Verifying information for Home Visits |
One of my biggest roles at the New Horizons school is the organization of the selection process of new students. Every year there is space for 56 new preschool students. There are also openings in the other grades depending on if students move or are asked to leave because of academic or behavioral issues. Due to the excellent reputation of the school and its accessibility to families with lower incomes, the amount of applicants always far exceeds the available space. Every decision that we make is done through much prayer and guidance by the Holy Spirit. Still, it is hard to have to turn away so many that would benefit from the school.
It is my privilege as part of the selection process to make home visits to the prospective students and their families. I call it a privilege because every time I step into a home I am given a 30 minute glimpse into the life of that family. This often gives me the opportunity to speak into their lives. Also, the knowledge that I might never see the family again if their child does not get in the school encourages me to speak with boldness.
After 4 years of visiting homes I have learned to let go of my agenda of completing the visits as fast as possible and let God control the situation.
Just a couple of days ago I was visiting houses. The heat index was around 100 degrees and all of the homes were located farther away from the school and somewhat difficult to find. Locating homes here in Paraguay is always complicated by the lack of street signs, dead end roads and just plain bad directions.
Needless to say, I entered into my last visit hot, tired and more than ready to finish and go home. This desire was increased as my host turned over the seat cushion of the chair I had nearly sat in and found a small scorpion underneath. NOT my favorite insect!
Anyway, as I was determined more than ever to finish my interview and get out of there, that still small voice entered from stage left and stopped me in my tracks. "Listen to what she has to say," it instructed me. "And do not judge."
So, with a mental sigh and reluctant obedience, I settled cautiously into my assigned chair (after checking for more scorpions) and began asking questions. What I learned was more about the mother than the student.
In front of me was a single mother of three boys, each of them from a different father. The first two fathers were not in the picture, and she left the father of her youngest after he broke her arm in an altercation 8 months ago. Shortly thereafter she lost her job and had to move in with her mother.
As she shared, tears began to flow, and that is when I knew that GOD had prepared her heart for that moment.
I was able to share with her both about Christ and the importance of raising her sons to be different than their fathers. I spoke to her and the grandmother about breaking the generational sin that seemed to be keeping the family in bondage. I shared that the new generation could be free to have a future and a hope through Christ Jesus...but it depended on them.
My words were strong but encouraging, and were definitely not my own. God used me in spite of my hot, tired and reluctant state.
God also opened the door for the student to enter the New Horizons School. Despite all of the family circumstances and transferring to a different school every year, he had managed to score the highest of everyone in his grade level on the entrance exam. He ended up second on the waiting list, and exactly 2 students in his grade are not coming back next year.
My prayer is that with his resilience coupled with Godly instruction, we will indeed witness a change in this family.
... A future and a hope that did not seem possible until just a couple of days ago.
Being a missionary is not glamorous, but it certainly is an awesome privilege to be used to advance the Kingdom in such a way.
It's neat to get an insider's look at your job. Also great to read about you recognizing and taking advantage of the opportunities God puts in your path. :)
ReplyDeleteIt is a privilege to witness the great love of the Master at work! It always amazes me that He invites us to participate in His plan being accomplished despite our weakness! Thank you for sharing, Carol! We serve a wonderful Savior!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
M. Desjardins
God is So Good...He shows up and shows off when we least expect it. I am so proud you are open to his small voice and that you were there for this family. I will remember them in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteIn His Most Amazing Love...