First Graduate of Hogar Rosalinda

Hogar Rosalinda has it's first Graduate! 

Mirko and his Mother Esther have come so far, and are the first to finish the program of nutritional training at Hogar Rosalinda.  
I thought I would share his weekly photos to show his physical improvement.  So much more however was his emotional growth.  

Mirko

Before arrival

When they arrived, Mirko had little strength, didn’t move much, cried and smiled little.  Over the last 8 weeks I was blessed to watch his transformation. Mirko suffered from Hepatitis before arriving, and although he had improved some, he still had a ways to go. 

Week 1

Mirko was pretty shy at first, and would not warm up fast to newcomers. He would also cry hard whenever his mother was not in view. In physical therapy he did not move very much on his own. He did not have much strength and was very behind for his age.

Week 2

Mirko enjoyed traveling by bus to church in Antigua.  It means a full morning carefully planned to ensure he could get his feedings on time.  

We would arrive to church early for a picknick lunch.  Esther would diligently work to feed him in this new setting while we practiced planning days away from home and health eating options.  

At the same time, church became more and more important, and exposed both mom and son to Christianity based on relationship rather than religious traditions.   

Week 3

Celebrations were in order when Mirko so quickly passed our of the classification 'severely' malnourished, and into 'moderately' malnourished. He was growing in strength and could so things on his own.  Also, his bright personality was coming out in full.  Mirko is a joy!  Further, after 3 weeks, a deeper trust and relationship was forming with his mother.  There are a lot of cultural differences that come out when living in a bi-cultural home.  How you deal with health concerns is a huge difference, and in the beginning there was tension about some of the differences.  With every positive step however, trust grew. 

Week 4

As trust grew in physical care, doors also opened for deeper conversations.  At first I had wondered why for so long God only placed one mother and son in the home.  However, as trust grew, it became apparent what we had talked about at the beginning- that this home is a home of discipleship as much as a nutrition training center.  Esther and I grew in our friendship, and more and more opportunities came into play to talk about Christ in a tangible way, not just in a superficial way. 

Week 5

Mirko Continued to show growth in personality, weight, strength, and mobility.  I the mean time, his mother showed growth in leaps and bounds in interest in learning his care, and proacivity in seeking out information about his nutrition. 

Now our lesson times did not feel like an obligation, but a good way to learn.  Also, our morning reading of the scripture was  no longer seen as a bother, but a welcome part of our day. 

Week 6 

Esther was now planning for the future, and what would be the best for her son's growth. I both loved watching her plan, and hurt when things would fall through. 

Esther had come from a challenging family life, and was hoping to give something better to her son. 

Week 7

Mirko could now scoot across rooms alone, and was beginning to lift himself off of the floor on his hands and knees.  He also began some self feeding.  He was still behind for his age, but had come so far!  Also, his smile has the deepest dimples! 

Esther also had come to life.  We would prepare a meal together in unity and flow so well we almost didn't have to talk!  She would smile in photos, and had asked about baptism at our church.  So we went together to the class for preparation and I watched Esther attentively answering questions and seeking answers. 

Now when we would pray together at meals, she also would pray quietly.  When she would describe how something at home had fallen through, she would say that she could take her strength from God because she knew he was in control.  

Week 8

With graduation and discharge around the corner, Esther and I both were sad but excited.  We have become friends, so parting is hard.  At the same time, it is the change for new beginnings, and a better life for Mirko. 

Esther is a loving mom who cares for her son even when its hard.  She now takes comfort in God's unfailing love.  Mirko is full of joy and a delight.  He has grown in strength, and even has some little fat rolls on his thighs.  It has been an honor to walk with Esther and Mirko through this time in their lives.  Now they are beginning as a young family, fresh, healthy, and centered on Christ.  

Getting to witness the transformation in Esther's life was a blessing beyond belief.  What an honor to get to see her baptized as well!  

Mirko's ride home

It is always hard to say goodbye.  Every hard goodbye is a cnahce to praise God for the friends he has provided.  Thank you God for Esther and her impact on my life!!



My heart is very full and I understand now why God only sent one mother for this time.  He had so much he wanted to do in Esther, and in me.  God is so good!  

Always in my heart!