The youngest boy at the Casa Girasoles Ica home is named Jesús Sanchez. I do not know much about his story before coming to Girasoles, but at just 5 years old, he was abandoned by his family and is now living at the home in Ica.
Sanchez has been living at the house for the past 6 months, but before coming to Girasoles, he was surrounded by people that taught him how to fight and horrible words that nobody should ever say, let alone a 5 year old.
Because of his ways, instead of calling him by his first name, Jesús, the boys, educators and house parents of the Girasoles Ica all refer to him as Sanchez. According to Augusto, the house father, he will be Sanchez until he attempts to live up to his name, Jesús, and not act like he does now.
Despite his sometimes bad temper and mouthy words, he is one of the most adorable little boys I have met in the Girasoles program. Since he is so tiny, when he runs up to greet me his arms only wrap around my legs, just above my knees. He loves to have his photo taken, run around in the grassy area of the home, and frequently, I would find him climbing up my legs like a little monkey to be held upside down or just at the height of adults – just like any other 5 year old boy.
Little by little this boy is changing by through the work of God.
Monday, July 6, 2009 at 3:19 pm
First Kate, thanks for giving me a link to your web site. I think the work you are doing is very admirable. However, being your Aunt does make me worry about your health and safety in a land with so many different “bugs” than are encountered in the U.S. Hope all your inoculations and preventatives are current.
Now for Jesus Sanchez—-He is very adorable!!! I think he should be called Jesus so that he will live up to the expectations of his guiding counselors. At only 5 he is very moldable. If I were younger, and it would be possible, I would consider adopting him.
Go with God and use the good sense and intelligence he gave you.
Love,
Aunt Nancy