Today at the jail was truly a blessing. Despite exhaustion and three cups of coffee after church, God showed up big time today. One huge way was by introducing me to MayAnn, who just so happens to be Junard’s little sister. I have been discipling and training Junard since day one of me being out here, and he was the original reason for me getting involved with the jail ministry. I’m just so proud of the man he’s becoming, and I loved watching him interact with his sister today. She hasn’t visited him in a long time, but we made sure that she would be able to join us the next couple of Sundays.
So before we had our typical service, I just sat with Junard and his sister and tried to get to know their story. I could just see the brotherly, protective instincts come out in Junard as she told him about their parents and her schooling. I could tell she was embarrassed to talk about these things with me around, but Junard assured her, she was in the presence of family. As I heard her story, honestly, my brotherly instincts began to come out. It seems her parents are neglecting her education since none of their other kids have finished high school. Junard and the other siblings weren’t quite the investment their parents expected, so why should MayAnn be any different? Many kids her age have already dropped out, but MayAnn is on the verge of being forced to drop out.
I expected her school to be hours away, but was shocked when it was just on the other side of the city. I’m actually passing it on my way to the farm this week, so I told her I would swing by to check on her account and see if they’ll release any of her information so I can inform Junard on what the damage is. I found out that since she attends a public school, her tuition is only 795 pesos (about $17) for the entire year. So, prayerfully, I’ll be able to tell Junard that his sister’s account is at $0 and that they owe nothing. I told MayAnn I would just check on it and she was near tears that I would care enough to come to her school. When I offered to pay the 75 cents that would be her fare home, she couldn’t hold back her huge smile.
MayAnn is in her third year of high school and WILL graduate in March of 2012. She wants the chance to go to college because it will force her to learn English and she will get to pick what she wants to study. I think being able to dream about these possibilities becoming a reality meant a ton to her. Junard has meant a lot to me and has birthed a vision that God has put on my heart, and I want him, and his family to know they’re worth not only my time, but God’s. He’s seeing this more and more each day and truly becoming a man and a leader. I can’t wait for the day he can work and provide for his sister’s education with his own pay check. Two dreams will become reality on that day…
