HIV Children's Shelter

We passed through the gate into "Casa Refugio"--in english, Refuge House. For fourteen years this YWAM ministry has cared for HIV infected orphans here in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. A boy bounded up to me carrying a toy ukelele.

"Hey, I'm Robson (said in Portuguese)" he smiles and offers his hand.

Outside everything was normal. I shook his hand like I would anyone. But my hand seemed to tingle when I grasped his. I'd prepared myself not to react differently just because the kids have HIV. I know it can't be spread through a touch like that. Still, the sensation didn't stop. Perhaps it was normal anxiety. Did I have a cut on my hand? Did he?

Pushing away those thoughts I smiled and introduced myself. He offered his toy and I played a few chords as best I could.

Flavia, one of the YWAM workers, began a tour of Casa Refugio. "These are photos of all the children who have been with us here," Quezia translated for Flavia.

My eyes scanned the smiling faces in photos cut in the shape of a hearts.

"Some are still with us. Some are adopted. Others have died from the HIV related diseases." Flavia hugged and kissed one of the children as she led the tour downstairs.

After the tour Robson caught up with our group. "You draw right?" I asked in Portuguese.

"Sim" he nodded with a smile.

"Could you show me some?"

Robson waived to me to follow him to his room. Brightly painted walls with the childrens' names designed over the beds spoke of the love shown to them here. He opened a spiral notebook with countless drawings of superheroes and cartoon characters. These are good.

"Here I'll make one for you," Robson offered. As he drew I noticed more than half-a-dozen scars across his bronze face. I can't even imagine what all he's been through. In two minutes he'd made an incredible drawing--better than I could do in two hours.

Under normal circumstances he would grow up to be a great artist. I'm sure he'd be thankful just to grow up. But here he has a refuge--a home full of joyful children and the golden-hearted people caring for them. How perfect it would be, if not for the silent reality of their disease.

We will continue working here two more weeks before continuing to the other three cities: Mutum, Cristais & Rio De Janeiro. Flavia (and Robson) said we would even be able to work on the cartoon project "The King's Son" with them. It is a beautiful fulfillment of our prayers for Brazil. And we've just begun.

-Jeff

posted by Jeff @ 10:52 PM