MAMAS

    As i filled you all in on each cottage and how devotions are run, i left out a MAJOR piece of the story! The reason devotions are one of my favorite aspects of my time here is because of the MAMAS!!!
I have yet to learn all the individual stories of each mama, but so far, from what i gather, each has come from a trail of ups and downs, trials and tribulation, twists and turns that some of us could never imagine! and its not as if once they got here their lives became a breeze...their job here seems extremely difficult and exhausting! they are each in a cottage with 12 children (ages ranging anywhere from 3-14). 
     As i tutor children one on one i continue to realize the immense challenge it must be to be in charge of, look after and love 12 kids at the same time...all with different learning styles, processing mechanisms, insecurities, questions etc...But its been really fun to join the cottages for devotion or meals and work more and more with the kids because you get to see how the spirit of the mamas is reflected in each kid.

    Like mama esther LOVES to sing and you can almost tell which kids are hers because they too are always singing! She is also such a gentle spirit and her boys carry that same trait with them! Mama mary is interactive...during devotions she constantly stops throughout the story to ask questions or tie the lesson or theme into life. She seems to fuel her girls curiosity as they constantly ask questions or want clarification. Mama Lydia is funny (sometimes sarcastic) and it trickles down to her boys who are constantly laughing or joking around (sometimes getting in trouble for it). Auntie Lydia is a ray of sunshine, she is welcoming and inviting, always smiling! Likewise, her boys have that same warm disposition!

    These mamas not only put in time and work (although those tangible things are very important) they feed and grow their kids spirits! They fill a void that i feel no child should have...a hole in their lives where their parents should be. And normally that hole would be so gaping and destructing, but the mama's step in and begin to fill that hole. They are a constant source of love and support, security, hope and comfort to the kids who need it most. And while their job is in my opinion the MOST important here, i also believe it is also often the job most overlooked.

(the beautiful and magnificent mama Esther!)