I hit the ground running a week ago yesterday. After a quick reunion with friends and family here, I jumped right back into kindergarten classes. One of our challenges and goals for the new year is finding more ways to integrate the word of God into our classes. January started the lesson on FOOD! Our kids are having fun learning the difference between fruits and vegetables and chapel last week centered on the creation, specifically day 3 when God created fruits and vegetables (Genesis 1:3). We used that as a springboard to a fruit tasting. The kids enjoyed sampling fruits and expanding their vocabulary with new descriptors like sabrosa, jugosa, crujiente, gustosa and the lists goes on. We celebrated the warm weather of this island that permits certain fruits to grow here that are not available in other countries like the US. One of my favorite new fruits is guanabana, aka soursop.
I was introduced to this fruit on my first trip to the DR almost a year ago. I remember the laughs as we all tried to pronounce guanabana. I still smile as I think about Vicki and her attempts to say that word. So, I will break it down... gwa - na - ba - na, say it again ... gwa - na - ba - na. My host dad makes a really yummy juice with gwa - na- ba - na.
Who created fruit?? GOD!! and vegetables?? GOD! We give praise to God for the food that he provides for us. During the week, our science and social studies classes have centered on fruits and vegetables, with each lesson providing an opportunity to remember how God provides for us.
What a powerful lesson for these little ones to learn, that God is our provider. I looked out at the faces and thought about some of the really hard family situations, where families are struggling to provide food and clothes. I landed on one little face, who more than likely was squirming in her seat, giving love 'taps' to a friend or any other mischievous behavior. Our cook describes her as "the smallest little girl who eats a lot". Her mom came to school the other day. "Is it true?" she asked, referring to a conversation the principal had with her husband the day before. "Yes, it's true."
We decided that this little one NEEDS to stay with us all day. See, her family took her out of the all day program which includes lunch, because they couldn't afford the extra $150 pesos a week ($3). We had noticed, that this little one was coming to school hungrier than ever and a few afternoons she actually showed back up on the school steps 3 hours later because there was no food at home. You see, often the way that God provides for others is by using us, you and I, to be the hands and feet of Christ. Can you imagine the relief on this mom's face to know that the youngest of her 3 children, is now receiving breakfast and lunch daily. Yes, God does provide!
