Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Cor. 5:17
In one short month a lot has changed in the Miriam Home! I told you last month that the twins, Altieres and Thavilidy had joined a new family, and I am pleased to say they are doing very well! Three more children have returned to their homes (as we were expecting), and we will be keeping you up on how they are doing with their families. But don’t worry, no one is suffering boredom! Three fresh new faces have joined us, and all them need your love and prayers.
Poliana arrived on the 5th of October. This is the 2nd time Poliana has been a part of the Miriam Home, she was here for several months when she was 10. She is now 12 years old but looks and acts much older. There are a lot of reasons for that, none of them good. Poliana has four siblings, but no two have the same father. Her mother was addicted to drugs, and her family lives in a hotel (don’t think Trump Towers here, think of those nasty motels that charge by the hour). Poliana is the middle child and for a long time has been responsible for caring for and protecting her little brother and sister. Though she has a step-father (father of the youngest child) who heads the family, Poliana has basically been on her own for quite a while. She came to the Miriam Home because of constant conflicts with her step-father.
On October the 10th Poliana’s mother was killed, a result of her drug abuse. When we sat with Poliana to tell her what happened she quietly wept but said she wasn’t surprised; she always knew some day her mother would die this way. It is not the expectation most 12 year olds have for their moms. October the 12th is a special day for children in Brazil, it is the Day of the Child, and children receive presents, often there are parties, lots of treats and surprises. From now on the date has another significance for Poliana - it is the day of her mother’s funeral.
Please pray for Poliana to let God move in her heart. Also pray for the many footholds the enemy has in her life to be broken. God’s plan for this young lady is to give her a new start and a future full of hope!
To read about 2 other new arrivals at the home, and how you can pray, click here!
