Meet & Greet Mondays. {Carlos}

Today, we meet Carlos Israel. A couple weeks ago, I told Carlos that I was going to write about him, and he immediately protested. 

After talking to him a bit about why he did not want me to, and explaining why I would really like to....he agreed, with restrictions. 

I have read what the "system" says about Carlos' background, and I have also been told quite a bit from his own mouth - his 

story is truly one rejection after another. For this blog, Carlos has requested that I do not share his story in details, but focus 

more on the boy he is today. I will do just that! :) 

Carlos arrived at 'Hope Mountain' in august of 2012. Before coming to the mountain, he had been pretty tossed around...

and had even spent some time living on the streets. Isanon and myself arrived at 'Hope Mountain' in November, three short 

months after Carlos' arrival. I remember seeing Carlos and thinking that he looked lonely. He got along well with the boys, but there

 were many times when we would find him just sitting somewhere by himself. He just seemed to be lost in his own thoughts 

or memories all the time.

At the end of February, Isanon and I moved into a new house and were put in charge of the youngest boys. There were three boys 

who completely helped us move in. Carlos was one of those boys. From carrying boxes over, to helping scrub toilets....Carlos willingly 

helped. It was during that time, as well as the weeks to follow, that Carlos stole a special place in my heart. I love this kid.

After being at the Mountain for a year, Carlos seems to be a happy boy. He makes friends easily, and is always flying kites! The only 

negative remark I would have about Carlos Israel, is that he is easily influenced. He seems to go along with others, even if it means doing 

something he knows they shouldn't. One reoccurring issue that we have been having with Carlos, is that he continues to get in trouble

 for making bad choices. 

Carlos asked for prayer for his family and also his best friend. He also needs prayer for school. He is a very bright boy, but spent

 years out of school and is behind. He recently began going to a new private school (more on that coming this week!) and is finding it 

a bit difficult. Carlos Israel is a good kid, but I believe he needs a lot of healing and forgiveness in his life. He completely shuts 

down when asked anything about his family or his life before Hope Mountain.