“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
Carl and I can attest to Romans 8:18. Carl’s journey as a student, especially when we were still in the Philippines, was not easy. Not all schools were ready to handle ADHD, and not all were willing. Some charge additional fees for a shadow teacher, claiming they will handle the child, but Carl even experienced trauma in one of the schools he was enrolled in. Jumping from one school to another, I noticed Carl feels comfortable in places where he finds love.
God is so good that we found VLCS when we first moved to Singapore, so we didn’t have to encounter the same experiences as in the past. From the time he was assessed, I was already happy to meet Mrs Boey, who was very welcoming and who prefers not to label Carl as having ADHD. It wasn’t smooth at the start: adjusting to the new environment, and bringing his trauma from the past and heavy heart then, Carl had problems in class; but I am grateful that VLCS has been my partner in raising Carl as a son of God and a part of society. From a boy who had anger management issues 5 years ago, Carl is now an aspiring artist and a loving, empathetic and God-fearing boy. He has always been loving, but he found it hard to express it in certain instances, and we are happy that now he is able to control his emotions and frustrations. Carl is growing to be a God-fearing man even in his teenage years, which I know some parents struggle with. I am able to see this especially when out with others, even outside school. Being a solo parent, it wasn’t easy, but VLCS has been my partner in raising Carl and has always reminded me that God is Carl’s Father.
When he first joined VLCS, I was called almost every week. I have to be honest, it was stressful – but what was good is that the school worked with me and provided continuous feedback and prayed with us a lot. The succeeding year, I was only called once a month; what a relief! Later on, only quarterly – I couldn’t be more grateful. And now, I’m not called at all! Now I only go to school for PCs, praise God! I am teary eyed when I recall who Carl was before and what he is now. The school also recognised what Carl is good at – he found fulfilment doing his art and crafts, and also competed at RSC and ISC in photography, drawing and even singing. The school, the environment, the foundation, the supervisors, the students, have all been accepting of Carl and we are thankful for that. He has been handled by almost all the supervisors, and I am thankful that they have been God’s instrument in helping Carl. Special mention to Mrs Liah and Mr Karlo who have continuously provided guidance to Carl up till now and have been pushing him (in a productive way) to be his best. Thank you!
We are now moving to the UK. Leaving VLCS is our only hesitation in moving, but we are reminded that God will take care of us. We pray that we find the same care, the same love, and the same nurturing environment and people for Carl in the UK. We also pray that VLCS continues to help students like Carl.
– Carol Tragura
