Roberto has adjusted to the new normal of living with a permanent infection of his pelvis, and the daily necessity of caring for the permanent drain. He faces these challenges with perseverance and strength I have seen in few able bodied men. But these are not the first life changing challenges he has faced.
After being rejected by his family and sent to live with his grandfather at age 8, he never had a chance to attend school. He was put to work at that young age in the rubber plantations near the coast of Guatemala. When he fell from a tree, broke his spine and was paralyzed, he was put in a room by himself and his family would come once a week to bring him food and care for him.
When we found him in July of 2015 his entire backside was one big bedsore. His appendix ruptured before we knew it was infected--when you have no feeling below the waste, the classic pain is absent. The rods originally put in his back to support his spine poked through the skin on his back and had to be removed. And now, a permanent infection.
This has not stopped him from living life to the fullest and being an important part of our family and community. He currently sells used shoes in the doorway of Casa de Esperanza, and recycles trash to earn some spending money. He washes the dished each evening, and helps our other residents with things that they cannot do for themselves. If one of our goals it to empower our residents to contribute to their community, he has exceeded all expectations.
His sense of humor has not diminished and he takes great joy in pestering his brothers, the staff and especially me! Teasing is one of his spiritual gifts!
This does not minimize his daily challenges, He prays each day for you who support us, and we ask your continued prayer support for him as he moves forward.
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