Happenings

So I have fallen behind in my writing. It’s been an interesting time. About two weeks ago the boys had visitation and one of there brothers smuggled in weed to them. About half of them got high and they also got some of the younger boys that never had any drugs before, which is what gave them away. Also, we were having a change in the night staffs so 14 of the boys planned there escape on the guy’s first shift. One of them was going to grab the guy’s keys and gun when he fell asleep steal his jeep, hold him at gun point and escape this way. First of all clearly planned by teenagers because they had these things written in a notebook (never leave evidence CSI :)), and there is no way a Vitarra was going to hold 14 boys. So obviously this was a fail but brought about many repercussions. The leader has been in solitary confinement since and life is moving on. But it really makes me think what am I doing with these boys and what else can be done to prevent them from reentering the system. I’m really trying with my catechism class. We have conversations and discussions. They even asked me for a list of bible citations which I am working on for them. It’s really good to know that only one of the kids in my class was involved. I know I can’t change the whole population but I can change a few and that makes my time worthwhile.

At the hogar I am now taking away cell phones because the workers are requested to keep them in there lockers but as soon as the sisters are gone they are back on them and texting constantly. So if I take a cell phone away they will be either paying or deducting from there pay 50bs to have it returned. Not fun a lot of upset people but no one wants to follow the rules so it has come to this. This week I’m supervising teeth brushing for the kids and on go my battle. At some point this year I will get to see the rewards of this all.

 At home, I got to go to meet Julio’s teachers. The kids here have about a month left of school. He has progressed from bad grades to bad attitude with the teachers unfortunately. Slamming down things and straight out refusal to do work they give him. So we are back to the drawing board with him and trying to get him through his tests.

Everyone here is really excited though because one of the girls that went through the program in getting married in a week so the prep is underway. Imagine a house full of twenty year olds prepping for a big event. They are in a flurry. It should be fun to see them all done up and help them with all there prep.

As you can see it has been hectic with a couple of other things going on as well. But the Holy Spirit accompanies me through these days and I know the big guy isn’t going to leave me alone at any point of this journey.

 

Lots of Love!

Eli