In Uganda, the school year ends in December and the kids are on holiday till February. I miss seeing the village kids that come to GSF for school, but it has been a nice break having 200 less kids to look after. Now that the GSF kids main source of structure is gone, they run free around the campus and somehow always end up in our living room. I love having the time to cuddle with the kids, read them stories, try to learn how to Ugandan dance, and cook with them. Unfortunately, this means our home is a disaster all the time. It's amazing how fast the kids can make a fort with the couch cushions, open every game, get out crafts, and get into anything in sight. Before long, our place has turned into a zoo. This has been a lot of fun, but a lot of work as well. It is quite an endeavor cleaning things up. My housemates and I are so thankful the kids feel comfortable in our home, but are realizing how important it is for them to learn good manners and be respectful in a home. It is so exhausting staying on top of behavior and being consistent with rules, especially when the kids and are so cute and creative with their excuses.
One thing I've learned is that kids are kids no matter where they live, they're genuine one minute and manipulative the next. They want attention and love and need discipline and structure. Knowing how to do this well for 91 kids is such challenge, especially because I've never been a parent and the kids tell me I look 15 years old. I've been so encouraged by God's word as He desires us to come to him for wisdom (James 1:5). I love that this verse is not specific about what the wisdom needs to be about. It can be as small as how to discipline a child after they've disobeyed or as big as deciding whether a child should be resettled into the village. I've been amazed at how God really is faithful to his promises and does grant wisdom to a situation. That is a God worth putting my trust into.
In Uganda, the school year ends in December and the kids are on holiday till February. I miss seeing the village kids that come to GSF for school, but it has been a nice break having 200 less kids to look after. Now that the GSF kids main source of structure is gone, they run free around the campus and somehow always end up in our living room. I love having the time to cuddle with the kids, read them stories, try to learn how to Ugandan dance, and cook with them. Unfortunately, this means our home is a disaster all the time. It's amazing how fast the kids can make a fort with the couch cushions, open every game, get out crafts, and get into anything in sight. Before long, our place has turned into a zoo. This has been a lot of fun, but a lot of work as well. It is quite an endeavor cleaning things up. My housemates and I are so thankful the kids feel comfortable in our home, but are realizing how important it is for them to learn good manners and be respectful in a home. It is so exhausting staying on top of behavior and being consistent with rules, especially when the kids and are so cute and creative with their excuses.
One thing I've learned is that kids are kids no matter where they live, they're genuine one minute and manipulative the next. They want attention and love and need discipline and structure. Knowing how to do this well for 91 kids is such challenge, especially because I've never been a parent and the kids tell me I look 15 years old. I've been so encouraged by God's word as He desires us to come to him for wisdom (James 1:5). I love that this verse is not specific about what the wisdom needs to be about. It can be as small as how to discipline a child after they've disobeyed or as big as deciding whether a child should be resettled into the village. I've been amazed at how God really is faithful to his promises and does grant wisdom to a situation. That is a God worth putting my trust into.
Hi Meredith,
ReplyDeleteIs it okay if I post your blog link on our adoption blog? I'm guessing you won't mind, but please let me know if it's a problem.
Enjoying the pictures and stories. So glad to see that you are doing well.
Happy new year!
Tary, Glenn, Anne, Aaron, Abby and Xiao Bei
Hey lady- I love reading this blog and hearing all about what you're up to :) You come to mind quite often.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I think about what I'd do if I had to take care of one kid- so reading your blog and seeing that you have hundreds to care for makes me feel like I shouldn't be such a wimp, haha. Hope you enjoyed the Christmas & New Years holidays- love you!
Nicole