It has been officially about 2 years since I was an English teacher but no matter where I go I love to make kids smile. The biggest smile was brought on my face when I was given the opportunity to work with kids this month in Indonesia. I put so much emphasis on the youth in different countries because they matter so much. These generations have the potential to change the world. We are talking and playing with kids that will grow up to do amazing things and I want them to know that they are destined for greatness where ever they are. I want to reach into their hearts and let them know that they are so loved. I am only able to be with them for a short while but the least I can do is let them know how precious they are and how strong they are.
These kids don’t come from much money but they are surrounded by support. They grow up together in the same village, go to the same school, and grow up learning the same culture. Their religion is a part of their culture. Everything about Indonesian culture is vibrant in color and rich in history. I loved watching as the kids did some traditional dance or were “the master” of a traditional instrument as they would say. I loved getting the opportunity to learn from them when I was there to teach them.
My heart is filled with joy when I see kids playing and laughing together. Behind those deep brown eyes I see hope in what their future holds. I want them to know that they are made for so much more than they could ever imagine. I pray that their love for family and friendship flourishes even when someone may become sort of an outlier. I pray that when one family is interested in something new, they are not shunned out of the village but their neighbors would surround them and be curious. I just prayed for curiosity to spark in the villages that we entered. Where there is a spark of light, people are going to be drawn there. My heart grows bigger and bigger for the children in each country we visit. I believe that they can start a fire of change and no one can ever underestimate the strength that they have. I pray that they gain more strength and a voice to lead.
Each one of these kids holds such a special place in my heart and I know that I will continue to pray for them as they continue to grow. I pray that more people come into their lives that can foster a growth in wanting to know the truth and constantly remind them of how loved they are. I may have a few joy projects full of pictures of some of the children I will meet on the way. But, I know that Jesus loves the little children and some of them have never even heard of His name.
