Working for a Future

 

Friends and neighbors of ours took a big step a number of years ago and adopted a 12 year old boy from Romania. In interest of privacy, he will be anonymous, but he's a great kid full of personality. As an "ESL" or English as a second language student, school is difficult. (It's hard enough when you aren't from across the world, don't speak the language, and don't have the benefit of growing up with the culture and a family who cares for and teaches you life's lessons.)

This boy is working hard in a program that teaches kids how to work in the food service industry. They have their own restaurant where they learn to plan, budget, cook, serve, and clean up. Their meals are delicious, and inexpensive. Plus, it's fun to watch them as they try so hard to do everything just right. Here's my friend and her son on the day we went there for lunch. For $6 we got clam chowder, fish and chips and lemon pound cake with coffee or tea. It was great and my neighbor boy was excited that I can to see him. Isn't he cute in his chef's outfit?