Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Sobering................

  If I think back to 2 years ago and remember the boy I met, I can hardly believe the young man living under our roof is the same person I loved in the not so distant past.  He has come so far.  From a boy who "lacked" school fees and wasn't sure if he would have a place to live because he might be "chased" away.  A boy who was alone in this world, depending on the kindness of an old women to clothe and feed him. Now, the food is endless (really), clothing is abundant, school is free, and the love of a family is bountiful!
Then
Now
The journey hasn't been easy, and there have definitely been challenges along the way.  There are wounds that haven't healed and burdens that for so long have been carried alone.   Opening those doors has not been easy. The educational challenges are magnificent and the change in family dynamics has been at times challenging.  But, the truth is this.  If I look back 7 months ago and think about the future Joseph had in contrast to the future that now awaits him, my mind is completely blown away.  The doors are open and opportunities endless.  I see nothing but a brilliant future paved by love, effort, and a lot of hard work.  When someone says to me, and yes, they do say this, "You are so good!  Taking an orphan into your home, and a teenager at that!  He is so lucky"!  I honestly reply, "No, we are the lucky ones. Get to know him and you will agree.  We are the lucky ones"!  The sacrifice has been well worth it.  It has been hard.  I won't lie.  For so many reasons.  But, the good times trump it all and I can't imagine my life any other way.