Many times I have no idea what I am doing or what I should be doing with the preschool kids and the kid I bring to Teleton and try to help. I feel lost sometimes. I want them to learn and if possible catch up to their age level. For some of the kids I work closely with it is very possible that they catch up; others I know they never will. I just want them to be stimulated in the best way possible.
Fortunately, there are others that know much more than me and know of many ways to stimulate a child's brain. Today a small group from Antioch, CA just left. I knew most of the group from when I was a child living there 16 years ago, but it was nice to meet them again and get to know some of them.
Becky Sloat is a speech pathologist. She works mostly with younger children, and many are special needs. She arrived here with a box full of books (probably $500-600 worth of them) to be used in my preschool. She also bought some puzzles and supplies for them. Every time I saw her, she gave me tips on how to stimulate Yair and Any. She gave me many ideas on how to help Guadalupe improve her speech. Her advice is going to help a lot with everyone in the preschool class, and hopefully save a lot of frustration on both my part as well as that of the kids.
Also, Vickie, Mary Ann, and Modina were very encouraging to me and spent much time holding Emma.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Out of the mouths of babes
Yesterday was my first day back to work at CdE. I had done a few things here and there, but I hadn't worked a whole day. To welcome me back... TWO trips to Teleton. That pretty much took up the whole day. First I took Maryuri for a Psychology appointmen in the morning and later returned with both her and Reina.
I try to keep our conversations in the car fun or educational. For a while, Reina and I had been talking about various community workers (police, fireman, nurse) so that she might learn who they are and what they do. Out of no where, Reina says, "Nicole, did you know we should help the poor people."
"Yes. Honey"
"Do you know why we should help poor people?"
"Why?"
"It makes God happy, and we should always try to make God happy."
(Being very surprised that Reina is talking like this) "Wow, Reina, that is right."
Then she continues: "Did you know my mom is very poor? That means Karen is a very good person because Karen has helped my mom with bus fare to come see me. Karen is a good person because she helps poor like my mom."
"Nicole, do you know what God doesn't like?"
"What honey?"
"It makes God sad when we hurt others and when we say bad things about others."
"You're right honey."
Such a simple truth, but we mess it up so much. Out of the mouths of babes.
I try to keep our conversations in the car fun or educational. For a while, Reina and I had been talking about various community workers (police, fireman, nurse) so that she might learn who they are and what they do. Out of no where, Reina says, "Nicole, did you know we should help the poor people."
"Yes. Honey"
"Do you know why we should help poor people?"
"Why?"
"It makes God happy, and we should always try to make God happy."
(Being very surprised that Reina is talking like this) "Wow, Reina, that is right."
Then she continues: "Did you know my mom is very poor? That means Karen is a very good person because Karen has helped my mom with bus fare to come see me. Karen is a good person because she helps poor like my mom."
"Nicole, do you know what God doesn't like?"
"What honey?"
"It makes God sad when we hurt others and when we say bad things about others."
"You're right honey."
Such a simple truth, but we mess it up so much. Out of the mouths of babes.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Holy Spirit - ALIVE, ACTIVE, POWERFUL
Many times in my life I have heard people claim that miracles don't happen anymore and that the Holy Spirit does not still work as he did in Jesus' time. It saddens me that anyone proclaiming to follow Christ can make statements such as these. How can one read through the New Testament, especially the four Gospels and come to the conclusion that anything about the Holy Spirit would change. If anything, our doubt of the Holy Spirit's existence creates an even bigger rejection of Christ from the non-believing world.
This week I have been reading through Matthew. Many times, Matthew says things like, claiming that they believed and they were healed; they touched Jesus and instantly were better; they cried out to Jesus, and he heard their prayers and were healed. How can we as Christians expect anything other than a complete healing when we cry out to Christ. We read that even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains.
On two occasions this week, I cried out to God with agony in my heart. On Tuesday, I cried out for Adonis: "GOD, YOU TELL US THAT IF WE HAVE FAITH YOU WILL HEAR US AND WE CAN EVEN MOVE MOUNTAINS WITH THAT FAITH. I HAVE FAITH THAT YOU WILL PROVIDE FOR ADONIS, THAT YOU WILL KEEP HIM SAFE. LORD, HE IS ONLY 9 YEARS OLD, AND ALL ALONE. WE HAVE BEEN PRAYING ABOUT THIS FOR ALMOST A WEEK. ARE YOU HEARING US?? SEE MY FAITH AND ANSWER MY PRAYER!
Shortly after, we received word that he was at IHNFA and had been since Thursday (no thanks to IHNFA for not following through with Karen's report of a missing child or informing us that he was there; we found out from the boy's mom). THANK YOU LORD, FOR HEARING MY PRAYER OF FAITH AND ANSWERING IT.
Only two days later, I found myself in the same place on the couch saying a very similar prayer for baby Josue. GOD, HE IS SO LITTLE AND WEAK. I SIT HERE READING ABOUT ALL OF THESE PEOPLE YOU TOUCH AND HEAL. PLEASE LORD HEAL OUR BABY JOSUE. ONLY YOU HAVE THE POWER TO DO SO. WE NEED TO BRING THIS LITTLE GUY HOME...
Less than an hour later I was talking with Karen. She told me that she had just received word that he was much better and that the hospital just wanted to keep him there an extra night to keep him on a regular, strict intake of medicine. GOD, ONCE AGAIN, YOU HAVE HEARD MY CRY AND NOTICED MY MUSTARD SEED FAITH. THANK YOU FOR HEALING THIS PRECIOUS BABY.
Yesterday, as I once again was reading in Matthew, the disciples doubt of Christs ability to perform miracles. We read of Jesus feeding 5 thousand after the disciples were clueless as to how it could be done, and very shortly thereafter, Jesus was with 4 thousand, and once again the disciples did not know how the people were going to be fed. However, both times, Jesus provided in an exceptional way. I feel just like the disciple in this way. I see God at work in a miraculous way, and then very shortly after, I stand dumbfounded wondering how a situation is going to be taken care of. Fortunately, Jesus is there to grab my hand as a loving father does when his small child falls to the ground. He gently coaxes me and asks why I doubted his ability. What an awesome God we serve.
This week I have been reading through Matthew. Many times, Matthew says things like, claiming that they believed and they were healed; they touched Jesus and instantly were better; they cried out to Jesus, and he heard their prayers and were healed. How can we as Christians expect anything other than a complete healing when we cry out to Christ. We read that even faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains.
On two occasions this week, I cried out to God with agony in my heart. On Tuesday, I cried out for Adonis: "GOD, YOU TELL US THAT IF WE HAVE FAITH YOU WILL HEAR US AND WE CAN EVEN MOVE MOUNTAINS WITH THAT FAITH. I HAVE FAITH THAT YOU WILL PROVIDE FOR ADONIS, THAT YOU WILL KEEP HIM SAFE. LORD, HE IS ONLY 9 YEARS OLD, AND ALL ALONE. WE HAVE BEEN PRAYING ABOUT THIS FOR ALMOST A WEEK. ARE YOU HEARING US?? SEE MY FAITH AND ANSWER MY PRAYER!
Shortly after, we received word that he was at IHNFA and had been since Thursday (no thanks to IHNFA for not following through with Karen's report of a missing child or informing us that he was there; we found out from the boy's mom). THANK YOU LORD, FOR HEARING MY PRAYER OF FAITH AND ANSWERING IT.
Only two days later, I found myself in the same place on the couch saying a very similar prayer for baby Josue. GOD, HE IS SO LITTLE AND WEAK. I SIT HERE READING ABOUT ALL OF THESE PEOPLE YOU TOUCH AND HEAL. PLEASE LORD HEAL OUR BABY JOSUE. ONLY YOU HAVE THE POWER TO DO SO. WE NEED TO BRING THIS LITTLE GUY HOME...
Less than an hour later I was talking with Karen. She told me that she had just received word that he was much better and that the hospital just wanted to keep him there an extra night to keep him on a regular, strict intake of medicine. GOD, ONCE AGAIN, YOU HAVE HEARD MY CRY AND NOTICED MY MUSTARD SEED FAITH. THANK YOU FOR HEALING THIS PRECIOUS BABY.
Yesterday, as I once again was reading in Matthew, the disciples doubt of Christs ability to perform miracles. We read of Jesus feeding 5 thousand after the disciples were clueless as to how it could be done, and very shortly thereafter, Jesus was with 4 thousand, and once again the disciples did not know how the people were going to be fed. However, both times, Jesus provided in an exceptional way. I feel just like the disciple in this way. I see God at work in a miraculous way, and then very shortly after, I stand dumbfounded wondering how a situation is going to be taken care of. Fortunately, Jesus is there to grab my hand as a loving father does when his small child falls to the ground. He gently coaxes me and asks why I doubted his ability. What an awesome God we serve.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Adonis' Story
Adonis came here about a year and a half ago because his mom called IHNFA (Honduran Social Services) and said she didn't want him anymore. He was only 8. She had never given him a second of discipline in his entire life. But he didn't want to be there. He ran away...a lot. But he always returned home. He skipped school and did whatever he wanted. It was a huge blow when his mom turned him away. All kids sincerely believe that their mom loves them and wants them. If his mom did not love him enough to keep him, I am sure he believes that we don't love him either.
Since arriving here, we have all tried to show him that we love him, care for him, and believe he is important. However, love comes with discipline- discipline that he had never experienced. We have always tried to explain to him that if he is going to be a part of the Casa family, he has to follow the rules set forth. Many times, when Adonis was in trouble, he screamed like someone was beating him. I am referring to punishments like being told to stand with his nose to the wall or the loss of a toy. We have tried many types of punishment, but nothing has worked.
Since the time he got here, Adonis has stolen from most of the kids, many of the employees, and some of the gringos. He lies more than he tells the truth. He is starving for love, but continues to do things to make others reject him.
I imagine going 8 years without a second of discipline then moving into a home with rules was very difficult. It was probably even more difficult knowing that it was becaus his mom simply didn't want him. Added to these two things, he is also fighting for attention amidst 23 other children. I think children really have a desire to stand out, especially when there are so many children involved. Adonis' method of standing out seems to be trying to occupy our attention with his bad behavior.
Even with all of the problems that he has, he has a piece of my heart. I have tried hard to let him know that he is very special to me and that I love him. Also, beneath his exterior, Adonis has a very tender heart. I don't think many people have seen that though.
In the last few months Adonis has run away many times. We have always found him shortly after. His pattern is doing something big that he shouldn't then leaving so that he won't get in trouble for it. Last week, Karen heard where he was from a parent from the school. She went to look for him, and when he saw her he ran into a corn field. Some staff and friends spent a couple hours walking through the corn field until they found him. Adonis has left once again. At school today, he kicked Katy in the most sensitive of areas, another one of our Casa kids, then left the school yard because he didn't want to be punished. Upon hearing the news Matt went to where he was last seen, but after looking a long time was unable to find him.
Please pray for Adonis. More specifically pray for these things in regard to him:
.jpg)
Since arriving here, we have all tried to show him that we love him, care for him, and believe he is important. However, love comes with discipline- discipline that he had never experienced. We have always tried to explain to him that if he is going to be a part of the Casa family, he has to follow the rules set forth. Many times, when Adonis was in trouble, he screamed like someone was beating him. I am referring to punishments like being told to stand with his nose to the wall or the loss of a toy. We have tried many types of punishment, but nothing has worked.
Since the time he got here, Adonis has stolen from most of the kids, many of the employees, and some of the gringos. He lies more than he tells the truth. He is starving for love, but continues to do things to make others reject him.
I imagine going 8 years without a second of discipline then moving into a home with rules was very difficult. It was probably even more difficult knowing that it was becaus his mom simply didn't want him. Added to these two things, he is also fighting for attention amidst 23 other children. I think children really have a desire to stand out, especially when there are so many children involved. Adonis' method of standing out seems to be trying to occupy our attention with his bad behavior.
Even with all of the problems that he has, he has a piece of my heart. I have tried hard to let him know that he is very special to me and that I love him. Also, beneath his exterior, Adonis has a very tender heart. I don't think many people have seen that though.
In the last few months Adonis has run away many times. We have always found him shortly after. His pattern is doing something big that he shouldn't then leaving so that he won't get in trouble for it. Last week, Karen heard where he was from a parent from the school. She went to look for him, and when he saw her he ran into a corn field. Some staff and friends spent a couple hours walking through the corn field until they found him. Adonis has left once again. At school today, he kicked Katy in the most sensitive of areas, another one of our Casa kids, then left the school yard because he didn't want to be punished. Upon hearing the news Matt went to where he was last seen, but after looking a long time was unable to find him.
Please pray for Adonis. More specifically pray for these things in regard to him:
- Pray that he will be safe tonight.
- Pray that he will decide to come home because right now he is at a point that unless he decides he wants to live here, we can't keep him here.
- Pray that God will protect him.
- Pray that we can find a child psychologist that can provide some help for him.
- Pray that he will learn that we love him deeply and that love comes with discipline.
.jpg)
A FATHER'S LOVE
Matt loves his two little girls more than anything. Recently, Haley has been rejecting Matt's love. For example, Matt says, "I love you Haley," and she shrieks, "DON'T SAY THAT TO ME!!" He tries to give her a hug and she throws herself on the floor screaming. Even when Haley rejects Matt's love, he remains unchanging in his love for her.
When Haley's mood changes, Matt is always waiting with open arms to embrace her and show her how much he loves her. I love to watch him with his girls. Even though is feelings are hurt when his little girl doesn't want anything to do with him, he is always there to show her how much he loves and cares for her.
Our father in heaven is the same with us. Many times we reject his love, ocassionally even throwing ourselves down on the ground screaming to avoid what he has for us. However, He is in constant persuit of our love and is always waiting for us to come to him. His love is constant and unchanging for us, and when we realize that, he is always waiting for us with open arms. What an awesome God we serve.
When Haley's mood changes, Matt is always waiting with open arms to embrace her and show her how much he loves her. I love to watch him with his girls. Even though is feelings are hurt when his little girl doesn't want anything to do with him, he is always there to show her how much he loves and cares for her.
Our father in heaven is the same with us. Many times we reject his love, ocassionally even throwing ourselves down on the ground screaming to avoid what he has for us. However, He is in constant persuit of our love and is always waiting for us to come to him. His love is constant and unchanging for us, and when we realize that, he is always waiting for us with open arms. What an awesome God we serve.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)