I am teaching an English class with one of my teammates, Mariah, this month. The class is made of 50 first and second graders. We teach things such as colors or body parts and find games that go with our subjects like Simon says, “head and shoulders, knees and toes” and red light/green light.
As we were teaching today, I looked around at the kids as we were singing. I had my big expression on, but it wasn’t enough to keep some of the kids entertained. There were some in the back who are completely messing around. Some were pretending to play ninjas, some were nagging others and one was seeing how many times he could get himself to spin from one push on his bum and the tile floor. One boy got kicked, and started crying. Another girl was so annoyed by the nagging that she crawled into a ball and started crying. The spinning boy got his friend to join in his shannanagins and soon they were off in la la land.
I was standing and singing a mindless song, trying to keep 40 some odd other students entertained and forgot about the misbehaving ones. I was conflicted. Do I leave Mariah alone and go show compassion through intentionally seeking out the individuals or continue my goofiness for the students who were willing to pay attention?
I stayed and didn’t move. I watched as the lost continued to cry and the spinning rotated. Conviction and displease sunk in.
Jesus went after the lost sheep. He loved the crowd but showed compassion individuality.
Jesus sought out the tax collectors, prostitutes, and fishermen and made them known. He was intentional with the women at the well and put aside his teaching to forgive and heal the paralyzed man. Jesus made the forgotten known.
I am in the beautiful Northern Mountains of Thailand this month! We are in a small village called Chaing Khong which boarders Loas and Berma. My team is working with a local church and his pastor to partner with local schools and programs. We teach English at a Catholic elementary school and to High school students who live in a Christian boarding home run by the church. We have worked with the local Chinese church and a Korean missionary to help put together a worship night, do house cleansing, clean out ditches, perform at an assembly, and move dirt.
Life is simple here and beautiful. We walk everyday to ministry and are enjoying the rain. God has blessed us with loving people and his beautiful creation!
Hope your new year is starting great! Praying for every person that reads this today.
Much love every day,
Kimmy
