The Smile

On my first day of teaching English class, I knew this little boy with a big smile would be my favorite. I don’t like to have favorites, but something happened the moment I made eye contact with him.

He can’t sit in his seat for very long. It doesn’t take much to lose his attention. He sometimes disappears and comes back with a new hair-do after wetting it in the sink. He always has a smile on his face. His clothes are dirtier than the rest of the kids, and he usually has grime under his fingernails.

I didn’t care what he was wearing or that he was a little dirty. I didn�ft care that we spoke two different languages. I knew he wasn’t the smartest kid in the class, but I also knew he wasn’t dumb. He never really talked either.

I wanted to reach out and help him. I wasn�ft sure how this would happen because I was usually teaching the class. I didn�ft want to skip out on teaching, but I really wanted some one-on-one time with Sine.

A week went by, and I still hadn�ft had a chance to work with Sine one-on-one. I was disappointed but knew when the time was right, it would happen.

The next day, I went to KFC for lunch. The people eating next to me left their kids meal toy so I picked it up. I headed to class, and I couldn’t wait to give the toy to Sine.

I handed him the toy, and his little smile got bigger. His eyes lit up, and that was the moment things begin to change between us.

The next day, he greeted me with a huge smile and actually spoke to me. That was a first. We talked and laughed until class started.

I didnnt have to teach the entire class that day, and I�fll admit, I was really excited.

Finally, I had an opportunity to spend some one-on-one time with Sine. We sat on the floor away from the rest of the class. I taught him his ABCs, and when the hour was over, he could say them. I was so proud, and I could tell a bond had been made.

I left class excited, and my heart was full of love for Sine. I couldn’t wait to see him the next day.

Before class started, I talked to Prasad, the man in charge of the school. He told me that Sine doesn’t go to school. He only comes to English class in the mornings and afternoons. He comes from a very poor family and doesn’t have much at all.

I finally have more of an understanding what is behind his beautiful brown eyes. Learning English is the only education he is getting. I am so thankful he is coming here because not only is he learning English, but he is also learning about Jesus.

I pray that if Sine never learns English, he will at least have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

My second-to-last day with Sine was great. I was teaching the entire class, but he sat up front instead of in the back. He never left his seat and actually paid attention.

I was asking the students about the days of the week. He knew them and shouted them out. I was shocked. This little boy went from not talking to giving correct answers.

I will be honest with you. I was one happy teacher, and words can not describe how much this touched me.

I learned so much from Sine. I’m  glad I didn’t see him as a dirty little boy who was wild and not as smart as the rest of the class.

I will miss having him greet me at the door and grabbing my hand as he walks me to class. I will miss his smile. I will miss his wild hair-dos. Most of all, I will miss seeing him learn and give correct answers.