Our first week in South Africa was spent leading a Vacation Bible School for kids who live in the nearby community. Most of the kids that came are students of the school where we held the VBS. While planning for our VBS, the pastor asked us what age group we would like to work with. Since all the kids were under the age of 12, I didn’t have much of a preference. So, the day of VBS came, and we got our schedule… I was in charge of 5-6 year old boys. Little did I know, 5-6 year old boys are insane and since they live in South Africa, they all speak Afrikans and not much English yet.
After day two, I was not a fan of trying to “control” eight little 5-6 year old boys who couldn’t figure out why I didn’t understand them when they spoke Afrikans. Since I was the SWEAT Director at Covenant Pines Bible Camp and taught math to a bundle of college freshman, I’ve had my share of frustrating events, and this was way up there. At the end of day 2, when I thought I might not survive the week, I started talking to myself, and said something along the lines of, “why don’t you boys understand that I do not speak or understand Afrikans. Why can’t you just speak English to me?” Little did I know, one of the boys was listening to me and responded by saying, “like I do? I can speak English to you.” It was the cutest thing I have ever seen. For the rest of the week, he spoke English to me and tried (unsuccessfully) to get everyone else to speak English to me as well. But it was great having at least one English speaker with me.
My little English speaker
Day 3, I was blessed to have one of the South African women help me with my class. Having a translator and someone the kids actually listened to, made the rest of the week absolutely wonderful! I had so much fun singing and doing crafts with the kids and was actually sad for the week to be over.
My wonderful class
I never thought I would have eight little boys fighting to hold my hand or sit closest to me. And I definitely never thought these little boys would end up being so sweet and bring me so much joy.
