Norman
ArthurWe would like to introduce you to 2 of our students - Arthur and Norman.
Norman is the oldest student born in 1967 and has been at Kukura for many years. He is unable to walk but manages to get around by crawling. He only has the use of one arm and has very poor and indistinct speech, but his smile and his attitude to learning are wonderful. He understands a fair amount of english and can write with his good arm. He lives in a hostel which is supported by Gatehouse, along with 8 others from the school. We are discovering more and more of his abilities and today during lunchbreak were surprised to find him writing "wanted general handiwork" on a piece of paper which was obviously a job application. What great faith he has in a country where unemployment is so high!
Arthur is about 11years of age (not everyone knows their exact age). He lives in the same hostel as Norman during school terms. We guess he has autism, although he's never had an official diagnosis. He's always pleased to see us in the morning and likes us to stroke his arm. When we are singing in the praise and worship session to begin the day, he will sit next to one of us and appears to enjoy the singing. He finds it difficult to join in with group activities and finds it hard to stay in the classroom. He wanders about in the school yard and on a bad day will scream and seem very troubled. With limited resources and training it's hard for the staff to cope with his needs.
Today is Friday so we are now off for the weekend. Tomorrow we are going with Peter, the farm manager from the community, to Imire game drive where we hope to see antelope, elephants and lions.
Thankyou for your comments - we love to read them. We hope to update again on Monday. :)
How fantastic to read your news! I'm having a coffee and Beth is drinking a hot chocolate in Cafe Latuske's. When I woke up this morning I used the upstair's toilet! Aren't I lucky or should I say blessed? I hope your weekend trip goes well and you are energised to continue your work. Every blessing to you both and the folk at Gatehouse. Love Barbara xx
ReplyDeleteLovely to see the photos. Philip
ReplyDeleteAt school I am having fun and I have started a new club which is called hockey club I started it today. Yesterday at school there was a open evening and I was in the choir and percussion beaters. The snow has gone completely and what's left is the freezing cold. On the thirteenth of February Mum, Abii, Emily (my friend) and me are going ice skating. But Philip and Josh aren't going ice skating. Hope you are having a good time and say hello to Auntie Stephanie for me.
ReplyDeleteLove Katie.
Hesi Stephanie na Ruth uribhohere nakidzwai ikoko ku zimbabwe hope vnan vese varibho
ReplyDeleteLove from Thelma and Lorna.
Thelma is in my form at school. She was very excited to here about your adventure. She left Zimbabwe about three years ago. She wanted to send this message in Shona. Hope it makes sense!
Hi Ruth & 'Effie'
ReplyDeleteWell what an adventure! I must get our three to look and show the grandchildren. I'm very enviuos of your trips into the countryside whilst I'm on steps painting ceilings. Isn't it wonderful to read about the enthusiasm of your special youngsters - those were the days. Much love to you both.
Trevor & Linda
Hi Ruth (haven't met Stephanie!),
ReplyDeleteI've just read your blog for the first time and find it very moving. How far a little of God's love seems to go. That touch on Arthur's arm is God speaking to him. I admire you both hugely, and know you will accomplish many great things - seen and unseen - for Christ.
Love, Gordon Driscoll
Hi to you both. We are so pleased it's going well and know you will be being such a blessing both to the children and the staff. Katherine was at Ladybirds today and all is well. Keep up the good work and look after you too. Love Christine and Katherine.
ReplyDelete