Small things with Great Love

 The team that was here came and left, it was a great time. If you'd like to read more, check out my last blog.

I believe it was Mother Teresa who once said, "we cannot do great things, only small things with great love." This has definitely been something I've been keeping in mind the past few weeks.

This week we have started our normal bible classes at the schools. Our theme for this year is The Beatitudes. We have been starting the year by talking about first how God is the only one who can change hearts and telling the story of Paul. I've been loving it! One of our object lessons is changing some kids on the outside and showing how we can try and change the outside, but that doesn't change our insides, only God can do that! The kids laugh every time.

kindergarteners are learning about "superheroes of the faith" 

I especially love the 1st and 2nd grade classes. They are just so cute and so enthusiastic. This week we were in three of the four schools. Let me tell you a bit about the schools and the area. The mountain that we are on in Tegucigalpa is home to many people who came up there to escape flooding during Hurricane Mitch. It's a poor area. During the dry season they can't get the water they need. During the wet season, there's lots of flooding. Clean water is a problem for many of them. The schools vary in size. Some schools have 40 or more students in very tiny classrooms and limited resources. Many of them have a morning session and then different kids in the afternoon. They all host kindergarten- Grade 6. For many of the students, this is the end of their education. There is also a local pastor who partners with the ministry so it's great to know there is a place where they can go and grow more.  

View of the city from outside one of the schools. 

The kids are filled with so much joy, even in the midst of some difficult situations. They are quickly growing on me. I love that many of the kids are starting to remember my name. I love that we are tackled with hugs when we walk in the door.

It is truly great to see all their smiles each day. It doesn't feel like I'm making a huge difference some days, but I know I am right where I am supposed to be and I know that even offering a hug and some love to one of these children is worth it!

Thanks for all your prayers! I really appreciate them!
Please pray for:
- Continued opportunities and moments with the students to share one on one
- Presence and joy in each day that the Lord gives me here!
- Continued unity in the team I am working with