Life at the Littles

Payton (14) and Sheba

Angela joins in making jewelry to donate to the House of Hope

The landscape of life around this house has changed a lot in one month. After 19 months of living with two Nicaraguan boys, we opened our home to a few girls. Holly has been with us since May, and in July Sheba (the beloved dog) joined us. Angela Kathman joined the household in late July, and then Payton (Sheba's 'sister') arrived in the beginning of August. Angela was part of our family for a month, going with us to the villages - going shopping - and being part of our family. She returned home yesterday! Payton attends Nicaraguan Christian Academy and the new school year started before her parents could return to Managua. So, she moved in, joined her dog, Sheba, ... and the two await the return of her parents. Payton is a student in John's "American Criminal Justice System" class at NCA, so it's very fun around here with lots of 'jargon' and bantering. The dynamics are much changed ... with self-sufficiency dominating the house now. Girls (and North Americans at that) are very different than teenage Nicaraguan boys. It's a mind-warp. We've really learned a lot.

John really enjoys being a teacher! He considered teaching after he retired, and now he's been given a chance to give it a try. He loves the kids (sophomores, juniors and seniors) and they enjoy him too. They are supposed to call their teachers by "Mr." or "Miss" ... and so, he's "Mr. John" to the kids now. Payton tells us they call him Mr. Sheriff and Mr. Littlejohn too. During class, they 'role play' with some as the criminal, or the D.A., or crime scene witnesses, or victims ... whatever the scenario John gives them - they join in and use their collective brains to solve the crime and learn the roles of the various people involved. I don't know who has more fun - John or the kids?!?
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Life is very enjoyable right now. We're still waiting for the big rains to come ... still working in the villages ... still making jewelry to help support the House of Hope ... and generally enjoying our last months here.

Nahum and Gener's new life ...

Nahum, August 1, 2009

Gener and Holly - August 1, 2009

On August 1st, Nahum and Gener closed their eyes to sleep in another home (Erick and Karla's) ... and awakened to begin a new phase and a more realistic life as young Nicaraguans. Erick and Karla have been friends of ours for five years. Last week, when Karla visited YiTing in our home she understood our need to transition the boys into a more 'real' life in Managua. She called Erick to see if they could rent their spare room (as they often have offered to others) ... and he said yes! John and I talked at length with them about the boys' history and our perceptions of their wants/needs/personalities, and then passed the baton. Nahum and Gener have begun to experience their own culture in a traditional home in a safe environment. Erick said that Karla's extended family is just like "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" ... lots of people, lots of noise, lots of food, and total acceptance. Though Nahum and Gener are most assuredly feeling on the periphery right now, they will soon feel at home - and we are SO HAPPY that their transition is with Erick and Karla! Gener thought he'd like to live alone, but ... he's definitely not ready. One day perhaps, but for now this is the most logical and safe introduction to life without gringos (aka walking ATMs).

Both Erick and Karla speak English, which will be good for the boys to continue in the language. Gener is quite good and is also interested to continue with English classes, while Nahum is not very interested and will probably only speak in English around the house. Nahum will continue the cellphone repair class at the trade school. Hopefully, Erick and Karla will one day be able to help them network for jobs. That is something we could never do. It's not what you know - it's WHO you know, and both Erick and Karla have many contacts and connections.

Nineteen months ago when Nahum and Gener entered our home and our care, it was their first step away from the orphanage and into their futures. Now it's the next phase - a time to enter real life in Nicaragua, a life they'll do well to understand and manuever within. It's scary and it's exciting ... and it's necessary for their success. Their last 7 years have been spent in "protection" mode, with others caring, providing, protecting them so they didn't have to think or worry about much. It may not always have been fun, but was safe. They would rather have been with their family (who wouldn't?), but that wasn't an option. Basically, most of their 'life experience' for the past 7 years has been heavily gringo instead of Nicaraguan. We are gringos (obvious!). And in the orphanage the kids live to see visiting gringo teams, which mean presents, pizza and good times. Though this is their past, it is not their future. They will do well to learn another way.

As for us, we just entered the empty nest period and can watch them from afar and be a 'catch net' if necessary before we return to the U.S.. We're glad to know WHERE they are and with whom they share. We have a mental picture of them on their bikes, on the streets near the Huembes market, playing basketball and soccer with neighborhood kids near Don Bosco and in renovated parks. We are relieved and at peace that God provided an open door to their future with a young couple in their late 20's ... which should also be more fun! We've talked to them and text-messaged with them, and they are having fun - making new friends - playing volleyball with neighborhood youth - helping fix Erick's car - etc. They are not bored!

The same day he moved in, Gener made a friend with one of their two dogs ... and was happily playing with it on the street. Isidro (our gardener) talked to Nahum, and he said that Nahum is enjoying his new place.

God is good. All the time.

Thanks for your prayers,