A Way for Will
He was just a boy of four years when he first entered the Santa Maria Children’s Home. Scared and unfamiliar with what tomorrow would hold, young Will found refuge within the walls of the orphanage; refuge from the extreme poverty and hunger that had characterized his life up to that point and refuge from the dysfunction that had plagued his family. But he could 
never have known just how much growing up in Santa Maria’s would provide refuge for him from a lifestyle that offered neither hope nor opportunity to ever escape it’s cycle of despair. Now, after having experienced the care and provision of God through the orphanage for all of these years, Will has completed his high school education and is just days away from beginning his first semester of college. None of this was within the realm of possibility for a young boy like Will…at least not until God brought him into contact with the Santa Maria Children’s Home, which we have been supporting now for the last three years (in May). Your giving has been a part of Will’s success and the bright future ahead of him. Thank you for giving, and thank you to those of you who have specifically sent money so that Will can begin college. Most high school graduates facing their first semester of college in the United States embark on their journey with the love and support of a mother and/or father. Will knows nothing of his father, and his mother passed away last month. But the Lord has granted Will comfort, and a support system of people like you who will pray for him and who will help to ensure that he can continue in his pursuit of electronic engineering.
When I (Tony) first came to this orphanage nearly three years ago, I took note of Will because he always seemed to stick close to me and he desired to be wherever I was. I asked him one day, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” “A professional soccer player!” was his answer (many of you may recall the newsletter from 2 ½ years ago in which we spoke about him, and presented him with his first pair of soccer shoes!). Years have passed, and Will has realized the difficulty of becoming a professional soccer player, and also the wisdom of studying in order to better prepare himself for the future. That is why he has now chosen to pursue electronic engineering. The only way he can do this is if the Home of Refuge helps him, because otherwise he will not have the means to follow this dream and secure a better life. God is faithful; we are confident that He will continue to speak to those of you who are appointed to invest in this eternal opportunity. 
Again this month, through your giving, we covered all orphanage expenses for food and utilities. The children are in a time of vacation from school, and the Lima, Peru weather is beautiful and warm. We are grateful that the director, Luis, is in stable condition. We have learned that he has a liver disease (Cirrhosis). Please continue to pray for him; Jesus took stripes upon His back to offer Luis healing. We want to see that healing manifested fully in his body.
As I close, I cannot help but to say thank you one more time. I have seen their faces. I have heard their laughter. I have witnessed the joy and the contentment of children who are full after a healthy meal and who know what it is like to sleep in a bed of their own, without fear, sheltered from the nightmares that were once their reality. It is because of your giving. It is a dream come true…and one I hope to continue offering to children for many more years. May God bless you richly for your love and giving.
Trusting His Grace,
Tony and Rosa Rivera
Home of Refuge International
