jake and the local school

a follow up to a previous blog about my son jake starting in the local school.

its been tough. he's had some rough days. the place is dark, full of kids who have never been disciplined or educated at all.  most have no sense of "appropriate" as they have literally raised themselves on the streets.  

at his former school, jake was like a celebrity. him being an american, being "different", was appreciated. he was popular and loved.

but in the local school in the village, he's picked on and made fun of for being different. 

today, jake is sick so he missed practice. during devotions with his team, they all began talking about the way everyone at school treats him.  it started when one player said that some kids tell jake "we wish you'd go pack to your country, we don't want you here." 

then another raised his hand and said that another kid always tells jake "don't you know that we don't want gringos here."  another group of girls, just today, told jake "the reason you're sick is because you're a gringo and gringos get sick easy."

they said other kids just walk by him during the day and say "#@%# gringo."

one after another, the boys raised their hands with stories of how mean everyone treats jake.  tears started to fill my eyes.  i couldn't listen anymore.

i know i'm his dad, but i'm telling you there is no sweeter kid.  he's always positive and in a good mood.  he loves everyone. 

it ruins me just thinking about this.  i dont know what to do.  God, help me.  i think about how he keeps most of it to himself, trying not to make a big deal of it... 

i of course encouraged all the boys to be there for jake, support him, and defend him.  some said they already do, and others promised they would.  i told them that he needs all of them.

i want to take him out of this school and put him back in his old one.  something deeper inside says "no".  i know that's the voice of God.  sometimes i dont like the voice of God. 

please pray for him with us.

update 5/9:
i took jake out for dinner.  we had a guys night.  talked a lot.  he shared a lot of the stories that i mentioned above.  it was overall a great night, definitely what he needed.  my highlight of the night was when i was joking about what we could do to "get even" with some of the bad kids, and he said: "dad, their just immature. i have to be patient and not let it bother me. its hard sometimes, but most of the time it doesn't even phase me.  i have to love on them.  that thats why i am there, to make a difference."  
once again, he leaves me speechless.