The Bolivian school system runs on a morning / afternoon schedule for students of all ages. Some kids go in the mornings, some in the afternoons. Gabriel attends a school to help him learn at his pace and overcome some of the challenges his brain presents him with. He goes in the afternoons.
Last Wednesday morning I arrived a bit early to see Alicia’s parents before they all went to the courthouse for the adoption. So Alicia, Gabriel, and I got to hang out a bit. I pulled out my camera so we could “play” together. Alicia had no problem hamming it up; but Gabriel shies away from lenses.
I knew this about him. So, after Alicia had her fun and got busy with something else, I had an idea. I asked Gabriel if he wanted to take some pictures. His face lit up.
He wanted to take pictures of his dinosaurs. He lined them up in just the right position. He took care to compose the shots in the viewfinder screen before he clicked. As he photographed his toys we chatted.
He told me he wanted to see real dinosaurs. I told him about the dinosaur display in Sucre where the scale sculptures are taller than houses. We talked about vacations and travel. He gave me his signature bashful smile when he talked about the people he cares about. I had such a nice time with him.
As you look through the images captured by this nine-year-old boy please pray for him. He can be adopted. His papers have been ready for years. He was assigned by the government to a family, yet because of the undiagnosable issues with his learning they said no. He would flourish under the care and attention a proper mama and papa. Pray that God’s will would be done for Gabriel. Thank you.
(click any picture to enlarge it and scroll through)
- Angie
Such a sweet spirit that boy has always had! Will keep him in my prayers!!