Flexibility in the work schedule at my American day-job affords me time to focus on our ministry to the Deaf in Haiti.  I’m grateful that God has given me the best of both worlds – at this time in my life.

Using this flexibility, last week I attended a 2-day training seminar on Orphan Trauma Care.  It was packed with research and insight regarding the care of orphans and vulnerable children.  The seminar was so fascinating I think I only blinked twice in 2 days!

I highly recommend this seminar if you are a parent, a foster/adoptive parent, a teacher, have any position in a school setting, ministry leader, social worker, Sunday school teacher, a missionary (long-term and short-term), and anyone with a pulse.  Yes, the information is that fascinating!  Back2Back Ministries does an excellent job of condensing their research and presenting it in a way that you can immediately begin using their techniques.

Back2Back Ministries is an international Christian non-profit organization dedicated to being a voice for orphans. They are sharing this research and encouragement world-wide with locations in the United States, Mexico, India, Nigeria, and Haiti.

In the afternoon of the first day of training, it occurred to me how relevant this information is for the kids in Haiti.  As the presenter explained different behaviors and the meaning behind the behaviors, the names of the children in Haiti would come to my mind.  I’m thrilled to begin helping the deaf children in Haiti using this research.  Oh, God is good!

One concept that was emphasized was “meaning behind behavior.”  Behavior becomes the language of a child who cannot express his/her feelings.  As caregivers, we are encouraged to determine the root of the behavior – rather than just disciplining the child for behavior.  We even received a poster that reads: Meaning Behind Behavior to remind us that a child may be trying to express a trauma or a feeling that he/she does not yet have the vocabulary to explain to us.

Fascinating, right?!

I learned about this training when I was in Haiti earlier this year.  When I returned to the States, I learned the Back 2 Back headquarters is located in Cincinnati, Ohio – just a few hours away from me!  (It’s a small world after all!)

If you would like to attend a seminar or would like more information, please visit the website:  www.back2back.org