Two of the other missionary wives (Jami Baker and Heather Ferguson) and I spoke to the house mothers of Hogar de Esperanza, an orphanage in Trujillo where one of our church members is director. Most of these women have never had children of their own, but are now responsible for a houseful of children - up to 12 children at a time. Needless to say, they feel overwhelmed at times.
I spoke first on the foundation of unconditional love that is required before (and after) we discipline – used that great book: How to Really Love Your Child by Ross Campbell. It has some great practical advice to give these “new” parents - asserting that the number one need of children is unconditional love. We can demonstrate this every day through eye contact, physical contact, focused attention and clear communication - always attending to these important needs before administering discipline.
Heather and John adopted 2 foster care children last year to join their family of 3 sons, so she had great real-life examples and advice. Jami presented a helpful reflection on how they tailor communication and discipline tactics to fit the unique personality of each of their 7 children. Jami also presented several useful guidelines for conducting family worship.
Although I can carry on conversations, my Spanish has not really advanced to the “Speaker” level, so it was extra work me to prepare in English, then translate, then speak for myself as well as translate for the other 2 wives. It was a good exercise in practicing Spanish - and made me realize that I really need to study Spanish grammar again!
Please pray for these house mothers, who genuinely desire to visibly demonstrate the love of Christ to these precious, needly little ones.
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