I sat in the waiting area of the court for our audience for Maria.* I took a few deep breaths trying to calm myself, while I repeated in Spanish what I needed to say to the judge. I looked at those around me waiting for their audiences and shook my head thinking how different things worked here compared to the States.

Chairs lined the walls by a stairway, but those ten chairs hardly accommodated the twenty-five people standing. Some chose the stairs for a place to rest, some sat on the dirty floor, and others leaned against the wall. Sound bounced off the cement block walls, so people spoke loudly to be heard. I watched court officials come out of the offices, shout a name, and that party followed the official into a room. The procedure remained constant, which helped me know what to do. I noticed at times that nobody responded to a call and wondered if that person didn’t hear their name or if they weren’t present. I strained each time, listening for our name.

Concerned, I spoke into Maria’s ear, “Please listen carefully, so we don’t miss our call. I can hardly hear what they are saying.”

“Okay, Mama Carroll,” she replied and scooted closer to me. I could feel her arm tensing, so I reminded her that God had heard our prayers.

This being the last audience for Maria, the judge would make the custody decision. Her aunt had petitioned the court for Maria to live with her and her husband, but Maria didn’t like the idea. She did not have a good relationship with her aunt and said her uncle gave her the creeps with lewd looks. Lord, please intervene on Maria’s behalf so that she will go where you know is best. I want her with us, but I desire your will for her life. Please help me to say what I need and to be understood by everyone in the meeting.

“Sombra de Sus Alas.”

“That’s us,” I said as I grabbed Maria’s hand. I think we matched high heart rates. Her eyes filled with fear, while I had my own private battle going on inside. Lord, will I ever get used to being in this position of fighting for the future of these girls? Help me to calm down and focus.

In the office, Maria sat next to me with her arm tightly around mine and her head close to my shoulder. Her aunt sat across from us glaring. She had hired a representative to help her get custody of Maria, and he sat shuffling through his papers. When the judge came in, we respectfully stood until she sat, which signaled that we could do the same. During the introductions, I learned that along with the court secretary, we had a court psychologist and a human rights representative in our group. Each person would share any findings pertinent to the case and explain why Maria should live at Shadow of His Wings or with the aunt and uncle. The aunt’s representative emphatically declared that Maria needed to be with her family and that they would provide her with a proper home and education. My heart sank at his aggressiveness, but I continued to pray for God’s will in Maria’s life.

I felt Maria’s fingers dig into my arm. I looked at her ashen face and saw her lip and chin tremble. I wanted to tell her it would be okay, that God heard our prayers, but I knew I had to keep quiet.

When my turn came, I declared the benefits of Maria living with us until she turned eighteen, or later, if she continued with her education. In the eyes of the court, an advanced education, which was any grade past sixth grade, was considered a high priority. The conversations went back and forth, until I saw a glimmer in the eyes of the aunt’s representative. I think he realized that Maria would be better off living at Shadow.

Next, Maria had a private meeting with the judge. She later told me that she described how content she felt to be part of the Shadow family. When we all gathered around the table for the verdict, the judge stated that Maria would be permanent population at Shadow of His Wings.

I heard a whoosh come out of Maria’s mouth as we stood up and hugged each other. After the aunt and representative left the room, the judge approached us, noticing that Maria still clung to me. “Maria, you are happy with the decision, aren’t you?”

Maria smiled and nodded. I think her emotions had taken a toll on her, and she couldn’t speak. The judge said she understood how Maria felt and was happy she lived with me because I was so sweet. What? Did I just hear this judge say I was sweet? I never expected a response like that from a judge, but it sure touched me deeply that she would even take the time to say such a thing.

With the audience for Maria and many others, I learned more about how the system worked and gained some confidence when I sat in the court rooms. However, I must confess that when we hired a full-time social worker, and she took over that duty, I rejoiced.

*Name has been changed.