Medical Camp!

My co-worker was helping assemble a medical camp near our children's home called House of Compassion so I arranged for the children to come to the camp. This was the first time the children had their eyesight checked. Any routine check-ups for the children is rare so this was a great opportunity for them.

Below are pictures from the camp. One child needs glasses and everything from a sprained finger to headaches to weakness was treated!

In line to give their information

365 people were seen

Eye tests were the most popular

Waiting for their eye tests

He still has the hat I gave him from July of last year!

Getting their vitamins and any medicines

Free Vitamin supplements

He likes to smile

Introduction to English

English teaching started awhile ago. I have started with teaching the children how to introduce themselves to others and to ask introductory questions of others. They seem to be picking it up pretty well. Most of the children are very eager to learn English because I think they realize how important it is for their lives. In order for them to be the software engineer, doctor, etc., they need to learn English. I have been visiting each home about twice per week so I am very busy!

I have also started compiling information on the children like age, what grade level they are in, and the average age for that grade level as a way to see how far behind some of the children are. This isn't supposed to be discouraging but rather a way to realize how to better serve them. It is very sad because there are several children who are 11 and 12 years old and in 1st class, which means they are 5 and 6 years behind.

Emotional and spiritual development is underway also. I have sat with each child and asked them two basic questions: "What is something that happened to you this week?" and "How can we be praying for you?" I am trying to get the children to express themselves more and feel more comfortable doing so. After they tell me what to pray for, I go down the list and pray for each of those things.

Below are some pictures from my visits to the homes.

Showing me his awards

Cute kid

Serious face

Striking a pose

He always wants on my shoulders

Gave him this shirt for his birthday

Playing

Love this picture

Shantiniketan Schools Program

The group of schools where the Eternal Joy and Peace Home children attend had a program the other day. I had the privilege of attending. When my co-workers and I arrived, we were escorted to the VIP section in the front row. In no way was I expecting this but that is how the Indian culture is. They are very hospitable. The principal of the schools was so happy that I was there to witness the event. He said it was the first time anyone from Back2Back had come. He thanked me repeatedly. It was good to see the children perform dances but also good because I was supporting his work in the schools by being there.

The children were so happy while dancing. It really made me think about their lives and how far they have come. Lives that started in turmoil on the streets or in villages abandoned and alone without a foreseeable future. That isn't the case today! They have a bright future, a future of promise. These children will be able to go back to their villages and spread the word of the Lord. They will influence others and hopefully help fight the cycle of poverty.
 

Check out these links to videos of the children dancing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mu2PdRTkJ7I

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTIiVCDv-r4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJlkzZnkpWk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZwRzKwST-w