*I wrote this blog last week, but did not have internet until today!
It’s a cliché blog title, but it perfectly describes God’s work at this children’s home.
It’s a mess, but it’s beautiful.
This first week of ministry I have worked at the pre-school. Usually, there are two teachers for about 40 children ages 2-5. And let me just say, it is a mad house. I don’t know how they do it without more help. These children are precious, but boy, are they rowdy.
The classroom can be a distraction because there are not many resources for the children. There are no desks, pencils, or papers. There are a few books for story-time and one big chalkboard, but beyond those supplies, the room is bare. But the teachers get creative and make use of the great outdoors. Sometimes, lessons involve drawing or writing in the dirt with sticks.
Aside from the lack of materials, I was most shocked by toilet break. This involved all of the children shoving, pushing, and crowding around a single toilet. They hover over one another as they wait for their turn. Urine covers the toilet and floor; and they too, leave covered in urine.
Despite this messy picture I am painting, these children are very blessed to have this school. They are receiving the gift of an education. The teachers live here and dedicate their lives to help these children build a future.
Besides, something special happens when the children start singing and dancing for music time. The classroom lights up with energy and excitement. These sweet, little voices fill the room as their tiny hands and feet dance to the beat.
It’s a mess, but it’s beautiful.
In the afternoon, they bolt whenthey are dismissed by the teacher. The children from surrounding towns head down the mountain and the children from El Shaddai walk back home to the nursery.
Yesterday, as I was about to leave, I noticed little Tammie (she’s 3 years old) in her bright pink shirt, standing alone at the entrance of the chapel (which is also used as a school). She was standing as still as could be, with a noticeable face of shame and her eyes filled with tears. When I bent down to talk to her, I realized she had an accident and did not make it to the bathroom in time.
I know it was Christ within me, because I instantly scooped her up into my arms, placed her on my hip, and started to carry her home. She was dead silent the entire walk to the nursery with tears still in her eyes, but I knew to tell her that, “it is ok, that today is a good day, we get to go change, and have a fun afternoon”.
And that was true because today was a brand new day at school. Tammie was her sassy, little self, just as she should be. When school let out today, she walked up to me and grabbed my hand, so we started the walk back home.But half-way to the nursery, I realized that it was best to let her walk on her own today. She didn’t need to be carried this afternoon. I gave her a hug goodbye and she ran off with a smile.
That moment was a great reminder of our Heavenly Father.
There are times in life that we make a mess, or feel like a mess, and need to be carried. Our God will scoop us up into his arms and say you are mine, you are worthy, you are beautiful, and I am holding you through this mess. But God will also strengthen us for the day we can walk on our own again.
It’s a mess, but it’s beautiful.
