Luisa is a bright and beautiful 6 year old girl. I first met Luisa about a week ago.
When I saw her, I was shocked to see such a happy, smart, and loving girl enter our home. Of course my immediate question was why was she placed with us? Luisa’s background is a challenging one that no child should ever face.
When Luisa was 4 years old her mother died in an accident. Currently, Luisa is placed in our home as family members fight for her custody. Her Father and her Aunt are fighting for her. What makes this case so challenging is that her father is Columbian and is not a legal resident of Guatemala. During the last couple of years, Luisa has been hidden from her father, as her family wished for her not have any contact with him. A decision will be made in regards to Luisa’s guardianship here in the next 3 to 4 months.
During this time, Luisa’s father has been visiting her on a regular bases and shows great interest in his daughter. It has been difficult for Luisa to interact with her father as she has heard terrible things about her father from her family. The last couple of visitations from her father, Luisa seems like she is able to bond a little bit more with him.
I have been so impressed by Luisa and watching her interact with the others kids, Luisa is advanced in her development for a 6 year old child. I can’t believe how well she is doing with everything she has dealt with, losing her mother at age 4 and not having a consistent parent in her 6 years of living.
Dorie’s Promise is a place where Luisa can feel safe and not have to fear which family member will take care of her – till the court makes a decision.
Our psychologist will be working very close with her to help her during this time so when she leaves she is ready to accept any decision about her custody. That’s one of the reasons why Dorie’s Promise is so special for children… they are able to live life in freedom knowing they are safe. Not only is Luisa able to live in peace during these next 3 to 4 months but she is able to receive love and care from our special mothers! This is the kind of compassion, love and security every child deserves to have in life.
Please stand with us, as we continue to make Dorie’s Promise a home for children like Luisa, not just a home but a refugee for lost and forgotten children!