LOU

After the surprise when the boy from the children’s camp won “best camper”, the camp for the teenagers arrived.  It was a challenge again to win a prize in either sports or “best camper”. 

But we went with this expectation. The teenagers had presented their report cards including one mother who hoped that maybe her son might be able to go but this student did not have good grades.  Rules are rules and this boy didn’t go.

JANIS

Hey, I am really glad you didn’t allow the one kid with bad grades to go.  Maybe he now understands the importance of his education.  And, the ones who did work hard have their reward, too! 

I am sure all were excited about the week ahead and maintained their hopes to at least do as well as the “little kids”.  The pressure was on!

LOU

It’s true there was pressure.  A girl named Maria had an accident playing and I was frightened about what happened to her, but the camp nurse was very profesional and helped her get better. 

Maria stopped playing but with the expectation that she needed to recover and participate again in the games.  The teenagers that went had fun and were excited about their participation.

JANIS

I’m glad that Maria is okay.  All teens enjoy the opportunity to leave home for a time and experience some freedom and Independence. 

I think there’s an added benefit since the kids are able to interact with other teenagers from all walks of life in various parts of Peru.  Rich kids…poor kids…kids from other cities and departments.  In camp they are on “equal ground” for a week.

LOU

Yes, both the rich and the poor (kids) are equal that week.  They have the same conditions.  And the kids from El Buen Pastor are able to have this experience.  Besides they (the camp directors) offered to Esther Leon an opportunity to work as one of their camp counselors in the following weeks.

But Esther had to return home with us.  We know our potential and it allowed us to go with (high) expectations to camp.

JANIS

What a great opportunity for Esther!  Perphas she will have another opportunity in the future to work at the camp in Canete.  But it is good to know that one of “our kids” is recognized for her abilities and this translates into job potential. 

However, the greatest benefit goes to Esther who receives the confirmation of her value and abilities outside of the poor community where she has lived all her life.  Her life is larger than before, and her self-concept is impacted.  Many of the kids I know from San Genaro seem to struggle with how they feel about themselves as worthy contributors to their community and society, in general.

LOU

Esther is a humble girl, sensitive and one that loves God.  This year (2012) she will finish her secondary education and maybe prepare to enter the university in 2013.  It is possible her time may be short and may not have the same opportunity next year but we know that she has enormous potential to do whatever she wants to do.  Esther is a role model for the rest of the girls and we hope she continues on her (current) path.

JANIS

All of the Leon family children have been good examples.  But, Esther, as the youngest has had the advantage of a good model from her older brothers and sister.  And, it is good to see that she is an example to the other youth and younger children.

I hope that we will have the advantage of her continued contribution in San Genaro, but I am certain her life will touch many others outside of the area. 

LOU

Yes, her example may include others outside of San Genaro. 

Besides Esther, Judith is another teenager of the same age whom I have known for years.  She has won two prizes, one of them for being the best in basketball and the second was for being the best camper.  Wow!  This year we had the best camper for children (Rivaldo Maza) and the best camper for teenagers. 

I was surprised when I heard Judith’s name because we have never won two“best camper” in the same year.  El coordinator of the camp told me “Lou, you are taking the best prizes each year! Congratulations!!!”, and I answered him “Yes, we came with our batteries charged!”

JANIS

Well, it has obviously been a great year for the youth, the children and Common Hope.  I am very pleased of all of their efforts as well as their behavior. 

As we look to the future, I think we will see God continue to work in the lives of all of these children and youth in the months and years to come.