By Machelle Norling | Director
It is six months and counting since the lockdown began. No one could have imagined how great an impact a small virus could have on daily life around the world.
These months have been a challenge. Out of that challenge has risen leaders, goals, dreams and a lot of learning. The kids have grown, acquired new skills and are learning what the meaning of family really is - to be there for each other. We have had no outside staff for many, many months, which means the kids have to cook for themselves, do thier own laundry and keep their area clean.
We have become candle makers, rug makers from recycled clothing, repairman, cooks and dreamers. Many of our older children have taken on roles that will serve them as they tranisition to adult life. Ravi - our resident chef - who graduated from college in May with a bachelor degree in hotel management has become our lead cook, creating menus and a weekly schedule that brings each of the kids into the kitchen to help prepare, cook and serve daily meals. It has been amazing to watch him bring what he learned in college to our little kitchen.
Two of our young men who have one year of trade school under their belt as electricians took it upon themselves to repair one of our air coolers that shut down during the heat of summer. A welcome gift when daily temperatures can reach over 100 degrees.
As each day starts, 56 kids, 4 house parents and 2 dogs wake to the unkown, working together to bring stability, joy and learning to what can only be described as a worrying world, with a measure of grace and patience only love can conjure. This has been our mission from day one - create a family where there was none and the kids have grown into a family that cares for each other, listens to each other, plays with each other and challenge each other in ways only siblings get away with.
Nothing could happen without our house parents. These four dedicated people create space for life to happen even when life is a daily struggle in the middle of a world pandemic where our kids are particularily exposed to health concerns. It is hard to imagine being on lockdown for 6 months and create a daily structure that keeps the kids on course in their studies, make sure everyone is fed, clothed and still find ways to have fun. We are a team and this team is winning.
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