The Butterfly Effect - Day 8

     Every morning I am greeted with proud little faces with bags full of money.  One of my students came in and handed me $20.  I asked him how he earned it and he said that his neighbor knew about it and came over and gave him the money to contribute.  I shared with the kids that this is what "The Butterfly Effect" is all about.  They got things rolling and then it starts to spread to more and more people until a HUGE difference has been made!  I have watched the children grow and change so much over the last couple of weeks.  They are more mature, more excited, and more giving.  They get so many things that it takes a lifetime for some of us adults to get.  They have now earned enough money for.....

FIVE WHEELCHAIRS!!!!

     This morning I was able to share a few YouTube clips with the kids.  One was "Learn About Human Body Parts for Kids - Ears."  It gave a brief explanation of how sounds are collected by the ears and the brain interprets it.  It also talked about how to take care of your ears.

     The second clip I showed them was "Jackson's Cochlear Implant Activation."  In this clip, Jackson is about the same age of my students and has already had one cochlear implant and is about to receive another one.  You can see his excitement as his ability to hear is expanded.

     Lastly, we watched "The Butterfly Effect" by Andy Andrews.  It talks about how we are all created special and we can all make a difference each and every day.

     After the DVDs we talked about "How to Be a Friend to the Hearing Impaired" from "On a Roll For Jesus" published by Joni and Friends.  In the book she shares tips on how to be a friend.

• It is not necessary to make any big movements or to shout to get the attention of someone who is hearing impaired.  Gently tap them on the shoulder or wave your hand.
• Look directly at the person when speaking or signing.  Sometimes they will rely on your body language and facial expressions to help them understand.
• Speak slowly and expressively to establish if they are able to read your lips.  It is important not to block your mouth with your hands and/or other object when speaking and don't chew gum.  It makes it really hard to read your lips!
• Remember that shouting or raising your voice will not help them understand you better.  Written notes can help if needed.  It is a good idea to learn some basic sign language.  Many high schools offer American Sign Language as a language credit.
• If an interpreter or someone else is helping you speak with a person with a hearing impairment, remember to talk to the person and not the interpreter.  
• Be patient.  It may take a little bit longer for a person who is hearing impaired to understand what you are saying.  Rephrase or repeat if necessary.  Don't give up!

     Tonight I shared with our small group from church about the "Wheels for the World" project and one of the members asked about the wheelchairs.  I told him about them and he said, "Put me down for one," and then wrote out a check.  I am completely blown away by what God is doing!

We are up to 6 WHEELCHAIRS now!!  TO GOD BE THE GLORY!!!