Edwin Emil joined Garden of Love and Hope when he was 10 years old. After his father abandoned him, his younger siblings, and his mother, Emil was forced at a very young age to leave his childhood behind and become the man of the house. Emil and his family were left fighting to survive in an unforgiving country where the poverty level is over 70%. On many occasions, they had nothing to eat except for sugar. Both Emil and his mother would look for work every day but most days ended up begging for food on the streets.

When Emil heard about Garden of Love and Hope while begging for food, he quickly gathered his younger siblings and knocked on our door. Emil and all his siblings have been receiving the love of God every day since joining our program, and no longer need to beg for food or any basic needs. This year, Edwin Emil turned 19 years old and graduated from High School with a focus on Humanities. He has also been one of our most dedicated students at our coffee and pizza shop (Selva Café). His desire is to continue in his education by going to college. The experience and skills that he has, and continues to receive, at Selva Café has prepared a way for him to obtain consistent work that in turn will help him pay for his college education. We are so proud of Emil and can’t wait to see all that God has in store for his bright future!