First Day of School Countdown

School is getting ready to start and everyone is getting excited.  Saturday Gepher brought the 26 kids to the church along with their families to talk about the expectations and logistics of Hope for Tomorrow.  The item the children were looking forward to the most was receiving their school supplies.

     

To make sure the children were not distracted by the new supplies, Gepher covered them with a cloth.  When it was time to distribute the supplies he pulled back the cloth and the children immediately errupted into "OHHHHs" and "AHHHHs".  When the first grade boys saw their Ben 10 backpacks, they errupted into a chant of "Ben 10...Ben 10...Ben 10".  The excitement was contagious in the room.  The children were so excited over their brand new school supplies.

     

Each child was called by name and allowed to choose their backpack and lunch box.  They could choose any backpack (filled with supplies) they wanted as long as it was designated for their grade level.  The children sat patiently waiting for their name to be called.  With every name called they wondered deep down when it would be their turn.

This is Roberto.  When his name was called he immediately began smiling from ear to ear.   Roberto’s father is paralyzed and his mother currently does not work.  Roberto recently asked his mother if he could go to school.  She had to do what no mother would want to do.  She had to tell Roberto he could not go to school as they did not have the money.  Roberto cried at the news his mother gave him.  When Gepher arrived at the tribe telling Roberto’s family about Hope for Tomorrow, there were more tears but this time tears of joy!

This Hannah Mae.   Hannah Mae has been begging her Mom to send her to school.  Her mother knew they didn’t have the money to send her to school; however, she didn’t want to disappoint her.  Her mother always told her, “We will find a way.”  When Gepher went to the tribe to find children for Hope for Tomorrow, the news spread quickly to Hanna Mae’s mother.  Her mother waited at her house for Gepher and when he arrived she asked if there was room for one little girl...Hannah Mae.  Thanks to Hope for Tomorrow, her mother found a way for her daughter to go to school.

This is Glenda.   Glenda is the third child in a family of four.  She is very proud of the fact she will be the only one in her family going to school.  Her parents never thought they would have the means to send one of their children to school.  They are so excited about this gift for Glenda.

This is Juanito.  He is 15 years old and entering the 6th grade.  He is the youngest in his family.  He has one older brother who has not finished school and does not have a desire to go back.  Juanito's father has been in and out of work over the past several years resulting in Juanito's having to start and stop school as well.  He's so excited to get back into school and to finish what he started.  He wants to be the first son in his family to finish school.

This is John Clyde.   He has a smile that can light up a room.  The minute Gepher arrives at Hidden Island John Clyde becomes his shadow and little helper.  He is always anxious to see kuya!  He is the fourth child in a family of 5.  His mother stays at home while his father is a carpenter.  Previously three of John Clyde’s siblings were enrolled in school; however, they had to drop out due to the financial impact on the family.  His brother is also part of Hope for Tomorrow.

This is Princess.   As Gepher was leaving the area where Princess lives, she stopped him and asked, “Why are you not including me?”  The moment she asked the question she smiled and immediately stood behind her mother.  Her mother expressed how bad she wanted to go to school.  That question and following conversation alone made Gepher know immediately that we had to include her.

  



These are just a few of the children whom God has entrusted us with this year.  We will share with you about the rest of our special children and their successes as the year progresses.