The Least of These

This place is pretty incredible. I just visited the new center for the handicapped, where children who are diagnosed with any kind of learning disability can come and be taught the basics of self-sufficiency. I'm floored. Because other than a few specialist centers, I'm not so sure our communities in the States even cater this well to their own mentally handicapped. The teachers and workers (all from this area save a Canadian woman who's worked here for 30 years and helped acquire the funds for building the center), go out into the neighborhood to talk to the residents and families to see if they know of any children or adults that may be handicapped. They then speak to their families and tell them about the center where they teach them at their own pace such basics as carpentry, cooking, motor skills if they need, and there's even a class in the basement where the students are taught how to sort recyclables so they can work with their families. Way impressive. Any kid would be lucky to learn this way, and these are the ones that need it the most. This community knows how to care for its own.

So am I needed here? No. But they're generously allowing me to contribute what skills I can, and in return, are gracing me with their unfailing hospitality. And free immersion Arabic to boot. There's hardly a day that passes that I'm not humbled or awe-inspired. And all from the least of these.