I don't often sit, but after my work in Barrio Ijido I was tired and decided to sit for a while. That's when ten year old Emmanuel came and sat with me, sort of snuggled up to me. Emmanuel is the youngest in a family of seven; he's quiet and shows little emotion. He sat close to me and didn't say much. In a little while he mentioned to me that he has no father. I replied, “O.K., I'll be your father then.” He looked up at me showing little emotion. He seemed to be comfortable just sitting with me ... saying nothing. Lucas took these photos a few weeks ago.
Just last week Emmanuel was put out of school. His teacher says he can't learn, sometimes he doesn't even remember his name. His mother got worried and began talking to us. She says he's going crazy. Lately he's been acting very strange; bizarre might be the word, and it's growing worse. We found out that four years ago he took a bad fall and hit the side of his head and was bleeding. His mother took him to the clinic and they stitched up the cut on his head and he was taken home. Concussion? Now it seems something is very wrong and growing worse. Often each day he holds his head and grimaces, it hurts he says. Sometimes staring off into space for hours. Other weird physical characteristics occur.
We scared the mother by telling her this is very serious. Something has to be done and now. Well, the family; no man in the picture ... is dirt poor ... in fact the other night she was going around trying to sell some of the boys clothing in order to buy a little food for the kids.
Well, she took him to the general hospital, where the doctor examined the boy and listened to the story and said it's urgent that he see a specialist as soon as possible.
I'm writing this just to say; the little kid needs your prayers! In fact the whole situation needs prayer. It's in our hands now. His mother needs intelligent help through this process. Neurologist, cat-scan, MRI ... yes, she iss a Christian lady.
There seems to be growing pressure in his head and we need to find out what's causing it.
Thank you for praying.
