ISNA & CIPI

My mom sent me some questions in an e-mail, so figure I will answer them here!

What exactly is ISNA? ISNA is the detention center for girls. They are anywhere from 12-17, give or take. I believe they have about 50 girls there. Some of these girls are pregnant and others have children that are being cared for by family members. Half of the girls are awaiting a sentence from the judge and only in the center for a short period (a few months). The other half are serving thier sentence here, anywhere from 2-5 years. They have commited crimes such as theft, homocide, gang violience and also have been acomplices to crimes. It is hard to believe that such young girls have done these things. It´s even harder to believe when I look at thier faces, see them laughing and playing. They need Jesus just as much as the next person. During devotional times it is evident even through the lanuage barrier that God has changed hearts and is working in the lives of these girls.

CIPI? CIPI is the orphanage we go to for a couple hours the second half of the day. In fact, not all of these girls are orphans. Some have family, but cannot be provided for and that is why they are in the center. The girls that I am with are also 12-17 years old. Many of them have emotional and psychological problems. Some are survivors of rape and abuse. Everyday the say they want to go to the ´´cancha´´ (the field) and play, but when we sit down and do a craft everyone is involved and this seems to go much better. It is difficult to explain games to them, then we end up playing soccer and only half the girls really want to play. Laurel and I are trying to find some simple english songs to teach them and possibly some dances too, they would love it.

Second week down! I miss you all at home, take care!