Our recent addition to the family, Jesus, is doing great. By taking him off sugar and sending him to school with a healthy snack, he has been able to tolerate staying in class. I also tried something that was recommend by some trusted friends with experience. I give Jesus a small amount of coffee with no sugar. The caffeine has the reverse affect on the little guy. He's much calmer and less impulsive. It seems to be the ticket for successful behavior in school. I know this because the one day that Jesus dumped his coffee in the sink without me knowing, it was reported that he was in and out of his seat, taking things out of the desks of other students and singing worship songs from church at the top of his lungs!
Once we got him to stay in the classroom, our next step was to get him to do his work in class. Although we had managed to help him with his behavioral issues, there was still the issue of doing his work in class. I quickly learned that Jesus did not know his alphabet, or numbers. They were hit and miss and had very little significance. So, I started printing out papers off the internet to help him learn to write his letters and I also found some great games on the internet to practice the alphabet and numbers. I noticed how quickly he responded to praise and made him a chart of chores and responsibilities. Whenever he completed something I put a corresponding sticker on his chart. At the end of the week, if he had enough stickers he got a prize.
Another big change for Jesus has been regarding his ears. I'm not sure of the reason, but Jesus has had tubes put in his ears and he has at least one if not two perforated eardrums. Because of this condition, he has never been allowed to go in swimming pools.
On Easter Sunday, there was a water baptism at community pools down the road. Before and after the baptism many children were swimming in the pool. I was told that Jesus was not even allowed to sit on the steps of the pool because they didn't want to risk water going into his ears. Apparently when water gets in his ears it causes and infection and it's quite an ordeal.
After walking, talking, eating, playing with a soccer ball and hanging out with as many adults possible, while at the pool, I decided we should go back to the orphanage. I felt so bad for Jesus having watch so many children playing all afternoon in the water and he was the only one not allowed to go in. It broke my heart that he could enjoy the water, so I began to investigate.
One of my friends that runs a clinic down here told me about some special ear plugs and head band that Jesus could wear that would keep the water out of his ears. For hardly any money, I was able to order the ear plugs and head band for Jesus. When they arrived he quickly asked for a bath so that he could try them out. The timing of their arrival is what's special to me. Tomorrow, we are having a special celebration at a pool. Tomorrow will be Jesus' first time in the water...well at least first time with permission in the water.
In just a few weeks, Jesus has gone from "Gitano" (Gypsy); from trouble maker to helper; from taking off, coming and going as he pleased, to asking for permission to go places. He will still tell you that he doesn't like school, but I have a feeling as soon as he's able to participate in reading and understanding the lessons that will change.
Once we got him to stay in the classroom, our next step was to get him to do his work in class. Although we had managed to help him with his behavioral issues, there was still the issue of doing his work in class. I quickly learned that Jesus did not know his alphabet, or numbers. They were hit and miss and had very little significance. So, I started printing out papers off the internet to help him learn to write his letters and I also found some great games on the internet to practice the alphabet and numbers. I noticed how quickly he responded to praise and made him a chart of chores and responsibilities. Whenever he completed something I put a corresponding sticker on his chart. At the end of the week, if he had enough stickers he got a prize.
Another big change for Jesus has been regarding his ears. I'm not sure of the reason, but Jesus has had tubes put in his ears and he has at least one if not two perforated eardrums. Because of this condition, he has never been allowed to go in swimming pools.
On Easter Sunday, there was a water baptism at community pools down the road. Before and after the baptism many children were swimming in the pool. I was told that Jesus was not even allowed to sit on the steps of the pool because they didn't want to risk water going into his ears. Apparently when water gets in his ears it causes and infection and it's quite an ordeal.
After walking, talking, eating, playing with a soccer ball and hanging out with as many adults possible, while at the pool, I decided we should go back to the orphanage. I felt so bad for Jesus having watch so many children playing all afternoon in the water and he was the only one not allowed to go in. It broke my heart that he could enjoy the water, so I began to investigate.
One of my friends that runs a clinic down here told me about some special ear plugs and head band that Jesus could wear that would keep the water out of his ears. For hardly any money, I was able to order the ear plugs and head band for Jesus. When they arrived he quickly asked for a bath so that he could try them out. The timing of their arrival is what's special to me. Tomorrow, we are having a special celebration at a pool. Tomorrow will be Jesus' first time in the water...well at least first time with permission in the water.
In just a few weeks, Jesus has gone from "Gitano" (Gypsy); from trouble maker to helper; from taking off, coming and going as he pleased, to asking for permission to go places. He will still tell you that he doesn't like school, but I have a feeling as soon as he's able to participate in reading and understanding the lessons that will change.
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