John 5:17 and picnic mbili (two)

     This morning at church we read John 5:1-18.  Verse 17 is full of meaning and application.  "My Father is working until now, and I am working."  I witness these living words of Jesus each day.  They are for the present.  He didn't say, "I have worked."  He said, "I am working."  Jesus continues to work alongside God, our Father, to draw these children to Himself.  He provides for all of our needs as we seek to know him and love him.  
     You could see this verse in action on Saturday, February 26th.  I attended my second village picnic.  Last time Paul was here, this time my great aunt and uncle are here.  It began with an egg and spoon relay, followed by a water relay.  

Then the younger children played with balloons and bubbles while the older children played soccer.  

Everyone came together to eat samosas, banana chips, carrot sticks, and mango. 

The grand finale was when the children received lollipops that had been donated by one of their church members.  Sugar is a rare treat so they cherish each opportunity to have something sweet. Oddly enough, in Swahili sweets are called pipi (pronounced pee pee).  I learned this while teaching the letter "P" to my preschool class. 

Stinky

The first graders have been learning about the human body and five senses.  On Friday I filled a bag full of objects and blindfolded the children.  They took an object out of the bag and told me what it was.  Adella's turn came and she proudly pulled out a "stinky." 

Thursday Reading

On Thursday afternoons I pick out a few books from our school library and head over to the banda (gazebo) to read to the children.  It's a great chance to visit with the children who aren't in my first grade class and especially to reunite with my former preschoolers.  The children love listening to stories.  All 24 of them sit quietly except when I change the voices of the characters. 

Catching up with my former students plus Kelvin.

I call James a little man.  There's something about the way he walks and interacts with people.

Mary isn't happy when reading time is over.

Day Students

Each day after school I walk nine girls to our gate and wave goodbye until the next school day.  I say, "Tuta onana kesho"  (We'll see each other tomorrow).  They giggle, try to hide behind me, and then eventually wave goodbye.  They completely have my heart.  

In our village there are 24 resident orphans.  We add 21 day students to this during the week.  They come from the surrounding area and are either double or single orphans (have lost one parent or both).  I've been able to be a part of the selection process twice now.  It's a powerful experience.

Step One:  The pastors recommend children from their parishes and they come to the church on a scheduled day to be screened. 

Step Two:  If they are at the proper academic level, they then go to a hospital to complete a health screening.

Step Three:  When they receive a clear health certificate, we go on a home visit.  These children walk any range of 1-8 kilometers (.6 -5 miles) one way, yet they arrive each day full of joy and smiles.  Their homes are often one room with mud floors.

Step Four:  We order their uniforms and they begin attending school.  For the first few weeks they are wide eyed at where the Lord has brought them.  They receive breakfast and lunch, two new school uniforms, and school shoes. 

It's an analogy to our salvation.  We are awed by what the Lord does for us.  We can't believe all the blessings he has waiting due to his great love.  

I have nine day students in my class of 18. 

Paul's Project