But here, only a few miles from the centre of the city, it's been an emotional day as well. We visited a project set up by Rita Perez, a young woman with a humble attitude and a spirit of immeasurable strength. Here is a woman with incredible ambition, yet selfless and full of hope. There are some 20 young boys in her care, some as young as 12, who have lived on the streets. Some in their late teens, exposed to drug addiction, abuse and neglect during their youth who now receive care and love from Rita and a number of volunteers from churches in the area. Chatting to the young boys easily, she talks about her faith in God. She shares her hopes for the future of these young lads. Their lives without Rita and without these volunteers would surely be very different. I chatted to Maxi, just 12 years old but excited about the prospect of a game of football with me. Which I think is thanks my virtually absent knowledge of Spanish and my enthusiasm to say 'si' to just about anything.
I left today, feeling stirred by what I have seen. But thanks to Rita, her positive outlook and her faith, these lives will continue to be changed, as they learn new skills, planting crops in the small allotment, and as they learn how to bake bread. The journalist speaking live from Chile has just expressed how wonderful to be part of a 'good news story'. For these boys, learning what it means to be loved, seeing Rita's faith in action and being cared for means that they have not just a future, but their own personal good news story.
Jeremiah 29:11 I have good plans for you. Plans for a hope and a future.
The Esperanza Trust Argentina support Rita and a number of other projects in the northern province. Through the help of various churches, the community is working together to overcome poverty and injustice.
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