Kevin's Challenge to Focus on Photography

Kevin is currently 12 years old. He has been at Seeds in His Garden since he was two weeks old. At four years of age we knew that Kevin had many special gifts and talents. It was also suspected that he may have Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. Over the years, many tests, confirmed the suspicions. Kevin scored above average on many tests and we were told he had an IQ score over 153. There were also tests that showed he had a strong imagination. Other tests confirmed that he had difficulties with concentration, speed in extracting information that he knew, and that his fidgety behavior was his tool to gather thoughts. When Kevin became aware that he had ADHD, he was not shocked. We talked and I shared with him that ADHD is just another special gift that God gave him.

He was told that although it is going to be tough at times, he has many special gifts that come from having a strong ability to think about many things at once. It seems like an undaunting task at times to keep him focused on the basics.  However, he has learned some special techniques that appear to help him most of the time. The key to his education has always been the teachers, staff, volunteers and Becky (mom). 

It is critical that the house staff and teachers are aware of all the things related to his behavior, and give attention and proper support for him. In Kenya it has been more difficult to find people that understand, are patient and willing to work through the difficulties with him. He is a big story teller and often takes the simplest subject and elaborates it into an entire discussion. He does not enjoy the fact that it appears to others that he is defiant when he actually just forgot in that moment. He feels that few people understand him. Kevin has learned to stand for himself when others question his intent, or when they try and engage him in conversations that are not productive or supportive to his self-esteem.

There have been many years and lots of frustration for both Kevin and the home on finding alternative ways of supporting his successes versus his struggles. Kevin is focusing, just not where others think that he should. Naturally, we cannot solve all the areas of ADHD and the effects and difficulties that he has with school work, chores, or activities needing concentration. However, he is focusing through a lens. He has found that good photography only come through being still. Kevin has found that staying focused on photos he sees through the lens means good visual results.  He often lets his heart lead him to a shot that captures an emotion that is often difficult to catch in a moment.  He has a natural ability to translate through photography expressions of feelings. He has been able to show patience in capturing animals and their unique nature. He tries to catch the silly expressions in the children. Kevin has many gifts and talents, such as art, dancing, singing, building, and creating abstract objects.

However, the greatest gift that Kevin gives us at SIHG is his love and compassion. He is by unanimous decision in the house, the most loving, grateful, and sensitive boy we have ever had in the home. This is Kevin’s home, and athough he was placed for adoption from the beginning, he feels comfortable and understood here. He is doing good with his new found skills and ways to express where he lives.

Kevin, like many others must have our support to continue to explore their hopes and dreams. We do not know what Kevin wants to do when he is ready to leave Seeds in His Garden. What we do know is that people have been there to give way to his expressions of life. They have tried to instruct Kevin to stay focused so that he can succeed in school. Kevin has also learned that his way of thinking is not bad, but just different.

Kevin taught us that focusing through a lens, can also be an outlet and form of expression of what he is seeing and feeling about the world he lives in in a day by where he points his lens.  He also taught us that compassion always wins over judgement.  And most of all that self-esteem is critical to conquering difficulties as well as facing the challenges head on builds your self-esteem.

Help us help children just like Kevin here in Kenya. Children who have been orphaned, abandoned or neglected who have the same possibilities as any other child, to make a difference in their communities.