Richard is one of the original children we refer to as the Magnificent 7. He was rescued with Mark in the first group about 21 months ago. Richard is the child that has always seemed more broken and hardened because of the abuse he endured for so many years. It was painful to look through pictures of him working on the lake because he was always naked. I just cannot imagine the humiliation a child that age faces by not having clothes to wear day after day. My very first meeting with him he would not even make eye contact and when you tried to show him physical affection he would stiffen and turn away. I have always worried more about him than the others because he did not seem to share the same hope the other children embraced.
What a blessing to see him so focused and enjoying his art project. He loves art and reading. He has made such huge strides and with each visit I see him softening and smiling more. He is so proud of his masterpiece and I love how he wrote his name to take such ownership of his butterfly. How appropriate that he painted a butterfly the symbol of freedom. He truly is free to be the special little boy that God created him to be. Patrick was interviewing Richard and his dream is to drive the van for Village of Hope and pick up the children rescued off Lake Volta and bring them to V of H. Priceless.
1 comment:
Praise God that your trip went so well this time and I am so glad that you took Patrick Cone with you. I know he did a great job!
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