I have a lot of experience working with children. I have volunteered with many children’s ministries since I was a teenager, majored in Elementary Education and have had a lot of classroom experience for that career path. I understand that every child is different in many ways, from learning styles to behavioral characteristics.
One thing that I have always caught myself doing in classroom settings is drift toward those children that are well behaved. I appreciated when kids followed instruction and didn’t do anything too crazy. I tended to steer clear of the “naughty” kids. (You know, the ones that throw things across the room, never raise their hand, call out, speak over others, run down the hallways, push their friends or throw screaming fits.)
Here in Ecuador during our first month of ministry at COVi, I realized that I was doing just that- avoiding the “naughty” kids. And God changed my heart pretty quickly.
Edison
The very first day of ministry, I sat at a table of youth (around 13, 14 and 15 years old). One boy was mocking me because my Spanish was so terrible. The girls at his table kept smacking his arm, telling him to be nice, but he continued to make fun of me. And honestly, it hurt my feelings.
A little background for you: I’ve never been into working with youth. I am much better with elementary children (they are my favorite). I knew that this first month would be a challenge and that God was pulling me out of my comfort zone by surrounding me by youth.
I was sick on our first day of ministry. I was torn between going home early or staying. I didn’t want to leave. I’m not one to quit at something, especially on the first day. My wonderful team assured me that it’s totally okay if I went to home and got some sleep. I felt something inside me telling me to stay, even though I wasn’t feeling well and I was getting made fun of by a 13-year-old boy.
God wanted me to stay. He wanted to make me comfortable with youth. He wanted me to become friends with that boy that was making fun of me.
Wait, what?! Friends? That’s not gonna happen, God.
But it did.
The kids were working on some homework and had clay for a project. The boy that was making fun of me needed help. He needed to make a cat.
A CAT! That’s like, my area of expertise! I can totally make a clay cat. Without any hesitation, I volunteered to make it. I did. And he loved it. He showed it off to all of his friends. They asked “who made it for you?” and he pointed to me and said “me amiga.” My heart melted. This was the first day of our friendship.
His name is Edison. I had a great three weeks with him. He’s a great boy. My friend.
Hassin
Then there was Hassin. He is the boy that you first notice when you walk into an elementary classroom and get wide eyes and think to yourself “what a naughty kid!” He was a ball of energy that ran wild and had no regard for what was proper behavior. The very first day that I met him, I had to chase him around the yard to get my camera back. He laughed hysterically and tried to take it again multiple times later that day.
One day, Hassin needed help on the monkey bars. I was hesitant for a couple reasons. One, I’m not very strong and I wasn’t sure how much help I’d actually be. And two, Hassin is not too much smaller than me; he is a big boy. I again, felt something inside me telling me to help him.
So I did. And he was so happy! Kurt, a tall guy on my team was helping other kids on the monkey bars. It made so much more sense for Kurt to help Hassin, but he wanted me to help! He pointed to me and said “Senorita, ayuda me” (help me). I felt so confused that the “naughty kid” needed and wanted my help.
We also have been friends since then. One of my favorite kids to hang out with at COVi.
God taught me a couple of very valuable lessons this month at ministry. They are lessons that I will always remember and apply to any future ministry.
It’s easy to love the good kids. But that isn’t anything too wonderful. Many people love the “good kids.” They’re easy to love.
For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Matthew 5:46a
And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Matthew 5: 47a
ALL kids (and people everywhere) are wonderful creations of the Lord. He created each one in His image and likeness. They ALL need love. Even if they aren’t the “easiest to love.” I almost missed out on some amazing relationships with some awesome kids. I’m so happy that He gave me a chance to love the kids that I was scared to love. My friends.
