Sundays with Steven

One of my most favorite times here in Mozambique is seeing Estevao (Steven) on Sundays at church. I met him in June 2006 when he was 4. I spent more time with him in March 2007 and learned his name was Estevao. I thought that was special since my bf's name is Steven! When I was here in July I ate dinner almost every night with him and his dorm. I have gotten to know the younger boys (ages 4-6) and they recognize me and most know my name. They do not speak english, but we communicate some. Mostly we play and use alot of hand gestures to talk! On Sunday's they find me in the crowd during worship and we dance together. They love to dance in a circle and take turns going in the middle to break dance or doing some silly move. After worship Estevao takes my hand and we go to their 'bench' where his dorm sits. I have to try not to cause a fight between the boys b/c they want to be right next to me. So i have one on my lap and hold the hands of the ones next to me. They have excellent memories. Once I had gum in my mouth when I was holding E and he wanted it. Ever since then he always asks if I have gum...usually I just have the piece in my mouth and he takes that. Another time he had some toy cars and I hid one in my hands and hid them behind my back & had him chose which hand it was in. Every time i see him he finds something to hide in his hands and we play that game. He is absolutely adorable, as are the other sweet boys in Laura's Dorm (IRIS missionary over this age group). One of my first Sunday's at the center I noticed Estevao running through the crowd during worship. He and some other boys were wrestling, hitting, & fighting among the crowd. Very rambunctious boys. I watched him for awhile and just wanted to hold him. I thought that there was no way this little boy was going to let someone hold him. He was having WAY TOO much fun running around being naughty. But, he was too cute I had to try to get his attention. I went up to him and held out my arms. He immediately took them and held on tightly. I held him close all through worship. He just wrapped his hands around my neck and we sang & danced. My heart melted. He wanted to be held...even though he was a "tough" little boy playing and rough-housing, he wanted to be held. Ever since then he has had a special place in my heart. I love this little boy and I would honestly take him as my own if I could! He has an older brother, Paulo, and a mother. The mother visits every once in a while. She is not stable enough to take care of them herself. They are both in the same dorm. Estevao was born in May 2002. He is FULL of energy and a charmer. He is picking up a little bit of english. I think he will be one that can speak it fluently in a few years. He makes me smile. Last Thursday at church they had an alter call-most of the younger children go to the front and pray. He took my hand and we wen to the front. We knelt down and just sang. A man standing next to us was crying & Estevao pointed it out to me. He looked at me puzzled & I just shrugged & said it was ok. He ended up falling asleep on my lap as we were praying at the front. I just sat there with him while the worship music played & he slept. I will never forget that moment. It breaks my heart that this sweet little boy does not have a mom or dad to go home to each night; to hold him and tuck him into bed. I am thankful for these moments I have with him and the other little ones. They are so precious. I wish I could see them everyday. I don't know what God has in store for this little boy, but he will always have a special place in my heart & I will pray for him the rest of my life.


















dinner with the boys

estevao break-dancing