My time in South Africa has been spent in a pre-school, or "creche", where yogurt comes in colors not flavors, the size of your back pack determines your social status, and the day of the week is, indefinitely, "Friday". Needless to say, my days are consistently filled with sticky hands and faces, and my lap is actually a chair; however, I absolutely love these kids. No really, I can't even tell you how much I love them. I wish I could tell you about each and every one and the ways that each is beautifully unique. I can definitely understand why God cherishes all the little children of the world. Their mischievous, yet innocent, personalities make them practically irresistible to love. I am so happy that God has placed us in a position where our one and only task is to simply love.
Arielle, Kaci, and I work alongside the teachers of the three, four, and five-year-olds, so we are blessed to not have the full responsibilities of teaching and disciplining, as in Thailand and Honduras. In this environment, we just get to take care of these on-the-go, three-feet-tall cuties. This doesn't mean the job is a breeze, but because it involves so much love, our days are a bit easier… and occasionally exhausting. Jesus has been filling me up, though, time and again with little blessings and surprises, allowing me to overflow constantly for these kiddos. Without Him, I am sure that all of this pouring out would not be possible.
We get to the creche at 8:00 every weekday morning and leave at 3:00 in the afternoon. Every hello and goodbye, as well as most moments in-between, are filled with hugs and kisses. By far, the best part of my mornings is being greeted by dozens of outstretched, porridge-covered hands. We have been helping out here for about a month now, and I already am dreading the day that I will have to leave these precious things in May.
I have also come to know and love some of the teachers. I don't know if they realize how much of a blessing they are in these kids' lives. The teacher in the class of twenty-two little ones, where Arielle and I most regularly assist, is an especially amazing woman. She fiercely loves the Lord and conducts her students in a respectful manner of sternness and grace. She is incredible. After school each day, she and another teacher pray for all of the kids for about an hour, and it is evident in the classroom that those prayers make all the difference.
The power of prayer, I have learned, is immeasurably more than we can even imagine. Please pray for these kids and their families. From spending time with them, I've learned much about their lives at home from bits they casually slip into our conversations, and they know more than any pre-schooler should. Please join us in lifting each and every child up in prayer!
Much love,
Laura
Zaheer, Seadan, Luke A., Luke Y., Kyle, De'Jean, Waafiq, Toufeeq, Noah, Jayden, Ethan, Cassidy, Ridah, Tamia, Kay, Sisange, Ziah, Akeefah, Danika, Jasmine, Sasha-Lee, Georgia, and all of the teachers
Hi Laura Love, love, love hearing the stories of your little ones in South Africa. What a picture of Jesus love for all the little children. I have taught 4 and 5 year olds in kindergarten and always come away full and exhausted……..Love the picture with you kissing the elephant…..Have begun praying for you as you soon will transition back to Columbus and the next chapter in your story…..So excited you will be in South Carolina in the fall. i know Liza and Jay are thrilled and Landy too. With my heart, alison ross
Awesome, Laura! We know the Lord has worked greatly in you and through you. Look forward to seeing you home in a couple of months. We’ll continue to pray for you and the others.
Jack and Libbie
Your message is laced with love and prompts me to love more myself. Thank you so much for giving us a glimpse into another world where God”s love is moving and reminds us He is the same everywhere.
love that, even though you know it will be hard to leave them, you are still loving them with everything you have every single day. so proud of you, laura!
praying you and all of your kiddos.
love you heaps.
Laura-
There is no doubt that you have impacted a multitude of lives in tremendous ways during your journey! I can’t wait to see you and hear more about your year. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers!
Much love,
Mrs. Blackmon