MEET SOME OF OUR FRIENDS

Our little Branch has so many needs.  Most of the people are living and working in such sad, hard circumstances.  We often feel quite helpless and wish we could do so much more.  But one of the things we try to do is love and visit our Youth.

Because our Branch is so small, our Church time is set so that our Primary and Young Men / Young Women (as well as Youth Sunday School) meet with the English Ward that meets in the same building.  While logistically this is a good idea, it seems like our Youth are falling through the cracks, as the English Ward's leaders have a hard time connecting with the our Branch's Youth.  The kids all speak English, but their parents don't.  So coordinating for activities with the non-English-speaking parents (as most of the Youth don't have their own phones) is difficult.  Furthermore - most of the Youth in our Ward are converts, and their parents are not members.

Like the Andrades.  The two oldest brothers, PJ and Luisandro, are members, and the youngest brother, Romeo, is still 7.  These are good boys, who are mostly home alone except on the weekend.  We visit with them every week and try to work on the basics - like learning the Articles of Faith and not drinking coffee.  Craig is a very good, loving role model for them, as he encourages them in their Priesthood potential.  They have a hard time getting to Church because of the cost and timing of the bus, no clothes they consider acceptable for Church, etc.  Again, Craig does a lot there, but sometimes it feels they are fighting an uphill battle!

This is where we spend every Wednesday afternoon!