God Hears

What can I write today? I'm sure many students search their minds for some interesting topic for their weekly journal. For others, it's a matter of searching the heart. All journals are precious, simply because we know how much effort each of these students put into getting their thoughts expressed in a foreign language. For many of us, writing in our own native language is a stretch. Try using a new language. The task multiplies exponentially.

Dear journal . . .

She began to write and her heart spilled across the page.

"Jesus was . . . Jesus gave good things to me. My petition is achieving more than my dream. So, my heart was satisfied and so excited. I'm like a new and strong eagle. God, I saw an eagle fly in the sky so beautiful and so strong. God, I have a hard time in society or every day. Everywhere, You give me like an eagle's power. Please . . . I pray in Jesus name. Amen."

The words of this twelve year old child are profound. Our hearts were touched deeply as we read. Knowing that one more heart is in touch with God on a personal level is overwhelming. In a society that places such demands on their lives, it is detrimental for youth to understand that God loves them, cares for them, and gives them hope.

Continue to surround these young lives with your prayers. Pray that each of them will be able to soar like an eagle and be strong midst the crushing pressure of the world around them.

Building a Home of Love

It's been a couple of very tightly scheduled weeks. Our busy little beavers are hard at work. With week one of our 2009 program under our belts, things are settling in for this new year. We have launched three new classes to accommodate our growing 'family'. This year, changing levels and getting things underway went relatively painless. Each child is like an energy pack and it's quite revitalizing for us 'old folk'.

Each of our classes have a name to help them feel special. Some use animal names like 'Beavers', 'Sparrows', 'Fireflies', and 'Busybees'. Other classes have created their own names that mean something special to them such as 'JET', 'GEA', 'GLEAK', 'FORWARD', and 'PWP'. Anyway, 'JET' had gotten underway and the tiny little ones were listening to the story. We had already noticed the little bit of agitation in one little boy. It was obvious he hadn't had his afternoon nap. Finally, he gave in and fell asleep in Courtney's arms. It was a beautiful site - a sleeping angel. Now, what about his study? He slept during our Valentine's Day card making, through our game time, through the song time . . . Zzz! Finally, it was time to say 'Good-bye'. As the sleepy little boy struggled to stand to his feet he mumbled, "Mommy, why didn't we study today." It was such a cute moment. Even at the age of three (well five here in Korea), he didn't want to miss his chance to 'study'.

One more time, you can try to enter into the 'study' frenzy of the society we live in. Demands, demands, demands! Thus, the ever growing need of a place where children can rest and still learn. Today, lift a prayer in your heart for EWAM as it continues to strive to provide a study 'refuge'. No, this does not mean a hide-away because we know all too well how important a solid education is for these children. But, to give them a sense of relaxation and then feed them their much needed English wrapped in a generous serving of God's love. That's what it's all about. Let's continue to love those we meet and allow God to touch their lives through us. Be blessed.

Hey, Mud! Walk the Dog!

Be anxious for nothing, but
in everything by prayer
and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests
be made known to God.

Philippians 4:6

Spelling test on Friday, sentence building for Monday, story test on Wednesday, level test coming soon, practice your reading . . . and be anxious for nothing! Get real, right? Midst a busy schedule and the new school term just around the corner, our new memory verse says just that.

At the beginning of class when the little kids come barreling in across the room with their jolly smiles and Korean flying in all directions, there is a sense of peace - really.

It all comes to light as we look back on the special moments during the week. Let me share a couple.

It was sentence day. Each student must use selected spelling words in a sentence, share with the class, and as a group we work together to correct grammar mistakes. It becomes quite fun believe it or not. He stepped up to the board and started to write . . . "God made me with mud." Written in such innocence, yet such an overwhelming thought. We studied 'mud' as we talked about beavers making their houses and making them strong with mud. We would have thought the student would use some sentence associated with beavers, but he remembered our Bible study. God made us from nothing and we are a very special creation. Koreans understand the value behind things made by hand (pottery and such). They know that 'nothing' can become something so beautiful in the hands of the potter. Anyway, for a student who could hardly say 'hello' less than a year ago, this sentence was a joy to our hearts. Most kids think of mud as dirty and messy, but he thought of God's special creation! Such a special moment. So, back to the initial question, should we be anxious? Of course not! If our Father can take a lump of mud and make it into who we are today, He can surely take care of any cares we have. Be anxious for nothing . . . just talk to the potter and let Him mold the mud a little more.

Okay, now for a little comedy relief. Our young class has been studying basic phrases such as 'brush your teeth', 'pick up the book', 'pet the rabbit', and so on. There are times you have to wonder how much is sinking in and other times you are amazed at how much the little sponges retain. In the middle of teaching last week, Jarvis turned to see one little boy crawling on all fours behind him. At this point in the class, all kids were seated quietly - or should have been. In our 'yellow card' system, Jarvis prepared to pull the first dreadful card and send him back to his seat. As he turned and looked down on the the cute little being tagging along behind his feet, he was met with hounddog eyes and a sweet voice ringing out 'walk the dog'. Did he get a yellow card? I think not! Our lives are filled with these little moments that bring a smile and such joy to our hearts. Be blessed!