DAY SIX.... A Golden Day at Golden Rule!
Hello, it's Kenneth!
Today was a pretty amazing day. We had the opportunity to visit a school called Golden Rule. Having heard rumors from previous years, I was already somewhat expecting a warm welcome, though I did not want to get my hopes up.
I wasn't disappointed. When we arrived all the children there gave us a very warm welcome. We were ushered into the school where we were welcomed with Canadian and Colombian flags hung over the walls. Our greeting continued as went upstairs. As we came up to the first few doorways, we were greeted with different individuals in special uniforms who made a short presentation about some unique foods and fruits in Colombia. It was really special that these people, who didn't really know any of us except Sheila and Miss. Lockhart, still welcomed us as if they knew us. In many ways was it was a kind of testimony of unconditional love. I feel like I really need to learn how to love people unconditionally and with sincerity instead of just loving those that I find easier to love and care for. God has called us to love everyone no matter what, and I feel like that is something that I need to learn. This school really loved all of us. As with the previous school we have visited the day before, it seemed like a big reputation to live up to, and to continue to live up to for tomorrow!
Our teaching group (Julia, Morgan, and I) was paired with older classes. In each class we visited, we were regularly greeted with a special presentation about certain fruits of Colombia before we could start our lessons. This was a blessing in itself as starting a class is sometimes a little awkward. Having them welcome us through a presentation of their own was a very nice way to "break the ice". As these classes already knew English well, we often just played games with them and talked to them in smaller groups. It was really cool to interact with these students and to try to know them better. Our team also had the opportunity to visit and play with students during our breaks which was very fun finally being outside enjoying the sunshine having smiling faces all around you.
Though tired and emotionally drained, God was, still is, and always will be good. He definitely provided for us, and blessed us in many ways today. He continues to teach me. God is good!
It's me... Sheila
Happy Valentines Day!!
...the day that focuses on LOVE.
And that is exactly what it was. Entering the school, we were led into the Primary classroom to rows of the sweetest little ones you have ever seen - waving Canadian flags, grinning from ear to ear. We were told to stand at the front as these little angels sang songs of welcome to us. (I actually cried a little bit). From that moment on, we were once again treated like the most important people on earth as we received hugs, candies, chocolates, fruit, cards, stickers and LOVE from all of these precious people of Golden Rule School.
Every year Denise and I look forward to our time with these friends, reconnecting and building our friendships. They have become like family over the past 12 years and I am so thankful that God chose to bring us here to Golden Rule to be blessed by their love.
At supper time the ladies of the team were blessed by the love of the gentlemen, who had arranged to have beautiful roses at each of our places at the table. They took the time to write notes for each of us from each of them, that told us what they appreciated about us. (I actually cried a little bit). After supper they jumped up and started clearing the table and did the dishes...another act of love. To the parents of these young men - you have done a great job raising them to be kind and thoughtful. Thank you!
Our day ended as most do - making contact with the ones we love back home. I'm thankful for Facebook messenger video chats on days like this when we can't be there in person to celebrate days like this. (I actually cried a little bit)
Thank you for praying so faithfully for us here in Colombia. The messages of support have meant so much to each of us. We are so tired - but the BEST kind of tired. Today my face aches from smiling. That's a pretty great muscle to pull :)
Good night and God bless!
Today was a pretty amazing day. We had the opportunity to visit a school called Golden Rule. Having heard rumors from previous years, I was already somewhat expecting a warm welcome, though I did not want to get my hopes up.
I wasn't disappointed. When we arrived all the children there gave us a very warm welcome. We were ushered into the school where we were welcomed with Canadian and Colombian flags hung over the walls. Our greeting continued as went upstairs. As we came up to the first few doorways, we were greeted with different individuals in special uniforms who made a short presentation about some unique foods and fruits in Colombia. It was really special that these people, who didn't really know any of us except Sheila and Miss. Lockhart, still welcomed us as if they knew us. In many ways was it was a kind of testimony of unconditional love. I feel like I really need to learn how to love people unconditionally and with sincerity instead of just loving those that I find easier to love and care for. God has called us to love everyone no matter what, and I feel like that is something that I need to learn. This school really loved all of us. As with the previous school we have visited the day before, it seemed like a big reputation to live up to, and to continue to live up to for tomorrow!Our teaching group (Julia, Morgan, and I) was paired with older classes. In each class we visited, we were regularly greeted with a special presentation about certain fruits of Colombia before we could start our lessons. This was a blessing in itself as starting a class is sometimes a little awkward. Having them welcome us through a presentation of their own was a very nice way to "break the ice". As these classes already knew English well, we often just played games with them and talked to them in smaller groups. It was really cool to interact with these students and to try to know them better. Our team also had the opportunity to visit and play with students during our breaks which was very fun finally being outside enjoying the sunshine having smiling faces all around you.
Though tired and emotionally drained, God was, still is, and always will be good. He definitely provided for us, and blessed us in many ways today. He continues to teach me. God is good!
It's me... Sheila
Happy Valentines Day!!
...the day that focuses on LOVE.
And that is exactly what it was. Entering the school, we were led into the Primary classroom to rows of the sweetest little ones you have ever seen - waving Canadian flags, grinning from ear to ear. We were told to stand at the front as these little angels sang songs of welcome to us. (I actually cried a little bit). From that moment on, we were once again treated like the most important people on earth as we received hugs, candies, chocolates, fruit, cards, stickers and LOVE from all of these precious people of Golden Rule School.Every year Denise and I look forward to our time with these friends, reconnecting and building our friendships. They have become like family over the past 12 years and I am so thankful that God chose to bring us here to Golden Rule to be blessed by their love.
At supper time the ladies of the team were blessed by the love of the gentlemen, who had arranged to have beautiful roses at each of our places at the table. They took the time to write notes for each of us from each of them, that told us what they appreciated about us. (I actually cried a little bit). After supper they jumped up and started clearing the table and did the dishes...another act of love. To the parents of these young men - you have done a great job raising them to be kind and thoughtful. Thank you!Our day ended as most do - making contact with the ones we love back home. I'm thankful for Facebook messenger video chats on days like this when we can't be there in person to celebrate days like this. (I actually cried a little bit)
Thank you for praying so faithfully for us here in Colombia. The messages of support have meant so much to each of us. We are so tired - but the BEST kind of tired. Today my face aches from smiling. That's a pretty great muscle to pull :)
Good night and God bless!
Comments
Post a Comment