In Bolivia, Father’s day is celebrated each year on March 19th. In the Catholic Church this is also the day that Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus is celebrated.
At Casa de Amor, Father’s day is always a difficult day for our kids. We are blessed to have many wonderful people in our kid’s lives both near and far, but this is a day that the kids are often reminded of the absence of their biological fathers.
This year, only three of our children celebrated Father’s day at their school by preforming a special dance and sharing a meal with their “fathers” in their classroom.
AM, B, and E were all excited to participate in the festivities, and were joined by a crowd. Tio David, the administrator of Casa de Amor, three volunteers, Franco, and I, were able to there for the dances.
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| B with her classmates! |
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| AM dancing as Celia Cruz with her class! |
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| A.M. Front and center! |
After the dances, Tio David, Franco and I split up to eat lunch with each child. While I was honored to be an honorary father, I also was reminded of the difficult situation so many of our kids find themselves in. As we got to the classroom, B’s classmate was questioning her about her father. B has grown up in the home, and accepted Christ as her savior last year. When I arrived, she informed the little boy that we shared the same father. The boy looked at her questioningly, until B informed him that God was our father.
As we were waiting for our food, another classmate asked B where her mother was. She successfully ignored the question and continued talking, but it was clear she didn’t want to answer.
I left the school with a heavy heart that day, but I am thankful for the reminder that God is a good father, and that He allows His people to be a practical part of His plan on this earth. Thank you for your prayers personally and generosity in allowing me to be here in Cochabamba, and for loving the children from afar!
