We were able to spend 5 wonderful days at the Lora orphanage. Six of us agreed to do the teaching, while the other three worked with the "mothers" and cooks. We taught for four days about God's promises. I taught on the last day about God's promise of provision for His children. Honestly, this is a difficult lesson to teach any child because it can be challenging for children to grasp that God's will and our will do not always align. (Truthfully, isn't this a challenge for adults to accept as well?) Many times, we think we need or want something that ultimately God knows is not best for us. Now, imagine teaching this concept to a group of children who have nothing in comparison with what American children have. Through my preparation for this lesson, the Lord clearly showed me that He is providing for these orphans. It may not be to the extent that I think He should, but who am I to judge His will. Ultimately, the most important things He provides are the provisions of the Spirit. The Father is faithful to give us hope, peace, eternity, love, and grace.
As I'm teaching, I'm thinking about how many things I want for on a daily basis. How many of those things are eternal? Sadly, I realized that more often than not, I want things that are earthly. I looked around the orphanage and noticed that the children are joyful, not because they have the new iPhone, a pair of shoes, or a great outfit. In fact, they don't have any of these things. They are joyful because they have the Lord and the love of His people surrounding them. My realization was that I need to be content and thankful for the provisions of the Spirit that the Lord has graciously given to me because I have done NOTHING to deserve them.
Here are some pictures of my team teaching. We thankfully had an interpreter when we taught!!! At times Jon would translate from English into two other languages...what a talented man of God!
The chickens, roosters, and chicks would come and go in the classroom while we were teaching.
The chickens, roosters, and chicks would come and go in the classroom while we were teaching.
Note to all my fellow teachers: surely, this is the weirdest and most random classroom disruption you have ever seen!?! Haha!
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." ~Philippians 4:11
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