We jumped right into life here after getting very little sleep upon arrival. We spent over twenty-four hours traveling, and I got only five and a half hours of sleep during and after that before we woke up for church the next day. Other than a few early mornings trying to get accustomed to the time difference, jet lag didn't hit us too hard.
Most of my days are spent teaching in Cuatro Christian School in Manila. It is a small Christian school that makes education accessible for 350+ children who would be otherwise unable to receive an education. I spend my time in a kindergarten classroom that reaches two sets of half day kindergartners. They are so happy to have me and two other girls from Taylor in their classroom, and we've had a blast teaching them so far. Education here is very different from that at home. There isn't as much structure in the classroom, and the teacher often doesn't have control of all her students. At least three students sleep for a portion of each school day, and the teacher simply lets them. That took some adjusting to for sure.
Despite the differences, kindergartners are the same here and around the world. They love to play "tricks" on us. High fives here are the coolest thing ever. The children love to get a high five after doing their work well. Even better is a high five and a fist bump. They also really want to communicate with us even though it can be tricky sometimes. Most of the older students have a good English understanding, but the kindergartners are still at the beginning. That can make it difficult when I ask a question in English and they answer me in Tagalog. Thankfully there is an aide in the classroom as well who will often translate for us when we get that blank look on our face because we clearly don't understand.
After school we have the opportunities to go to the Children's Home (orphanage), JAZ Home (a home for girls taken out of abusive situations) or on feedings. I've been to the orphanage twice now, and I love to see the kids and play with them. A few are even in my class at school. However, what I'm enjoying the most about my time here is the feedings. These take place twice a day to different areas of Manila each time. We load up in a van or two and bring along a protein packed hot rice meal to give away to the people we meet. When we get there, the children come swarming with a cup, bowl, plastic bag, or anything else that can hold food in hand. They each receive a scoop or two of food until the food runs out. Once the children are served, some adults come to receive as well.
As much as I love being able to feed the children, I love to play with them even more. It is clear that the children need love and healthy touch in their lives. They love to receive little stickers, toys or pieces of candy as well as have their pictures taken. I have over fifty pictures of children posed in silly ways just so they can see it afterwards. So many children come up and ask to just be held. They don't really want anything else except for love and attention. They smile their adorable smiles only to show their rotten teeth, but a smile is the same in every language still. The area fills with laughter and joy when a feeding takes place. This is what I love so much.
These children may not know that they have next to nothing, but we do. We see how poor their lives are and how much more life has to offer them. But they are still happy. They love to see Americans come to their neighborhoods to see them. They only want to play with us, know our names and hope to see us again very soon. It's devastating to say goodbye. The kids you're holding don't want to be set down. They cling until someone else has to pry them off of you so you can walk away. Today we had to clear them away from the sides of the van so we could drive away because they weren't ready to say goodbye or see us leave them. It's especially hard when they are students in your classroom. Seeing what life is really like for them and wishing you could give them the world or more.
My eyes have been opened to so much here already, and I can't believe it's only been four days. God is breaking and shaping and molding my heart to be more like His through the experiences I'm having and the people I'm meeting. Thank you for your prayers! My team and I would not be where we are if it weren't for you lifting us up to the Father! :)
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