Yesterday I sat on the porch of the dining hall. I was sitting there pushing a little toy truck across the table and pulling it back to me with the attached string. As the truck went back and forth I thought about how many simple joys we take for granted in America. That toy truck means the world to one of the boys. Manoj was sitting beside me and I was teaching him how to spell his full name in English. Another boy, Saranraj, came up to show me his new toy car given to him by the team last week. He told me how he brings it to school; each day and then carried it in his pockets after. Those two toys are so important to the boys. In the U.S. the only things we think to show off are out new phones or laptops. How many amazing gifts from God have we missed, and because we missed them how many opportunities to be thankful to God have we missed? I wonder how much pur lack of gratitude hurts God? I think in the short time I've been here Im beginning to learn an important lesson. I used to think it would be so easy to have undoubting faith if God would just show Himself, show signs of His presence. I think He always was and is though. I'm just not usually looking. I want to look and I want to be thankful.
As I get to know the kids here I am so thankful for God bringing me here. It's hard because I don't know Tamil but it is so rewarding. When I look into the kid's faces I see Jesus. I see his love and his grace. The kids have so many hurts in their lives yet they chose joy. Of course not always, they argue, fight and cry like any kids would but there is a constant and underlying sense of belonging and joy. They know Jesus and they chose him.That is something I hope to learn from, a deeper sense of joy in Christ.
I've started working with the three oldest boys and girls who are going to lead bible studies of the other kids. I'm really curious to see how that will work out, but I hope it will be good. I have a feeling God has a plan for it so we'll see. As far as I go I am so happy and thankful to be here. I miss home and I miss family and friends, but not in the way I thought I might. I have such a sense of peace in being here and I know this is where I'm supposed to be that missing home isn't a huge thing. I know when I get back I'll be excited to see everyone and I know it'll be good so that's enough for me.
Two things I would ask for prayer for. First there was an issue with staff a few days ago so the cook just left in the middle of the afternoon without telling anyone. This has created a lot of work for the care takers who now have 30 children plus kitchen duties to take care of. Second I've been asked to give one-on-one lessons to on of the boys who is behind on his English. Getting him to listen and focus is very challenging. The principal even phoned yesterday concerned for his ability to continue in school. So prayers for him to focus and me to have wisdom how how to help him. He doesn't seem to believe that he can do well so I think that is a huge area to focus prayers on.
Anyways my time at the internet cafe is running out so I'll try to keep updating whenever possible.
Love Always,
Amanda
PS- I was given a book by the prayer team (ie- mostly Scott Agee) called "Prayer" by Richard Foster. This book is amazing and has really stretched my faith and ideas about prayer. I recommend reading it if and I'm really grateful to Scott and everyone who continued to pursue me and get me to come to the prayer meeting.
Ok... now really Bye :)
As I get to know the kids here I am so thankful for God bringing me here. It's hard because I don't know Tamil but it is so rewarding. When I look into the kid's faces I see Jesus. I see his love and his grace. The kids have so many hurts in their lives yet they chose joy. Of course not always, they argue, fight and cry like any kids would but there is a constant and underlying sense of belonging and joy. They know Jesus and they chose him.That is something I hope to learn from, a deeper sense of joy in Christ.
I've started working with the three oldest boys and girls who are going to lead bible studies of the other kids. I'm really curious to see how that will work out, but I hope it will be good. I have a feeling God has a plan for it so we'll see. As far as I go I am so happy and thankful to be here. I miss home and I miss family and friends, but not in the way I thought I might. I have such a sense of peace in being here and I know this is where I'm supposed to be that missing home isn't a huge thing. I know when I get back I'll be excited to see everyone and I know it'll be good so that's enough for me.
Two things I would ask for prayer for. First there was an issue with staff a few days ago so the cook just left in the middle of the afternoon without telling anyone. This has created a lot of work for the care takers who now have 30 children plus kitchen duties to take care of. Second I've been asked to give one-on-one lessons to on of the boys who is behind on his English. Getting him to listen and focus is very challenging. The principal even phoned yesterday concerned for his ability to continue in school. So prayers for him to focus and me to have wisdom how how to help him. He doesn't seem to believe that he can do well so I think that is a huge area to focus prayers on.
Anyways my time at the internet cafe is running out so I'll try to keep updating whenever possible.
Love Always,
Amanda
PS- I was given a book by the prayer team (ie- mostly Scott Agee) called "Prayer" by Richard Foster. This book is amazing and has really stretched my faith and ideas about prayer. I recommend reading it if and I'm really grateful to Scott and everyone who continued to pursue me and get me to come to the prayer meeting.
Ok... now really Bye :)
