Daniel: More than a Refuge, My Second Home

As a little boy I started working as a recycler; I looked for cans and jars in the garbage and sold them to be able to buy pencils and a notebook for school. My cousin had an appendectomy, and the situation at home became even more complicated. A total of 18 people lived in my home, and it was increasingly difficult to be able to feed everyone. My nine-year-old mind raced looking for ideas to be able to find solutions for our family situation.

My third grade teacher was aware of my difficult family situation and told me about an assistance program at a nearby church. I found courage and visited the church one Friday after school with my twin sister, cousin, and a niece. We walked more than half an hour, but when we arrived it was closed. We went back on Monday: 4 children in desperate need of food, but also of care and attention. The first day I arrived I couldn't believe it because they gave us enough food. We could repeat and eat until we were full. This never occurred in my house because there were too many of us.

Because I am part of such a large family it had always been rare to receive individual care, but at the program I found care and attention like I had never experienced before. As a result of the interest they invested in me, I began to improve my grades and became a more diligent and responsible student. I began to think and dream about the possibility of graduating from high school and entering university. This was a far fetched aspiration in my family given that we are 9 siblings; none of us had even considered it, much less achieved it.

Every day I received Bible classes, and I learned verses that connected me with God and strengthened my faith. In addition, I felt safe and free. I could share my difficulties with others because I had people listening to me. I was cared for and received affection. They also taught me to have a desire to improve.

After a few years the program gave me the opportunity of a scholarship to El Sembrador, an institution that marked my existence and taught me to see life with different eyes.

Now I study at the University, and I hope that when I graduate I can help my parents and

my nephews. I talk with my younger family members and show them that if they try hard they will achieve their goals. I dream of graduating from university, studying for a master's degree and traveling. These are dreams that never crossed my mind when I was a little recycling boy, but the Lord Has changed my way of thinking and thus has changed my way of living. This program has become more than my refuge; it is my second home.