Some of the things that bring me instant joy are:
-precious time with Father
-laughing with someone when the situation is completely understood without words
-a sweet word/note/email from a friend
-slaloming at 7am with my Daddio and/or a group of special friends
-watching people from this country worship Father in their heart language
-joking around with my family, or better stated "making fun of each other"and laughing at each others expense. (i.e.- thanksgiving, christmas, pk lake reunions, etc)
-girls night (cooking, laughing, inevitably doing something crazy) with "the crew"
-any and all forms of chocolate cake
One of the things that I have missed out on for a while now is little voices. I missed talking with children about there lives, what they did for the weekend, what they are learning, how they got in trouble, about the things that make them happy like batman, princesses, bugs, and dogs. Little voices are so full of information, full of innocence and kindness, then followed by a spark of mischievous thought or action. I missed being creative in what I could teach them and how I could make learning a more enjoyable experience for them. Whether that be learning to read, or simply how to make the ultimate lego tower, or their princess crown more colorful.
This month, I was thrown back into the world of little voices. The only difference is that I don't always understand what they are saying to me and they don't always understand what I'm saying to them. That in itself is a massive challenge for me, but it is still so good to hear little voices all around me everyday. While this month has been one of the most challenging months of living here, it has been one of the most joyful. I have had many stressful days from learning how to acclimate myself to doing this job within a new culture and in a new language, but Father has been so good and faithful and loving to remind me of how He made me. He made me with this crazy weird love for kids, and I'm so thankful to be back in this world. I didn't realize how much I missed it until I was back in it.
I have gone up and down about how to teach these sweet children a little bit of English in the year I will have them within my grasp. It has been so hard to switch over all my teaching thoughts and habits into a second language and culture, but now a month after opening our school, they all walk through the door, put their hands together, bow their heads and say "Good Morning Teacher Saaeng Dao" (Saaeng Dao is my Lao name) in a perfect little Asian English speaking voice. My heart melts every morning and I wouldn't have it any other way!
Here are some of the faces that bring that instant joy to my heart:
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| This guy immediately brings a smile to my face when he comes walkin in the door. Even when he is flippin out about leavin his momma, I do anything I can to make him happy. |
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| Such a ham. |
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| I've known her for about 10 months now, she holds such a special place in my heart. So glad she is at our school and I can love on her everyday. |
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| He got his hair cut last week, so now he is "our little pineapple". |
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| Heart melts every time. |
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| This little guy thought I was Vietnamese. I guess thats valid if thats the only nationality that you know the word for. |
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| These 2 are nicknamed our "kedur boys" which basically means they are always in trouble, and always getting other kids in trouble. |
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| These boys never stop making me laugh. |
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| Such a little smarty. |
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| I mean, goodness, look at him. Please tell me you did not just crack a smile at this crazy kid! We have so much fun together! |
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| So cute. |
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| "Peace" or whatever hand motion they can think to do. |
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| This cute face hides a BIG mischievous spirit in this little girl. |