Greetings from Pucallpa, Peru!
I apologize for my delay in up-dating my blog. I've entered the world of dial-up Internet service which makes spending much time on-line quite difficult. I do however, want to give you a quick up-date of how God is using me here in Peru. The main reason Katie and I were brought to this particular field is because there is an MK school here that SAM has started and the mission thought Katie and I could plug in easily for the time we're here. It is much smaller than SCCLC. I think there are about 10 students in the entire student body!
Upon my arrival, I quickly learned that in the elementary program, in which there are 3 students, there are two students with special needs. One of those was removed from the school setting about a year ago due to behavior, yet the parents and school administrator were interested in working him back into the school setting. Given that no one has training in teaching Special Education, they were all very excited to have my "expertise"!
The elementary teacher was in the states for a wedding so I filled in doing some substitute teaching last week. Now that she is back my role is changing just a bit. My main goal is to provide some instruction for the teacher in teaching students with disabilities, as well as to slowly work the one child back into the school environment (providing what assistance the teacher will need within the classroom and in pulling the child out). Of course, since I don't know exactly how long I will be here, the most immediate need is to provide some suggestions for the teacher and develop a schedule for the incoming student (a schedule which does not involve me teaching him so that I can be removed from the setting when needed). Please pray for wisdom and strength for all involved. The teacher is a little nervous about how this will change the make-up of her class and whether or not it will work. I'm a little nervous about determining how to get involved without students or teachers being dependent on my services.
Katie and I are enjoying being a service to the missionary community. It seems to be a closer community here than in Santa Cruz. Katie describes it as a small town atmosphere and I think she's right. The missionaries live and work closer together here than in Santa Cruz and therefore seem to enjoy each others company more frequently in social settings. Katie and I are enjoying spending time with the singles. They plan activities together at least a couple of times a week...that's fun! We also are filling in occasionally as "baby-sitters" when necessary, which has been a great support to a couple of the missionary families with small children. All in all, we're enjoying our time here immensely!
Our hearts and minds are frequently back in Santa Cruz thinking and wondering about what is happening there, but we're extremely thankful for the huge blessing that this trip has meant and continues to mean to us! The latest word I have gotten from SAM is that we will be here at least until October 20, after that we'll have to wait and see!
Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers! They're greatly appreciated! Blessings to you all!
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