Gone Swimming!

I don't know why I keep taking kids from Yellowstone swimming, but I guess subconsciously I think it's really fun! This is Wilson wearing a swim cap that we had laying around at the house. I picked up William, his sister Ralia, and his cousin, Baby Ken. Yes, Baby Ken is his name. He introduced himself and I thought he was kidding...after asking him again, I was assured that his name was in fact, Baby Ken. We went swimming next door, where Wilson assured me that he knew how to swim. In case you were wondering, Wilson defines swimming as being able to stand up in the water. I was watching Wilson and the two other kids when I saw Wilson's float flip over in the middle of the pool where it's a little deeper. At this point, I still thought Wilson could swim according to my definition of swimming. After seeing him flail around in the water for a few seconds, and after the reality of Wilson drowning set in, I jumped in, Baywatch style, to save him. Thankfully, Wilson was fine and had just swallowed a lot of water. He grabbed on to me as if his life depended on it. We got out of of the water and decided it was time to go back to my parent's house to get a snack. Needless to say, swim time was over. Wilson and I talked a long time about swimming and how HE WILL get back in the water. He said the only way he'll do it is if my dad accompanies him. Looks like we'll have another outing!

My dad got home from work a little bit later...the minute he walked in the door, Wilson had his arms wrapped around him, ready to show off to Baby Ken that he knew Mr. Holland. (Wilson came with us to one of David's games last spring). Of course, he's part of the family now. I love Wilson's ability to bounce back after his scary incident in the pool. It was wonderful to see how Wilson felt like he belonged with our family, and was comfortable at my house. This is a barrier that is often hard to break with kids at school. I took them home later, a place not too far from Yellowstone.

A story I love to tell people is about the first time I took Wilson home. It was almost dark and I asked Wilson if I would be safe dropping him off. He told me I wouldn't be safe if it got dark because people start shooting late at night. This is the best part....he said, "But don't worry Miss Holland, I'll make sure nothing happens to you." Sure enough, I walk him to the door and he stands there, with his house phone in hand, and watches me walk to my car. Don't you see the hope for Wilson's life? Doesn't he have potential? I can see him doing the same thing one day with his wife and kids. I love this boy!

I'd like to introduce to you Tayniesha and Aramani...two of my most favorite girls in the world! Tayniesha, on the left is 8 and was in my class last year. Armani is four and will be in Pre-K 4/5 this coming year. They are sisters and are from a family of nine children...ages 12 to 2. When they come over, they always want to take a bubble bath! Armani and Tayniesha light up any room they walk in to. We went swimming at the Houston Country Club and then ate dinner. Tayniesha went off the diving board for the first time (Ryan was in the water to catch her just in case she sank...) and Armani went down the slide with Miss Holland!

When we got home, we played with the puppies for a little while, took a bath, watched a movie, and went to bed early! (Tayniesha told me they usually stay up until 1 or 2 in the morning...that wasn't the case at the Holland house!) When we said our prayers, Tayniesha thanked Jesus for a good meal and getting to share a bed with Armani. Armani wanted to go downstairs and tell "the lady in the green dress," my mom, that she loved her! Hopefully they know how much we love them too.

Before we went home, we had a big breakfast. Tayniesha drank coffee (I think she was copying my mom and me...) and Armani wanted "ceerio." We interpreted that to mean Honey Nut Cheerios?

Neither one of them wanted to go home...it was heartbreaking for my mom and me to put them in the car much to their demise. There wasn't a lot of talking on the way home...Tayniesha wouldn't go in the house when we got there. They live in a "house" with no air conditioning or electricity. When I walked to the door, it reeked of smoke and mildew. I opened the door to see at least ten of their family members sleeping on blankets and pallets. There is not a crib for her 2 year-old twin brothers. There is not a play pen either. There are no bunk beds for her three little brothers to share. There is not some cute pink, princess bed spread for Armani and her little sister, Jakira, to share. Pray for this family!

It brought tears to our eyes to see them go yesterday morning, but also tears of joy to see their faces light up when they got to take a bubble bath and eat as much as they wanted for dinner.

Swimming with Danijah and Vyntrael

This is Daniyah...she is the little girl that I shepherd at Yellowstone. Her older brother was in my class this year. It has been great to get to know the two kids and their mom. Daniyah is about to turn 5 (new post will be coming soon...we're going to get our nails done for her birthday at the end of July!) and will be in Pre-K 4/5 at Yellowstone. We went "swimming" a couple of weeks ago and then headed to see Shrek at Memorial City. Vyntrael and Daniyah think knowing how to swim is jumping in the water and not coming back to the top unless their teacher pulls them out. I think of knowing how to swim as going under water and coming back to the surface without having to be rescued. Hopefully we'll be on the same page about swimming soon...but I doubt it.

Welcome to my blog!

After my first year at Yellowstone, and encouragement from family and friends, I have decided to blog about my time at Yellowstone, inside and outside of the classroom. Yellowstone Academy is a private, Christian school located in the third ward of Houston. The school serves children living in extreme poverty. The vision of Yellowstone is that regardless of circumstances, the students of Yellowstone Academy will grow up to be responsible, productive adults. Thanks for visiting! I can't wait to share more stories about what God is doing at Yellowstone with all of you.