Thursday, May 12, 2011

Learning to Earn repost

Picture  1:   The  orphanage director displays the komuz. Two were delivered secretly late this afternoon so the children wouldn't see them until it was time.

Picture 2: Emma Wright created this "work plan".  Each  name of the six children learning to earn is on the chart and what they did to accomplish each smiley is written there.

Picture 3: We wanted to see who were the children that worked so hard this week for their reward.

Picture 4: Waiting, waiting, waiting!!!

Picture 5: The instruments are on the way

Picture 6: They promised us a concert in the fall.

 "I am taking komuz lessons," Janelle told me," but I don't have one. ( It is the traditional musical instrument of Kyrgyzstan.)  Those words came from a precious 13 year old living in a local orphanage. My normal reaction would have been, "we will get you one right away." However, her request set me to thinking and offering an entirely different response.

Just before we left for Kyrgyzstan, my daughter, Kristy, recommended a book to us.  When Helping Hurts  has transformed my thinking. We are thinking differently  in what we are doing, what we are saying, how we are giving and supporting.  Are we helping when we "just hand-out?"  or are we ultimately hurting another's self –worth? Are we being culturally sensitive or do we believe that the North American way of doing things is always best?

What does this paradigm shift have to do with a 13 year old orphanage youngster and a komuz? As I looked at Janelle that evening she told me about her need, I asked her a question.  "Do you want to work for it?"  I explained my plan (created on the spot that night J), that it would be so good to "learn to earn."  She told me five other children also went to lessons with her and wanted an instrument with which to practice.  So we came up with a plan.

The following week, I went to the orphanage director with our "learn to earn" plan and explained it to her.  She loved it.  Emma Wright, who translated for me and works a lot in this orphanage, created a musical staff whose notes could be filled in with smileys for extra work being done, good school grades, being kind to another child, etc.  The six children learning this traditional Kyrgz instrument would only have to "work" for a week and then they would have one – actually two.

Today, the children received their reward.  I hope that they feel differently about it because it was something that they earned. It wasn't a hand-out.  It really wasn't a gift.  It was the result of working hard and reaping the reward of a job well done.

Learning to Earn

(Note: due to the fact we cannot blog as normal, I am trying an experiment with pictures. If they appear to small, I will repost.  This is a fun story and we wanted you to capture the joy of it along with us.

 

"I am taking komuz lessons," Janelle told me," but I don't have one. ( It is the traditional musical instrument of Kyrgyzstan.)  Those words came from a precious 13 year old living in a local orphanage. My normal reaction would have been, "we will get you one right away." However, her request set me to thinking and offering an entirely different response.

Just before we left for Kyrgyzstan, my daughter, Kristy, recommended a book to us.  When Helping Hurts  has transformed my thinking. We are thinking differently  about what we are doing, what we are saying, how we are giving and supporting.  Are we helping when we "just hand-out?"  or are we ultimately hurting another's self –worth? Are we being culturally sensitive or do we believe that the North American way of doing things is always best?

What does this paradigm shift have to do with a 13 year old orphanage youngster and a komuz? As I looked at Janelle that evening she told me about her need, I asked her a question.  "Do you want to work for it?"  I explained my plan (created on the spot that night J), that it would be so good to "learn to earn."  She told me five other children also went to lessons with her and wanted an instrument with which to practice.  So we came up with a plan.

The following week, I went to the orphanage director with our "learn to earn" plan and explained it to her.  She loved it.  Emma Wright, who translated for me and works a lot in this orphanage, created a musical staff whose notes could be filled in with smileys for extra work being done, good school grades, being kind to another child, etc.  The six children learning this traditional Kyrgz instrument would only have to "work" for a week and then they would have one – actually two.

Today, the children received their reward.  I hope that they feel differently about it because it was something that they earned. It wasn't a hand-out.  It really wasn't a gift.  It was the result of working hard and reaping the reward of a job well done.

 

 

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

The Most Likely….

Do you remember when you were in high school or college – some students were chosen as the most likely to succeed,  etc.  Well, a first came to the college campus today as our journalism students awarded certificates for the most likely…in many categories.   About two weeks ago, my students created the ballot, managed the voting, created the certificates and planned the "award ceremony."  Bekah Wright, who has been assisting me in class, devised a special "gift " for each winner. For example, the one with the best smile won a tube of toothpaste! 

Today was the day and it was a great time. Laughing a lot is a good thing.  I don't know all the winners by name, but some of these pictures capture the story. There were 16 winners in all.

1.  Most likely to win the Olympics

2. Most overachiever – Michael – I have had in a number of classes and I agree

3.  Most likely to become a superhero

4.  Most likely to become a secret agent – Ibragim – had him, too and he often would slip into class late hoping I wouldn't notice..just practicing his slinking skills

5.  Most likely to marry a famous actor – Nurisa – I have her now and she is a dynamic young lady. I didn't know the actor they all are in love with, but she did and won the prize!

6.  Most likely to be late for everything 

7. Thanking the students

8.  Some of the winners

Exams begin next week, so today was my last official class with the journalism students. I have developed very special relationships with them.  We will spend this weekend putting together the university's first yearbook - a new concept here and the students and faculty alike are excited about it. Our students worked hard to accomplish a yearbook in only 7 weeks!

 As we prepare to say good-bye to these young people for the summer, I thank God for the opportunity to share this moment of time with them.

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Catching Up on Happenings Here

Catching Up on Happenings Here

(Due to limited access to our blog site, we are posting through a difficult portal. We are not able to label pictures, just insert them and not sure if they will land in order :)

About two weeks ago, a doctor and social worker arrived from the US and it has been a wonderful time being with them, watching them teach at the university and train social workers. Dr. Jordan Greenbaum, is a child abuse expert from Georgia  and Peggy Woodard is a child abuse specialist also from Georgia.  They came to Kyrgyzstan to share knowledge that is often unavailable here.

During their first week, they taught in David's sociology class at the University.  They participated in a the three day training of trainers in Bishkek sponsored by the Minister of Labor and Social Services and conducted by Ruby. (This is an amazing opportunity for LAMb to impact the entire country in child welfare – see Lynn and Ruby's blog – www.lambinternational.blogspot.com)  They also trained in a number of different child welfare settings and at the Humanities University. The final day of training was held at Dayspring and was attended by orphanage caregivers from 4 different orphanages in the area.  It has been a busy schedule for them, but they have definitely made an impact.  They leave Tuesday morning, but not without making a difference at each place they went. 

We are heading into our final three weeks here. University classes are over on the 13th followed by 10 days of exams.  We have enjoyed being with the students and actually, I think, David has been adopted by another one as his spiritual father. This young man comes to our door regularly just to talk to David. He told David recently that he has no idea how to be a man or how to be a good husband.  I would say this is another one that we have been led to stop in front of…to listen to and to encourage.

We are excited to be escorting two young women back to Ohio with us. Aihan and Zhenya will be living with two families in the Lebanon area and working in two local businesses.  This will be a life changing experience for all of them.  More about these young ladies in a future blog.

Each time we have been here, it has been different. This time has been a time of learning some valuable things. For me personally, a particular scripture has come alive. I have known it cognitively, but now experienced it.  Sometimes, things that I don't want to do are just the things that are placed in front of me. Maybe you can relate.  This happened a couple of weeks ago.  As I was preparing to leave to do this thing I didn't want to do, the Lord simply told me –"Do it as unto me."  Wow…what a life lesson. The task was so much easier and the words made the difference for the entire day as they kept returning to me…   "Do it as unto me." May it continue to make a living difference everyday.

Our journey continues…..