More meetings

We met on Monday with Deborah, Germinia, and Joao. We told them what we thought were the highest priorities at the orphanage and asked them if they agreed. The priorities are as follows:

1. The children
- their spiritual growth
- their physical health
- food
-their studies

2. Leadership at the orphanage
- they have a heart for the children
- they discipline the children in love

3. Maintenance
-payment of bills
- finances
- cleaning of the grounds
-general maintenance

Deborah, Germinia, and Joao all agreed that with these priorities. Therefore, we explained that if these are the priorities, in every decision they make, they should think about how it will help them to accomplish these priorities. We talked about other things we have observed these two months and made suggestions about ways they could improve their situation. We encouraged Deborah to lead a weekly meeting with all of the staff.

Therefore, yesterday we sat in on the meeting Deborah held with the staff-- the lady who washes the clothes, the cook, and the lady who cleans-- as well as Joao and Germinia. Anyway, we asked them to establish a plan for discipline that will work. They came up with a point system. If a boy does a good job helping in the kitchen, Silvia, the cook, will give him a point. Then we talked about the rewards. For example, if a boy receives four points he can get 10 minutes of time on the computer. There were many other rewards such as watching tv, going into town with a staff member, getting to use the art supplies, etc.

Pray for the situation between Silvia, the cook, and Deborah. Silvia comes to work late and Deborah wants this to change. However, Silvia is upset I think because Deborah is usually late in paying the staff (due to financial struggles at the orphange). Pray that they can learn to work together. Pray that the staff will be united.

Pray for Anne and I as we prepare to leave. Pray for the boys as they grieve the loss.