Raul's mother thought about what she had heard concerning the grade school on top of a little hill in the ‘Florido’ section of Tijuana. Could it really be true that Raul would be treated differently there and perhaps even make progress in his education? She decided to give it a try since he was simply ignored and took up desk space in the schools in which he had been enrolled over the years. He was already 13 years old and had very little time left to have a positive experience in grade school.

Thus in September of this year Raul enrolled in the Monte Horeb Grade School. He was placed in the fifth grade and came under Patti’s tutelage in hopes that an appropriate program could be developed for him. Due to medications taken by his mother while he was in the womb, Raul was born with severe physical and mental disabilities. He suffers from coordination problems and facial abnormalities. He does not talk but communicates with grunts and moans. Yet he is tall for his age and loves to smile.

Raul helping set up school store

Raul has only been at the school a few short weeks. But these few weeks have witnessed a transformation in his school life. He is surrounded by teachers, staff and fellow students who actually care about him. Now he is one of the first to arrive at school each day. He can’t wait to help set up the little store that sells snacks to the kids each morning.

And he’s getting the special attention that he needs to better his communication skills. For the first time he is able to express his desires and needs clearly by using a communication board. Simply by pointing to the appropriate box he can ‘say’: ‘I’m tired;” “I don’t understand;” “Can I play?” and so much more.

Raul using his communication board with a classmate

But the transformation witnessed in the last weeks has not been limited to Raul's life. His schoolmates have learned mighty life lessons. Raul is tall, gangly, uncoordinated and different-looking. Many of the kids at the school would not go near him when he first arrived. Some would shirk away referring to him as ‘monstruo.’ That has all changed. If Raul is not on time for one of his special classes, these same kids that were frightened of him now run to find him and accompany him to class. And during recess or gym class, what a smile breaks forth on his face as his classmates cheer him on.

Because Raul is already thirteen, his stay at the Monte Horeb School will be limited to no more than two years. But he and his mother are thrilled to have this special opportunity, a hope now realized. And the teachers, staff and students of the Monte Horeb Grade School are most grateful for Raul, a joy to be around, not to mention the life-changing lessons that he makes possible in each of them.

-- Patti and Tim Long