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for A Note from Mathew
May 2008
Mathew went on another cruise with Grandma Sue for
spring break. This time Mathew, Alin, Ivan and Saul
along with Grandma Sue went to the Caribbean. The
started their cruise from Florida which was a big treat
as none of the boys, except Alin, had ever been to
Florida before. During the cruise Mathew had a few
behavioral issues that challenged Grandma Sue. Many
times on this cruise Mathew woukd play the "I'm an
adult" card when Grandma Sue set-up the rules for
behavior on the ship. Often Mathew fails to understand
that everyone has to follow certain rules, even adults.
The first few days were a little rough with Mathew
openly defying the curfew rules Grandma Sue set-up.
Finally after Grandma Sue told Mathew he was not welcome
on the next cruise coming up this summer, Mathew got the
picture loud and clear. The rest of the trip Mathew was
on his best behavior. Mathew loves traveling, especially
cruising, and he probably couldn't bear the thought that
he may never get to go on cruises with Grandma Sue
anymore. When Mathew returned from this cruise he even
wrote a note to the Captain of the ship apologizing for
not following his grandma's rules!
Update: February 2008
Mathew really enjoyed the 7-day Mexican Riviera cruise he took with Grandma Sue over the New Year. Grandma Sue says that Mathew is a natural cruiser. Mathew made lots of friends on the ship, both passengers and crew. He enjoyed staying out for the night festivities and the midnight buffets. Mathew celebrated the New Year with a bang on the ship. He even went to the adult only dance afterwards. Mathew definitely isn't shy. Mathew will be taking a 7-day Caribbean cruise out of Florida in March with Grandma Sue, Ivan, Alin and Saul.
Mathew enjoyed his job at Sports Authority through his ROP program last semester. He hopes to work there again this semester. Additionally Mathew is still working at his high school cafeteria. He loves that job and is very loyal. He even gave up a ski trip because he didn't want to miss a day of work. We have heard many positive comments about Mathew's work ethic and his vocational skills. We are very proud of Mathew's ambition and we are positive he will go far in life!
November 2007
Mathew has been working at a local sporting goods store since early October. He is enjoying this job and sales seem to be a natural match for his personality. Mathew has also learned how to ride the city bus to and from work. Mathew is very motivated to be as independent as possible.
Recently Mathew has been in contact, through e-mail, with some old friends from Russia. Many people have helped Mathew throughout his life and most especially with some of his struggles as a disabled orphan in Russia. Volunteers from both England and America stepped in to raise money for medical care and operations for Mathew when he was younger. They also made sure he had special educational opportunities. One group of volunteers even helped prevent Mathew from going to an orphanage with severally disabled children where he would have received little or no care and education. Because of these women's support Mathew was able to spent a portion of his childhood in a loving foster home and eventually become available for adoption internationally. Mathew is excited to be reacquainted with these volunteers and the women have expressed their delight at Mathew continued growth and success.
September 2007
Mathew had a busy summer. He worked full-time at Camp James the ENTIRE summer. Mathew even worked some over night shifts to help the campers when they had sleep-overs! Now that summer is over, Mathew is glad to be back in school. Mathew is a senior in high school this year! He is so excited. He has already attended one dance and is looking forward to the homecoming dance later this month. Mathew is also enjoying having his younger brother, Javier, attend the same high school. Mathew likes being "big man on campus." This school Mathew is taking a drivers education class and hopes to be behind the wheel second semester. Go Mathew!!
April 2007
Mathew is enjoying participating in various activities with our supported living group. He especially enjoyed a recent trip to Las Vegas. Mathew at been to Las Vegas before but this time was special because he was included on all of the adult activities. Mathew went to a Magic Show and to a Car Show. He walked around and went shopping for t-shirts. He also enjoyed trying out many of the various buffets on the strip. Mathew says that some day he would enjoy living in Las Vegas!
February 2007
Mathew is starting another semester of the ROP Diversified Careers classes. He will be selecting an internship position soon. Through this class Mathew has had opportunities to work at a movie theater, Big Lots, and Toys-R-Us. While these are not paid positions, at each internship Mathew has learned new skills to help with his eventual full-time employment. Mathew is such a hard worker that he always earns praise from all of his supervisors. Mathew says that he is interested in working at a restaurant this semester. We are glad that Mathew is trying many different jobs in order to determine which is likes the best. This summer Mathew plans to interview for a full-time paid position at Camp James for the third summer in a row.
December 2006
Mathew is so happy that he finally got his braces off. Check out the BEFORE and AFTER pictures! He has been wearing braces since 2004 so Mathew is happy to see his white, and now straight, teeth again. Mathew continues to work at his high school cafeteria and he has an after school job at a local Toys-R-Us. Besides school and work, Mathew helps Johnny as a volunteer coach with our Special Olympic floor hockey team. Recently Mathew was the receipt of a post-secondary education scholarship from ICA. Mathew is saving the money for future vocational training classes.
October 2006
Mathew turned 18 years old last month. He celebrated with not one BUT two trips to Hooters! Mathew also received a laptop for his birthday and is enjoying sending and receiving e-mails. Using the computer has really started to help Mathew improve his written English language skills.
Mathew is happy to be back in school. He is a junior this year and is quite the man about campus. Since September, Mathew has already secured two jobs! Mathew was requested to return as an assistant in the high school cafeteria and he also has a job at our local Big Lots store. We are so proud of Mathew's motivation to be gainfully employed. We are also excited that Mathew is open to trying a variety of vocational training opportunities.
 
  
July 2006
Mathew is working at Camp James full-time this
summer. He chose to forgo any camps for himself and
instead be a counselor for the children who attend Camp
James. Mathew loves work and is even more excited that
he is getting paid to do what he loves. We are so proud
of Mathew who, on his own, took the initiative to apply
for one of only three paid positions available at Camp
James for high school students. In fact to be able to
work as a counselor Mathew also had to be certified in
both CPR and First Aid! Mathew's self-confidence and
maturity level has grown leaps and bounds since he
joined our family from Russia in 2004.
Update: May 2006
Mathew recently started his paid job as a school
cafeteria assistant. He is excited about getting paid
employment and absolutely loves working in the
cafeteria. Last year he volunteered in the cafeteria all
school year. Mathew also interviewed for a paid summer
position at Camp James. Mathew is such a motivated
teenager. He enjoys working very much and even if the
paid position falls through, he will be more than happy
to volunteer.
March 2006
Mathew (17) is enjoying being a part of the Shane's Club Choir. He has been rehearsing in Los Angeles every weekend. On March 19th, Mathew, along with the entire Shane's Club Choir will be performing at the 5th Annual Play Now and Forever Gala at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel. This year Shane's Inspiration will celebrate the life of Mattie J.T. Stepanek (1990-2004). Mathew is excited and honored to be accepted into this choir. He is looking forward to his big performance in a few weeks.
Matthew is also excited about his up-coming interview to be a counselor at Camp James. This year he hopes to work full-time all summer long. Mathew is excellent with children and is willing to put in long hours to make sure all of the camp supplies are available and all of the play equipment is in working order for the campers. Last year many of the senior counselors personally asked for Mathew to assist with their group. Mathew can't for summer to begin.
Update: January 2006
Mathew continues at Fountain Valley High School this year. Mathew loves school very much. Recently he won an award from Channel 7 "Cool KIds" program. This program honors outstanding high school students. Mathew was recognized for his participation around the campus and also his volunteer work in the community. Mathew filmed the segment on campus and it was shown twice during
newscasts. Mathew did an outstanding job with the interview. He certainly is familiar with camera crews and that part didn't even seem to phase him. Many of the school staff were flustered with the whole process but not Mathew who seemed to relish in all of the attention.
 After school Mathew participates in community theater. He also enjoys doing film work and has acted in several student and graduate films. Mathew is also an active participant in the local Demolay program. He enjoys the activities and meeting new friends. Finally, Mathew is a member of the Baron Choir and recently enjoyed singing in the annual winter concert.
As you can see, Mathew met Dokota Fanning. He was
participating in the annual Shan's Inspiration Walk and Roll-A-Thon where she was a host. Mathew loves meeting famous people. He is so friendly and outgoing that he has become an ambassador for our whole family.
     
Mathew worked at Camp James Summer 2005
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