He sat right up against me during church, searching for song numbers and Bible references, his 11-year-old energy well contained for the moment. He blessed me, just by his energy, smile, and quiet trust as he leaned his head against my shoulder.
It reminded me of another boy who is my friend as well. He’s across the ocean, still working at Hardee’s. But I remember him.
As we sat and listened to the message, I thought of the young men that roam the streets, causing trouble and smoking weed. Will this one beside me be like them in a few years? What will become of him?
But I have this moment, while he sits by me, to be his friend, point him to Christ, and pray he will be different.
* * *
A grocery cart and 5 students.
“Teja and Selena, go get a box of orange juice. Tell me the price when you bring it back.”
Josiah and Shachri return with canned meat.
“$5.50, Ms.”
“Anton, what’s $9.50 plus $5.50?”
He thinks hard.
“$15.00.”
And we move down the store aisle. They are eager, excitedly suggesting different grocery items. I send them out in pairs. Anton adds the prices.
Most of the money they raised themselves. “For charity,” they would say, eagerly plunking another $0.50 down on my desk. In less then 2 weeks, it added up to $86.
They crafted and created Christmas cards, then all together we took our charity money and went grocery shopping.
The cashier counted all our coins, bagged our purchases, and we continued on our way.
The groceries were for Ms. Joan. We walked a muddy trail, past a vicious dog, to a little wood house.
“Ms. Joan,” I call.
Her almost-blind eyes squint at us as we sing a few Christmas carols and give the groceries. I watch my students give in this way, and it blesses me.
She blesses them too.
“Every morning I hear the cock crow,” she says,” I think he’s just praising the Lord. You all, crow like a cock.”
She leads them in a loud, cheery crow. Just praising the Lord.
* * *
It’s been a busy month here. The school program. Finishing up this trimester. Christmas caroling. A Christmas party at school. Baking. But it’s been good to. Grenada has 3 weeks off for Christmas break, so these next 3 weeks will hopefully be more relaxing.
Christmas celebrations are in full swing. The grocery stores are full. Houses are brightly lit. And cheery music is playing. One night we went to the Festival of Lights along the harbor. Christmas is different here, but it’s good.
In the midst of the business, God has been faithful. I want to praise Him for that. For giving the strength and energy for the busy days. For giving guidance and direction. For giving hope and a future.
Merry Christmas!
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