Week #3

15 February 2010

All weekend I was looking forward to getting back to the House since my experience last week was so wonderful and it was the same way again today.  Sandra, the “PA” (personal assistant) talked to us for about an hour and gave us backgrounds on about half of the children.  It was so interesting to learn where the different children have come from and if they still have contact with their parents.  I was surprised to find out that some parents do try and visit their kids at the Haven with the hopes of someday being able to take them back.  Many of the parents can’t take care of their children because they don’t have the funds to take care of themselves, they are sick, or they are still very young.

All of the stories we heard were sad and hard to hear but the fact that  those children are at the House now provides a lot of hope.  Knowing more about the kids made it easier for me to connect with them today.  It helped to hear more about their social skills and what they like to do.  I spent time in the chapel singing songs with three of the nursery kids today while Jim played the piano.  I adored watching the kids bob their heads and come close to trying to sing along.  It was nice and peaceful and the kids actually stayed quiet and listened.  All the songs we sang were vacation bible school type songs which are my favorite so not only was I teaching the kids something, hearing the words is good for me as well.

Now that I know some about the kids I hope to learn more about the orphanage itself.  In finding out about the children I learned how difficult the adoption process is here and how some of the children don’t receive the funds they should and all sorts of other things.  I couldn’t fully grasp all that Sandra was saying because it was confusing and so new to me.  I hope to find out more about the legal issues that surround these children amongst everything else.

16 February 2010

            Today was very similar to yesterday.  We are starting to fall into more of a routine at the House and I’m very happy about that because I feel that is best for the children.  Once again our morning started out with lots of learning about the different children and their backgrounds.  Some of the stories we heard today were more depressing.  We learned about Tylo.  His mother was working hard to get on her feet so she could care for Tylo on her own, things got rough and she hung herself and now Tylo has family coming out from all over the place trying to claim him when they were never interested in helping before.  Then there is another little boy whose mother dragged him around in a black bag and that is where he was found.  It seems so unreal that these smiling children whom I’m falling in love with have such horrific stories.  Knowing their backgrounds helps because it allows me to be more compassionate and patient while also keeping in mind that I need to be stern and teach these children because they have no parents to do it.   

           

I was able to spend some one on one time with Kudu and Cedriano again today.  We read books and tried to put together puzzles.  I so badly want them to repeat what I say and to talk, it’s hard to understand why they aren’t when I’m working so hard with them, and they are old enough to do so.  Slowly I’m becoming aware of how many of the children and behind developmentally and how important patience and persistence is.

           

One thing I wanted to learn last week was how to get Cedriano to smile.  I’ve accomplished that by just running with him and chasing him.  The little guy will smile and laugh but that is the only time.  Now my next goal is to get him to speak, to even just nod yes or no.  I’ve heard him talk or make noises briefly with the other kids but not with anyone else, ever.  Cedriano is four. 

           

I learned more about the adoption process today.  At the start of yesterday I was creating dreams in my mind about my parents somehow coming home with one of the children after they come visit.  Quickly I realized adoption from the House is more like a three year process and I was in a dreamlike state getting ahead of myself.  However, I would like to learn why the adoption process is the way it is because I’ve always felt as if adoption is something I would possibly be interested in my future so I would like to learn more about myself and find out if I think that desire is real!