Conjunction Junction

When I am not at work, I try to find constructive things to do with my time. For more than a year I have been volunteering as a tutor. At the end of last year I agreed to teach a weekly course at the local community college.

The topic: writing.

The goal: prepare my students for the admission test in order to become students at the college.

The students: recent high school grads and not so recent high school grads who want to better their lives, but have experienced set backs in pursuing their dreams.

Last week, we had an entire class dedicated to conjunctions. It reminded me of my childhood and the wonderful lessons offered by Schoolhouse Rocks. Do you remember these? Were you too young to even know what I am talking about? Either way...check. it. out.



Apparently, a good teacher can make an impact. In my case, it was an educational video that I still remember all these years later.

just Sheri, wishing Schoolhouse Rocks would make a comeback

hidden in plain sight

A few weeks ago I received an invitation to join a group of individuals at one of the local homeless camp areas.  There are camps throughout our community - behind restaurants and strip malls, construction sites and churches. This particular camp was set up directly behind my bank. I have gone to this parking lot often since moving, but failed to notice the foot path leading in to the woods.

My immediate thought is how there are so many folks living in our society, in our cities, in our neighborhoods, who are hidden in plain sight. They are there, yet we don't see them. Why don't we see them? I think it has more to do with us than them. Acknowledging their presence disrupts our comfort. So, instead we look past them, through them, around them. We willful ignore the signs.

Perhaps we do this because we don't know how to help, or what to do. Perhaps we do it because we don't want to be inconvenienced. Perhaps we do it because we've been blind so long we forgot how to see. I don't have the answer.

What I do know is, there are hundreds in my community living in the woods. They are hidden in plain sight. With the exception of a few good-hearted souls, they are forgotten.

Since that visit to the woods, where I played horse shoes and heard stories of unfortunate circumstances, I have been praying one scripture over and over and over again.

Psalm 9:18
For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever.

For those that I met in the woods, I pray they are not forgotten by the masses. That a civilized society will remember the less fortunate. I pray hope is alive in their hearts and that one day soon it becomes their reality. This prayer is not just for the homeless, but for all of those who live among us but are hidden in plain sight.


just Sheri, attempting to open my eyes to the unseen

just read: Humilitas

Back in September I posted about the author of Humilitas, John Dickson.

Since then I have read through some of my stack and packed this book in my carry-on to China. I finished it while on the trip. I enjoyed the authors approach to humility. Reading this book gave me a lesson in ancient history and latin vocabulary, while challenging me to build better character qualities - a VERY unique (and intriguing) combination!

I cannot possibly summarize the book in one blog post, so I will instead focus on one chapter.  John applied the virtue of humility to leadership in a number of aspects, but the one I will focus on is persuasion. Persuasion is a tool leaders use to influence circumstances or events. John argues that "the humble are frequently more persuasive and inspiring than the arrogant."

According to John, the fundamentals of leadership are: 1. ability, 2. example and 3. persuasion. Then he says:

"... persuasion is the leader's ability to articulate and argue a position in a way that motivates others in the team to move in the new direction. A leader with example but with no ability to persuade others will be well loved but unable to lift people beyond the circumstances they can see around them. Persuasion is key."

John goes on to explain that according to ancient philosophers, Aristotle in particular, the character of the speaker is the most effective tool. Beyond intellect. Beyond emotional appeal. Character, or ethos, influences. Why? Aristotle says, "We believe good-hearted people to a greater extent and more quickly than we do others on all subjects in general and completely in cases where there is not exact knowledge but room for doubt."

John concludes the chapter by saying, "When people trust us, they tend to believe what we say, and few are considered more trustworthy than those who choose to use their power for the good of others above themselves." A strong argument in favor of humility.

Want to be great? Choose to be a servant. That is the stance of a world-changer! Listening to others. Thinking of their needs above your own. "Humility is the noble choice to forgo your status, deploy your resources or use your influence for the good of others before yourself." Tough to do, but worth the effort.

just Sheri, seeing the value of ethos and trying to establish it in my heart

International Literacy Day

Each year this date (September 8) is set aside to focus attention on worldwide literacy needs. I have posted about this topic recently here and here.

To be honest, literacy was not something I cared passionately about until I experienced it first-hand. I took for granted that I had been afforded educational opportunities. I was blind to my own privilege. Literacy first struck me when I was working at headquarters in a traveling job. One of the orphan care projects our department was involved with included literacy in the project activities. On one of my visits to Liberia to visit the work, I was standing in a field where families had spent grueling hours to cultivate the land. I was impressed by the amount of effort they had put in and how they were sharing their harvest with the vulnerable...but that isn't what left the biggest impression on me.

Not even close. I had an experience that day that left a permanent imprint on my mind and heart. It was given to me by this woman in the picture.

When asked what the project has meant to her, what difference it has made in her life? She didn't talk about food provision or vocational training, instead she said, "I am learning to read." She then described to me with such joy what that gift has meant to her well being and the difference it has made in the care of her children. She stood straight and tall, with dignity and a sense of accomplishment and spelled her name for me.  I will never forget the look on her face (not captured in a photo, only in my mind's eye).  It reduced me to tears. Just thinking about it still makes me emotional. That day, I witnessed the life changing power of literacy.

Then I was afforded another powerful learning opportunity.  I lived in a foreign land where the alphabet looks like this:

I always found it beautiful to look at, like a work of art, but I had no hope of being able to read and understand it.  I experienced the challenges of being illiterate - the struggles to get through daily tasks, the coping skills that must be developed in order to function, the feelings of vulnerability at not understanding and the frustration of it all.

I hope to NEVER forget these lessons that life has afforded me.  It is why I give time each week to a student as part of the Literacy Volunteers of America program.  It is why I am dedicating today's blog post to the topic of literacy.

Help someone learn to read, write or do arithmetic...you will change their life for the better!

Do you have a story about literacy that you would like to share?

just Sheri, no longer blind to my privilege in the area of literacy

the little engine that could...

I have decided that one of my responsibilities as a tutor is to share American culture with my student. What better way to do that than through a popular children's book?

On a recent weekday, two grown-ups sat in a library and read aloud "The Little Engine that Could."

I hadn't planned on it being a good opportunity to teach about the rhythm of the English language...nor old school words that aren't used that often anymore. My thoughts were rather shallow actually. Ahh, this is a popular children's book that adults still refer to often. That should be good.

We ended up having an insightful conversation about character qualities. She has the best questions.

Q: How would you describe the attitude of the little blue engine?


Optimistic. Do you know that word?

No. What does it mean?


I wrote it down. Then wrote the best definition I could come up with without the use of a dictionary.

Optimistic: believing the best about people or situations. Believing that you can, even when it's hard or challenging. Believing the challenge is not too big.

The opposite of optimistic is pessimistic. Do you know that word?

No.


Pessimistic: believing that people are bad or situations are too hard. Viewing the challenge as too big.

The little blue engine was also helpful and kind. The little blue engine was confident that even though he had not tried to go over the mountain before, he could do it.

How would you describe the attitude of the other trains?


Some of the other trains were arrogant, believing that they were too important to help the toys when they asked. Do you know the word arrogant?

No. What does it mean?


Arrogant...pause. I was not really sure how to define arrogance. Then I explained that when we say someone is "arrogant" it is not a compliment. I guess arrogance can be describe as being overly confident.

Yes. I understand. Too much confidence.


TOO MUCH confidence.


This is a good story. I am going to read it to my little sister. It has a good lesson.


just Sheri, reminded about character from a children's book

cultural experience: grass jelly drink

My student has decided to share some cultural experiences with me. I embrace these opportunities, it was part of why I wanted a student from another place - so they could expand my horizons, and broaden my perspective.

Once she brought me home-made food. Recently, she brought me a new drink - grass jelly.

I wasn't really sure what to expect. Drinking grass hadn't been on my bucket list, nor did I think it would taste good. But, she assured me it was fine. After our meeting, when we had already said our good-byes I opened the can. The smell was unusual. I forged ahead.

The taste wasn't bad - sort of like root beer or strong tea. I kept drinking.

Then I was hit by a surprise - chunks. I suddenly discovered the "jelly" part of the drink. It included chewy squares of something. Again, not bad - just unexpected.

I finished my first can of grass jelly drink. Then I texted her my reaction, including the surprising chunks.

Her response, "LOL." She promised to bring me more items to taste test.

just Sheri, enjoying new experiences

open door policy

Do you remember that children's song about the church and the steeple? It was always accompanied by fun hand motions.

Here's the church...Here's the steeple...Open the doors and see all the people.

Over the years I have spent quite a few hours thinking about a particular question - what is church? I've come to a few conclusions. 

1. Church is not a building, though that is the name we call it. 

2.  "The church" is made up of the last part of the rhyme - people. 

3.  Everything else is just a human creation; such as the building that houses the church.

I have had the privilege of attending church around the globe. This opportunity only further solidified these conclusions for me. 

Church can be held anywhere, at any time. Church can meet under a tree. Church can meet in a basement of an office building. Church can meet in homes or schools. Church is not the building - it is the people. Which I think is pretty amazing.

The other thing I've learned is the people are not one type, make, or creed. The church is diverse; made up of different colors, languages and traditions. To me that means the God we serve is bigger than my geographic location or culture.

One of the major criticisms of "the church" is all the money poured in to facilities. It is expensive to construct a building, maintain it, and keep the lights on. The worst part is, that after all that expense the building is often used infrequently. That is an unfortunate circumstance. However, since I've been back in the US this has not been my experience.

The church we have been attending houses many gatherings throughout the week. We meet on Sunday mornings, but Tuesday night a Spanish church uses the building, Wednesday it is used to feed the needy, Saturday night a Ghanian church meets...and those are only the activities I am aware of. I love that!

In recent weeks I have been visiting community-based health programs for work. I have been VERY encouraged by what I have seen...

One local church has converted their basement to a small free clinic - equipped with a waiting room, office space, space for vital sign checks and exam rooms. In addition to providing space for the clinic, this church provides hospitality for those who come to visit the clinic through baked goods (including sugar-free varieties for diabetics), drinks, gift cards for medicine purchases, bus tickets and more.

A second church provides a sit down dinner for the homeless and coordinates with the free clinic and state run community service board to provide clinical services. This church buses in the homeless and many others come via public transport. Those who come sign-up for services. Throughout the dinner they spend time with a doctor to talk about health problems, get needed medicine, or speak with someone about ongoing mental health issues. This service is changing lives for the better. Equipping individuals to improve the circumstances of their lives.

A third church hosted a health fair - including rapid HIV testing, blood donations, blood pressure screening, and a mobile van to check eye-sight and hearing. The group providing the eye and hearing screenings, also provides treatment for those in need - paid by their generous volunteers.

The church is alive and active - using their buildings as a community resource. 

just Sheri, loving the open door policy

Fender Bender

I have been meeting with my student for a few weeks now. For one of our lessons I had cut out photos from magazines. I chose things that I thought might interest her, or that I thought would help introduce American culture topics.

One of the photos was of a giant pick-up truck from a car advertisement. The discussion went in a direction I was not anticipating. She started asking me about car parts.

What is the compartment called between the two seats?

I don't know.

What is the space that some cars have in the back of the car between the window and the back seat?

I am not sure that has a name. I just call it "the very back."

She asked about stuff under the hood, in the interior, and along the outside. I wasn't much help.

Then she asked something I could answer. She pointed to a thing on the front of the truck.

What is that called?


The bumper.

Finally, something I knew! This encouraged me to keep going.

Do you know what it is called when one car bumper hits another car bumper?

No.


A fender bender.

Laughter. Confusion. Spelling. Attempts at pronunciation. Then...

I hope I never have one of those.


More laughter.

just Sheri, questioning my value as a tutor

voting with my dollars

When I was living overseas something changed in me. I became very aware of where my dollars were going. Not in a budgeting sense, but as a matter of social conscientiousness. I had heard the term "voting with dollars," but certainly didn't make conscious choices about how I spend my money to advance social endeavors. 

That has changed. 

I am much more aware of where I spend money to buy groceries or clothes, to eat out, or in any other consumer action. My consumerism has become more intentional. Kenyon and I eat out hardly ever, mostly I cook. However, when I have to set business meetings I choose local restaurants. I buy our groceries at a local grocer or the farmers market. I want my dollars to support good causes. I have even done the majority of my clothes shopping at thrift stores - it's amazing how many never worn items are available at discount prices.

This month I am officially out of the "uninsured" category and have moved to the "insured" category of individuals. Now that I have health insurance I am going to set some much needed doctors appointments. First on the list is a dentist. I haven't been to a dentist in two-years (or more). There weren't many options where we have lived recently and we weren't covered for such things when visiting the U.S. On our last home leave (in 2010) we tried to get dental appointments at the free clinic, but were unsuccessful due to the high demand for these services and our limited time frame. 

I was excited about my upcoming dentist appointment. One of the people out with us that night said, "you are excited to go to the dentist?" Yes, sir. I now realize what a luxury a dentist visit is. Such luxuries aren't available in most of the world, nor to the uninsured in our country. I am only now leaving those categories to the privileged position of an insured person living in America. You betcha I am excited to go to the dentist. Bring it on!

His wife asked me how I chose my dentist. She had recently had a bad dental experience with her current dentist and was shopping around. I told her it was simple. Having experienced the struggles of the uninsured first-hand. I chose the local Community Health Center as my dental office. Most of their clients are the uninsured and they work hard to raise money to keep this service going. They are trying to up their client mix to 25% insured to help underwrite the costs for everyone else. I am happy to take my business to their medical office so they can keep their doors open and help others. I am voting with my dollars.

just Sheri, excited to visit the Community Health dentist

found: my first student

I recently received a list of potential students from the Literacy Volunteers of America. Some were born and raised in the U.S., a few had even graduated from high school. Some were from other parts of the globe. I had mentioned before that my personal preference was a woman from another place.

I read the list and responded to the coordinator that there were two I was interested in tutoring. One was a young woman from Southeast Asia, Vietnam specifically. She works at a nail salon in town. The second was a mother from West Africa, Sierra Leone. Her goal was to improve her English skills so she could help her children with their homework.

The coordinator suggested I work with the young woman from Vietnam. I am excited about the opportunity. When I read her bio it made me realize how often I interact with people in similar circumstances, but don't think about their plight. Those at the grocery store stocking shelves or collecting carts. Those at restaurants cleaning tables and dishes. Those at nail salons who have given me a pedicure. I haven't met my student, yet, but she has already taught me something - to open my eyes to the struggles of those I interact with every day.

just Sheri, looking at the world with new perspective

Americas struggle with literacy

Did you know that in the United States there are individuals graduating high school who are functionally illiterate? That doesn't seem like it should be true. But, it is. The reasons for it are too numerous to mention here.

I was talking with my friend Allison about this recently and she told me about a study in Detroit that found 47% of adults in that city were functionally illiterate. Wow!

What is functionally illiterate? It means the individual has trouble with reading, writing, speaking and computation skills. I don't have to tell you the difficulty one would have in the job market, or simply functioning in the world, if they struggle with these skills.

Click here to read the article on Detroit. Detroit isn't the only city with this issue. It is happening across the United States. It is happening in the city I live. Whether you are aware of it, or not, it is happening in the city you live. It shouldn't be, but it is.

For the betterment of our society, we shouldn't just accept this. We should do something about it.

just Sheri, hoping to improve the literacy level of at least one adult

functionally illiterate

When moving overseas I was afforded the opportunity to learn what it is like to go through life functionally illiterate. Though, I have a masters degree and reading (in English) is my most consistent hobby - I could not read street signs, simple sentences, instructions, applications, documents and forms. I was often asked to sign things that I could not read. It was an eye opening experience as I learned to adapt and cope with this challenge.

I became fascinated with the challenges of adult learners, especially those attempting to learn to read, write and do basic math. The agency I worked for created an adult literacy program, which gave me an opportunity to research the topic of teaching adults these skills. I started volunteering with a group of young people who wanted to improve their English language skills. I have not forgotten the struggles I experienced as an illiterate adult.

As a woman, this issue became even closer to my heart. In so many parts of the world women are not even offered the opportunity to learn such things. I don't know why I was born where I was born and afforded the opportunities I have been afforded, but I am certain it is not just to benefit myself. I need to do something with these gifts. Since international travel is not an option currently, I started to look for local volunteer opportunities. That is when I found the Literacy Volunteers of America. I signed up for their literacy tutor training and willingly spent a few beautiful Saturday's in a classroom to earn my certificate.

I am officially certified as a literacy tutor and have told the organization that my preference for student is a women from outside of the US. I can't wait to put my education to work!

just Sheri, a certified literacy tutor

Rome wasn't built in a day...

Before leaving Cambodia I had one last training session with the staff teams there. At the end of the session is when I announced my departure. There were many tears. For training in the northern province I needed a translator. We hired a young Khmer guy who works with the local church. He is studying business at college and does translation on the side to earn money. English is his second language.

One evening Wayne and I were talking about our struggles with learning the language. My progress did not meet my expectations and neither did his. Wayne said, "I could be in Cambodia 10 years and I will probably still be trying to learn the language."

Without hesitation the translator responded by saying, "Well Wayne, Rome wasn't built in a day."

I was so surprised by his use of this statement. It was perfect timing. Both Wayne and I laughed histerically at his comment. In case you are confused by our amazement, it is unusual for those who speak English as a second language to make those kind of jokes. Usually one must have a deep understanding of a language to be able to be so clever in its use. I can't even carry a conversation in Khmer, much less try to be clever in the use of language!

The next day I complimented the translator on his application and timing of that statement - Rome wasn't built in a day. I also decided that it was something I must teach the English class. At my last full class, I tried to explain how the statement means learning is a process or things take time. I shared with them my story of the translator. They took notes. I wasn't sure it sunk in. Then I got this email from Jenni...

hi sheri,

you will love this! tonight at english class, nimol, told us this story. the other day she was talking with one of the students there who is struggling with learning khmer. and she turned to him and said, "rome wasn't built in a day, you know!" He was so surprised and went on about "who taught you that?? how do you know that??"

Jenni is right. I love it...and I totally understand that guys reaction.

Here is a picture of the English class. We left on a Tuesday, they got together on Monday, so I stopped in to say good-bye.

They said good-bye in a very Asian way..."see you when you see me." I still don't know where they learned that, nor what it means. But, just about everyone says it.

See you when you see me, Cambodia!

teaching English

Since arriving in Cambodia I have been searching for ways to get involved in the community - a volunteer opportunity of sorts. Yes, there is need all around, which would lead one to assume there is ample volunteer opportunity. I looked at many opportunities, but it was hard to find one that would match my schedule (long work hours and frequent travel) and would not be hindered by my limitations (very poorly spoken and often forgotten Khmer).

Yes, I work for an organization that is focused on serving the country. Why would I feel the need to give more of myself? Because my job is a desk job. I am not a project manager who gets to be in the field with the people, I manage the project managers which leaves me somewhat disconnected from the people. I spend most of my time sitting at a desk in front of a computer, just as I would if I were working in America. I want to be where the people are, in order to do that I need to find a volunteer opportunity.

My neighbor Jenni told me that she is doing 6 weeks of English lessons with her Khmer teachers. I asked if I could be her teaching assistant one day a week. She agreed.

I joined my first class on Wednesday and loved it!

They started by asking me questions about myself, some (like my age and why I haven't had children yet) would be considered personal in my culture for a first encounter. At the end of the questioning I shared that most Westerners don't talk about that stuff during the introduction stage. They said, this is normal conversation for Khmer people, it is simply part of getting to know one another.

Our agenda for the evening included going over sounds like "th," "v," and "f." Jenni did a lot of prep work for the class and had written some fun sentences to practice these sounds. At one point, when the whole room (with the exception of the two Americans) was struggling with one word, I realized how patient my Khmer teacher is with me. What word was that? Wives. Everytime the students spoke the word it sounded like "wise."

Jenni would say, "no, no. Wives." For a while I don't think the distinction was even noticeable to the students. So, she started overannunciated so they could catch the distinctions.

The students would then say "wise." But this time they would scrape their teeth on their lower lip to try and pronounce the "v."

It went on like this for a while until Jenni decided to move on and let them practice the sentences at home.

The class was scheduled for 1 1/2 hours. It went in the blink of an eye.

I was telling a colleague from England about it the next day. He said he's noticed that many Asian's struggle with the "th" sound. He works in the health sector, but when Asian's say that word it sounds more like "hell." Imagine meeting someone from another organization and introducing yourself as the "Director of Hell." He says he has to hold back a laugh everytime he hears it.

Teaching English is fun. It is also very valuable for those who are learning as it widens their job prospects. If they can learn English and computers, the opportunities available are greatly expanded. It is also a good service opportunity for me. Thank Jenni for letting me be your teaching assistant!

monthly powdered milk delivery

Kenyon continues to visit the Sisters of Charity children's home. He and Caroline go on a monthly basis to take powdered milk to the babies. Here are some photos he took on a recent visit.

Kiwani's Club

Last week Kenyon and I were invited to a Kiwani's Club luncheon. We accepted the invitation. You could count the number of people under the age of sixty on one hand. The club talked about the upcoming blood drive, their participation as bell ringers for the Salvation Army, the gifts they were going to give to needy children at Christmas and a literacy project they were helping with. The featured presenter for the meeting was the local school district who has started a graduation requirement where students look at what they will do beyond graduation - they choose a path (career, artistic, or philanthropic), submit a research paper on their chosen path, submit community service hours along that path, and give a final presentation. The school was asking for mentors to help the students in this graduation requirement.

This group and groups like it (Rotary Club, Elks Lodge, etc) do good work. They are integrated in their communities and they give back in tangible ways. Why are groups like this so unappealing to a younger generation? Why has this kind of civic engagement seemed to die in popularity with so many?

I don't really understand it. As a society, are we really that selfish? Do we only participate for what we can get out of it?

I read portions of a book on this topic in graduate school titled Bowling Alone. I think I might revist this text, I am currently very curious about the decline of civic engagement.

Things that make you go, hmmm...

Walk for India

The walk for India was a success. Twenty-five students, plus their friends and families showed up for the event. The weather was beautiful! One of the few beautiful days we've had this spring. The students raised enough money to purchase two uniforms for the 50 children we are taking in to the new orphanage this summer.

Feeding the homeless

Last Saturday, Kenyon and I, along with a couple of the girls from my small group went to the urban core to feed the homeless. We had a great time serving fried chicken, corn and mashed potatoes. I would show you a picture of Kenyon with a hair net on, but he would be very upset with me, as I remembered to wear a ball cap in order to avoid the hair net fashion accessory and failed to mention it to him. Bad girlfriend! I could show you the photo, but then I'd have to kill you. :) Before we arrived he wasn't sure he wanted to attend, a day or so later he said, "you can sign us up for that again."

You know me, I probably will.

Habitat House

My church is funding a Habitat for Humanity house. Today I went to volunteer at the site. The plumbers had arrived so we couldn't work at the house. Instead we went to the warehouse to clean and haul heavy objects. I worked side-by-side with my girlfriend Andrea and two home owners putting in sweat equity. Before stopping at the warehouse we visited a recently completed home. It was part of a builders blitz - a bunch of KC builders put the house together in less than 5 days. It was beautiful! But the most amazing part, wasn't the house. It was what it means to the family moving in. One of the families I spent the day with today own that home. I had the privilege of speaking with them. The mom said about her new home, "it was a blessing she didn't have room for." Meaning - her cup is running over. To her it was a gift from God. The work the volunteers did on her home demonstrated God's love in a very meaningful way. What an amazing gift. It was a wonderful way to spend a Saturday. These activities help me keep my life in perspective. I too am blessed, my cup runneth over.

Youth Friend

I volunteer as a mentor every Tuesday morning with five kids from an inner-city middle school. I've been doing this for most of the school year. They are in 6th and 7th grade. There are two boys and three girls in the group. These kids come from difficult circumstances, for instance the twin girl's mother is Cambodian and their father is black. Their father was murdered a few years back, they have three brothers and sisters. So they are living with an immigrant mother who has some language challenges since English was not her first language, and a single mother of five trying to survive. Unbelievable! Some of the stories they tell me are impossible to relate to - I did not have these experiences in my childhood. One day one of the boys said his uncle was coming in to town. Turns out he's coming from prison. Not an event that is in the realm of my experience, I wasn't sure how to respond to that - why was your uncle in prison seemed inappropriate? I was blank on a follow-up question.

As if the circumstances of their lives were not enough, the school district fails them. Even as 7th graders they have trouble reading at a basic level. Kansas City Missouri's schools have been struggling to earn accredidation for the entire time I've lived here - nearly eight years. Recently it was announced by the school district the kids school will be shut down. This group of kids is going to three different schools. I won't be able to meet with them at three schools, I had to tell them last week. It was sad. In the time I've been meeting with them, according to the teachers, they have improved in their classes and behavior. I am going to miss my kids!

I pray they are able to pull out of the cycle of poverty. I pray they do not end up young parents, in gangs, or jail. There is only so much influence I can have meeting with them once a week. I fear one of the girl's is well on her way to a young pregnancy. One of the boys has anger issues, and I fear he is on the path to violence and possibly prison. There is one girl at their school who's mom is a prostitute, this little girl dresses herself and gets herself to school everyday. If I were a married person, I would probably adopt a dozen kids - some from here and some from India. My heart goes out to them. I want to do something to improve their lives. The best I've come up with is to love them, expose them to options/opportunities/alternatives, encourage them, and simply be present in the moments I have with them.

In spite of the no child left behind policies, these children are being left behind.