Saturday, September 10, 2011
Dear Praying Friends,
On Friday afternoon 13 boys and 13 girls received certificates of completion for the CEI’s first week of camp this year. What a precious group of kids! It was neat to see the changes that took place throughout the week as they began to apply the principles they were learning. Some went from being shy and sitting by themselves to being initiators at game time. A few of the kids learned how to respect each other and not get into fights. They learned how to have fun and accept differences in their classmates. By the end of the week, they helping and serving each other without prompting. They earned their certificates!
Although I did not get to teach this week, that did not mean I was bored. Oh no! Those of us who were “new” teachers were required to attend each class to take notes and then participate in a “reflections” meeting afterwards to explain what we learned. Teaching here is very camp-style, but still requires control of the classroom and discipline. I enjoyed watching, learning, and deciding which class I would like to teach next time.
During break time, we got to play games with the kids. Even now that the kids are gone I’m still hearing the little rhyme in my head that they say while playing a certain game. Because we do not have a playground, all the games we play have to be fairly stationary (no running allowed) and safe on cement. Anyway, my goal is to get some different games for them to play. If you have any ideas, please email me at barbarajsutton@gmail.com. On Tuesday, the Chinese teachers were helping the kids introduce themselves to us. Delan struggled through pronouncing “Teacher Christi,” and turned to me. He took one look at my nametag beginning with the letter “B” and said “Hello Teacher Bob. My name is Delan.” After he left, the other teachers laughed, and now, my nickname is Teacher Bob.
After the campers left, all of us teachers gave each other “good job hugs.” They do that every week after a camp, and it IS very encouraging, as we are all very tired. Then, we had a meeting to discuss how the week went; what we could improve, what we were encouraged by, and how the kids responded to the training. I enjoy being here, as we are not just teachers and co-workers. We are family. When one teacher is down, the others try to encourage and help. It is such a blessing to serve with them here.
On another note. Outside from CEI, we do get out in the town occasionally. There are "regular" stores here, but the markets are cheaper and more personal. Here it is kind of courtesy to buy from the same stand each time. It is really quite a neat way to reach out, because we build a relationship with the vendor. Eventually, we refer to them as our friends; they teach us Chinese, we help them with English, and before long, we will know them well enough to witness. (You can pass out tracks here, but it is better to build relationships first.) This week, I learned the name of one of our fruit vendors... I'll be praying for them.
Please pray that I would be a blessing, that I would not complain but instead be a joy-giver. Pray for Penny. She bought a Bible and wants to pray with us. Also pray for the English teams here, that we would not allow small differences to alienate us to each other. We need to stay in one-accord loving God, the teachers and the kids. Pray for our relationships outside of the school, that we would be living witnesses of Christ, and that they would ask questions.
Thank you all for your prayers. I can feel them. Without your prayers, I am powerless. Thank you for enabling me to be on the front-lines of battle. God be with you!
Joyfully serving my King,
Barbara J. Sutton:
Proverbs 22:17-21PS: I am the main photographer for our team, so I have lots of pictures, but not too many of me... so sorry all! But, stick with me-hopefully I'll have more in a couple of weeks when Teacher Leisl is the main photographer.
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