Meet & Greet Mondays. {Geraldo}

A very Happy Monday to you! 

This past weekend was very relaxing for the mister and I. He had Saturday and Sunday off, so we slept in, went to a movie, ate Burger King, sat on the rocks at the beach, watched movies in bed, went swimming, and did some home projects. His one weekend off a month is always a great time for us. 

But....it is Monday, and Mondays are the days I get to introduce one of our boys to you. 

So, let me introduce Geraldo to you. 

Geraldo is 16 years old, and has been living here at Hope Mountain since September of 2011. Geraldo comes from a background of abuse. His mother died when he was young, and he lived with his father until he was 8 years old. His father was an alcoholic and would physically abuse him. He went to live with his grandmother, but she also physically abused him. He tried to live with his oldest sister, but she did not have the conditions to care for him, so he was sent to another home for boys, and then to us here at Hope.  

Geraldo is very well liked here at Hope by everyone. He is a good kid. Very seldom is he ever in trouble or caught doing things he shouldn't. For the most part, he is a really good influence on the boys around him. He gets really good grades in school, and has received scholarships to take extra academic courses. 

Recently, Geraldo began working. He was placed on a three month "work experience trial", but after only 3 days of work, he was hired. We have heard great things from his employer, and he seems to be enjoying his first job. 

Pray with us that Geraldo continues to be a light to those around him. That he will continue to enjoy life and the opportunities given to him. He is such a bright kid, and Isanon and I see so much potential in him. In the near future, he will be moving into the Republica, which is an apartment on campus that the older boys who are working and showing good behavior have the opportunity of living in. While living in the Republica, they are given the opportunity to get a taste of life in the "real world" and are expected to do a lot more for themselves. We believe that this will be a great experience for Geraldo.

We pray that Geraldo continues to chase after the dreams he has, and realizes that 

through Christ, all is possible for him!