A few weeks ago Jorge went to the dentist with one of our staff. The dentist looked at Jorge’s teeth and said how bad they were. She explained that because he hadn’t taken care of them before, he was now suffering.
Jorge was very upset and explained to the dentist, “My teeth are bad because before, I didn’t have toothpaste, water or anyone telling me to take care of my teeth!” He then said, “Doctor, now I am in a place during the day, where there is toothpaste and water! There is lots of food and I even get to shower there!”
This really struck the doctor and tears came to her eyes as she said, “Make sure you take advantage of this special opportunity, Jorge!”
Of all the kids attending our programming, Jorge is definitely one that “gets” it. Having lived for ten years without school, proper parenting and barely enough food, he is so grateful to be in a safe place, eating well, learning and being loved and cared for by people who genuinely want the best for him.
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In a previous blog, we shared Jorge’s challenge with his parents. The situation continues but it seems that the extended family is keeping a closer eye out for Jorge and he spends some time with his parents and lots of time with his grandfather and uncle.
Last Wednesday, as part of the Independence Day Celebrations, all the parents came to Project Somos with their kids. Jorge was sad when he first arrived because no-one had come with him. A short time later his mom arrived and he was one of the happiest kids on site! As one of our teachers said, in tears, “Despite all the pain and suffering his mom has caused him, she is still his mom and he loves her so much.”
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