First of all, I promise to keep up with this more often when I'm living in Africa. So sorry.
This Thanksgiving week, a team of Americans flew to Zambia to work with teachers and discipleship leaders around Lusaka. We are exhausted from trying to pour out as much as we possibly can to them. I am exhausted at trying to think about what the next school year will look like starting in January! (So much work to do)
Today was a very touching day, though--different from all the rest thus far. Today I visited a community school for the first time ever. I've heard of community schools (corrupt places where hundreds of children are listening to one teacher in a very tight space) but I'd never seen one with my own eyes. When we arrived at the place, I got out of the bus and greeted the community school coordinator with a smile and a quick thank you. She welcomed us into this small small building (which we found out later was her house). She showed us that the Kinder and Grade One students were on one half of the 12-15 foot room and Grade 2 was on the other side. There was probably 50 kids in the front room of her house. A broken chalkboard had words and pictures on it and the pregnant teacher stood close by. The children, with runny noses, tattered clothing, and shoes with holes, where standing politely while smiling and greeting us. It literally broke my heart. these sweet children had shining faces, as though they are the happiest little people in the world, when in reality, they suffer more than any one else I know. It was heart wrenching. I mean, how can I complain with teaching to a test, or not having enough colored paper, or that the technology isn't high-tech enough for the kids, or that the reading books I have are out of date when these babies have zero resources, a lack of space, and two hours of instruction a day??
The LORD showed me a piece of why I'm moving to Zambia to help with education. They strive for it. They fight for it. They need help. Praise the LORD for the direction He has placed in my life. He is powerful enough to change these peoples circumstances with a single hand shake or smile.
Please pray for Omega Community School in the Ngombe compound. The school coordinator needs it.
This Thanksgiving week, a team of Americans flew to Zambia to work with teachers and discipleship leaders around Lusaka. We are exhausted from trying to pour out as much as we possibly can to them. I am exhausted at trying to think about what the next school year will look like starting in January! (So much work to do)
Today was a very touching day, though--different from all the rest thus far. Today I visited a community school for the first time ever. I've heard of community schools (corrupt places where hundreds of children are listening to one teacher in a very tight space) but I'd never seen one with my own eyes. When we arrived at the place, I got out of the bus and greeted the community school coordinator with a smile and a quick thank you. She welcomed us into this small small building (which we found out later was her house). She showed us that the Kinder and Grade One students were on one half of the 12-15 foot room and Grade 2 was on the other side. There was probably 50 kids in the front room of her house. A broken chalkboard had words and pictures on it and the pregnant teacher stood close by. The children, with runny noses, tattered clothing, and shoes with holes, where standing politely while smiling and greeting us. It literally broke my heart. these sweet children had shining faces, as though they are the happiest little people in the world, when in reality, they suffer more than any one else I know. It was heart wrenching. I mean, how can I complain with teaching to a test, or not having enough colored paper, or that the technology isn't high-tech enough for the kids, or that the reading books I have are out of date when these babies have zero resources, a lack of space, and two hours of instruction a day??
The LORD showed me a piece of why I'm moving to Zambia to help with education. They strive for it. They fight for it. They need help. Praise the LORD for the direction He has placed in my life. He is powerful enough to change these peoples circumstances with a single hand shake or smile.
Please pray for Omega Community School in the Ngombe compound. The school coordinator needs it.
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