So if you have kept up with my blog in the last month then well, I guess you've realized that I haven't posted anything. Some of you are probably wondering why and some of you already know why. So first, I'm sorry that I haven't really been updating for those people who actually do read my blog. Second, the explanation.
I got here in high hopes that soon five of the kids that I love as my own children (I know that's weird, I'm 25 and I really don't know what it's like to have your own child, but I imagine I know pretty well because I don't know if it'd be possible to love more) would soon be receiving for real their very own family AND be close to me in the states, a double win. However about a week after I arrived I went to go visit MIMDES with my mother to talk about the adoption process she's doing for two girls here at the orphanage (sorry mom if that was still wasn't out of the bag). That visit didn't go so well as I finally got to talk face to face with the higher ups and they told me that the adoption would not be able to go through. This news flipped my world upside down. All my plans that I had, all my happiness pertaining to the kids, gone in just one sentence from the mouth of the government lady.
So this past month has been a hard one. Calling everyone I could, lawyers, politicians, higher-ups etc. And still we have two lines in the water hoping for a bite but it's just not looking to promising. I still haven't told the kids because of the faintest possibility of it working out, and that is what is killing me the most. I just want it to be over, preferably in the favorable manner. So far my coping strategy has been shutting down, not talking to anyone and not wanting to leave the kids for one minute. Sorry if I haven't talked to you in awhile.
So, I know I've said this in the past a lot but I'll try and post more often again. It might just be good therapy. Plus a lot has happened in the last month unrelated that I'm sure you guys would be interested in knowing, so stay tuned.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Back with my boys
It's already been a full couple of days. I got back to the orphanage Friday at 5:00 pm. and went straight on duty.
Today one of the house mom's real daughters was sick so I needed to pull a full 24 hour shift which included ironing, cooking, washing clothes etc... Thankfully Sam was here to help with the baby or I might not have been able to make it.
The kids have school tomorrow, I thought they were going to be on break but I guess that changed. So they are in bed right now which is great because I can get some sleep.
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| Left to right: Luis, Nelson (standing), Anthon, Yhonson, Ricardo, Kevin, Baby , Joel, Angel, Gerson, Devis, Doane |
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Heading Back
Tomorrow I will be heading back to Pacasmayo. My mother will be accompanying me on the trip and will stay at the orphanage for two weeks while the kids are on vacation. She will be giving them lots of crafts and activities to do to keep them occupied. I've noticed that when I travel to Peru I always bring back the most random things, probably making security give me the second look. This time I'm taking back two nintendo Gamecubs with games and controllers, special toothpast, nuby cups for the baby, floss sticks, three skip-bo card games, self defense mace spray for Sam, sore throat spray, and as always peanut butter along with other random food stuff friends requested.
So far the plan is for me to be there another six months before I return home. Like I said while I'm there I will be taking care of the kids in the boys house which right now is;
So far the plan is for me to be there another six months before I return home. Like I said while I'm there I will be taking care of the kids in the boys house which right now is;
- Paulo age 13 months
- Angel age 5 years
- Doanne age 5 years
- Anthony age 6 years
- Devis age 7 years
- Luis age 10
- Joel age 10
- Nelson age 12
- Ricardo age 12
- Gerson age 13
- Yhonson age 13
Wish me luck. haha
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Coming home and Raising support.
Tomorrow I will be heading back to the U.S. I will be there until the 21st of July when I will head back to Peru once again.
Although I know that I will be back shortly it is still a little sad to go. I will be back in Peru, however I will not be coming back to the orphanage in Trujillo where I have been the last four months. Today is my going away party at this orphanage. They do it for all the people who leave. There will be some songs sang by the kids, a skit perhaps, and probably some cards. I've seen the going away party or the "despedida" many times now but it's different having it be for me. Knowing that I was only going to be at this orphanage for a short amount of time I really guarded my heart and tried not to get too attached to the kids or let them get too attached to me. I still haven't decided if I regret this or not.
I do of course have a close relationship with a couple kids, like Samir who I started doing homework with everyday after he became a problem in his other group. Juliana, who is a big jokester and has almost the same sense of humor as I do. And then John, he's only three but after a couple of the other volunteer's left he has been sad and crying a lot and then attached himself to me. He really liked for me to read him books, and it pains me the most to think that after I leave and Liz (his preschool teacher) leaves on the same day that he will once again be very sad. I know that these kids are sad to see me go and I am sad to go as well. However I know that in Pacasmayo the kids are overjoyed that I will be returning and staying with them in the house as a father. I also know that my role there as a father is much more needed right now than my current role in Trujillo as a driver/maintenance which is making the transition easy for me.
On a different but related note, you all might have seen a new button on my blog right under my picture. The "Donate" button. I put that there in case anyone would like to give directly to me or the kids in Pacasmayo. If you give money through that route you will not be receiving any sort of tax deductible reciept from me. If you are wanting to give me or the kids money and do wish to have a tax deductible receipt you can give to Gateway Church in Blue Springs and mention my name. I decided to put this option up because I would like to be able to give more to the kids and meet specific needs. Last weekend I realized how much I am actually spending on the kids myself and realized I can't keep going like I would want. Things like special dandruff shampoo for Yhonson, a new soccer ball, a t.v. antenna, a replacement clock for the house, or another chess board for them to practice on are all little things but start to add up pretty quick. My budget that I would like to have is $500 a month. $150 of that would be my personal expenses. So really anything above $150 a month would allow me to spend even more on the kids.
So if you've enjoyed following this blog in the past and are anxious to read it again in a month, I ask that you help support what God using me for in Pacasmayo. I also want to thank once again all those who have already given either to me personally or for special things for the kids. I love you guys!
Although I know that I will be back shortly it is still a little sad to go. I will be back in Peru, however I will not be coming back to the orphanage in Trujillo where I have been the last four months. Today is my going away party at this orphanage. They do it for all the people who leave. There will be some songs sang by the kids, a skit perhaps, and probably some cards. I've seen the going away party or the "despedida" many times now but it's different having it be for me. Knowing that I was only going to be at this orphanage for a short amount of time I really guarded my heart and tried not to get too attached to the kids or let them get too attached to me. I still haven't decided if I regret this or not.
I do of course have a close relationship with a couple kids, like Samir who I started doing homework with everyday after he became a problem in his other group. Juliana, who is a big jokester and has almost the same sense of humor as I do. And then John, he's only three but after a couple of the other volunteer's left he has been sad and crying a lot and then attached himself to me. He really liked for me to read him books, and it pains me the most to think that after I leave and Liz (his preschool teacher) leaves on the same day that he will once again be very sad. I know that these kids are sad to see me go and I am sad to go as well. However I know that in Pacasmayo the kids are overjoyed that I will be returning and staying with them in the house as a father. I also know that my role there as a father is much more needed right now than my current role in Trujillo as a driver/maintenance which is making the transition easy for me.
On a different but related note, you all might have seen a new button on my blog right under my picture. The "Donate" button. I put that there in case anyone would like to give directly to me or the kids in Pacasmayo. If you give money through that route you will not be receiving any sort of tax deductible reciept from me. If you are wanting to give me or the kids money and do wish to have a tax deductible receipt you can give to Gateway Church in Blue Springs and mention my name. I decided to put this option up because I would like to be able to give more to the kids and meet specific needs. Last weekend I realized how much I am actually spending on the kids myself and realized I can't keep going like I would want. Things like special dandruff shampoo for Yhonson, a new soccer ball, a t.v. antenna, a replacement clock for the house, or another chess board for them to practice on are all little things but start to add up pretty quick. My budget that I would like to have is $500 a month. $150 of that would be my personal expenses. So really anything above $150 a month would allow me to spend even more on the kids.
So if you've enjoyed following this blog in the past and are anxious to read it again in a month, I ask that you help support what God using me for in Pacasmayo. I also want to thank once again all those who have already given either to me personally or for special things for the kids. I love you guys!
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