“Joseph” by Christina Hess

“Joseph is the fourth born from his mother and one of nine children by his father. He shares the same story as his siblings Jackie and Emmanuel. His father abandoned the family and her mother could not afford to provide food for her family. His father died of AIDS and left his mother with no hope. At the end of 2005 Joseph came to live at the home. El-Shadai home now financially supports his mother who is now receiving treatment for HIV/AIDS.

Joseph dropped out of school for three years during his troubled childhood. He became depressed and worried about his future. His mental state is now improving as are his grades in school. Joseph would like to become a mechanical engineer or artist.”