Azemeraw is heavy on my heart.  He is 14 years old. He has cerebral palsy and autism.  He’s never stood straight, never walked, never spoke, until he came to CURE.  Now his legs are straight, and we hope he will learn to walk with braces. Best of all, he has found his voice. I often hear him singing during the day, his voice carrying all the way from the inpatient ward to the operating room. He is loud and clear and so joyful. His voice has been awakened as he feels love for the first time – from our staff, as they share God’s love with him.

His family was unhappy to shoulder the burden of his care.  It can be so difficult to survive here, let alone care for someone with special needs.   Because of this, he was neglected.  They said he has never spoken.  They have left him at CURE, and won’t respond to our calls to come and care for their son or to be ready to bring him home.   Whenever I pass by Azemeraw, he is quick to greet me and hold my hand.  He always asks how I am doing and says he is doing well.  The nurses are obviously very fond of him. He sits by the nurses’ station often, basking in their company.  I worry what will happen when it is time for him to leave the loving environment of CURE.  Please join me in prayer for him, as we seek for a place for him.  I pray it will be a place where he will thrive.  He is so ready to love and be loved.

Originally posted at: http://ethiopia.thebernards.org/2012/05/24/asmerew/.