Arturo: Our hardworking introvert

Originally posted December 2, 2015

*ARTURO IS SPONSORED FOR BEACH CHRISTMAS 2015!

By Amber Foster

If we’re not careful, we forgot shy, hardworking Arturo is even there. He wakes up early in the morning, does his chores, and heads out to work at an auto body shop before anyone else is awake. He comes home in the evening in time for dinner, eats quietly, and retires to his room. When sought out, Arturo’s conversations are usually shy and obliging with a lot of apologetic smiles.  

We are still getting to know him.  He joined our family again, after a brief stint about a year ago, only a couple of weeks ago. I wouldn’t be surprised to find that Arturo fell on the autism spectrum. He’s committed to his schedule and does very well as long as everything goes according to plan. He’s not a fan of affection but doesn’t dismiss it either. His sweet face lights up when given attention, and I’m looking forward to getting to know him a little better at Beach Christmas.

Arturo has mastered the art of blending in. Help us help him learn how to stand out and feel special this holiday season.

Jennifer: the silently loud one

Originally posted December 1, 2015

*JENNIFER IS ALREADY SPONSORED FOR BEACH CHRISTMAS 2015!

By John Carson

Jennifer makes me laugh all the time. She comes with her mom Lorna when she cleans our house. And when she first came along, it was almost as if she was terrified to breathe in my presence. She would often just get this terrified face on when I would walk in the room like I was going to eat her or something. I didn’t think she even knew how to speak for the first few months I knew her. I’ve since learned she’s a sassy one and can get in trouble with her smart mouth. Now the first thing she and Allison do when they see me is run up and give me a big hug, which is always a great way to start the day.

Slowly but surely she and her sister Allison became more comfortable around our house. And I enjoy when they come around, most of the time. Dayana, the baby of our family, loves having them around to play with, and sometimes boss around.

Jennifer just finished pre-k this month as a part of our education program and will continue in that to have the opportunity for a good education in the coming years. Please consider sponsoring this little fireball for our Christmas celebration!

Michelle: Our bright-eyed little beauty

Originally posted December 1, 2015

*MICHELLE IS SPONSORED FOR BEACH CHRISTMAS 2015!

By John Canterbury

Michelle, much like her brother Melvin, requires some time to earn her trust. Two summers ago, I made it my goal to do that. Every day that I saw her I began to play games and talk with her even if these efforts were seemingly ignored. At last, I entered the Breaking Chains building to calls of “Juan! Juan! Juan!” from little Michelle and knew that this sweet little girl had me wrapped around her finger. Since then my love for Michelle has grown just as she has.

While still impossibly quiet, it’s impossible not to see a bright future in little Michelle’s big eyes and wonderful smile. Please pray for this precious little girl as she grows and finds her place in the world.

Michelle is one of four children of two persevering and hard-working parents, Edis and Eugenio. Beach Christmas is a special time for all of them to relax together and enjoy the day as a family.  Will you make this Christmas a special one for Michelle and her family by sponsoring her for Beach Christmas?

Tobasque: Our joyful second grader

Originally posted November 30, 2015

*TOBASQUE IS SPONSORED FOR BEACH CHRISTMAS 2015!

Anyone who has been around Tobasque knows exactly where the phrase “ball of energy” comes from. At any given moment there is no guarantee what he will be doing – bouncing, running, jumping, yelling – but you can guarantee he will be doing it while wearing an infectious smile. I can’t recall ever seeing him without a look of pure happiness on his face and he does his best to spread that to all of his friends around him.

Tobasque is entering 2nd grade this year and we can’t wait to see how he grows and learns throughout the coming year. Before that though we are excited to spend Beach Christmas with him, as he will surely be a bright spot even on an already sunny beach!

Please consider sponsoring Tobasque for Beach Christmas!

Melvin: Our shy, sweet boy

Originally posted November 30, 2015

*MELVIN IS SPONSORED FOR BEACH CHRISTMAS 2015!

By John Canterbury

The first time most people see Melvin, he has probably already seen you; hidden somewhere, behind a wall or around a corner, cautiously watching those around him. It may take some time, but once you break through to him, you’ll find an incredibly sweet boy. When I first met Melvin he was a shy toddler who wouldn’t say a word to me. Now, every Sunday he is one of the first to run up to me to steal my hat, running away from me and laughing with all of his friends.

Watching Melvin make this transformation has been one of the biggest things drawing me to continue working in Honduras, and I am excited to see how he continues to grow and let God’s love mold him.

Please continue to pray with us that Melvin continues to grow emotionally, spiritually, and academically.

Will you consider sponsoring Melvin for Beach Christmas this year?!

Martha: A fiercely loving mother

Originally posted November 28, 2015

By Michael Carson

Since I have known her, Martha has always fought for her kids. She makes mistakes, but she fights. She runs the errands, takes them where they need to go and talks to their teachers.

Martha’s family has had a place in our ministry for several years now with her two children Henyi and Tobasque. Henyi just finished sixth grade and will start seventh in February when the new year starts. Tobasque just finished first grade and will start second.

Martha struggles with the usual issues our BC parents have. She rarely makes enough money, and she has a low self-esteem which means she has difficulty instilling confidence in her children. But Martha loves her kids fully. You can’t fault her for that. She comes with a lot of excuses, and that sometimes drives me nuts. But she listens to criticism.

Our ministry team has to work closely alongside each parent to help them discover how to become the best version of themselves and therefore as parents. Martha is improving, and that’s all we ask. Every week can be a struggle for her, but she does try and truly loves her kids.

Please join us in helping Martha enjoy our Beach Christmas with her family and consider being her sponsor.