Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Love is.....

The faces of children leave me speachless. How much better can it get than watcing them receive new clothes.





























































































































































































































































Alright maybe the title is a little broad but I couldn't find the right title as I found love to incorporate many aspect of my past week(two weeks ago) and the past week. I started writing the first one and then never finished. Time flies when you are having fun! During Valentine's Week, God reminded me several times of his everlasting love through my kids and good friends. I also was reminded of unconditional love as even when I mess up, God is able to forgive me just like my loving friends forgive me for the crazy things I happen to do. On Wednesday, my class led chapel which the kids love as they get to be on stage to lead the singing. At camp, I was in a music drama to the song Bleeding Love. It isn't a Christian song but a lady at camp created a beautiful picture between God's love towards us which correlated with the song. I unfortunately, don't have the video for it but in the skit, a girl is being pushed around from the sin in the world until she breaks to Jesus who gives her the sings of Loved, Forgiven, and Saved. She then receives signs from the world of Unloved, Unforgiven, and Unsaved. Jesus takes those sins away from her and then is nailed on the cross while she is held back. When Jesus dies, the sing fall off and the girl freely falls at Jesus' feet who miraculously comes alive. The skit ends with the girl giving her signs of Loved, Forgiven, and Saved to the people who warnly treated her before and them all following after Jesus. It is very powerful and you might be able to youtube it if you type in Bleeding Love Springhill Camps. My kids are only in second grade but they understand the power of love. I had some girls crying at the end of it because God's sacrifice was made real to them as they saw it. It is also a beautiful reminder of how God gave us the most incredible sacrifice by loving us, forgiving, us and saving us. Why am I not willing to do the same for others? I have to be willing to give all that I am to others as Christ has given me the perfect example to do so. What amazing God we serve!


































On Friday, we invited the parents into our classroom to celebrate Valentine's Day together. We said verses, sang silly poems, read notes to our parents on why we love them, and did our music drama. I had all but three parents come and they all did a magnificent job. My favorite part of the afternoon was when one of my students who lacks confidence in his reading ability stood infront of all his peers and the parents to read his verse. He had only read it a couple of times and it had several large words in it but he beautifully said it without flaw which almost brought myself and his mother to tears. He would have never had the courage to read infront of a crowd before and he did it with such confidence that you would have never known there was a problem. I am so proud of him. There are days where we go round and round but I have to remember that it takes the day to day struggles to see one glimpse of a light. However, seeing him read that verse is worth everything else. Grante, the next week, he coated his hands up to his wrists in red paint after he was just sitting in his chair. Well, again, I just have to keep my eyes focused on the bright sky, the face of my Jesus, and keep trecking along because these kids are really worth it. Later that night, the parent called me again to thank me and knowing she sees improvement makes it worth wild.




































A week after we performed the music drama, we performed it again for the middle school and high school chapel. We went out to hear the chapel band and worship with the kids. One of my girls whose family says they are Muslim worships with all of her heart. She sings and uses her hands to Praise Jesus. It is so beautiful to watch. While we were worshipping and joyfully watching her, I glanced over at one of my boys who kind of gave me a look. I asked him what the problem was and he said she was embarrassing to them all. I said, She has it, she has the Joy and she is worshipping with all of her might. This child doesn't come from a Christian background but she gets it, she wants to serve her Jesus and praise Him with all of her being which is what I lack sometimes. Who knew it took my little second grader to remind me of the necessity to show an unfailing and unconditional Love to my Savior all the time.




































Alright now up to speed for this week. We have been collecting clothing and other supplies at school for what we called The Love Project. Yesterday we put the plan into action by delivering all of the supplies to villages two hours away. When everything was collected, we had enough clothes to cover all of my tables in my room. We filled at least 15 bags with clothes, crammed books and food in boxes, and away we went in a too small of a van for all of us. We also took 6 students with us who helped tremendously but got tired after awhile. We pulled up in the van to half built huts and beautiful children with bright smiles that unfortunately hardly had any clothes on. You must experience the incredible sight of watching children put on a new dress or shirt after not wearing anything. One of our high school girls put a cute little purple dress on a tiny girl with purple earings. It matched perfectly which of course the high school girls noticed. It was so cute to watch our girl and the little girl explode in smiles after seeing the beautiful sight. I mean just think how excited you would be if someone came to your house and gave you a new car or offered you a new house you would be shocked and amazed. This was the same thing for these children and adults. It was a total shock for them to receive nice clothing, shoes, books, and toys for the first time. You just need to come here and experience it. Overall, it was a successfull day and we hope to continue this connection in the future.

After we came back to school, I had soccer practice as the girls and boys have games this week. I had my back door open which is on the far side of the school. After practice, one of my girls said her phone was missing. We searched everywhere but couldn't find it. Then she asked the day guard just as the night guard was coming. It is protocol for the next guard to check the previous guards bags. Low and behold, the missing items along with two new school uniforms were found in his possession. The fun didn't stop there as the head man of the company game which was a huge built man. He slapped the criminal right away and we had to leave the guards quarter as they beat him. The man came out holding his cheek while we had to explain what happened. The man continued to lie never telling the truth. We figured out through evidence that he stole two uniforms earlier in the day and then went into my room to steal the phone and mp3 player. It was hard watching him go to jail and get beat up but the company has a reputation to keep. This is how things are handled. It was probably better that kids were around so he didn't get beat up as much. This is the hard facts of life.

However, I am so glad to serve my Mighty Savior who protects us from evil and wrongdoers. Praise Jesus that everything was recovered.

Please pray for all the unrest in the area like Cote d'Ivoire and now Lybia. THere are 10000 Ghanaians trying to leave Lybia right now to come back. Pray that all the logistics work out for this to happen. I praise Jesus for the stability in Ghana but pray for those who do not have the same freedom. We need to keep them lifted up in our prayers.


































Saturday, February 12, 2011

Joy through Trials

An exciting day for AIS soccer as we tied a very good school. Let me just say the boys bring a lot of personality to the field. Can you tell?

An attempt to score. We had opportunities but only found the back of the net once.












Half time pep talk. They usually aren't listening but they are good players!





Fraction Pizzas! My kids earned a fraction pizza party for behaving so well. We covered pitas in sauce and toppings which the children generously brought in. This is fun, tasty, and educational. What more could you ask for? My kids are very photogenic.

































A school week is only 5 days long but a lot can happen in that short amount of time. Just enough time to struggle through trials but also a chance to see God's mercy and goodness shine through.






The week started with a teacher work day which was much needed as surprise, surprise, I began to fall behind in school work. However, the day became much more exciting as middle school and high school boys began to enter my room, chattering with anticipation of our game against Lincoln which is the other American school here. They are a very good team and to be honest, I thought above our playing abilities. Good thing on this one, I was wrong! With 20 players, we loaded up the school bus and headed to the school where I found a very nice organized athletic department with a grass field. Yes, grass it is true but my kids are stronger by playing on sand, at least I tell them that. As the game began and my stomach was filled with butterflies, my boys found their rhythm and scored in the first half. What an exciting moment! It didn't really hit me because i didn't think it would happen but indeed it was true. Once that happened, the other team started warming up their starters who didn't play the first half. However, we only allowed their first team to score one against us, leaving the game at a 1-1 tie. The victory would have been amazing but I am still proud of the boys for rising to the occasion and not giving up. It isn't easy coaching, especially alone as I have all the boys on the sideline asking to go in as well. Subbing is the worst, just not sure of the right combinations, but God got me through. One thing I have found out about Ghana is everyone and their brother is a coach, or so they think so. During the game, I was called by our drivers or kids' drivers so they could put in their two sense on who should play. I know they are just trying to be helpful but it gets hard! After the game, some of the boys picked me up, which left me wet since they were drenched in sweat. A little disgusting to say the least! I was really proud of the boys and it really didn't hit me how monumental this was that we tied Lincoln as it shows we can play with the good teams, well international teams, Ghanaian teams are still out of our league. There isn't many activities for these boys to do so I am so thankful that they do have an outlet as long their grades stay up. It is hard work but they are worth it and can't wait for more games!
Well, I opened my big mouth and told some of the boys that if they played well I would throw them a party on Friday. Some of the boys have a good memory and didn't allow me to forget. My house was filled sweaty boys, girls with cameras, video games, soccerballs, and food. What more could you want? I had at least 25 kids at my house with my roommates help. These kids have nowhere else to go even on a Friday and so they will clean to anything that involves friends and food! Of course, we ended up playing soccer in the courtyard and I even showed off my moves shoeless in a skirt. That is right, I sacrificed my bare feet to the disgusting cement for a game of soccer. I am so thankful for these kids who bring joy and laughter to every situation.
Saturday, Children of the Light officially reopened with math month. It was a great start as the children rotated around to the teachers which kept everyone interested and not too crazy. We had a good crowd as all the kids were excited to come back to Children of the Light. These kids are starving for an education and it just breaks my heart knowing they don't have the same opportunities as kids at our school or in America. Little by little we can make a difference. I just have to be listening to the Lord by being in prayer and listening to his calling at the right moment. God is faithful. I love the children of Ghana and they are so precious to God. I know you would love them too.
I will leave you with some journal entries from my children. Whenever you are having a bad day, look at a child, listen to their heart and you will be amazing at your mood swing. You can't help but smile!
Questions: Why do we pray to God?
"We pray to God when we have a problem. Without God, you can never solve problems."
"The Lord says we should"
"We pray to God so he will save me"
"We can be alive, breath, eat, drink,"
Questions: What did your friend send you?
"My friend sent me a package of a talking dress and Miss Sopcisak. The talking dress was for Miss Sopcisak. What kind of friend sends me a teacher who I see everyday? Now I see her even when I go to vacation."
Where do you go to be happy?
"Have time alone with God, tell him stuff like what happened today."
"I love all the hard work we do."
Got to love children!

Sunday, February 6, 2011

At His Feet

The kids on my street run to me whenever I have bags in my hands. It is such a joy to see their smiling faces and they are so willing to help. I hate making them carry their bags but they do love it and you can't get this service anywhere else.






Alright, kind of vain to have my own picture. One of my soccer boys took this picture but I thought it would be with the some of the kids. Oh well, I promise there are kids around me!


We taught Jesus' miracle of feeding the five thousand. One of my boys is passing out fish crackers. The kids loved snacks!



Arr!!!! Matey's! We learned the ar sound this week so obviously we made a pirate's hat for Arrr! They had to write all the ar words they could think of before trying on their hat. Alright, they are a little small, but they work.




My kids are so cute and hams for the camera! The boy on the right is Praise whose mother is my friend that works in the village. Someone blessed them with a new truck so they came to pick it up. God works in many ways.





Feet especially here are disgusting. They can never stay clean with all the dust and red clay. The thought of bowing down to someones feet sounds revolting but not when I am facing the feet of my creator, who sacrificed his life for me. I was having a rough Monday, just processing through things when the song below came on my itunes randomly. Obviously it was not random as God had a plan. I have heard this song many times but it impacted me in a huge way at this particular moment. I love when I can tell that God is talking to me. What a relief that we can rest at Jesus' feet and leave our burden there. What a honor to be able to bow down at Jesus' feet and proclaim "here I am Lord" I was comforted by this fact and am so thankful for God who speaks to me at the right moment. There are difficulties but I have God for comfort and this is sufficient enough.


at Your feet, I lay my past down

My wanderings, all my mistakes down

And I am free Here at Your feet,

I lay this day down Not in my strength,

but in Yours I’ve foundAll I need,

You’re all I needJesus, Jesus, at Your feet

Oh, to dwell and never leave Jesus, Jesus, at Your feet

There is nowhere else for me

There is nowhere else for me

Here at Your feet,

I lay my future downAll of my dreams, I give to You now

And I find peace, I find peace
Nothing too exciting happened this week(two weeks ago), just the craziness of my life. On Wednesday after chapel, one of my girls got a bloody nose. The scene the unfolded is comical now but at the time very draining. I have one in the bathroom trying to keep blood in her nose with remnants of the ordeal in the hallway. I am meeting with, well trying to meet with one of the reading groups while other kids are outside my back door sidewalk chalking their spelling words. One of them asked to chalk in an area not covered yet and I agreed, not realizing it was more of a platform and roof of a small box rather than the sidewalk. Just added to the fun! When the kids came back, they were covered in head to toe with chalk as if they had rolled around in it. Could have happened. I still had the one with the bloody nose while the other groups tried to do work. What a mess but a typical chaotic day in my room. I wonder how I manage to be a teach somedays but I know God equips me with the necessary tools. I could worry myself sick but know that i can only do my best as that is what God call us to do. I love my children and they think I am crazy so I think I am doing my job well.
One huge praise! A senior girl asked the director to help her accept Christ. She is struggling right now with her family accepting her Faith and learning how to grow in the truth of her Savior. Please pray for her and that she will be supported by the staff and students at school. There are so many students who are searching and questioning. We pray that they surrender to Christ and fall at his feet.