Ernesto has been in our home many times. We first met him about 3 years ago. He was introduced to us as a young man who works with the game drives. Over chips and cool drink we listened to his story. He is the oldest in his family and there is a strong pressure for him to contribute financial to the struggling family. I've never heard him talk about his father, but he does mention his mother and sisters. Ernesto described his job with the game drive company as very risky. He was injured more than once by animals which were being herded into trucks for transport to game reserves. This born and raised Namibian expressed his fear and respect for the wild animals he captured and helped transport. He shared that he was studying and practicing so that he could get his drivers license and drive the trucks, which would grant him more pay and less risk. For the past two years he tried and failed, until finally after much encouragment - he passed his drivers test, however the game company did not grant him a driver position. When he talked with Tony, he sounded desperate to find another job. Tony then contacted friends of ours who own a local paint company and asked if Ernesto could come in for an interview. After completing the application process, he was hired and is happy now to have such a good job with a good, reliable, growing company. He drives truck delivering paint to the various locations throughout Namibia, and enjoys his work. His big smile is genuine! Thank you for all your partner support, because we were able to help Ernesto through some very dry financial seasons as he struggled to find stable employment. He expresses his thanks too.
