General Information
What's New in Samoa
What's New in The Program
Trainers' Corner - Regarding Tasks seminars
On the Inside - By a boy in Samoa
Inside Out - Adapting to your son at home
On the Outside - By a boy who's gone home
The Ebb and Flow of Paradise Cove - This month reports
Glenda's visit!!
Dear Ms. Problems - Help solving problems
Family Support
This is a monthly newsletter published and written by parents, for parents of kids in Samoa. Though program staff review P.O.K.I.S. prior to printing and distribution, as well as provide information for several columns, the content and format was designed by Linda F. and Sheryl J., the parents of two boys in Samoa. One of our sons has returned home , and the other is currently on Level 4.
Unless a column is written by Paradise Cove staff, the information doesn't necessarily reflect the opinion of program staff. We appreciate individuals at Paradise Cove, Brightway, and Teen Help for their invaluable assistance and for the printing and distribution of this newsletter. If you have any suggestions, comments, or questions, please contact Teen Help at 1-800-355-8336.
|
Sheryl J John J Linda F |
Editor in Chief Support Associate Editor |
GENERAL INFORMATION
If you are a parent who missed the first issue of P.O.K.I.S., please
contact Teen Help. This section contained an in depth discussion of
Samoan culture, conditions for the boys, a little about the boys'
adjustment, communications with your son and with the program, and how to
deal with
problems.
We did not receive any submissions this month for the Siblings column.
We will include it next month if we receive letters from siblings
regarding their feelings and experiences.
We now have the newsletter on Internet - on Teen Help's page. Their
address is http://www.vpp.com/teenhelp. You may find lots of other
interesting information on this page. We anticipate that this will be a
great resource for you and your families and friends. Please give us
feedback on whether or not you find this valuable.
We hear that Paradise Cove is continuing in their effort to have E-mail
capability! We'll keep you updated.
Top
by Brian, Director-Paradise Cove
Greetings from Samoa. We are happy to announce the opening of our new
office. We have relocated our case managers as well as Angie, one of our
office managers to our new location next to our town facility. We are
thrilled about this new transition and are still awaiting our three new
telephone lines in order for each case manager to have ther own phone
line. Until these lines are issued, we ask for your continued patience,
as we are as eager for these new lines as you are!
For now, Joann can be reached on one line, and Rita and Ofeira can be
reached on another. Please call on these direct lines so you will not be
placed on hold or have to call back. We realize the need for individual
lines for the case managers; this is why we are doing all we can to get
more phone lines. Thank you for your support and your patience. We are
continually trying to upgrade our resources here to make it easier on all
of you. Speaking of new additions, our new addition, Mitchell is up to
about 14 pounds and is adjusting well to life on the Island! We are
thrilled to have him aboard as our new member of Paradise Cove.
Hopefully he will be our youngest student here at Paradise Cove!
Top
Newsflash: We are pleased to announce that Glenda C. has joined the
Paradise Cove team. She will function in the position of Parent
Coordinator, where her initial focus will be to better prepare and
educate parents who will be attending the parent seminars. Glenda brings
a unique asset to the Paradise Cove team in that her son is currently in
Paradise Cove. Thus, she thoroughly understands the needs, concerns and
questions that parents experience during this process. She has just
returned from Paradise Cove where she worked with the staff and met with
all of the boys. Glenda the author of a monthly column "The Ebb and Flow
of Paradise Cove."In this issue she talks about her experiences at
Paradise Cove.
Transition Home News! Thanks to Bob Litchfield and Glenda C., we have
additional information on the newly added Transition Home phase of the
program.
The private homes our boys will be staying in have good references. Most
of the families have worked with the program in some capacity before, and
meet guidelines set. They were interviewed and sign a contract,
including that the boys will have adult supervision at all times. There
will be up to four boys per home, but there may be only one or two. This
depends on the size of the bedrooms etc., as set forth in the guidelines.
While the boys are in the Transition Homes, parent visits and phone calls
are encouraged. Increased family contact is one of the main purposes of
the Transition Home - . Families are also encouraged to have their sons
spend weekends with them. The program feels that is very important that
the families interact and get re-established and re-acquainted. With
prior approval from parents, the boys may have also have visits from
grandparents and siblings.
The boys will attend Browning Academy. Families they stay with are
responsible for their transportation. If they have already graduated,
they will be working on increasing their SAT scores, via pre-testing to
see where their weak areas are, and work on those with tutoring.
Bob Litchfield wanted we parents to be aware that the Transition Home,
though supervised, is not a "lock-down facility." If a boy is still a
run-risk, and decides to run, he will probably be successful. The
Transition Home will be a success for the boys who want it to work.
Top
UPCOMING TRAINING DATES
The following gives the training dates for upcoming Parent Seminars and
Parent Child trainings. Remember, your child must be scheduled intoa
Parent Child I, and then into transition. Parents must be graduates of
the Parent Discovery Seminar to attend the Parent Child
Sequence..
Call the TASKS Coordinator at (801) 635-0918 to register and obtain exact
locations. To assist in planning and to avoid possible cancellation for
the Focus seminars, fees for Focus must be submitted at the time of
registration. Focus seminars are subject to cancellation unless a
minimum number of registrations are received by 30 days prior to the seminar.
Adult Focus
We are now doing an adult Focus for graduates of the Discovery training.
This training will mirror the Teen Focus, with some added features. The
training is a 4 day experience. The hours are much like those of
Discovery. Typical starting times are 10:00 am each day, while ending
times are around 11:00 pm.
We have been doing general public adult Focus trainings for over 10
years. In the past we felt that travel, expense, and the need for other
issue addressing training precluded having the adult Focus for parents
with children in Paradise Cove or Cross Creek. With the trainings moving
to the regional areas, we now can offer this experience. So what is Focus?
The Focus training is a continuation of the journey started in
Discovery. Most Discovery graduates know that other issues exist in
their lives which need further work. Many of these are barely uncovered
in the Discovery training. As parents and individuals it is critical we
continue to improve our self relationship. This relationship is the key
to all other personal and professional relationships in our lives.
Discovery is about ME, Focus is about WE. The Magical Child qualities
are "owned" in the Focus training. We spend time developing a personal
purpose and vision for your life. This is a critical step in the
development of a clear future. As parents it is imperative we break the
cycle of our old self limiting beliefs and behaviors to create a new
family dynamic. We expect this of our child, but do we demand this of
ourselves?
The Focus Seminar builds upon the concepts of personal accountability,
responsibility, and change. Your experience in the Discovery tells you
the value of moving outside your 9 dots. The Focus is to continue to
challenge oneself to operate beyond the dots.
There is a cost to the Focus training. The training cost is $295 per
person for those associated with Paradise Cove. This cost covers
expenses for the training. This is a step beyond the included TASKS
seminars. While we would like to have this included in the program, our
decision was to include PC III instead. In our general public companies,
the Focus seminars cost $550-$650. However, since Teen Help is covering
some of the cost, we can offer the training at a much lower fee.
I encourage you to enroll in the next Focus. Your growth is critical to
a new family.
Tasks - - The Challenge
Many times I am asked by parents in the Discovery, "Why was my son kicked
out of the training?" Parents often seem to take this personally. The
reason is quite simple; we hold your son to a high standard regarding
integrity in the training. In the TASKS Program, we are addressing basic
self esteem issues which are at the root of your son's troubles. In the
training, we lay out what is expected regarding homework, participation,
and keeping our word. We then hold your son accountable for his
results. Many times the results are far below those of which your son is
capable. If we begin to allow "less than," we are merely reenforcing
your son's view of himself. The view of himself is the major change we
are looking to create.
TASKS sets a tone for your son's total experience while in Samoa.
Generally, one of the first major self growth experiences is the
training. It is imperative we start demanding more from your son. It is
also critical we continue to apprise your son that his results in the
program are his to create. He will be given nothing, but can earn much.
What type of behaviors can result in being asked to leave the training?
The most frequent is incomplete homework. The homework is NOT the issue,
but a student's willingness to push beyond the easy and commit. Another
typical cause for dismissal is breaking facility ground rules while in
the training. As you well know, your son is going to push the limit.
One typical test is to see if during the training, he can "get away" with
behaviors otherwise not acceptable. The answer is no! The last is often
most difficult for parents to understand. It is being asked to leave the
training because of the buddy relationship.
At first this seems to be a punishment rather than a lesson. In the
training, each student has a buddy. We carefully go over the buddy
relationship - - purpose, support, consequences. I tell the students,
"If your buddy is asked to leave you may be asked to leave. The only way
you will be allowed to stay in the training is to have been actively
involved in this relationship." We spend time in the training defining
what involvement really means. Later when a problem arises I spend time
with each buddy, finding out what they have contributed, if anything, to
the relationship. Too often the answer is nothing. This is a mirror of
the way they have treated the family.
Using the buddy as an analogy for their participation in the family is a
powerful learning experience for the boys. Often the boys do not totally
get this lesson until the next training, when they put more into the
relationship. It is a very rewarding experience for a boy who has missed
the training because of his past choices in a buddy relationship to
complete the next training with a buddy.
I encourage you to ask your son the true cause of his leaving. Hold him
accountable for his results.
Top
Letter #1: from John
I came to Paradise Cove almost one year ago. Before I was sent here I
was heavily involved with gangs, drugs, violence, and a great deal of
unknown emotional problems. Before I came to Western Samoa I had hit
rock bottom. I dropped out of school and had run away from home. I was
doing heavy drugs. When I was fired from my job I had no money for the
drugs that I was addicted to. I began to rob people for anything of
value. I began to get into street fights daily. I was so used to my
style of life I did not know I had a problem. It was the only way I knew
how to live. I had no desire in my life besides money, sex, drugs, and
violence.
September nineteenth was the hardest day in my life. Two men took me to
Brightway. I stayed there for fourteen days. I had no desire to
change. All I thought about was how to get home and resume my
destructive lifestyle. I left for Western Samoa on the twenty ninth of
September. I will never forget the fear I experienced as I stepped off
the plane. I was alone, scared, and unsure of myself. All I had was the
image of my past to protect me.
As I first walked down the hill to Sinalele Beach, I was not sure what to
think or expect. I spent my first month planning how I was going to get
myself home.
Time passed. I tried to do what I had to do so I could move up in the
levels to get myself home. They have a saying here: "You can fool the
fans, but you cannot fool the players." The saying was right.
I graduated two seminars that offered a series of helpful tools. For the
first time in my life I was able to share my feelings and talk from my
heart. I was now in a loving, caring environment where I was accepted
for me, and not the image I portrayed at home. I now had the motivation
to change. I also had the motivation to work hard so I could call my
parents. I was myself and dealt with my issues.
Level three came well deserved. The first phone call was extremely
emotional. I told my parents how I felt and realized how much they love
me. As time passed the relationship grew stronger. They went through
Parent Discovery, a similar seminar for parents. After they graduated
they became extremely supportive. I continued to work hard and focus on
my life.
The day I moved to level four I cried. I cried because I had reached my
long term goal. I was so proud of myself. I had applied the tools I had
learned to my life. I had become successful. Now it was my turn to give
to others.
As I reached my goal of level four I thought that I was done. When
actually I have grown the most on level four. On level four you are
faced with many difficult situations that relate to life in the real
world. Day in, day out for the last five months I have been faced with
people similar to my old friends. To stay successful in the program it
has taken the ability to put aside my acceptance needs and care enough
about my personal values to surround myself with positive influences.
Through the Youth Leadership Program, I have discovered how strong I have
grown.
I currently have one credit to complete until I receive my high school
diploma. If I had not been fortunate enough to have been sent here, I
would have never finished high school.
Soon, I will go home and be faced with old influences, and the challenges
of family communication. I am confident that my success will continue
when I return home. The tools that I have learned here will make all the
difference in my life and future. I am extremely proud of the long road
I have walked. I am also grateful for the love of my parents and look
forward to a new beginning.
Letter #2: from Dave
On April tenth of ninety-five, I entered my first day on Sinalele Beach.
I have no recollection of that day seeing as how that was fifteen months
ago. I remember coming to Paradise Cove in denial of all my issues.
I remained on level one for about three months. At that time I believed
that I would be returning home by my three month date. During my first
three months I completed both the Discovery and Focus seminars. By my
three month date I received a letter from my mom explaining that I would
continue to stay in Paradise Cove until I reached level four.
In about a week's time I reached level two. My first two weeks on level
two I became sick and slowed down. I then attained some goals
(mechanical ones such as: hugs 3 x's, feedback - get and receive 2 x's
daily within my Family, etc.). I reached level three with a month and a
half of consistency.
My experience here is that people choose to make [transition between]
different levels difficult. Some make level one to two hard; others make
level two to three impossible. I chose to make level three to four
extremely challenging.
As soon as I was moved up to level three I was removed from "happy," my
original Family, for six months. I was placed as "Respect" Family
leader. I remained Family leader for about two and a half months.
At that time an abscess (similar to a boil, deeper and larger) formed on
my hip. I was placed on sick bed for two weeks. During that time I
acted like a special case. I was placed on probation and taken out of
the Family leader position. After another two months I was placed back in
the Family leader position. In two weeks time I was placed on "LIMBO,"
because based on results I was comfortable on level three, since I had
spent five months on that level.
On limbo my first three or four days I worked my butt off to return to a
Family. Finally on my fifth day, I decided that my legs could not run
anymore. That day I ended up taking a category 3 refusal and returning
back to level two. I spent another four days on limbo til I got back in
a Family.
Some of my days on Limbo were the worst days of my life. Yet limbo
changed my life. I found God again and learned to ask Him for what I need.
Once off limbo I regained level three in three weeks and I was placed as
"Love" Family leader. In a month's time, on April eighteenth of
ninety-six I reached level four.
For the past three months level four has been the biggest learning
experience of my entire stay here in Paradise Cove.
Letter #3: a poem by Jeff, written after he had been in the
program a little over one month. Jeff is currently in Samoa and gave his
permission to print his poem.
CHANGES
As the waves crash down at sea,
Missing my mom and my dad,
I had hate inside my head.
Now that I think of what I have created,
There is nothing I can do but change my ways;
I gave my life to the Lord,
He will guide me through the days;
I look ahead into my life.
[Note from the Editor: This poem touched my heart and brought tears to
my eyes. After our experiences, with our son there for 17 months, Jeff's
words reinforce our conviction that the most important thing our sons
gain from this program is love and hope. Thanks to Jeff and his parents
for sharing this beautiful poem.]
Top
The following poem is one that I have shared with the boys and thought it
might give you, the parents, food for thought also. It has made quite an
impact on the boys.
AUTOBIOGRAPHY IN FIVE SHORT CHAPTERS
As your son returns home he will face many of the challenges that he has
faced before going into the program and may "walk down the same street"
and "fall in the same hole" before he remembers to "walk down another
street." Coming home will be one of your son's greatest challenges.
Keep this poem in mind and use it as a reminder for yourself (when
dealing with him) and himself when he makes similar mistakes that he made
before entering the program.
Top
My experience of re-entering reality...I've been home for about 4 months
now and have been enjoying the things of life that I had missed out on
before. When I first got home, I had a lot of struggles from all the
temptations. I have not slipped back into old habits, but have thoughts
about it. I'm not trying to say that you can't stay straight; you can!
In fact, I'm still sober. Life on the beach was rough and also very
emotional. But trust me, it's a lot easier. I work full time to keep
busy and thinking positive. I am 18 years old and am finding adulthood
to be very difficult, learning that responsibilities are a big part of
life. I would like to end by saying I hope everyone stays strong and
Samoa can be an excellent experience.
Top
Yes! They Do Care
As I write this article I am en route back to the United States from
visiting Paradise Cove in Western Samoa. While I could write volumes,
and there undoubtedly will be additional articles based on this trip, I
am going to focus on my experience with the staff and your sons. I know,
from a parent's view point, we wonder and worry whether someone is really
caring for them and about them. So I am going to share with you a bit of
insight and information about a few of the staff who are responsible for
our sons.
The first person our sons meet upon their arrival in Samoa is Lafi
(pronounced law-fee). They are met in American Samoa by Lafi and then he
accompanies them on to Western Samoa. Lafi played a key role in getting
Paradise Cove started in Samoa. Being with Lafi is akin to being with a
celebrity. He seems to know everyone. He is an intelligent, proud man,
with a hearty sense of humor and a good heart. He is the proud father of
five sons, one of whom works for the program. He truly cares about our
sons and takes pride in their success.
The Case Managers, Ofeira, Joann, and Rita, bring a tender warmth that
our sons truly appreciate. And yet they have the knack for challenging
them, keeping them on task and focused. If you have a question
specifically regarding your son, the Case Managers are who you should
contact.
My hat is off to Sonja, Joe, David, and his staff of trainers. Their
"commute" to get to work is approximately 26 hours, one way! As I
hassled with lost luggage, a canceled flight, the discomfort of airplane
seats, the long lines for check-in, customs, and immigration, I marveled
at how dedicated they must be to our sons to go through this process
every few weeks.
Duane is the Assistant Director and oversees the beach facilities. His
wife Tala works in the office in Apia. It is approximately a 1-1/2 hour
drive each way. With this distance and responsibility they only get to
see each other every few days. What a sacrifice! And yet they push on
in their dedication to our kids.
A number of boys kept talking about Tao (rhymes with cow), who works at
Le Tiara. They talked about how cool he was, how much he had helped them
and how dedicated he was to them. They know that he loves them and has a
genuine concern for their best interest. As I talked to him, he shared
with me how important they are to him. He said, "If I know one of my
boys is having a hard day, and I think I shouldn't leave him, I will
delay going home however long it takes."
Brian is the Director of Paradise Cove. He and his wife Angie, who works
in the office, have four children. The boys really look up to Brian. He
is a terrific role model for them. He challenges them and helps them to
believe in their own ability. And if you are receiving any of those
"guilt trip phase" letters, be comforted in knowing that they put up with
the same bugs, heat and humidity, and being far from their loved ones
also. And they have been there longer than any of the boys. Never
complaining. In fact, always cheerful and happy and proud of our boys'
accomplishments.
Western Samoa is breathtakingly lush and beautiful. A perfect setting
for change. And combined with the efforts of a dedicated, caring staff
our sons are in a good place. Numerous boys shared with me the love they
have come to have for the Samoan people, and their beautiful country.
They expressed appreciation for what they have learned in their program
and how glad they are to have a chance to start over and to make
changes. I watched their respectful interaction with the staff. I
witnessed boys who were proud of their hard work, encouraged by a
devoted, supportive staff.
Yes, Paradise Cove is a place for change, and the staff at Paradise Cove
commits each day to make that happen. Rest assured...they do care about
our sons!
Top
In this column, you can talk about your problem, and get help. Some
problems will be responded to by parents who have experienced and
resolved the same, or a similar problem. For some, we'll get input from
staff at Paradise Cove or Teen Help.
The purpose of this column is to constructively try to resolve specific,
legitimate problems. This may include, but is not limited to problems
with the program, with children at home, with communication, with
returning home, or with the awful letters that boys write for many
months. Those letters are a normal stage in your sons' development.
Some of the things they write about are merely an attempt to manipulate
you into bringing them home. But there are occasionally problems that
need addressing with program staff. The best person to discuss those
issues with is your son's case manager. If you feel the problem is more
serious, and requires immediate attention, call Tala - the office manager
- share your concern with her and ask her whether or not you need to talk
to Brian or Duane.
Dear MS. Problems,
My son has been in Samoa for a little over a month, and I wonder if other
parents are having so much difficulty with communication with the program
regarding their son. "Feeling In the Dark"
Dear "Feeling In the Dark"
When we visited Samoa I couldn't believe how much time Brian spent with
the boys - he was with them as early as 6 AM and as late as midnight. I
wondered how he had time for his own family. But the love and dedication
he, and the rest of the staff, have for the boys is incredible, and it
shows in the respect that our sons have for the staff. In spite of often
being frustrated with the lag time in communication, I decided that the
most important thing to me was that the staff was with my son, helping
him to grow and to progress. I do realize that that is easier for me,
since I've been there. Hopefully it will reassure you to know that the
dedication and time spent with the boys has been evident also to the
other parents who have visited.
Top
Parents Interested in Forming Support Groups
TWISTER hits La Verne and carries two BOYS to Samoa; Mother is distraught!
We're parents who have just sent two boys to Samoa (5/6/96). We're
looking for parents who live in our area who already have a support group
going, or who are interested in forming one. We live in La Verne, which
is 30 miles east of Los Angeles.
Seattle Area: A parent in this area would like to help set up a support
group in this area.
Chico, Ca Area: We would like to form a support group in our area.
Please call if you are also interested.
Report on a New Support Group
Maryland-Virginia Area: A group of Parents of Kids in Samoa from the
D.C., Maryland and Virginia area, met at a home this spring to offer each
other encouragement and moral support. A Miami attorney and friend from
Discovery Seminar was here visiting at the time. He was able to shed
light on some legal questions concerning possible financial relief from
various government agencies.
Eric, a recent graduate from Samoa, who was there for fourteen months,
attended in his Lava Lava!! He charmed us all as he shared his
unforgettable experiences in "his" native land. And he gave us all a
sense of hope that our sons will succeed. Also in attendance was M., a
recent graduate from Cross Creek, who shared her experiences. It really
helped us to understand more about the girls' program in Utah.
We hope to met again soon. We welcome any new members. Please contact
us if you want to be a part of our group."
Existing Support Groups
Salt Lake City
Please call Teen Help if you're from any of these areas and would like
more information.
Dear Families,
I have some feedback that could help a lot of families out there that may
be struggling with siblings feeling neglected because their brother is in
Western Samoa getting all of the attention. I am currently in Samoa. I
have been here for 16 1/2 months. So I can see from my point of view
what is really going on here.
My brother Kenny, for example, has always been a good kid. Never touched
drugs, never ran away or caused any major problems. Well, I called home
and talked to him a while ago. I let him know that I love him and
acknowledged the on going strength he has had and incredible
self-discipline. That was exactly what he needed to hear. I could hear
some of the loneliness in him because of the lack of attention. And I
knew that he felt in his heart that after so long of emptiness and gloom
he was now feeling some sunshine and warmth. Like it has all been worth it.
So, parents and kids please remember that there are more people who you
love, and who love you in return. Please don't forget them and cause
more family chaos. Remember people need to hear praise. They need
attention. Think about a time when someone made you feel real special
for no apparent reason except to make you happy and feel loved. Then
think of a time when you just go through the average day and you feel
unnoticed like you are no big deal, not much of a special impact in your
family, work, or with your friends. Which would you rather feel? Which
would you want your family members to feel? Whether it's mom, dad,
brother, or sister, what matters is what is being done and what are the
results.
Now before you want to give reasons in your head, look at the results and
be real honest. A lot of the time we're not working at our full
potential of service to others, meaning everyone. But like anything else
in our lives we have the power to change that and a lot of hardship by
just showing affection, love and unexpected attention. It would be a
Win/Win for everyone.
So some solutions are maybe make a goal to spend some time out of each
day to just sit down and have an enjoyable conversation with each member
of the family. For the kids, one thing that can work is give your
parents an unexpected back rub, cook them a nice dinner to come home to
from work, or whatever. For the family, maybe have family time each week
or family meetings a couple of times a week to regroup and to clear the
air of any misunderstandings. Also, it is excellent support for when
your boy comes home he will feel his whole family there for him. But he
will pick up on the example. So live by the old golden rule to treat
others how you would like to be treated. And the new golden rule of
random acts of kindness.
Thank you for your time and concern. I hope all goes well for your family.
© 1996 Viewpoint Productions, Inc.
You are visitor number
WHAT'S NEW IN SAMOA
Case Managers' Schedule, Revised 7/96
Samoa
Manager
Days
Location
Hours
Seneritha
Th,F
Sa
Tu,W
Office
Office
With Boys
8-4:30PM
10-5:00PM
Ofeira
M,Tu,F
W,Th
Office
With Boys
8-4:30PM
Joann
M,Tu,F,
W,Th
Office
With Boys8-4:30PM
All lunches are taken from 12-12:30 PM.
WHAT'S NEW IN THE PROGRAM?
TRAINERS' CORNER - by David G. President & Trainer, Resource, Inc.
Parent Seminars
TEXAS DISCOVERY
TEXAS FOCUS
September 6-8
Cancelled
LA DISCOVERY
LA FOCUS
August 23-25
September 19-22
SEATTLE DISCOVERY
SEATTLE FOCUS
September 13-15
October 24-27
Parent-Child Seminars
PC I
St. George, UT
September 5-7
ON THE INSIDE - by current Level 4 boys
Feelings arouse inside of me.
Making me feel very, very sad.
Sometimes I wished I was dead.
I am completely devastated.
It will be of use in later days.
I grabbed the handle of His sword.
He will help me out in many ways.
I see myself happy with a wife.
INSIDE OUT by Sonja, counselor @ Paradise Cove
by Portia Nelson
(From: Repeat After Me - Claudia Black)
I
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I fall in
I am lost....I am helpless
It isn't my fault.
It takes forever to find a way out.
II
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don't see it.
I fall in again.
I can't believe I am in the same place.
but, it isn't my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.
III
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in....it's a habit.
my eyes are open.
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.
IV
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk
I walk around it.
V
I walk down another street.
ON THE OUTSIDE by Tommy, a boy who's gone home
THE EBB AND FLOW OF PARADISE COVE by Glenda C.,
son in Samoa for 16 months
DEAR MS. PROBLEMS
I would like to recommend that you read the first two issues of
P.O.K.I.S. In there are valuable tips for maximizing communication with
regard to your son. A brief synopsis of the suggestions are to: 1) Keep
your monthly scheduled appointments with either Joe or Sonja , program
coordinators who visit Samoa once a month, during which time they see all
the boys to whom they are assigned; 2) Contact your son's case manager in
Samoa, who sees your son each week and who is in the office three days a
week (see What's New in Samoa for their schedules); 3) Fax your son
letters - it decreases turn around time on letters, even though he
cannot fax back; 4) Know that things happen at a slower pace in Samoa.
The mail system is very different from that in the U.S. Things just
happen at their own speed - sometimes mail takes two weeks, sometimes
four - and no one knows why. If you are trying to contact one of the
directors, be patient. They are extremely busy on the beaches and at the
mountain site with our sons. They will get back to you, but sometimes it
takes a little time.
FAMILY SUPPORT
Dallas-Fort Worth
Miami
Bay Area - Ca.
San Diego
#1
April 15, 1996#2
May 15, 1996#3
June/July 1996#4
August 15, 1996#5
September 20, 1996#6
October 20, 1996