Play

Children are children wherever you go.  Granted, the children at Christian Light School and Children's Home certainly have very different life experiences from the children in New Hampshire.  Despite the drastic differences in culture, family, and resources, children all seem to have common innate qualities.  One is the desire to play.  

Most of my "free time" is spent with the children from the home.  The little boys and girls aren't all attending summer school, so they welcome some attention and extra opportunities for play.

Yesterday afternoon a crowd of little boys gathered around the iPad to play their favorite game- soccer.  Many little hands touched at the screen and their voices cheered each other on as the video game played out their favorite pastime. 

Today, I let the girls have a turn with the iPad.  They love to color and create on it.  Any time technology is available, the children all gather around and wait eagerly to see what will happen.

Of course, there are many other games that the children will play.  They love dolls and race cars, jump ropes and building blocks.  It is a joy to watch them settle down in their rooms or in the open courtyard and play together for hours and hours.  

Even with all of the tragedies, loss, and suffering they have experienced, these children are still able to find pleasure in the simple experiences that we value in childhood.  

I am so thankful that God has given them a place that is safe, where they have their needs provided for, where they will be educated, and where they hear about the love of Christ each day.  

Thank you for continuing on this journey with me!  Love in Christ, Jessie