Gone 2 Days

   In the morning I decided to walk to Smile Africa alone. It was really nice actually. I got to listen to my worship music and focus on Jesus. It was a great way to start the morning. When I arrived at Smile I said hello to everyone and they all ran to give me a hug and they said that I could never be gone that long again...2 days...it was 2 days. I love my friends, they make me feel so special, they are wonderful. Just when I was about to walk into the babies room I hear my name being shouted out.

"Paris! Michael and Pastor Ruth want to speak with you in the office!"

   That is never a good sign. I knew immediately that it was Bogere. I have never been talked to by Pastor Ruth about his behavior, so I knew that this had to be bad. I was gone for 2 days...how much could he do in 2 days...apparently a lot!

   As I walked into the office I smiled at everyone and sat down as Michael was complaining about Bogere's terrible behavior. Apart of me didn't even want to know what he did...but I asked anyway. They told me that he was beating his friends, stepping on the babies, not listening to the teachers, refusing to go to class, coming and going as he pleases, and throwing stones.

"Oh is that all?!"

   I didn't even really know what to say. I looked at Mama Ruth and she called Bogere to the office. When Bogere refused to listen to her, then I had to get him. So I picked him up and took him to the office. Mama Ruth gave him a banana and some juice so that he would relax a little. She told him that kind of behavior was not going to be accepted at Smile Africa. Ruth explained to him that all the teachers love him very much and they want the best for him. She said that no teacher was going to hurt him and he needed to listen to what they were saying. So far it was going smoothly. Then she asked him to apologize to Michael. Bogere looked at Michael and refused to say sorry. This was a silent war against Michael, however, Bogere didn't realize that he was the one that was going to lose if he did not say sorry. Mama Ruth said,

"If you don't say sorry to Michael, then you are going to have to go back home."

Nothing...not even a sound out of Bogere's mouth. My heart started pounding. My head was full of thoughts.

"You've got to be kidding me. I just got him away from home and now he is about to go back. Bogere say sorry!!!"

   A teacher came to escort Bogere back home and then he started crying and he finally said, "Sorry Michael." Thank God! That made me very nervous for a second. Mama Ruth told me that we had to figure out something to do with this boy. I just assured her that I was really trying, then I took Bogere out of the office.

   Once the day was over I went back to the hotel and went for a run. It was good to clear my head and try to figure out a solution for my sweet boy. I then went to Pastor Ruth's house for dinner. Once we sat down I explained to her that we have to come up with a different solution then sending him home as a punishment. I told her that he actually cannot be sent home because his life is in danger at home, so we need to think of something else. I was saying that he has to know that we are serious and that we are going to follow through with our punishment when he is not behaving. Sending him home, however, is not an option. Mama Ruth agreed and we began to discuss other ideas. I will not give up on this boy. I don't care if it takes my last amount of energy. I will not give up on him. He needs to know that no matter what mistake he makes, my love for him will never change. That is so important.

  When I finally got in bed and closed my eyes I prayed for Bogere. I prayed for his situation, his heart, his mind and his soul. I know that God is doing mighty things in his life...but being patient is really hard.