Beth, Olya, and I recently visited a local rehabilitation center for substances abusers. Once we got past the locked gates in the hallways, we spent about an hour hanging out with four teenagers between 15 and 18. Beth and Olya had been before and were returning with boxes of games and puzzles from the US to keep the guys busy. We had a great time playing Connect 4 and Uno and I hope to have the chance to go back and get to hear their stories.
One young man captured Beth’s attention with his art. He showed us several of his pencil drawings that were simply amazing. We’re hoping to find ways to encourage his talent and with art supplies rather cheap, I’m hoping to go back with some sketch pads and proper pencils for him to use.
At the end of the trip Olya and Beth talked about how we could reach not only the kids in rehab, but the source, the youth detention center here in Taraz. The need is so great and the volunteers so few! We want to mobilize locals, but just like the states, people get busy and distracted, don’t know about the opportunities and concerned about another commitment…so who will go?
I would encourage you if you’re reading this blog to ask yourself if you know if your town has a rehab center or a youth detention center and see what it would take to pay a visit to those kids. Aren’t we all called to remember orphans and those in prison?
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