Today was our final day teaching English in the schools, and I must say, God saved the BEST day for last. The school we visited today held around 120 students grade pre-K through 6th. Each class was attentive and participated in the various learning activities we presented them. As usual, the five of us split up and spent the morning hours in 30 minute rotations between grades. Some of the things I reviewed included colors, the alphabet, common greetings, and months of the year. The thrill of having foreigners from a distant country that were ‘native English speakers’ was apparent on their faces and made it a joy to find fun methods of teaching them.
After lunch we performed the assembly. Since our last performance we added a simple silent drama depicting the many things we give our hearts to that don’t last, until we give it to Jesus and He keeps us eternally satisfied. Throughout all our songs, dances, and skits the kids watched with complete focus. (Which was a nice change of pace from the usual murmur we encounter at schools)! Afterward they thanked us repeatedly for coming and dog-piled us for hugs. When we finally made it to the truck we had a half circle of smiling faces waving us goodbye. It was such a great feeling to have so many children hear the message of Christ and also be able to physically feel His love through us.
Once we settled back in at home, the neighborhood kids began showing up for our daily evening of Uno games, soccer, coloring, and English. Many of the children who come, including Fern (who accompanies us to church and speaks English very well for a child of 12…and is pictured above after performing a traditional Thai dance for us), live with grandparents or relatives because their parents have traveled elsewhere to find work. They are always starving for attention and thrilled to receive so much of it from the crazy American girls. Our evening with them ended (as it always does) with a series of at least 2 hugs from each child and promises to continue our tradition tomorrow. As they hesitantly left, we again reminded each one how much we love them and how beautiful ( Suai in Thai) they are. I wish a part of me could remain here just to continue to hug them every day, but I am thankful to God for letting me a small part of the blessings that are to come to Chaiyaphum.
