Patience

 

I somehow missed the patience trait. I try so hard with these kids, but they push you to your limits. They crave one on one attention, and they only way they know how to get it, is by acting out. I have known that from the beginning, but it does not make it any easier. One minute they are so sweet, and two seconds later they can be your worst enemy.
Sister Gladys told us one of the kids came to her one day and was so upset. She was crying and asking why Sister Gladys didn’t care about her, because she never reprimanded her. This little girl never got in trouble, and felt that no one cared for her because of it.
It is hard to find a balance between being their supervisor and their friend. To be in school and be in charge, then an hour after school is over we are all hanging out. It’s too hard not to hang out with these kids. The difference in their personalities and attitudes in and outside of school is like night and day.
I lost my patience today and kicked one of the girls out of school. I couldn’t take it anymore. She refused to answer any questions I asked, and blatantly told me no on several occasions. Clearly I was being tested, and I failed miserably. It was all about the attention she could get, and I was just over it.
Also being that school is just a walk away from their dorms, children just disappear whenever they feel like it. There really is no control.  Too many kids and not enough teachers. Tomorrow we are going to be short 3 teachers. We are spread so thin. I have only been back at the school for 2 weeks and am reaching a breaking point. We are there from 730 until 5 most days and by Friday I am exhausted.
I have to just keep praying for my patience with these kids. I get to the point where I literally don’t think I can handle anymore, and somehow by the grace of God, I can’t help but love them all so much.

A new thing Sister Gladys is trying, a bible study with the Haitian adults. So tonight at 6 they all went to the café to meet. While Kendall, Caroline, Cassie, Greg and I got to watch 60 some odd children…talk about needing patience.  I’m thinking there is a possibility this will be a regular thing…It was totally crazy, but so much fun! It was a great chance to spend some quality time with all of the kids and babies. I am beyond exhaustion, they wear me out!
Ready for a good nights rest and hopefully a more patient day tomorrow!