Jhon Wilmar

His laugh is unforgettable!  I kept asking myself, are you choking, laughing or catching your breath; as we rode down from the farm during my first week there.  It was then that I quickly took note of this young boys maturity.  A 16 yr old who has already finished his studies and now spends his free time developing his character.  However, he is never far off from a moment of laughter and jokes with his sense of invitation being so strong.  Wilmar desires that people are included in what is happening.  He desires that all people feel accepted.  He desires to be a man of integrity who welcomes others to walk beside him.

Yet, I'm constantly humbled by this young man, without mother or father.  How difficult it must be for him to pour out so much and so often be tossed under the table.  How much you have taught me and how much I can learn by such a young example of integrity and identity.

Yeison Alexis

It took me way to long to snap this picture.  He kept shying away in fear or embarrasment.  But I'm glad I did.  Here we have a 15 yr old with a spirit that's alive.  He brings a smile to anyones face as they spend just a few moments with him.  Yet, through the laughs and smiles he holds a sense of sorrow in his eyes, which so prevelantly showed itself as he stared out the window on the ride up to the farm.  He had just recounted his story of neglect from his mother, father and family.

"I don't want him," explaimed his mother shortly after his eighth birthday.  How much pain he carries with the knowledge that his own mother does not desire him.  How much hurt and neglect he must fear as he interacts with others.  And yet, his hesitant smile through his past neglect still begs the question to those he shows it to, "Will you commit to loving me, or are you going to neglect me too?"

Juan David

Juan David is riddle, if I do say so myself.  He has moments of triumph and moments of tragedy.  At night, as we do our devotions and read one Proverb per night he is full of thoughts, ideas, questions, and reasons.  Yet, the morning after he may wake up with wet sheets and his day is ruined. 

As I look upon his life I am struck with the question of how my life is any different.  Don't I as well have moments of triumph and tragedy?  Don't I often go to sleep happy and wake up not?  Don't I have struggles in life that can ruin my day?  How am I any different from this young boy?  I am in the same condition he is in.  I need rescue and someone to save just as he does. 

Milk Factory

This was just fun!  Watched milk, yogurt & sweets being made.  Oh, and we felt like doctors for the morning!

Juan Camilo

Now here is an intersting boy.  He has a home, he has a family, he has love poured out towards him, he has faith, he knows what is right and wrong, he can make decisions.  Yet, for some odd reason, he would prefer to live at this farm than at a place of embrace.  Maybe this explains why you are so physically expressive with the others that live there.  Needless to say Camilo, I'm glad that you are happy and excited that you are growing.  I only hope that you realize that the place that you left is exactly what you need.  As does everyone else at this farm.  As does everyone else in this world.  As do I.

Carlos Vegas

Carlos, you're just a punk and this picture prooves it.  It's so fun to be around you cuz you're always looking for trouble.  Funny thing is, that you want it for everyone else!  Kinda reminds me of myself at that age . . . don't worry, you'll turn around.  Someday

Jhon Wilder

I was touched this day as I saw Wilder swinging with his parents on that sunny afternoon.  I kept questioning myself as to why this young boy would want to live apart from his family when he smiled so big while with them?  It was astounding to see him interact with such ease, while at the same time a sense of abandonment could be felt around them.  Wilder, you are such a joy to me and I will be changed by seeing you and knowing you. 

José Pablo

My roommate, my "twin," my confidant, my co-worker, my friend.

Jorge Asprillas

Oh, how fun it was to see him put this on.  He is a tall, lanky, black skinned boy with a smile to proove it.  How fun it is to just sit and listen to him talk.  All I am left to do is lean back and laugh.  You are one crazy, fun, kid!

Jhon Alexander

I often find myself just watching Alexander and smiling.  He is the oldest boy at the farm but has a long way to go.  He arrived at the farm years ago with long black hair, clothes to match, a sexually confused young boy, yet longing for his identity.  Today, he can be seen constantly joking, laughing, poking fun, embracing, and never far from a smile.  It was incredible to hear this young man's story as we sat on that bench outside and his eyes filled with water as he recanted the life that he has since left and how his life is still a battle that he desires to win.  Alexander, I am proud to know you, proud to see you changed, and confident that your victory is in sight and near.  Thank-you. . . .

Carlos Andres Urrutia

Maturity is an interesting concept to think through when dealing with boys from 9 to 18 years of age.  However, I feel as though a few of them stick out within this topic.  Urrutia, as they call him, is a 15 yr old who is more mature than his peers at the farm.  It's curious to see him fooling around with Steven and playing the older brother part, at times; while other moments he is involved with the children's church and plays a mentor role.  From the way that he interacts with the other boys, listens to instructions, and understands how things work at the farm, it is easy to see that he has been changed.  Urrutia, as they call him, is different and will continue to grow into a person who instills change and confidence.

But I still must ask myself, am I doing the same?

Luis Arnulfo

"Buenos Dias Chicos!" 

He begin each day the same.  Wake up, goofs off, doesn't listen, finally showers, runs around in his towel, complains about his chores. 

But, by chance of luck, one morning was different.  He did everything on time and with a smile.  He was a bit pensive that day I think.  Thanks for showing me you are changing!

Deimer Enrique

How do I do it?  I am only 25 years old.  I am not a father and I am years away from becomming one.  How do I look at this boy who is a child of 4 yrs old living in a 15 yr olds body.  I have never heard complaining be such a common place in a boys life.  I know that he can change and is capable of so much, yet I don't see it.  I find myself simply shaking my head in the unknown of what to do.  Yet, I inescapably arrive at still another question, "Am I truly loving this boy?"

Daniel

Daniel is an interesting story.  He grows up in a faith based family focused on letting Jesus guide their lives.  He experiences love, affection, support, understanding, & encouragement.  Then, at age 7 he runs away from home to live on the streets and apart from the unconditional love of who he is.  He learns how to fight, swear, win, deceive, manipulate, triumph, extort, and much more as he finds a life for himself away from "home."

Now 14, he is living at a milk farm in the hills of Colombia, torn between what he knows is best for him and what has worked so well for those 7 years of his life while on the streets.  How does he react?  Does he swing a punch or embrace with a hug?  Does he deceive and trick or encourage and lead?  He has a difficult path ahead of himself and I will be interested to see where he goes.  Yet, I'm confident of this, he is struggling towards the right things and soon enough, will find the victory that he is looking for.

Am I doing the same?

Jorge Andrés

Where do I start with him. He is 12 yrs old with the charm & looks of a lovable boy, yet; he carries around inside of him the experiences and sexual violations of seasoned prostitute.  It's sad to see him attempt to use his prous and encite love and receptiveness from other.  Yet, how to I react?  Do I push away his overly physical affection, or do I receive his longing for true embrace and teach him what real Love is?  It is so difficult to look into his big brown eyes and realize that such deception & manipulation can be hidden underneath.  Jorge, I will continue to pursue you with an attempt to break through your walls and into what you really are seaching for.

Michael Andrey

I'll always remember this boys dimples as he smiles at everything.  He walk up, give me a hug and declare, "Lucas, como estás?" with such joy.  Also, he may never know this, but I always get a chuckle out of him as I look at him and see his big ol´ ears sticking out with his smile to show for it. 
But, it's funny to also know that these boys are such con-artists. Michael sat at the step of the cafeteria and pulled scallions apart to be ready for the meal that evening.  My question seemed harmless as to what he was doing, yet, his answer brought humor and understanding as he said, "I'm doing some business, making connections, and making moves."  Funny to think that he's so whitty at such a tender age.

Guillermo Antonio

He stuck out to me from the first time I met him.  He had a sense of reality to him and wasn't afraid to show it.  He allowed people to know who he really was and was truthful at that.

Funny thing was when he started beatboxing on the bus-ride up to the farm and my mouth dropped.  I had never seen a 13 yr old make me feel like I was listening to the latest rap album.  Now, he always brings a smile to my face as he walks up and "drops a beat."

Jhon Jairo

So, I'm starting my fourth week here at the farm and I fee like I'm a father of 27 boys all at once.  I've done a pretty good job at understanding all of them, except Jhon Jairo.  I have never in my life heard a child whine and complain as much as he does.  What can I do to change his attitude?  I have a newfound respect for my father.  Thanks for putting up with me for so long.

Yet, I must ask myself, does he whine only because that is all he knows?  Has he only received things out of persistence and annoyance?  Does he simply need someone to teach him how to use his words rather than use his voice?  We'll see . . . .

Carlos Mario

"BROWNIE! Buy a brownie from me," came his forceful declaration of what I had to do.  I couldn't help but chuckle at him, this lanky blacked skinned colombian boy with his backpack strapped way too tight to his shoulders.  Also, I couldn't help but accept him.  The brownie was delicious, the benefit was the foundation, and his smile was priceless.

Yeison Lopéz

It´s an endeering look that he gave as he looked back to his side of the valley while his mother gave her cry of joy for the new day.  Sordo y Mudo (deaf & mute) from birth, she is a joy to him and his sense of pride.  It is surprising to see such maturity and joy in a 15 yr old when people assume there to be such paid & sorrow.

Born out of rape and being violated, his mame, deaf & mute mother kept him alive.  Her determination and God-given joy for life keeps her sons heart beating.  Her hard-working spirit keeps him running.  And her cries of life keep him sane.

What am I thankful for?

Where have I come from?

What have others done for me?