture as far as I can see. There were ten kids, but sadly, the oldest boy (who I met that first day) died of cancer a couple of years ago. He was only fourteen.
Fernando (the youngest) |
I noticed that Christian’s face was all scraped up. His mom explained that about a year ago he began having seizures. They’re not sure (he’s never been tested) but they think he has epilepsy. He generally has a seizure every day. His face was all scraped because he fell down on the sidewalk the last time he had one. It worries me because of the lifestyle these kids have. He’s constantly running across the street between cars. If he’s having that many seizures (I’m no expert, but one a day seems to be a lot), there’s definitely a danger of him having one in a bad spot.
Christian's face |
They were pretty happy when I explained that while there’s no cure for epilepsy (if that’s what he has), there are ways of controlling the seizures. I know a missionary doctor here, so I’m waiting to hear from her to see what we can do to help him.
Please pray for this young family. The boys’ mom says she’s afraid the boys are going to end up on the streets. I think that’s definitely a possibility. They’re close now. Thankfully they’re still studying and coming home at night. But they’re going down that path that so many of the street kids have gone down. Their friends are all mostly street kids. It’s where they spend most of their day. The time is likely coming when they’ll just stop going home at night and they’ll take that step towards being on the streets full time.After working for so many years with kids who spent years on the streets, I really want to help these young guys to not go down that road. I feel like there’s a chance to be proactive here rather than just picking up the pieces afterwards. But it’s complicated. I’m not sure how to help this family without starting to pay for everything. To begin with, I can’t afford that, and secondly I don’t think it’s healthy for them either, to completely depend on the gringo. So I’m thinking it through. Pray for wisdom for me as well.
Thanks everyone, for taking the time to read this. I know it’s a bit of a novel. And as always, thanks for taking the time to pray for us!
3 comments:
Interesting story. God bless the young man with the seizures.
Mmmmmm... I so remember all the shoe shine boys - must be 20 years ago now that I was in Coch and was so amazed at them all. As you say... much wisdom needed. How is the best way to help? When you've got it all figured out - let us know. In the meantime, follow your gut - promptings from God.
Ok, so you know when you get that nose tingle thing? I just bawl my eyes out. And that's what happens every time I think of my sweet Will running in between cars with a shoe shine box or Wyatt asking for money so he can eat. It breaks me to think of beautiful children who work when they should be playing. You are doing amazing things Ken. God will give you the wisdom to know what to do, he hasn't deserted you yet. My most fervent prayers are with this family.
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