I've been busy with my substitute job. I wish I could take pictures or video of some of my days because you wouldn't believe some of the things I do, see and hear. I've mostly been doing work in various schools in their resource rooms. I work with kids who just need a little one on one help with math or reading, non-verbal kids who will never be able to do math and need their diaper changed, and kids who have behavior problems on top of their cognitive delays.
I am amazed at the special needs that so many children have. My heart has been softened (not that it was ever hardened) for these kids. It's just that my eyes have really been opened to the diverse needs that are out there. I am amazed at the love and patience that many people have for working with these children. But I am so sad at the thought of some of these kids not being fully loved at home. I wonder what some of them have to deal with when they aren't at school. I wonder how even the most knowledgable, patient and loving parent can cope and manage the issues that go on with a special needs child. Like I said, I am amazed.
I'm learning to be a better person with this job. I can't beat that. I am blessed. And you know why this is happening? India. God has blessed me with the desire to help the leprosy patients in India. And He is blessing me with these awesome experiences as a substitute as I earn the money to fly there.
So tomorrow morning when I find myself at the high school helping teenagers with special needs, I will think about the teenagers I will soon meet in India who have a different type of special needs.
