This will be quick! I have included some pictures from this weekend and my visit to Joel’s family in the village. Joel has been around over the years and I feel like I have seen him grow up over the years. Most of all, he has been helpful to me here in the village. Despite their many needs, he is always smiling and the children love their mother so much and help her in the early hours of the morning to prepare food for her to sell, and help when they return from school in the evening.

They live day-to-day. The father left over a year ago to “earn some money,” but has never returned. Joel says he calls every once in a while, location unknown to the family, and when his mother asks for support she cries at his refusal. I am inspired by their determined spirit as a family. The children do well in school and have dreams for the future that include helping their mother.