03/15/12
I underestimated the impact the first day of ministry in Romania would leave on me. I thought day ones were for just getting your feet wet and being introduced to things.
Wrong.
Ministry assignment for the day: go with one of my squadmates and two workers from the church (Tavi and Dorothy) to help with a kids program.
I love those days when I am supposed to be teaching kids and instead they show me way more than I could ever teach them.
The four of us drove up to this little, quaint house and the kids started running towards the car waving at us. We got out of the car and were greeted with hugs. As we walked into the house we took our shoes off and entered a little bedroom where the kids sat on the bed and stools were brought in for us to sit on.
To start the whole thing off the kids sang a few songs. Dorothy had brought along four maracas for the kids to play with while singing. And here is where I learned lesson number one from the kids. Not one time throughout the whole time of singing did the kids argue over who got to use the maracas. It was evident that there were not enough maracas for everyone. But they passed them around and made sure everyone got a turn. None of the adults had to tell them it was someone else’s turn. They just willing gave up their maracas to another friend.
These kids had it all figured out. There was no snatching. No yelling. No kids screaming it was their turn. I’m still not sure what these parents did to teach their kids how to behave but I know it’s a lesson I want to learn.
Next lesson from the kids to me: Dorothy began to ask the kids some questions about a bible story or to recite verses and if they were able to do so she gave them a piece of candy. One little boy, Alex, patiently waited his turn and finally was called on to answer a question. When Dorothy gave him a piece of candy he immediately went over to a little boy who was only about two and gave him his piece of candy. Then once Dorothy was done asking questions she wanted to make sure everyone had a piece of candy so she asked who did not have one and gave them a piece. Dorothy did not realize she skipped over one little girl but Alex knew. However, he did not tell Dorothy or tell the girl to tell Dorothy she didn’t have a piece. He just simply walked over to the girl and gave his piece of candy to her.
The heart of these little kids amazed me. There is not a selfish bone in their body. They look out for each other. They make sure the others are taken care of before themselves. Thanks kids for pointing out things I should have instilled in my mind but so often slip up with.
Best lesson of the day from the kids to myself: After singing, reciting bible verses and listening to a bible story it was time for the really fun stuff. COLORING. That’s right, I said coloring. I know from personal experience when I pull out color sheets the kids sigh and complain that they don’t want to color. Not at all the case here in Romania. When Dorothy pulled out the color sheets of Joseph the kids literally shouted with excitement. I have seriously never in my life seen anyone so joyful to be able to color. It made me excited just to see how excited they were. I don’t think I will ever forget the look on Alex’s face as he smiled over being able to color.
It made me think how often we don’t thank God for even the small things. Coloring, yeah it seems super simple and sometimes even boring. But it is a blessing to have the opportunity to color whenever we want. Now take it a step further. Think of something in your life that seems so minute. I bet it isn’t minute to others. Cherish all you have been blessed with. Both the little and big things. And don’t forget to thank our Father for providing you with them.
After spending the afternoon with these kids I felt like my eyes were opened. And I can’t wait for more to come!
