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Do you remember when you went to take the test to get your permit? Do you remember your first time behind the wheel? How old were you? 15 years and 6 months? 16 years old?
For the teens in the group homes, getting a drivers license at the age of 16 is not their reality. Teens living in a group home have to wait until they are 18 or out of the group home until they can think of getting a permit or license.
then they have to find someone who is willing to teach them how to drive.
i am currently teach two young ladies how to drive. Taking them to get their permit and watching them fail their first written test was not easy. Remembering to encourage them to keep studying the material and take practice tests. finally, the both have their permits and are currently practicing their driving.
Most people say I am crazy, but I have the privilege of hearing the excitement in the girls' voices as they passed their written test. To be apart of the accomplishment of another step to independence, is a honor for me.
I will keep you posted on their progress. Until then, keep driving safe because the girls are watching you and telling me of everything other drivers are doing wrong :-)
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Updates from The Mini Orphanages
Hello again,
Today I wanted to give you a look into another one of the group homes, told by one of our fabulous volunteers.
Here is her experiences:
Hello... my name is Linda and this is my story about the fun and exciting experiences I have had while volunteering at a foster children's shelter. I have been visiting this home for over a year, and during this time frame, have fallen in love over and over and over!
When I first started at the home, I was worried about how to act, or what to say, and if I was "doing things right". However, within the first hour I was there, I was hugged and accepted as "one of their own". I got big smiles and inquisitive questions from some of the little ones, and a couple of them called me Melinda or Belinda for the first few visits. A couple of them, especially when they first arrived at the home, were quiet and kept to themselves. These sweet children are going thru a traumatic time in their lives, as they have been taken away from everything they are familiar with. Their surroundings are new and everything is strange to them. Yet, within just a few minutes of meeting me, they timidly come up ask you to play with them. Others take a little longer, but each and every one of them wants and need love, and eventually learn to trust you.
There is nothing as rewarding as when you walk in the door to visit, to see all the little ones run to greet you, and out your name. One sweet 3 1/2 year old runs up to me with her arms open wide and yells, "Linda, I found you!" she thought she had lost me when I left for the day, so the next half hour or so is spent sitting next to her and letting her hug me. Wow, it fills my heart with joy! the time flies by so fast, that each week I am surprised at how soon it is time to leave again.
Today I wanted to give you a look into another one of the group homes, told by one of our fabulous volunteers.
Here is her experiences:
Hello... my name is Linda and this is my story about the fun and exciting experiences I have had while volunteering at a foster children's shelter. I have been visiting this home for over a year, and during this time frame, have fallen in love over and over and over!
When I first started at the home, I was worried about how to act, or what to say, and if I was "doing things right". However, within the first hour I was there, I was hugged and accepted as "one of their own". I got big smiles and inquisitive questions from some of the little ones, and a couple of them called me Melinda or Belinda for the first few visits. A couple of them, especially when they first arrived at the home, were quiet and kept to themselves. These sweet children are going thru a traumatic time in their lives, as they have been taken away from everything they are familiar with. Their surroundings are new and everything is strange to them. Yet, within just a few minutes of meeting me, they timidly come up ask you to play with them. Others take a little longer, but each and every one of them wants and need love, and eventually learn to trust you.
There is nothing as rewarding as when you walk in the door to visit, to see all the little ones run to greet you, and out your name. One sweet 3 1/2 year old runs up to me with her arms open wide and yells, "Linda, I found you!" she thought she had lost me when I left for the day, so the next half hour or so is spent sitting next to her and letting her hug me. Wow, it fills my heart with joy! the time flies by so fast, that each week I am surprised at how soon it is time to leave again.
Now, mind you kids will be kids. So, not everything is perfect all the time. They are just like every other boy or girl, and just like our own children, they can get into scuffles. Since they all live together, they are more like brother and sisters than you would think. They argue over toys and puzzles and personal space issues and who sits where at the table etc. The main difference between these group home kids and our children is that they are not able to live in their own homes.
I was an orphan when I was young, and lived in an orphanage as well. These kids live in a modern day orphanage. Just like these adorable Group home kids, all I wanted and yearned for was love and security. I feel so privileged to be able to give love back to these awesome, hopeful, and intelligent children. They really are our country’s future generation. Also, I would like to mention a wonderful agency and cannot say enough good things about OCJ KIDS. They are in the center of the group home arena, and work day in and day out with the Foster child community. They truly love these children (often forgotten by society) and truly make a difference in their lives. Just check out their web site to see some of what they do for the lost and forgotten children of our society. www.OCJKids.org
Sincerely,
Linda OnderLinde
I hope you enjoyed Linda's Experiences. If you have been going into the homes and want to share your story, please let me know.
Until next time,
Shevaun
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