Inch by inch Little Theo radiates innocence as he crept his way down my finger onto my hand. Theo is an inch worm we found on a bench at the Santa Elena Primary School.
Time ran away yesterday as we focused on painting the classroom. We spent time with the kids after our lunch break as we did a skit and sang songs. The only thing I regret is we didn’t have the quality time with the kids.
Today was a sense of relief as we finished painting despite having a few sections left to touch up tomorrow. Since we are wrapping up painting we had the opportunity to spend time with the children.
The brutal honest and innocence of children is one of the many reasons I adore kids. The same way Little Theo radiates innocence is the same way the students emanate innocence.
My heart flutters when I’m with the kids. Their faces light up as we enter the classroom and cling to us and beg for us to stay at the end of the day. They hang on the promises of us returning the next day.I never want to let go.
The sight of young kids walking alone is not uncommon as we drive around during the day. Each time I see this I instantly pray for the child. Children being alone in the world terrifies me, especially since our team has heard about so much violence and trafficking.
Throughout the week at both the church, San Ignacio Baptist Church, and the school, Santa Elena Baptist Primary School, we have witnessed a lot of violence.
At the school we have two groups, the younger kids and the older kids. We perform skits for younger group (which went amazing today) and the older group gets the No More Violence lesson from David Bayleat. At the end of each session with David, all the students say in unison “no more violence.” Although violence still surrounds the aschool they have become more aware and now have a desire to make change.
Violence isn’t just physical it is also verbal. My group has been on high alert of what the kids say to one another and what we say around them. It’s so easy to hurt someone with your words without realizing it, especially children. Innocence doesn’t last forever, it changes over time, specifically when a type of violence occurs.
We must be aware of the innocent ones with what they say and hear. Growing up with violence in their lives is causing them to grow up violent.
Please pray for the children in the world that are raised in violent households. Also the hearts of the violent ones…. No More Violence.
Psalm 11:5
The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.
Simple Thoughts 