After Brayan arrived at New Hope, the judge continued to work on his case. We received word upon arriving back in Arequipa after Christmas that Brayan would have to return to Cuzco, his home city, in order to be placed in a permanent home. The judge was working to locate Brayan's father in order to return him there, despite the fact that his father was abusive and had turned his child out to join the circus. Because the problem of abandoned children is so great in Peru, if any parental figure can be located, lost children are most often placed with them without consideration of what is in the best interest of the child. After several additional weeks of processing, the judge called to say that Brayan would be leaving soon.
Last Thursday Brayan had to leave for Cuzco. He was placed in another children's home there where he will stay until his father can be located. Before he left, in typical Brayan fashion, he approached us with a plan he had put together. He would return to Cuzco, search for his parents, explain once again that he understands he's not wanted and ask to return to Arequipa to live at New Hope. As long as his father approves, we are authorized to take in special cases to offer children better education, etc. He wants to explain this to his father and then travel back to stay at New Hope.
Brayan found something at New Hope - it was a taste of love, a small demonstration of the love that God has for him. It made a significant impact on him and he will now do anything to come back. Thursday afternoon he left to travel with the judge to Cuzco with the judge. He came to our office, backpack full of clothes, but explaining that he'd left things in his closet because he will be back soon. He sobbed and begged not to go. He cried and cried, hugged us tightly and said goodbye. We gave him money to call us and keep us informed as the judges proceeded with his case. He called several times the next day, crying and scared. As we expected, he's been placed in another children's home as they search for his relatives.
My heart has been overwhelmed with grief over this little boy. After 12 difficult years, he finally came to a place he wanted to call home - a loving and safe place. He's now been ripped away and placed back into a dangerous world. Last night I cried my way through a church meeting where we talked about our duty as Christians to restore justice and demonstrate love to the ones who have suffered as a result of sin in this world. Please join us in praying for Brayan's safety and for his return to New Hope as soon as possible.
Brayan at Christmas - his first picture in 4 years