Sharing a letter from Heather to Vickie:

Dear Vickie,

Things are going really well here. The Striebecks are so so excited to finally be here and be reunited with Yan and Roxana. I know it is a very emotional time for everyone, and it is hard for them to be “on stage” all the time, with people watching to see how they interact. Today is the “Acto de Externamiento” and then Liz says there are the 5 days of “empatia” to see how they all get along. But everything seems to be going smoothly. And Yan and Roxana are so excited. It is a special time. I wanted to let you know that mom is sending a small small package to you for me. And also, she ordered some Spanish kids books that could be arriving to your house. She wasn’t sure if they would get there on time. So if they don’t make it, they can just be brought down at a later trip. She has really gotten into finding books for the kids. She ordered a bunch of books and sent them to Samantha to bring down. I thought I would give you the info on the place she is ordering them from in case you also want to check into it. “I ordered about a dozen books from CBD (Christian Book Distributors), so hopefully, they will arrive on time before the Millers leave. Some are back ordered and like you said, they can bring them another time. Please let them know so they will know what it is when it comes.” She ordered them from Scholastic. The phone number is 1-800-724-6527 and the website is www.scholastic.com. My mom got a set of the Clifford books and the Magic School Bus. It could be neat to get a list going of what we have and what we want, so if people are ever interested in donating books they could just order them online. The books my mom is sending to you were ordered from CBD (Christian Book Distributors). I have a feeling they might not make it to your house in time because my mom said some of the books had to be back ordered.

So, maybe just the next time you come down you can bring them. I am working on starting a little reading program for the kids. I want to start with the older kids first to see how it goes. Liz thinks it is a good idea. I want to set various reading goals for them and have them work on the goals and then receive a little surprise, like ice cream in Trujillo, etc.. We’ll see how it works. Liz wanted me to also write to you about Lazaro. Apparently, it seems that it might be necessary for him to be pulled out of the special ed school in Salaverry. I know we had highly considered this when school started. But Liz and the Madres felt that it was better he stay. The problem is not that he is being harmed or that the teachers don’t take care of him. What has occurred is that the other parents have been complaining, saying that the teachers give too much attention to Lazaro and neglect the other kids. They know that Lazaro requires a lot more attention than the rest. I’m not sure what the best solution is. Sarita had a meeting with Liz and presented her ideas. For the month of June, Mariyi has been on “vacation”. So there is no helper in the morning for the Tesoros. But in the afternoon, Flor’s daughter is taking her place. Sarita has realized that it is not entirely necessary to have a helper in the morning, she has been getting along without a problem. The only time it is a problem is when one of the moms has to leave to take a child to a doctors appointment, because they don’t have Mariyi to fill in. However, Sarita is thinking maybe Mariyi could be better used in the mornings if she focuses on Lazaro. Lazaro would stay home and work with Mariyi instead of going to school. They were thinking that Mariyi would spend some days at the special ed school to get an idea of what they do so she can work with him. The other option is sending him to a private school. The cost is around 120 soles, more or less. Liz thought we could wait for you to come to ask you about this. But I thought perhaps it is better to let you know right away so that you can be thinking it over and so we can all make the best decision.

One other thing, the after school program is going really well with the tutoring. I know you are probably all packed, but we have been using those plastic drawers in the closet to give out prizes to the kids each week, in accordance with their behavior and efforts made according to the stars they receive in their folders. They like the prizes, but if you have any random little toys or prizes, or anything you think the kids might like, feel free to bring them. Some of the kids were asking for “juegos de razonamiento”, which I think they want reasoning games, like memory, etc.. They pretty much like any prize though. But I know I am asking so late, and you are coming soon. So don’t worry.

They did buy sweatshirts for the “Ranch boys”! Yeah! I’m so glad. And they got some clothes for them because they are going to a “banquete de jovenes” tomorrow night. Myself and the other girl volunteers are going too. It should be fun. I’m singing a song with Lelders, the oldest boy. He wrote a song on the guitar, and it is beautiful. It is amazing to see how they are finding their talents and using them for the Lord!

Also, Amelia will be leaving the 14th. So, she won’t be here when the group is here. Also, is the older person, “Gene”,who is coming a male or female?  Just curious, so we can make sure with the rooming arrangements. Probably David Fhon already asked you.

Okay, I think that is all! I am excited to see you all soon!

Love,

Heather

Dave Miller