Joshua’s Diary - part 2

“I am happy now!” declared an elated Joshua when he found out that he could finally enroll in school. What was even more indescribable was the joy that radiated from him as he received his new school bag, start up Braille set and radio at the Philippines Resources for the Blind on 25 June 2009.

We ended our last blog entry with an entreaty to our Lord to open a new way for Joshua to go to school in view of his visual impairment. Since then, our Lord has continued to take us on a miraculous faith journey, revealing His mighty hand in the doors that have sprung open for Joshua.

Right after the need arose for special education for Joshua, the Lord sent us a volunteer to help to research on the different service providers for the visually impaired in Manila. Through her help, we finally located and visited the Philipines Resources for the Blind (RBI), a non profit Christian organization who provides educational intervention and support for inclusion of visually impaired children in the mainstream schools. To our amazement, they informed us that they had just trained a teacher for the visually impaired at the very neighbourhood school where Joshua lives! All Joshua needed to do was to enroll in the school to receive the services free of charge. As he had never before received formal education, he would begin with individualized classes and, at a later date, be included in the mainstream class, while continuing his specialized education. He would not only learn academic subjects, but other necessary skills like Braille, self help skills and social skills to prepare him for an independent living. Best of all, Joshua would be able to attend school with his siblings in his community!

What providence of our Heavenly Father indeed!

At the RBI, Joshua had a free consultation with the optometrist who specializes in children with low vision. With the results, staff of RBI would liaise closely with Joshua’s special education teacher to meet his individualized educational needs. On that same day, Joshua’s parents were linked up with other parents of children with visual impairment for support and networking. Come 1st August, Joshua will receive a free white cane as it marks the “White Cane Safety Day” in the Philippines. Talk about a conspiracy of events and timing! We believe it is the generous provision of our Father who cares for every detail and need.

Today, Joshua attends special education sessions three times a week in school and he is, in his own words, very happy now.