This is Jonas in first grade, and he’s learning how to write words on the blackboard. This would be a simple thing to do for Haitian children younger than Jonas. But Jonas has a good reason for being far behind the other children… you see, he was a “slave” or “restavek.” His parents must have died when he was very young. A lady, or family member, put him to work in her garden with grown men. No water… no food.. but plenty of beatings. We just happened to be in that village that day and saw what was happening… and we brought him home. He had never been to school… never had a full meal… or even a hug! He is ten now and starting school with children much younger than he is… but that doesn’t matter! We love this young boy so much!

Sherry