Jose Manuel is another miracle child…
Arriving unexpectedly in the back of a police pick-up truck, Jose Manuel came to the Farm sick, bruised, and scared. That first night, the Franciscan Sisters did not learn much about Jose Manuel, only that he was nine-soon-to-be-ten. Jose Manuel had been taken out of his home because of abuse and neglect. He had never been to school. He had learned to count by selling vegetables on the streets, and spent most of his young life fending for himself.
More than a month in his new home at the Farm went by before the real Jose Manuel began to bubble forth. He brought with him a strong personality, and a desire to play soccer and spend time with all who pass by. Jose Manuel began to excel in school and the community. Constantly smiling and, at times, singing, one cannot help but rejoice in the once trapped child that has been set free here at the Farm. From a life of instability, danger, and violence, a child was reborn into safety, education, play, and above all, limitless love.
This is one story, but the same method has been applied more than 70 times to break down the walls the children have put up to protect themselves. Without these walls, the children are able to be children – to laugh, play without care, and feel loved.