Wawa, 8
In many ways, it's like we're still just peeling back those first layers of Wawa. She's only been with us since April 2024 and the settling in period for a child generally lasts much longer than that. She is sensitive, determined, strong-willed, and yet also desperate to find her place. I'm excited to get to watch her story unfold.
September 2025 Update
Wawa turned 8 in April, and she’s been with us for almost a year and a half now. During that time, we’ve loved watching her personality unfold. She’s quirky, funny, and full of energy. When she tells a story, she can talk a mile a minute (and she tells plenty of them!). She loves to play, though work isn’t exactly her favorite thing. Still, we’ve been encouraged to see her doing better at keeping up with the little jobs she has in her room.
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Wawa likes being around the other kids all the time, but she actually thrives when we give her a little space. We’re working on helping her recognize when she needs a break, and it’s so nice to see how well she can play on her own when she has that time. With her imagination, she can keep herself entertained for hours.
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She’s also incredibly bright and a strong reader. Recently, she’s started reading during evening worship, and she really enjoys it. Since she tends to live in her own world, this has been a good way to help her focus on what’s being shared. She’s even begun answering questions, which has been a big step for her!
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We’re excited to see how she continues to grow, especially in her walk with God. Please pray that she learns to regulate her emotions and knows when it’s best to step back and recharge.
Her Story
Each child's story is their own to tell so we share only the parts that are appropriate. In time, we believe the testimony that God is giving them is something they'll share to help and encourage others. Until that time, we will share those things which aren't too deeply personal but will still give you insight into the hearts and minds of these young people God has sent to us.
October 2024 Update
Wawa came alone and braved the dramatic change in her life in ways I didn't expect. She was stoic and it took a little bit to realize it was mostly an act. A defense mechanism to hide behind the intense fear of the unknown she'd found thrust upon her. I'd be lying to say it hasn't been an uphill battle for her to find her way with the other girls who have an expectation of Wawa that she should be as "refined" as they are. Sometimes we find it necessary to remind them of how far they've come because, once healing has begun, it's easy to forget the warts that once covered our characters.
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Wawa has some simple tasks that have been assigned to her. She's become increasingly diligent at completing her duties and, almost without fail, she can be heard coming to tell us, "All done!" It's one of the only English phrases she's picked up and she uses it constantly.
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Hannah and Abi realized that Wawa was likely dealing with overstimulation and they suggested that we separate her from the group after school to give her a chance to shower and play alone quietly. It was definitely a God-inspired idea because where she'd been a heap of tears every afternoon, she's now more relaxed and ready to face supper without a meltdown. Sometimes the tiniest tweak to the routine of a child can make such a huge difference.
