Progress

We got a new logo to reflect the next evolution of our program. I wanted to share it with you since it explains a lot of what I do and how it evolved.

First we were Impacto Juvenil and we served teens. We made clubs of 25 kids, and taught them lots of good stuff. But soon we realized that no matter how much we brought to the table, it wasn't as effective if the parent weren't on board. It needed to be reinforced at home.

So Strong Families (Familias Fuertes) was born. We worked with the parents, teaching them communication skills and how to discipline with love. But the more time we spent within the families, the more we realized that many, many women were really struggling. Many were being abused.

That's how Strong Mothers (Madres Fuertes) came about.

Now that we are moving into Los Pinos with all of these programs already in place as well as other programs from other sectors of the organization, we are implementing an all inclusive program called Strong Communities (Comunidades Fuertes).

This is our new logo, which we saw for the first time today. I am so excited to be a part of this stuff!

God is Everywhere

I've got some rice on the stove and 15 minutes before I have to leave to go to prayer group at the church. But today was a great day and I can't wait to share it with you!

This morning the class was fun. At the same time as we play and have fun, they are learning accountability, empathy and communication skills. We are focusing on why they are struggling with the teacher's (authority) and what they can do differently.

I got a chance to sit down with the director and tell her the direction the class is taking. She is pleased and said I am doing exactly what she hoped for! I never knew what she hoped for so that made me feel great.

I wanted her to know that we are using real life examples of problems they are having in the classroom so they can learn how to behave differently in the future in order to avoid problems. I assured her that there will be no teacher bashing and if she hears differently she should let me know so we can talk directly to the students. We both are aware that the kids could use this to try to manipulate teachers, so it is good that we are on the same page.

Today while we were doing something else, I overheard the kids saying our time together is their favorite class. That made me happy. It's the highlight of my week too. I never knew working with a bunch of entitled kids with conduct disorder could be so enjoyable! But God gave me a special love for those kids the first day I met them and that has not diminished. I can see the behaviors that frustrate teachers who teach them every day, but for two hours each week I love to love them.

This afternoon I got to meet my new club. Of the 25 kids, 24 are brand new, which I think is good. We can have a fresh start and they won't have expectations from years gone by.

We have a great facility! It is on top of a mountain and has a soccer field in the roof with nets all around so the ball can't fly off.

The kids were really respectful and sweet. I am impressed by their behavior and desire to be part of the club.

I also had the opportunity to talk to one of the psychologists who did our surveys in Los Pinos. God orchestrated a conversation that brought me such joy and peace!

For many years my heart has been hurting for a specific boy. Turns out this psychologist is the one who interviewed him and his family to see if they would qualify for the program. All of the things that have been breaking my heart for years, all came to light in the interview! She told me she barely held back tears until she left the interview. She burst our crying once she left the house. Now he is at the top of the list to receive help.

All I could say when she told me this news, and all I can say now, is PRAISE GOD! He is beaten daily. He is starved. And now, he will finally get the help and support he needs. Praise God.

Also, without my saying anything, they are putting Lorenzo as a priority. That was awesome to hear.

I told them there are a few more kids I know who are not on the list, so they are going to take the names and go out and interview them because some of the kids in their age group didn't show up for the first day of the club. So there is space for them!

Please excuse any errors in my writing, I have to run out the door for prayer group and I am not going to proof read this. But I was exploding with joy and good news, so I thought you'd want to know! I have a lot to be thankful for in our time of intercession tonight!!