January 27, 2009

the weather is already starting to change. it is getting warmer and more humid, so I guess the January respite is coming to an end. today was report card day for the kids, including grades up to last Friday, which was the end of last quarter. Many of the kids were happy, some were not. One particular student that I have spoken of before had a math test today and did horrible on it. The mistakes are things he has done correctly before so many times, I must conclude that he is acting out his personal frustrations with his home situation. It is sad how so many of these kids wind up as pawns in family squabbles and such, and wind up coming to Haiti after years in the states totally ill equipped to handle life here. So tomorrow we start again with him, stricter rules on his books and on reviewing his work. He is actually pretty smart I would say, he just doesn't want to show it for whatever reason, maybe he thinks this will get him back to the states.

yesterday we went to the orphanage to bring some supplies and it was the first "official" day of House of Hope. Three kids to start, 2 more to come soon. When the mother of one of the kids (sorry I can't link kids with names yet, I don't see them every day) dropped off her son yesterday morning, she was apparently crying. I was at first sad but then Bev told me that she was crying because she was so happy, all she could say was "thank you, thank you". she understands her son will now have a chance at life she can't give him. Parents all over the area are apparently asking if Bev and Al would take their kids also. we talked about it yesterday, if only the kids could stay with the families, but that just does not work. paying for school, food, clothes just won't work here. The money disappears, or the things are sold, and the parents still can't teach the life skills the kids need. They didn't have anyone teach them so they don't know how to teach their kids. The kids were ecstatic, they were running around playing soccer in the small yard, all smiles. The parents can see the kids regularly at different times. Here are two people who are basically signing up to raise 5 kids from age 3-4-5 to 18, so pray for them when you can. Bev and Al Carpenter.

Gary hired a new worker today, the father of one of the kids who just recently lost his job. His English is good and he should help with the kids who are struggling with reading and such that need one on one help. There just arent' enough folks to go around to give this kind of help so the help will certainly be appreciated.

so sorry for all those midwest folks who are going thru the snow and cold!!!!! :)
(why do you think all the missionaries head for the south instead of northern Canada?) :) take care to everyone, drive careful.

Djebenis tout moun.