Visitors

As a part of the summer teacher's institute, we have been sending small groups of the teaching staff from Christian Light School to go visit "the Ravine" where most of the students live.  I was surprised to learn that only a handful of the teachers had actually visited this area that the students and their families call home.  We discussed how being aware of where our students are coming from will better equip us to teach and care for them.  



Christian Light School was originally established with the goal of providing an opportunity for schooling to a group of children who would never be able to afford education otherwise.  Their families live in homes built out of tin and tarps which sprawl out from the slow-moving waters and garbage that fill the ravine below.  




I was able to go yesterday with a small group of teachers for a visit to the ravine.  We tagged along with the "baby-feeders" who are the kitchen staff responsible each day for preparing and delivering food and medicine to the children from the ravine who are too young for school (from birth to age 3).  Once the children in the ravine reach age 3, they are enrolled in the school and receive two meals each day.  




Yesterday's trip with the teachers was one of the sweetest and most heart-breaking parts of the summer.  As we were walking, one of the teachers recognized that this was the kind of neighborhood that they wouldn't have been allowed to visit as a child; it is the kind of place where poverty, brokenness, and violence run rampant.

As we walked along the ravine and stopped periodically along the way, we saw young moms carrying their little ones to the baby feeders to get their daily food: a scoop of a protein/baby formula mix, a hard-boiled egg, a slice of mango, and a small piece of bread with peanut butter on it.  The infants were brought to get vitamin drops while the toddlers happily held out plates or bowls or whatever containers they could find to collect their food.  

The teachers responded differently to the experience.  Some were very engaged, talking with the children and families as they went, while others were very quiet and reflective.  


I'm so blessed to know these teachers and to have had this time to hear their hearts for their children.  Their task is not an easy one, but their drive and purpose is great... They recognize now more than ever what challenges their students are facing.  These teachers are determined to provide their students with a Christ-centered education that will bring hope not only to the children, but to their whole families...  Hope for a brighter future with possibilities that only education can bring, as well as hope for an eternity with Christ that only the faithful teaching of the gospel can bring to those who have never heard and never believed.  What an exciting thing to witness the passion and commitment these Christian educators have for the task at hand!  How great will their impact be on the lives of these children and their futures, as well as the eternal impact their work is having on the Kingdom!

I'm thankful that you are able to join along with me on this visit to the Ravine.  I'm thankful also to know that you'll be faithful to join with me in praying for these teachers to be given strength and wisdom and grace and an abundance of love for their students in the coming school year.

 Many thanks for following along with me!

With much love in Christ, Jessie