Pliskave project.
Necia Erickson took this photo in Pliskave, an orphanage for children with mental disabilities. It may not be the most pleasant to ponder, but it does depict the conditions and varied needs of the children. There are those with bright eyes who would thrive from a learning program and structured activities, the vulnerable children who hide in the corners for self preservation, and those from young to old who need their basic needs met.
Unfortunately the funding from the government limits what is provided for the children, even limiting the number of staff. In seeing the child hiding in the back, I wanted to whisk him up and bath him in the hygiene room CFK has helped provide, tenderly caring for his physical and emotional needs. But as I thought through the obstacles that would prevent me from caring for him, I realized T these are the daily frustrations of the few ladies that watch over so many children,
A ratio of more than 40 children per caregiver.
Necia did take some pleasant pictures on this visit. Dressed up and smiling, singing children in the schoolroom and clean, healthy young ones laughing at bubbles in the kindergarten care group. Both of these programs are funded through CFK.
It is a stark contrast yet a ray of hope of how all the children in Pliskave could be cared for and loved. This is our dream, burden, and walk of faith - to meet every child's special needs, by enlarging the school program so more children can benefit, and hiring local ladies to care for more of the children in smaller specialized groups.
It is a dream of the director also, as he is rearranging his offices in order to provide 3 empty rooms in the hopes the God will provide the funding so CFK can hire more teachers! Currently only 17 children benefit from the school program. Besides having the opportunity to do crafts, play games, and learn songs and stories; the children have learned basic hygiene skills as well as respect for themselves, others, and the school property. They were rewarded when funding came in to spruce up their bedrooms. The new beds, night stands, and pretty wallpaper is just as new looking today as it was when purchased almost a year ago!
It is a realized need by the medical staff that the children need to be cared for in smaller specialized groups. But how can they do this when the government doesn't allow it? By asking for outside help. 11 children have benefit from the kindergarten care group CFK has been able to provide for the past 2 years. They sleep dry at night in diapers, are healthy from the extra nutrition they get, and most importantly feel protected and loved by the local ladies that have taken on this job on our behalf.
Both of these projects in Pliskave are faith based; meaning they were started not because there was funding in hand or pledged backing, but simply because this was a need God put before us. And for the past 2 plus years that these programs have been in place, God has never failed to provide .
Based upon God's faithfulness alone we will be expanding these two programs and invite you to join us. Your prayers are needed for:
• Strength for when we encounter the physical and emotion needs of the children.
• Wisdom in planing the details,
• Guidance as to what God's will is in the purpose of such projects.
• Boldness to share the gospel.
• Faith that God will provide.