December, 2005

My name is Alexandre Artacho.  I am 17 years old and I have been at Alpha and Omega for 5 years.  Before I came here, I was a kid that lived on the streets.  There were many times I went to the streets to pick up my mom, who was totally drunk.  During the time I spent on thet streets I went without having anything to eat or drink.  I would eat anything I found that was somewhat edible. 

Eventually, my mom was admitted to a hospital in the city of Marilia to see if she could take care of her drinking problem.  My brother and I went to a children's home.  Not long after that, the judge decided that my brother and I should go to the Alpha and Omega home.

Alpha and Omega has been a great blessing in my life.  I have learned many things; most importantly I learned what was missing in my life:  love, sincerity, and the love of God.  It is so good to know that you are loved by such a wonderful family.  This family is Pastor Odali and Kathy.  I have learned many things here such as:  masonry, mechanics, and carpentry.  I have learned to work with the animals, to cook, to bake bread, and right now I am learning about recycling.

I am planning to help Alpha and Omega in any way that I can.  I want to show people how wonderful it is to have a life with God.  I want them to know that the life in the world is not the best, because in the world all people have to offer is drugs, drinking, and cigarettes.  The world will never offer you good things.  Here at the home we are offered the love of a family and especially the love of God.  I want to help to take care of children and teach them these things wherever God will send me.