Opening and Closing

Editor’s Note:  Here is a teaser from Jonni’s December newsletter.  Enjoy the full document here.

The  end of the year is always so special. Christmas, New Years, family time and parties - all of it speaks of hope and joy! One year ending, another brand new, ready to begin!

But it doesn’t always work that way. When you see many years come and go and little seems to change it is easy for hope to fade. We have two young people in the Miriam Home in an unusual situation. Most of the children we receive are here for a short time, normally for two to six months; until their families can take them home or until they enter a whole new family. For some of the children the “normal” doesn’t happen.

Josivaldo came to the Miriam Home when he was just 2 years old; today he is 17 years old and the only real home he has ever had is right here. Josivaldo has family, his mother lives right here in Belo Horizonte. Sadly, her son was never high on her list of priorities. Josivaldo tried living with her a few times, but his mom always had a new man in her life and conflicts would arise between the boy and the boyfriend. At the point of conflict Josivaldo’s mom always chose the boyfriend over her son. Josivaldo would come back to the Miriam Home, where at least he knew he was wanted.

Today Josivaldo is on the edge of a big step! In January he turns 18 years old and is a powerful young man. He has a heart for missions (actually, he would like to be a missionary in Africa). He is working at a local grocery store, he is learning to make (and keep - the harder part!) a budget. God has great plans for Josivaldo!