Adonis' Story

Adonis came here about a year and a half ago because his mom called IHNFA (Honduran Social Services) and said she didn't want him anymore.  He was only 8.  She had never given him a second of discipline in his entire life.  But he didn't want to be there.  He ran away...a lot.  But he always returned home.  He skipped school and did whatever he wanted.  It was a huge blow when his mom turned him away.  All kids sincerely believe that their mom loves them and wants them.  If his mom did not love him enough to keep him, I am sure he believes that we don't love him either.

Since arriving here, we have all tried to show him that we love him, care for him, and believe he is important.  However, love comes with discipline- discipline that he had never experienced.  We have always tried to explain to him that if he is going to be a part of the Casa family, he has to follow the rules set forth.  Many times, when Adonis was in trouble, he screamed like someone was beating him.  I am referring to punishments like being told to stand with his nose to the wall or the loss of a toy.  We have tried many types of punishment, but nothing has worked. 

Since the time he got here, Adonis has stolen from most of the kids, many of the employees, and some of the gringos.  He lies more than he tells the truth.  He is starving for love, but continues to do things to make others reject him. 

I imagine going 8 years without a second of discipline then moving into a home with rules was very difficult.  It was probably even more difficult knowing that it was becaus his mom simply didn't want him.  Added to these two things, he is also fighting for attention amidst 23 other children.  I think children really have a desire to stand out, especially when there are so many children involved.  Adonis' method of standing out seems to be trying to occupy our attention with his bad behavior. 

Even with all of the problems that he has, he has a piece of my heart.  I have tried hard to let him know that he is very special to me and that I love him.  Also, beneath his exterior, Adonis has a very tender heart.  I don't think many people have seen that though.

In the last few months Adonis has run away many times.  We have always found him shortly after.  His pattern is doing something big that he shouldn't then leaving so that he won't get in trouble for it.  Last week, Karen heard where he was from a parent from the school.  She went to look for him, and when he saw her he ran into a corn field.  Some staff and friends spent a couple hours walking through the corn field until they found him.  Adonis has left once again.  At school today, he kicked Katy in the most sensitive of areas, another one of our Casa kids, then left the school yard because he didn't want to be punished.  Upon hearing the news Matt went to where he was last seen, but after looking a long time was unable to find him.

Please pray for Adonis.  More specifically pray for these things in regard to him:

• Pray that he will be safe tonight.
• Pray that he will decide to come home because right now he is at a point that unless he decides he wants to live here, we can't keep him here.
• Pray that God will protect him.
• Pray that we can find a child psychologist that can provide some help for him.
• Pray that he will learn that we love him deeply and that love comes with discipline.