The De-sassification Process

Here's how it works:

 

v     Take 1 tween girl and remove her from a materialistic culture where the latest fashion and coolest toys were of highest priority

 

v     Take away the Disney channel, a room full of toys, fast food on every corner and shopping malls

 

v     Place her in a foreign culture, far, far, away with a few clothes and 3 favorite toys

 

v     Have forced family time with both parents and a (sometimes annoying) little brother because there are few other options when you arrive and don't know the language or how to get around

 

v     Play games like Dutch Blitz, Uno, and Go Fish; read a book; make fun crafts out of random objects lying around

 

v     Once the tween girl and her family get adjusted, go to visit a group home for orphans with disabilities.

 

v     Take her downtown to see the beggars on the street.  Let her see that these beggars are not just poor people but that they are people with disabilities who have been oppressed and will never be offered a "real job" in this culture.

 

v     Let her place some money in the dish of the father who is sitting on the street, feeding his child with CP, his child who others may consider unworthy but who he loves with all his heart.  Let her see how this father humbles himself to beg for money so he can afford to keep his beloved son.

 

This process may be a little scary and a little painful but the end result is worth every bit of suffering!  This little girl, my precious Emily has come a long way in a very short period of time.  The same 8 year old girl that begged for a certain toy or outfit and would pout, roll her eyes and storm off if she didn't get it, has not asked for 1 thing here.  She has been polite, gracious, and selfless.  She has discovered the joy in giving!  She loves to visit the orphans and takes pride and pleasure in holding their hands in public and sharing her French fries with them.  She hugs them, brings them toys to play with and doesn't stop smiling the whole time we are with them.  She tells us she loves us several times every day and does her chores without complaint.  She makes Benji feel better when he's sad and crying "I want to go home".  She holds him and tells him it's going to be ok. 

 

It's likely we won't be here a year (more on that later) but we are so thankful for this experience for Emily.  She makes this mommy very proud!  Oh, and 1 more thing to brag about – Emily took a placement test for her home education and she has skipped 3^rd grade!  She is now in 4^th grade!