Updates

Over the past two months, several new children have found shelter at the Mission Home. Thiago is one of them.

Thiago and his sister were placed in the Mission Home after experiencing extreme violence and neglect, much of it connected to their mother’s gang-related boyfriend. Just before their rescue, Thiago was being pressured to sell drugs. He is only 10 years old.

Since arriving at the Mission Home, Thiago has been cared for by Fatima in the home for little boys. While every child and situation is unique, Fatima describes his transition as somewhat typical. At first he was very angry, defensive, and withdrawn. But over time, he has begun to form friendships, eagerly joined our tutoring program (to catch up before enrolling in the Mission School), and looks forward to the mornings when the kitchen serves his favorite bolones — mashed plantains with cheese.

Thiago spends every morning learning with Evelyn in our homeschooling program at the Mission Home. Eventually, he will be able to take a competency exam to enter the Mission School.

This past weekend, the little boys enjoyed an afternoon at the beach. Fatima took Thiago on a three-mile walk, collecting shells, sharing some of her own story, and listening to Thiago in the moments when he wanted to share his. Even while caring for 12–18 boys at a time, Fatima makes space for these one-on-one moments, helping each child think about their future, what they can and cannot control, and how to find peace and love in the present. Fatima said that the most encouraging part in her caregiving is when a child can think about their future, and imagine something positive. For Thiago right now, that hope looks like playing soccer at school, earning good grades, and one day becoming a teacher or firefighter.

This is one of the most precious aspects of the Mission Home. Despite the trauma that the children endure before arriving, they often rediscover hope. When Thiago eventually leaves — as many children do when it is safe to reunite with a guardian or extended family member — that seed of hope will remain with him and, we pray, continue to grow throughout his life. The challenges these children face are complex, and their healing will be lifelong, but imaging a brighter future is a powerful first step. And equipping them with skills to make that future possible is essential.

Thank you for making this journey of hope and healing possible for Thiago and so many others — through providing nourishing meals, access to education, and the loving care that makes the Mission a true home during this season of their lives.