So, in case you haven't noticed, I love my sweet 5th grade kiddos! This job is incredibly difficult and more demanding than I ever thought possible. However, it is also more rewarding than I would have imagined.
God has graciously given me a heart for the nations. More specifically, third-world nations and the precious children who try to survive in these challenging areas. As you have seen through my blogs about my trip this summer to Africa, my heart has fallen in love with these people who have so little and need so very much. In the midst of experiencing these cultures, God has called me to teach in a very affluent school. After seeing such poverty in Africa, I struggled with the abundance of luxury that exists in America. Thankfully, the Lord used my heart, a group of loving 10-year-olds, a sweet roommate, and thousands of hungry children to show me yet again His sovereign will. Here is the amazingness (yeah, I like to make up words) that has taken place in my classroom over the last few weeks.
My former roommate, Kristy, told me about this great organization that helps feed children in impoverished countries. The group will send you "rice bowls" that you fill with change and then that money goes to feed orphans around the world. She gave me 2 bowls and suggested that I take one to school to see if my students would like to fill it up. To be honest, I didn't think much would come of this. And there I went again, looking to my own strength instead of the Father's infinite power. I explained the concept and told the kids that it was not mandatory to participate but that if the Lord led them to give of their OWN money, then this would be a great opportunity to share our wealth with those who go without. I put the bowl out on Friday and by Tuesday the bowl was overflowing and they were asking for more bowls to fill. I got more rice bowls from Kristy and they continued to fill them. I wish you could have seen the excitement as the children brought in bags of coins each day. We also watched a video from the organization's website that explained where the money goes and highlighted a few children from the different orphanages. As I watched my students intently focused on the videos and chatting to one another about the children, I realized that this is what education is all about. Yes, I have the incredible privilege of teaching in a school that allows me to share the gospel on a daily basis and discuss my faith in Jesus Christ, but we are ALL called to share the joy of giving. We should be educating ourselves and those of the next generation about what is happening in other countries and how to show the world Christ's love and selfless service. The Lord gave me this verse for my classroom in Africa and I believe that this "Rice Bowl Project" is an outward expression of this biblical truth.
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourself....." ~Philippians 2:3
So far my class has raised $219.59 and they have each taken home rice bowls to fill with their families.
A little project with a big heart behind it can make a big difference.
