Despite All Odds

by Brandon Stiver - Educational Director Treasures of Africa Children's Home

The educational options for a deaf child, especially one with HIV, are limited in Tanzania. We searched and prayed for the best option for Awadhi and we were able to find a good boarding school for him to attend. Though it is hard to have him gone from TOA all week, Awadhi has reached the maturity where he is ready and able to learn. We want to equip him with an effective mode of communication and that is exactly what he will receive at this special school for the deaf, located 30 minutes drive from Treasures of Africa.

Awadhi, being an energetic and friendly boy, jumped right in on his first day and made quick friends with the other children at the boarding school. He happily donned his new uniform and was off with his new classmates. At this school he will be able to learn sign language as well as the normal subjects for a first grader. After his first couple of days in school, his caregiver said that he enjoyed himself and they are expecting him to start “signing” soon (which means I’ll be learning too!) And this will be a great blessing for him because despite being deaf, he talks a lot. His speech is just not understandable to anyone but himself! So we know that sign language will open up a whole new world of communication for him.

Upon picking Awadhi up after his first full week, I could tell that he had experienced his fill of school and was all tuckered out. He fell asleep on my arm on the drive home and it took a few moments for him to adjust back to home life at TOA. But we are pleased knowing that Awadhi has been given this wonderful opportunity.

He is a cherished Treasure of ours and we love the time that he spends with us. We thank God for this school and that he is able to be home on the weekends. We continue to trust the Lord with all of Awadhi’s needs. Despite all of the odds against him, we know that Awadhi will overcome the challenges he faces with God’s help.

Please pray for wisdom for us in choosing the educational direction for all of our children, so that they will grow in knowledge and truly be able to influence their nation. Also pray for healing for those that have different physical ailments that inhibit their learning ability, like our precious Awadhi.

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