Sorry for somewhat of a hiatus in blog updates…life’s gotten busy. Most meals at our house these days involve nine people – the usual Coker five, then Ashraf, and most days, Abed and Nana, too. Thus, I am quite thankful that Sara loves to cook, and loves to see others enjoying what she cooked. Every evening lately seems to be a swarm of activity at our house – Abed and Ashraf playing with the kids, lots of Pashto, Persian, and American English translation, and then there’s homework time, as well.
Ashraf seems to just love the ESOL program at DuPont Middle School – he looks forward to school every day, and is so anxious to learn the English language. On Friday evening, he sat down at the kitchen table to do his homework, and seemed rather disappointed when we reminded him that there was no school the next day. Many evenings recently, Sara and I have taken turns sitting with Ashraf on the couch, reading books in English with him. Yes, we’re getting some extra mileage out of some of those sight word and other beginner books. Frankly, I am shocked by how quickly Ashraf seems to be getting all the English basics – his progress is impressive, largely due to his incredible attitude, I believe.
Last week, Ashraf had his first appointment (since returning) with his pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Nemours, Dr. Eric Loveless. I realize I have not mentioned specifically yet what Ashraf’s orthopedic issues are – he has a deformed clubbed left foot and one of his legs is shorter than the other. He consequently walks with a significant limp. Sara was really impressed with Dr. Loveless, and his enthusiasm about working with Ashraf. As most of you know, these physicians are freely donating all of their time and services to care for these children – it’s amazing to see. As for a surgery date, we’re not sure about that yet – ideally, the surgery will take place in April, so that Ashraf’s recovery can commence. At the same time, we recognize and respect that scheduling surgery for a Solace patient is complicated, given that all those involved must be willing to donate their time. I’ll keep everyone posted on this.
As for Abed, the interpreter – where do I start with this guy? You just have to meet him, and witness first-hand him interacting with children – he’s incredible…just one of those individuals to whom kids are drawn and with whom they’re instantly comfortable. This past week, he enrolled locally at Wolfson High School in 11th grade – his eagerness and hunger to learn is right up there with Ashraf’s. On that note, seeing Ashraf and Abed really puts our educational opportunities in America in perspective for you. Ashraf and Abed seem to have few to none of the ‘concerns’ about school that our own children have – making friends, fitting in perfectly, what’s for lunch, etc., as they simply feel so grateful to have the chance to attend school in America. So, I am quite proud of and impressed by these two guys from Afghanistan, enthusiastically jumping head-first into our education system at the end of the school year, knowing pretty much no one. (I don’t know that I would’ve or could’ve done that, at their age!)
Otherwise, we’re really having a blast with these guys…a rainy trip to Disney World (thanks, Nana), an afternoon at the Baker-Carriere farm (thanks, Laura), Spring Break bowling, milkshakes at DQ...
Bryan
Ashraf & Abed @ the Magic Kingdom
