A Well-Deserving Family
New Orleans, U.S.A. - October 05, 2005
Our great friend Marcos recently told us an amazing story of an evacuated family he met while he was volunteering at the George Brown Convention Center. 
Silvio, Jovanna and Stephanie. Inset: Marcos.Like many other families, Silvio, Jovanna and their baby Stephanie were literally left with nothing more than the clothes on their back. The flood waters rose so fast into their home that they barely escaped alive. And since many others were needing to be saved at the time they were picked up, the family of three was dropped off onto Interstate 10, the only high ground around. For four days, they survived on little food and water and had to fight the 100 degree heat that scorched the concrete they walked on. At night, they avoided the overpasses, where gangs and drugs ran rampant.
Just a day before we left, we had a chance to sit and listen to Silvio recount what he calls "the most difficult time in his entire life." Thankfully, FEMA had placed this family in a nice 2 bedroom apartment complete with air-conditioning by the time we met them. We were both blown away by the amount of strength and hope Silvio possessed as he shared his heart.
Now, this family is faced with a new set of problems...no job and no vehicle. Without a job they will be unable to afford basic necessities. And since the mass transit system in Houston is almost non-existent, a car is essential to look for a job and to commute once a job is found.
After hearing the story of the Medina family, we knew we wanted to help provide the family with a vehicle. With the help of a generous car dealer and two families who contributed, we were able to raise $1,500 towards the purchase of a used vehicle for the Medina family.
This project is dedicated to our friend Marcos. Without him, this connection never would have happened. Marcos' energy is contagious, and his unbelievable enthusiasm, encouragement and passion for his faith inspired us every second we were around him.