Dear Friends and Family,
Over the past month the hallway of the building where we run our after-school program has been lit each day by a small, colorful Christmas tree and full of the sounds of children singing carols. We have been busy preparing for our holiday celebration which took place today, December 15. Parents, family members, teachers and school directors all gathered for a time in which the children sang, recited poems and performed skits. We were so proud of our children who again demonstrated that they, too, are created in the image of God.
My favorite moment was when the 5th grade boy whom I have been tutoring successfully recited a short poem in between two carols. One year ago I didn’t have hope that he would ever have the discipline or courage to memorize a few lines and to say them in front of his peers and teachers. But he did, and I was so proud. His progress, growth and healing continue to amaze me.
It was also good for us to reconnect with many of the children’s families today. As I mentioned in our November letter, one of the directions in which we have been moving this past semester has been in building relationships with the parents and families of the children who come to our after-school program. These visits have been immensely helpful in deepening our relationships with the kids and our understanding of their situations.
As I reflect on the past year, I am also delighted by the progress we have made relationally with the children. This fall semester has been especially good because we have split the children into four groups at the after-school program, each group meeting in the same classroom with the same adult mentors each day. This consistency has helped immensely in building trust and relational depth. I have been working with a group of children who have special behavioral and educational needs, a group that we have named “Pinocchio.”
As I write this letter, Rachel and I have just a few days left until we fly to Columbus for vacation. We are looking forward to seeing many of you on January 7 for our “Taste of Moldova” gathering. Also, as an additional reminder, we will be available to meet with any of you who would like to share a meal or a cup of coffee during the weeks of January 9 and 16 in the Columbus area. Please call us at 614-364-4098 or send me an email (john.koon@wordmadeflesh.org) if you are interested.
May your Christmas be full of hope, light and joy this year.
With love,
J & R