Thoughts about 'my' kids...

One of 'my' kids

    Yesterday we finished the last English class for this Japanese school year! We will now take three weeks off for spring break! When I finish a season, whether short or long, I often find myself comparing what it's like now with what it was like when I began. Thinking of 'my' kids in the English classes on Tuesday I can see a lot of change. I started regularly doing this class with Tiffy and Dad over two years ago. Many of the kids we've watched change throughout the full two years, but several kids have jumped in only a year or 6 months ago.
    I've grown in love and endurance over the last two years. I remember that when I began so many little things that the kids did would irritate or frustrate me. Now many of the issues have disappeared while others just don't bother me any more. I remember one little girl that I used to teach, she was shy, afraid to make mistakes, and hardly would do anything. I'd try to get her to repeat a sentence or word and sometimes she just wouldn't do it. Week after week I was like "oh boy, let's try this class again" wondering if I'd have any success in teaching her English. Several months went by. We added some more students and soon I found that she was learning. She was talking. When I looked into her eyes I no longer saw that look like a hurting puppy. She knew we loved her. That's been such an encouragement!
    One of the boys used to be practically obsessed with bones and skeletons. Every week he would have a skeleton or skull design on his clothes. He would often bring a toy skeleton with him to class. He was shy and walked like someone who got picked on regularly. With Dad's influence and guidance he has now turned to more healthy natural things like rocks and fossils. Instead of having a dark slightly creepy feel he is now bright and cheerful. He seems to have turned from an obsession with skeletons and bones to a healthy interest in fossils and rocks. I loved seeing him laughing and playing with some of the other boys in the class yesterday. I truly have seen an amazing change in his life. I pray that God would continue to change him and draw him to Himself.
    We try to love the kids every time we see them, try to influence them for good, and bring the Holy Spirit with us. We try to bring a different realm, a higher level of loving relationships than they've seen. We try to show them another way, hoping that they will be hungry for and want it for themselves. We plant the seeds of love and the Kingdom of God, then God will take the seeds and helps them grow.

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