Storyteller Series - Wilson
Casa Bernabé Storyteller Series: Wilson Matus, age 21, grew up on campus.
Today we would like to introduce you to Wilson Matus, the first in our brand-new storyteller series. Wilson is one of our “Casa Bernabé” kids, having grown up within our walls. His story is a picture of what we are working so hard to accomplish within Project: Independence. As a partner, this is what your impact can look like in reality.
If you have visited the Casa Bernabe campus over the last 18 years you will most likely recognize this smile. Wilson has a servant’s heart and is always quick with a helping hand.
Wilson is currently in his second year at Centro de Crecimiento Integral (CCI) in Antigua and enrolled in an English language program. CCI is an intensive internship and discipleship program in for 17-24 year-olds. The curriculum is focused on transforming thought through Christ-centered principles and values and the development of practical skills that provide comprehensive growth in youth.
So my first question is, what was it like growing up at Casa Bernabé?
I am grateful for Casa Bernabé because they cared for me, met my needs, gave me a place to live and food and prepared me to be here at CCI. I grew up with a family and have a relationship with God.
They provided me with what I needed to be able to get ahead. They prepared me to be an independent person. But the most important thing they taught me was to always hold the hand of God.
What was difficult about growing up there?
I always wanted to be with my biological family. It made me sad to not to be able to be with them. I was 2 years old when I arrived and I've lived there for 18 years.
What was it like to live in a house with so many kids?
I was delighted because I did not feel alone. I saw all the boys as my brothers and have close friendships with each one of them.
[For the last two years that Wilson lived on campus he acted as a helper in one of the boys houses, helping to take care of some of the younger boys. He had this to say of that experience.]
I loved being able to help take care of a house. It was fun and I could watch each one of them grow and mature.
So that people can understand from your point of view, how important is your sponsor to you?
I thank my sponsor very much because they helped me financially so that I could attend CCI and learn English. They have helped me in being prepared. My sponsor is a person who loves me and wants the best for my life and will help me achieve that. My sponsor is a very important person in my life. I am so thankful for them because they are great people that God is using.
What was the hardest part about leaving Casa Bernabé after 18 years?
It was time to make my life on my own but I had always depended on Casa Bernabé. They had always made sure my needs were met. I hadn’t ever lived on my own, or had to rely on myself and was worried about being able to connect.
What could Casa Bernabe have done better to help you feel prepared?
Actually, I have nothing. They helped me see that God was going to work in my life. That’s why I’m here [at CCI.] They were encouraging me to have a better relationship with God and it is here [at CCI] that I have that opportunity.
What are your plans after CCI?
I want to study business administration at university and work.
What are your goals for the next 5 years?
I would like to graduate from college and own my own business.
Finally, we asked Wilson, what he would like to share with all of you. The following is his answer.
We currently have just under 100 kids on our Casa Bernabé campus. These children will eventually leave us in one of two ways, they will be reunited with their families or they will age out of our care. For 43 of our children, family will not be an answer or a resource. These adolescents, aged 13-18, are children of Casa Bernabé, they have primarily grown up within our walls and under our care. Within the next 5 years, all of them will age out to independence. Our job is to make sure they are prepared to take on independence successfully. Without this program, these children are highly likely to fall back into a life of abuse, poverty, and trauma outside the walls of CB.
If you are interested in becoming part of Project: Independence and helping create more success stories like Wilson’s, please contact us or click here to learn more.