Opportunity Call: Graduating and Continuing

Six years ago a group of Gypsy and Bedouin children started in our literacy program at the New Horizons Center. These children face many social and personal challenges; unfortunately many did not continue to completion, but some did! Last week we celebrated with a group five special students that started with us and have now "graduated." Over the years they gained the valuable gift of literacy, becoming the first generation of their families to read and write. This was reason for celebration.

Our teachers planned an overnight getaway for the children to the Bekaa Valley filled with activities and special experiences. We visited a monastery that operates a dairy farm and nature reserve. Each one enjoyed riding around the grounds on bicycles, especially the two that learned how to ride that day. We then drove to the city if Zahle for ice cream, bumper cars and an air hockey tournament. Our accommodation was at a great little eco lodge where we spent time playing, sharing stories, eating and interacting with other guests. It was a special time. "This is the best say of my life," one said. They deserved it.

As important as literacy is (and we do believe it's very important, it can change their entire futures), we celebrate the faith, character and spirit these young people have developed over the years. Their life situations are heartbreaking; they endure marginalization and abuses that no child should have to endure. But they have zest for life, and they've added something special to mine. It was inspiring to see how much the teachers care for each of these children and how they went the extra mile in lavishing good things and speaking loving words of truth. It was a getaway that did me well.

We're not done with these kids. They may have come to the end of one road, but we plan to keep them within the center ministry in the year ahead. There is great potential in each one and we desire to see it tapped more and more.