Graduation Celebration

Last week we celebrated something that doesn’t happen often here but sure feels rewarding when it does: a graduation for one of our boys.  Ochinga had been at Dar El Awlad for 11 years and last month he reached the end of high school and the end of his time in the residential program.  We are very proud of him.  The road has not been easy but he has consistently worked hard and seized opportunities; the sheer fact that he has even been provided opportunities at all is a testimony of God’s grace.  This has not fallen unnoticed to Ochinga.  He has been keenly aware of God’s hand in his life and His expression of love through the kindness and goodwill of others. 

Ochinga is one of only two boys in the residential program to have arrived at DEA before me and I have seen him grow over the past 10 years from boyhood to manhood.  For the past three years I supervised him in the Bell House (our Independent Living Program) and there is consensus among all his caregivers that he is equipped with what he needs to move beyond our care and live independently.  He loves this place and the people here, but naturally he is ready to spread his wings.  As much as seeing our boys gain an education and acquire life skills is important to us, we are especially thrilled to know that Ochinga has taken a decision of faith, is walking with Christ and is involved in the church.  It’s a true success story for us, and a reminder that what we do at Dar El Awlad does have the power to transform lives.  By God’s grace it has happened, is happening and will happen.

Ochinga still faces many challenges.  He has not yet settled on a university for his next stage of studies.  One particular challenge is his status as a foreigner in Lebanon. Even though he was born here and has lived here all his life, his status is not secure and at any point he may have to return to his “home country,” which is a country that is very foreign to him.  Despite the challenges, Ochinga maintains his trademark optimism and unwavering faith that God will work things for good.  God always has, and we have no reason to doubt that He will.  It will be a joy to continue to watch the journey unfold, and we are glad that we have had the chance to be a part of it.  Well done Ochinga, keep going!