Jordan is officially back.
For those of you who might have tuned in late, Jordan is the boy from our group who broke in and robbed our house in August. We got almost everything back, and told him that we wanted him to still participate in the group, but let him know there would be consequences. He couldn't handle confronting his guilt in that way, so he hid from us for seven months.
About a month ago, he showed up at our gate. He's taller, leaner, and has a much deeper voice than the Jordan who we knew in August.
He apologized and let us know that he wanted to try and repair our relationship (well, maybe not so eloquently...). We let him know that we always hoped he would come back, and that we would talk about consequences the next day.
Here's what we decided: He has to pay to replace the items we couldn't retrieve from him, and he can't have any involvement with the American groups coming in all summer. Instead of working off a debt, we prepared readings, mostly from the Bible, that he had to read, copy, and write a page of his thoughts. Each was worth 5 dollars. We knew it would stretch him, since he is not a good reader or writer, but that's what we wanted, for this to be formative rather than empty labor.
We didn't really imagine that he would follow through, but lo and behold, he showed up the next day with the papers ready for us. We checked the handwriting, and sure enough it was him. He did well, and we are proud of him and excited that he is taking the initiative and showing us that he cares. So far he has done four readings.
We are thankful to God for the time Jordan spent away. It was a time of changing for him, and us, too. We are thankful that the robbery was not the end of our story with Jordan, and that now, we begin anew.
9 comments:
I am so proud and amazed at what you are doing there. I think it says a lot about you that he came back, and is willing to work to repay you. Keep up the good work. We think about you often and love you guys!
We know how tough that was for you, but it looks like it will turn out fairly well - with a lot of prayer, consternation, and thought. Perhaps the recent problem with the boys can have a silver lining of some kind as well. We'll keep praying, for you as well as that problem.
Love,
Mom & Dad
Amazing! What an answer to prayer! We are rejoicing with you here in Nashville and praying for continued change... and an ultimate transformation in Jordan. God can make all things new. Yay!
hello TJ!
this is your long lost Brazilian friend from greek classes (long live JAN HAYLEY!) ... ALI
TJ, i am needing to talk to you. we are planning an event here in Brazil, and were hoping to share our vision with you.
please write me at aligonekai@yahoo.com
talk to you soon, dude!
ali
Oh thank God! You are just what he needs. Love you both. Did you get my email? I have sent some long ones and never heard back. Love you!
Caroline
Yeah! I am so thankful he came back! I love your consequences for him. I pray that they will reap fruit in his heart and character. You guys are so persevering and discerning in your work with those kids. You are in my prayers. Love you both and miss you so much!
Wow...thanks for sharing.
Hope you both are doing so great, I love reading your blog as you share your hearts with us.
This is an encouraging entry. Similar to the prodigal son story in the Bible, I read this post earlier this morning and we happened to talk about Philemon in class today. Philemon ran away and Paul attempts to convince Philemon to accept Onesimus, as you know. How great is God's unfailing love! I hope Jordan does well. Dios te bendiga y les amor!
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