I have never met such a sweet, kind, and humble child like Jonas. We were actually doing a TV program when we saw a little boy, who looked like he was six or seven, out in the heat of the sun, working with grown men. He had a heavy, long Haitian rake called a wou. It was heavy, even for the men. Sweat was pouring down his face as he worked. We finally got him away from his job and found out that the big, tough, and mean-looking lady who was staring at us was his aunt! Jonas was a restavek… a slave child! He had never been to school! (It is not legal to keep children as slaves, but many do when a child loses both parents!)

We told him we wanted him to come with us! That began a long journey of “riding in a truck, taking a shower, eating three meals a day, and just being a child!” The tough part for Jonas was learning how to hold a pencil and a piece of chalk! He just cried and cried!!! Finally, with a great and patient worker, he could finally do it!

Today, this 14-year-old is in school! Even though he is with younger children, he is happy in 2nd grade! Jonas is a hard-working kid! He loves puzzles, donkeys, and our two dogs named “Blackie and Lou!” Thank you for changing another life, forever!

Sherry