One morning in India, we were getting ready to do ministry for the day. I woke up to go to breakfast and greet my team. I was excited but nervous at the same time. Team Wimbi was going to the school, called PMS (Partnership Mission Society) English School, and I had no clue what to expect.
BEEP! BEEP! The auto rig Shaw was there and was ready to take us to the school.
“Here goes nothing,” I thought, as I stepped into the vehicle and we were on our way.
For those who don’t know me well back in the states I’m a preschool teacher. I work with 2 year olds. Let me say it again. I work with TWO year olds. I have the tendency to dumb things down when I talk to explain stuff to children and also tend to be repetitive when it comes to say things when it’s “not nice”. Or in other words not okay. I was also a substitute teacher for elementary school and worked with kids up to 12. But yeah just so you know.
When we arrived to the school I looked up the big hill and saw the school. You can hear the kids laughing and having a good time while their teachers are teaching. We walked up the steps and made our way up to the school. We walk into the main office and there was my host with the biggest smile on his face. He is filled with so much joy and excited that we are there. So we greet him and sit down and wait for him to tell us what exactly we are going to do.
“So today you guys are going to each go into your own class and you are going to share about yourselves and maybe your testimony.” He states to us. I was immediately nervous.
By ourselves? No one else in the room with us? But we are always together; I was thinking as I was looking at my team mates so nervous and making the most nervous expression on my face.
In that moment we were all stating classes that we would take. I quickly took Class 4 but then got left with Class 9.
The first class I went into was filled. As I walked into the classroom they all stood up and greeted me with “Good morning Miss.” They continued to stand there and laugh because they were waiting for me to tell them to sit down. The teacher came up to me, gave me a book, and wanted me to teach the lesson on Moral Science. I was sweating and nervous. This was not was I told to do. Once he finally understood what I was there to do it got easier. I answered simple life questions about me when they asked and I taught them a song. I was used to this age and it was simple.
Then the next class. CLASS 9. My palms were sweaty again, very clammy. I have never worked with this age group before. I have no clue what I what I would say to them or how I would show them how much they matter. I wanted to know them. I didn’t want to share who I was. When I walked in they greeted the same as the other class and I told them they could sit.
There was a long pause. It was super awkward. Then I blurted out “Good Morning everyone, my name is Ms. Janelle, you can call me Ms. J, and I’m going to be honest I’m really nervous”. I started talking about why I was nervous and how they were my first older class to teach and then I started talking about what I used to do. I told them I was excited to learn about them and that I was so excited to be there. I told them to partner up with someone and know three basic facts about that person:
- Their name
- Their favorite animal
- And what do they want to be when they grow up
I was partnered with the teacher and he shared very personal things in his life and how he ended up being a teacher. I uplifted him telling how God put him in this class for a reason. He needs pursue these kids and to bring the love of Jesus and to encourage them to follow their dreams. These kids needed him, and God was happy he was there.
After we went around the room and shared. They all had ambitious dreams, to see the world outside SaiPhai, and I wanted to motivate them. I shared my testimony of what I have been through and how I got there and how anything is possible with Christ. I sang my favorite song to them, and it just got easier and easier. They moved something in me. They have a piece of my heart.
SaiPhai is an unknown village in India. It’s not located on the map. It’s literally in the middle of the jungle. The kids have to fight to go to school (not technically, but they have to pray the funds come so they can go). They all have a lot of siblings and all have a story that has happened to them to tell.
For the rest of the month I tried to see them more. I taught them how to write sponsor letters, taught them how to love one another and the people who care about them. I learned to love these kids. They sparked a passion in me I didn’t know I had. I miss them very much.
These kids have to pay for their schooling. Schooling isn’t free in India. There are 9 kids in class 9 who still need sponsors. Will you sponsor one? Will step out and build a relationship with one of these kids? They have one more school year until they are done. Education in the U.S. is free. These kid WANT to learn. They have a hunger inside of them. They are waiting for someone like you to build a relationship with them even miles apart. They have dreams, big ones. Their families can’t do it on their own. Get to know them like I did!
To sponsor one please e-mail me at [email protected] I would love to connect with you and introduce to the student you are willing to help!
