You speak English?

Today was our day for teaching English at the Christian school where all of our younger kids go to school. Nine of us were there for most of the day teaching in classes from preschool to 6th grade. This is the same school that I (Jen) went to last year, and so I got to see many of the same kids. Cristen taught the 5th graders, and I was in 3rd grade. We were given some topics to cover, and we got creative with games and songs. Picture 20 Thai kids singing the Hokey Pokey and Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes. We also had rousing games of Pictionary; Hangman; Duck, Duck Goose; and Simon Says. They are very good at body parts and numbers. Now if only every conversation was about how many eyes you have:)

Like any child, our favorite part of school was recess! We got to play games with the children. Cristen jumped rope, I played volleyball, and we both taught some girls how to play four square. It was a picture of contentment and joy. The children were having a blast with a few balls...no soccer field, no basketball hoop, not even any grass. A group of children was joyfully playing a game similar to jacks...with a bunch of rocks. (You can see pictures of this to the side.) Over and over we see kids and adults alike who are happy and content with little. It definitely causes one to think about what is truly important in life. 

Other team members did some maintenance projects at the orphanage and worked in the baby nursery there. There are 10 kids in the nursery ranging from 4 months to 4 years. They are incredibly adorable. The littlest, Josiah, is content to rest in anyone's arms.

These children love to be held and hugged. They will find you wherever you are and find some way to get into your lap or hang around your neck or climb on your back - even if you are already holding another child. They are making up for years of not getting the hugs and affirmation that they need. Tonight, we were back at the orphanage after dinner helping with homework and playing before bedtime. A little girl whom I have connected with since we arrived latched on to me. We sat down on some steps, and after a while, she laid her head into my lap. Soon, she fell asleep. I could have sat there all night with her. I started to think that I didn't want to have to leave her, but realized that I would be coming back in September for a year. What a blessing to be able to be here with them. In reality, they have given so much more to us already than we could ever give to them.

Tomorrow, we are heading an hour up the mountain to a farm that belongs to Asia's Hope. It is used to grow food for the orphans and also to help provide support for widows. Please pray for our health and daily refreshment as we continue to serve long days in hot temperatures. Thank you for all your support.