Two boys from the Goducate Children’s Home in Cambodia are among the first batch of students at the Goducate Training Camp in Iloilo, The Philippines.
There were mixed emotions at their send-off, which was both scary and exciting. No-one wanted to cry. We all wanted to them off with our full encouragement and smiling goodbyes. They gave us hugs and somewhat nervous grins.
In their few years with us, the two boys have developed well physically, emotionally, and academically, and both are a big help in the Home, although in different ways. Timothy loves animals and likes to look after them. Nathan seems to fit anywhere he is needed. He copes with construction work and gardening and other livelihood projects.
I recall how their homesickness and tearfulness during their first few days at the Home. Nathan in particular was particularly distressed, and asked to be sent home despite the domestic violence he had to endure. Yet it is comforting to us to know that they decided to be strong no matter what, and have settled in well. Both were identified as leaders about 2 years ago.
We hope that they will learn much at the Goducate Training Center that will serve them well when it is their turn to go out and help the needy. We hope too that they will turn out to be good examples for the other children at the Home.
