A family reunion

Wednesday morning I was able to go with Catalina to visit her 3 brothers at Ludus. Each of them stayed home from school for this visit and she was so excited to see Trandafir, 14 (which means Rose), Gerian, 10 and Corado, 8. I know I have shared about this family before, especially the two little boys. She and Trandafir talked quite abit and he shared that their older sister, Rebana, 17 just gave birth to a little girl (she is not at the orphanage). All of the boys talked about the fact they they are going home after Easter. I can never quite figure the younger boys out. From what I understand they were at home for the first several years of life, but rock in the typical orphan manner as though they have had no stimulation or comfort in their lives. I can never tell what is rumor and what is truth in stories, but I have also heard they lived with the dogs at home. Apparently mom has a new man and that is why they are in the orphange. The boys were never in school, even though Catalina was, and Geri and Corado are both in the first grade now. I asked them how it is and Geri said in Romainan "Ugly." The caregiver that was in the room with us was very kind, but shared that they only get into trouble at school. Older brother also shared some of the trouble they get into and how he is always having to protect them from getting beat up (Geri definitely had the tail-end of a black eye as it was a bit swollen and he had scratches next to it).

When Catalina and I arrived home everyone asked how it was. I told them it was good for her. As I was talking with Bethany last night she shared that she's never seen me so attached to kids before. I guess I just have a heart for the underdog. I think about their lives and how they are at Ludus and I think about how they'll be at home...neither of the situations are very pretty. Geri and I played with some stuffed animals for a long time (10 year old playing like a 5 year old if that tells you anything) and our interactions were wonderful. Corado just sat back and watched, as he just has lower language and social skills. These boys were filthy, needing a bath and clean clothes and boots without holes in them.

As I looked at them though, I could see two things--the battle it would be to bring change into their lives, the daily fight of discipline and a future and a hope. Please continue to pray with me for these boys and their futures.