Special Families

One of the organizations that Tin Roof partners with is Familias Especiales, which is run by Sister Becky, a truly remarkable woman, full of energy and the joy that comes from the work she does for those in need.  To get an idea of some of her work, she had us visit the homes of two families with special needs children.   

We piled in the van and headed up the hill.  Turning off of the main road into their hillside neighborhood on the edge of Matagalpa, I felt that I had entered another world.  The streets changed from paved to mud. A long open trench ran the length of several houses, at least two feet wide and several feet deep.  Young children played nearby.  Installing a sewer line, I wondered?  It was certainly needed judging by the open sewage running across the street in several places.  Garbage lined the streets and children looked out the doors of broken down shacks, barely houses.   I am so lucky that I don't have to raise my children here!  It cannot be much of an existence.

We got out and trudged the distance to the first house, located at the end of the road.   How fitting.  The long walkway was more mud, very narrow and with deep ruts on either side.  What must this be like in the rainy season?  Does the child who lives here need a wheelchair?  I believe she has Multiple Schlerosis.  Can she get out or is she a prisoner in her home?

The family was so warm and gracious.  A lot of people lived in the two small rooms, maybe eight, way too many!  They had four beds, which was apparently a real luxury to not have to sleep on the floor.  They were a gift due to the daughter's condition.  

I wandered the yard.  The family dog was tied in the front yard, almost starved to death.   He looked so miserable, his eyes pleading for mercy.  But in the eyes of the family members I saw hope,  and maybe expectation.   On the way back up the hill I turned to look back.   A rainbow stretched across the expanse of the sky just behind their house.   A rainbow is God's promise to His people that He will not leave or forsake us.

I realized then that their hope lies at least partly in us.   That is why they invited us in.  They are hoping we will care enough to help them up the hill to a better life.  We are the hands and feet of God and I plan to lend a helping hand.

Marie