Update on the girls

So Julie hinted at it last time, but we are starting to realize the girls we have been seeing up until now have been a sort of cleaned up version of the real truth. Not that they are somehow awful kids - nothing like that. It's just that Julie and I are now not falling into the pattern of Americans who show up... bring fun things to do and hang out for awhile... then leave. Some return regularly, and some do not, but they all eventually leave. As the children realize Julie and I are not just here to play, but instead to bring about some changes in the way things operate, we are experiencing the first push back in terms of testing, disobedience, and flat out disrespect on occasion. We are quickly learning what kinds of "sticks and carrots" are at all effective. It is quite amusing to learn that a truly effective punishment for refusal to pay attention or sit still without interrupting is to have to sit next to me or Julie and hold our hand. 

A big task ahead of us is developing and implementing a set of "house rules" that clearly communicate expectations and repercussions for not following them. We are working with the house mother and pastor to develop our rules, but we can really use supernatural wisdom in figuring out what to tackle and what to let slide. To attempt to overhaul too much right from the start will only embitter the girls, and frustrate us. To not go far enough means allowing certain undesirable behaviors to continue longer than they should. We also need to navigate the rough waters of physical punishment for disobedience which is a very normal response in this culture.

 Tomorrow is the first day of lent and it is a season of introspection. Our prayer is over the next 6 weeks 17 girls will do some thinking about themselves, their attitudes, and their goals and how to achieve them. We will be doing the same of course. Feel free to join us!

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