"Above all, love each other deeply because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling..."
This past Friday, my 3rd Graders went and served at Acoinprev, a poor Christian school in Suba. Our social service coordinator was unable to go with us, so a group of parents came along to help with snack and our activities. The school is very small and it can be very chaotic. I was able to walk up and see the 3rd Grade classroom there and the room was so tiny that they could barely fit the desks in the room with space to walk. This was a growing experience for me that definitely brought me out of my comfort zone. Feeling responsible for how the parent volunteers were feeling, how much my kids were interacting with the kids from Acoinprev, and being challenged by how much we were really helping and serving this school, it made me reflect on what our purpose is when I take my class there to serve as missionaries. Our main focus is to widen their eyes and hearts of my 3rd Graders to see the many blessings they have and that there are children their same age in their own country that live a very different life. What most impacted me was when we were going to leave, the 3rd Grade teacher at Acoinprev brought down a student, Santiago, who was crying because he didn't want us to leave. This reminded of the impact we can have on others if we go with light of Christ despite how chaotic is feels. We serve in his strength, not our own, and the opportunity for the gospel to bear fruit is endless when it is in His hands.
"Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms..."
My favorite part was making them a card. It surprised me that I received a lot of cards and I liked when I ate snack with them. My prayer is to help them learn about God.
It is good and I like helping them and we make many friends. It feels good to serve others. God wants you to serve. God is happy when you serve. My favorite part was when we prayed for them before we left ECA.
When we were eating snack, I was with two girls. They were not timid, so we talked and became friends. Then we were in the same group. She gave me a card and I gave her a card. I think we did a good job and I think we did better than last year because we didn't make that much friends and this year we did. We were not timid and we made them feel good and not bad. I am very excited for them to come to our school!
I did a card for Juanita, my new friend. My favorite part was when we did the cards, that I get a lot of friends in Acoinprev.
One memory is when a boy named Santiago was crying because we were going. I will remember to pray for them when I see the note that he gave me.
"If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God..."
I got to see my friend again. We were good missionaries because we let them share with us.
It felt good to serve at Acoinprev this morning because we could be nice to them and teach them about God. I felt good that they learned about God and that they love God.
I felt like I was a missionary. My favorite part was when we made cards for them and we played Bingo.
It was very cool and I loved playing games with them. I think that I helped them because I talked with them and shared food. They are very good friends and I will never forget them.
I feel good when I serve the Acoinprev kids. I pray that God would bless them.
My favorite part was when we did the cards. It surprised me that the school had four floors. I feel good serving them as a missionary. I think we help them.
I was surprised because they hit each other sometimes. My favorite part was making memory cards to each other. I felt excited telling them things that we did and giving them some food. I pray that they could not hit each other and that they could try to speak English.
"If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ..."
3rd Grade Outing at Prestolandia:
A few times a year, the 3rd Grade families plan a time where we can all hangout together and pray. We met at Prestolandia (a hamburger restaurant) that had a playhouse for the kids. This playhouse included a train (which the kids could control themselves - scary!) and a jungle gym with a ball pitt.
During prayer time, the parents shared how they have been feeling this year in the few months their child has been in 3rd Grade. It was so humbling to hear their words of encouragement and affirmation. Sweet words that nourish the soul :-) They are all an incredible team to work with to help their children grow closer to Christ. I am so grateful for these precious families because they are my family while I am away from my own. What a wonderful day spent playing with my students and their families.
To Him be the glory and the power, forever and ever. Amen."
1 Peter 4:8-11
Prayers/Praises:
My grandma's funeral will be Saturday, November 15th at the Orchard, Barrington Campus. Not sure of the time yet, but will let you know when I do. I will be flying in sometime that week and I hope to see you all at church and at the funeral while I am home. Please pray for my plans to have someone step in for me to teach my class while I am gone. If anyone would like to help with purchasing this extra airline ticket (flyer miles, coupons...), that would be great!! I do have enough money in my RCE account to buy the ticket (Praise God and thank you to all of you!), but anything to make it less expensive would be greatly appreciated :-)
That God would teach my students about empathy and how their responses are affecting their friendships. Praying for their hearts and that they would truly see how they are treating their friends. May they focus on Jesus' response to them when they reject Him to help them make the right choice toward their friends. Its hard not to respond back when someone is mean to you!
For the sake of the gospel,
Carrie
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