Some Hard Times (Updated)

Julber has had a tough time this month physically. During a week-long break from school, he came down with a head and chest cold that continues to make him cough today, two weeks later. All of the coughing has made his stomach muscles ache and has kept him from school for more than a week. Just today, his sister Lucy took him to the hospital where they told her that he has pneumonia. He is to stay in the hospital for observation for an indefinite period of time (We just found out that he will need to stay in the hospital for at least five days).

School has been equally hard for Julber. Being in the classroom has helped with his social skills and learning Spanish, but the pace of the class and the level of learning is far above his ability, and he struggles to grasp anything in his lessons. In addition, every other week the school requires parents to buy something else, or attend meetings at the school, or pay to take a required week-long class on how to be a parent. Julber, of course, does not have his parents here in Arequipa with him, and even though Lucy cares immensely for him and wants to help him with school, she is still just a young woman making her way through school herself.

We want to ask for prayer and support for Julber, but at the same time we want to recognize all of the ways God has used this situation to bless so many people. Each time we receive questions about Julber and his health, or a donation to help him with his schooling we are all so blessed by your expression of care and mercy. To see how Lucy cares for her little brother, as well, has moved us to thank God for His provision and the way He moves in people’s hearts. The school that took Julber in, and the dentist that took care of his teeth for free, are just over and beyond what we could have asked for. So thank you for your interest in this boy you may have never met. It means so much to him and to those of us who love him.