Our ministry here in Uganda so far has involved a lot of teaching in schools (the two main schools we’ve visited are connected to our contact’s church). It’s been an unexpected blessing and learning curve for me.
When we arrive at a school, we spread out among the classes, one or two of us per room depending on the size of the school and the age of the kids. We basically teach whatever the kids are learning that day, especially English classes. I’ve been surprised to find I apparently have a real heart for the Primary 1 group – specifically, the 3- to 5-year-olds. Believe me, I was not expecting this at all. I kind of ended up in a big class of tiny people on the first day and since then have stuck with that age group.
Even though the only English they usually know is “Teacher!” and “I’m fine,” something about them makes my heart happy. I love being able to cuddle and tickle and hold them, give endless high fives, and listen to their giggles as we dance the hokie-pokie. They are so beautiful; from 3 year old Irene, so dignified and graceful for her age, to Joane, spunky and always causing trouble, to Matheo, who stripped to his underwear in jubilation as soon as the bell rang at the end of the day. Something in my heart breaks at their bright eyes and wide grins. And as God teaches me how to love on them, I learn more of my Father’s own heart for me. I have only known these children for a couple of days, and yet their tears tug at my heart. I can’t help but smile at their messy ABCs and their little mishaps at lunch. When they tug at my skirt and look up at me with those wide brown eyes, full of joy and begging for a hug, I just want to pull each and every one into my lap, make them giggle and tell them they are so so so so so SO loved.
If that is my heart for these children after a week, how much more affectionate is my Daddy’s heart for me? He created me and knit me together. He has had me in mind and known me since before the beginning of time. God’s love for me, His baby girl, was a matter of his Son’s death so that I might have Life. It’s serious and real enough to send em all the way here, to the middle of Uganda, to discover more of it. And I pray that I just learn to rest in my Father’s arms, basking in the great Love that rejoices over me just as I rejoice over these kids. There really is no place I would rather be.
