We made these cute little birds :) We had run out of supplies by the end of the night! And trust me, we definitely prepared extra. We got out the coloring sheets, and those were gone, too! The kids were all over it! Glue, tissue paper, "ojos locos", ribbon, and pipe cleaners!!! I mean I had ninth graders at the table. It was quite a success :) But not because we went home exhausted and out of supplies. Here is why:
The night was a success because I was reaffirmed in my calling for life. God spoke to me through those little children yesterday. Three hugs, a wet sneeze on the hand, one "will you come home with me?" and endless "will you be our teacher when you grow up???" and I was overwhelmed with the impact I made on those kids within the span of a few short hours. As much as I like to think that I might have made their day a little brighter, they fueled me right up just as much!
As we folded and glued and cut and taped, I got to know a little about the kids. I took it all in. I learned their names. I saw their dirty clothes and unclean hair. I saw their eyes get big when they saw scissors and crayons and tissue paper, and googly eyes. One girl asked me, "Can I take these crayons home? I don't have any crayons at home." Knowing that I probably had 3 packs of crayons at home when I was growing up, and probably wanted another pack because the red was dull.... my heart breaks. I am so glad that I could bring a little fun and a little life to this ministry. It was so many of my favorite things: arts & crafts, Jesus, kids, teaching, and just talking. While I visited with the kids, I could see how they interacted with each other. I could see how the children would translate for their parents. I could see how hunger affected their temperament, and I could sense that they were not used to so many supplies at their fingertips. It opened my eyes. These are students that I will be teaching. Potentially, I really would be teaching these specific children! But more likely, I will see students who remind me of those little adventurers. Can I do it? Will I be able to connect with them? Will I be able to make a difference? How do I do that???
Well, I also got to sit and talk with an auntie and a grandma (from two different families). Aunti said times are tough and they need to take all the help they can get. She was in a great mood, as many stoic faces walked in for food and out with bags in their hands. This particular woman remained cheerful and we talked about how I was going to be a teacher. She said don't go past third grade, because then they get sassy. Ha! Grandma was also someone I got to visit with. Grandma heard me call her grandchild, "Andrea" which was the child's name. But she was astounded that I said it "right". She proceeded to explain that "people like you" usually call her ANDrea. Not Andrea. "Dre Dre" for short. People like you always be sayin' it so proper. It's ANDrea. ANDrea. I said what cause I'm white?! My dad's half black! You wouldn't be able to tell, but that means I have it in my blood. Walls broken. She was not afraid to talk to me. She was open and honest and I was able to connect with someone who doesn't live like me.
I can't help but think of Galatians 5:13. It says,
"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love."
I am a child of God - forgiven and free. I don't want to use that grace as an excuse to sin and sin and sin and sin because "it's covered" NO! I want to serve my fellow brothers and sisters in love. Last night was affirming to my calling. It is through teaching and serving and listening and just plain loving that I am led to show the light of Christ. There were some dark situations that I saw yesterday, but God is light in the darkness. I hope while the parents were able to receive the gift of food to help with their basic needs, I was able to be a beacon of hope. "People like me" are actually just like you. I want to live to break down these barriers. I am struggle. I am weak. I am not "all together" but I am redeemed by the blood of my Savior. That is my hope. And I hope that I was able to radiate His love yesterday. Filling myself with Him, I can't help but overflow and smile and serve my neighbors.
If that's a taste of future Terrin, I think I'm gonna really like her. Why? Not because she has a perfect life, but that she's living through the imperfections, pointing to Christ, and just loving others. It feels good to know that I am equipped with gifts to reach the lost and hurting. I was once the lost and hurting, and God sought ME to reach people just like Auntie, Grandma, and all the children. ME?! Me. I'm nothing special, let me tell ya. But what I can do is love people well. And that's exactly what I'm going to do - wherever I find myself in life.
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