Jerison

Several years ago, Nate had been working with a Haitian widow, Maria, whom we had gotten to know in the community. He helped her repair her house and helped her start a small business selling hotdogs. Occasionally when her income didn't meet expenses, he would help her with her rent or buy groceries. After some time, Nate sensed that he was giving too much help which was creating in her dependancy and a lack of personal intiative. So he intentionaly distanced himself.

Maria has two children: a daughter, Lilia, and a son, Jerison. Recently during his personal time with God, Nate felt moved to begin spending time with Jerison, who is now seven years old and in second grade. Since Jerison doesn't have a father figure in his life, Nate felt that the could perhaps help fill that need.

Nate remembered all the things he learned from his dad as they worked together on the farm where he grew up. He thought that hiring Jerison to help him with Saturday work around the house would be a good place to start mentoring him. Jerison was very excited about having a job.

Nate taught Jerison how to help him rake the lawn and wash the cycle. At lunch time, Maggie had a meal ready for Nate and Jerison.

After lunch, Nate read him an illustrated bible story, and then payed him. Jerison was so pleased to have pesos to put into his pocket.

One Saturday, Nate and Maggie took visitors to Santiago, a large city about an hour from where we live. We took them to see a museum and a historical monument in the down town area. We decided to take Jerison along. He loved seeing the big buildings. He told us he hadn't ever been to a big city before.

The museum has a first floor history section and a second floor art section. But the part the Jerison liked best was the escalator. When he first saw it, his face lit up with a smile. We rode the escalator up and down, and up and down.