Adios 2009

Yesterday we finished up the 2009 part of our school year.  You may notice that it is rather early yet. The construction workers that are renovating the site asked us to give them some extra time, extending the break somewhat, so that they can finish by mid-January.  It's been difficult for them having to watch out for kids on their construction site, and difficult for us as well.  The director agreed to an extra week.

School days required by the education department will not be a problem, since we will be returning to all day classes, rather than just the state required morning or afternoon session.

We ended the week with the traditional party. There were crackers, salami, cheese, and candies for all, and the children played party games. Everyone enjoyed the free time together with friends.

Assuming that the construction is finished on time--and we have no guarantees-- the students will be going back mid-January. We would appreciate your prayers that there will be no delays in getting started again.

¡Feliz Navidad!

More construction and reminiscing; thankfulness

Having school in the middle of a construction site isn't easy.  We are so looking forward to January. We've been assured by mid-january we will be in our renovated classrooms. We sure hope so!

School is almost finished for 2009, and we have much to be thankful to God for. We are very thankful for children who have come to know Jesus. We also are thankful that we are able to play a part in the lives of children who come to us with little or no language. It is a blessing to be able to participate in the wonder of their first language.

I'm reminded of Meriluz. A few weeks ago I ran across a video from a couple of years ago, when she was just beginning school. Each child at the table would look at the video and spell their name. When it came to Meriluz, she just "spelled" about ten random letters. She knew it was something to do with letters that everyone was doing, but didnt quite understand just what it was.

I showed her the video.  "I didn't know!" she signed, laughing uproariously. She has come so far in such a short time.

Then there is Bryan. He is not only deaf, he is autistic, and cannot walk unaided. When he first came to us a few years back, his response to just about everything was violence. Whatever you handed him he would throw. He completely avoided looking directly at anyone. He wanted nothing but to roll around on the floor. Now he puts puzzles together, participates in many class activities, and is even using a little sign language. His communication has improved tremendously.  He spends a lot more time upright, walking while hanging on to whatever is at hand. Today he will look you in the eyes, for increasingly longer times, give you a big smile or a hug or stroke your arm affectionately. What a difference!

We are thankful for Vision Trust who has stood with us, contributing to the support base needed to run a school, and standing with us in prayer, and many other ways.

We are thankful for teachers. God has sent us quite an amazing group. Just the fact that they have stuck with us through the tremendous inconveniences of construction--like over 80 people sharing a single bathroom (with no running water), and their classroom space being condensed more and more almost weekly--shows they have a real heart for these students.

And we are thankful for you too, for your prayers, your encouragement, and your participation.

We will be finishing up school one week early for the Christmas break, at the request of the construction crew. Making up the time will not be difficult as post-construction we will return to a full school day, while most schools have only a half a day. From now till then, we will be in increasingly worse conditions due to the construction, so keep us in your prayers.