Meet Jhesica...

Last, but definitely not least, let me introduce Jhesica, the "baby" of our "family." Jhesica is 10 years old but will be turning 11 next month. Her favourite colour is red. She is from the city of Oruro (the capital of the department of Oruro) about three hours away from here. I previously said that Marianela was one of the only girls from a Christian family. I was mistaken. It turns out Marianela's family is not Christian. It is Jhesica who is the only girl with a Christian family. She is the oldest of three children, and her brother Max (8 years old) is also deaf and a student at the centre. Jhesica is in second grade and is quite bright. She picks things up very fast.

Because of living with all older girls in their teens, Jhesica often acts more like a teenager than the little girl she still is. The director of the centre thinks it is a good idea if Jhesica spends time with the girls who live upstairs, and that way she can have time to "be" and play like a little girl. It doesn't always work out, because Jhesica has a strong personality and so does one of the girls from upstairs, so that often results in clashes.

Jhesica is very strong-willed, and I have had some obedience issues, but for the most part she cooperates and tries to respect my authority. Sometimes, when I ask her to do something, she likes to salute like a soldier and then carry out my order. She also likes to serve me. She often doesn't allow me to wash my own dishes but takes them from me and washes them herself.

Jhesica loves to tease me. She sometimes will grab me by the arm and tell me, "Hurry, hurry! You have to go and meet with your boyfriend!" Both Irlanda and Jhesica have created an imaginary boyfriend for me, "David." David has his own sign name and everything. They love to tease me with him. Jhesica once saw a tv show where a woman had octuplets. For some reason she likes to tease me that I'm pregnant with octuplets (this despite the fact that, if anything, I have lost weight since coming here).

There is something about Jhesica that is very attractive and draws you to her. My mom came and spent a weekend with me, and I was interested to hear her make the same comment about Jhesica. It's hard to explain, but she is delightful to be around.

BLESSINGS:
-Jhesica's life!
-A weekend spent with my family in La Paz.

PRAYER REQUESTS:
-The director talked to me last week and said that the girls' grades have really gone down since I arrived (which really makes me look bad!) and some of the girls could be in danger of failing the year. Please pray that the girls would work hard, pick up their grades, and finish the school year well.
-Please pray that I would know how to be firm and keep better discipline in the dorm.
-Please continue praying that God would give me His eyes and His love for each girl.
-Please pray for joy to be my strength each day.