Today was a day of firsts. This morning/afternoon we headed over for the first day of teaching at the primary school. Today, I taught divinity and morality to one class of 5th graders for a 40 minute block. Going in, I was very excited, nervous, and curious as to how the day would go.
Since my methods clinical has been over, I have really missed hanging out with students every day. The fact that I was with 4th graders all day every day kept my life busy, and the time that has passed since my last day with them has felt so odd. As soon as I stepped into the classroom, everything fell back into place.
Something that stuck my mind was how alike and different the schools and students in the United States and Rwanda actually are.
In terms of things that are alike…..
- Kids are Kids, no matter where you go. They want attention, they want love, the love to play, and the always surprise you.
- If you give a student marker and paper, they will draw instead of listening.
- One smile from any child can really just steal your heart.
Differences?
- It was so interesting to see the level of respect that the students in Rwanda had for teachers or guests. As soon as I entered the classroom, every student stood up, and in perfect harmony the stated, "Welcome visitor." They also stood up whenever they gave a response to a question, and only spoke or moved when they were given permission.
- I have never seen children so happy to be inside class. While I was talking to students after school, the spoke about loving mathematics and reading, and that they really enjoyed coming to school.
- The class day is also set up a bit differently. School actually ends at 1:00 p.m. each day, and they have school Monday - Saturday.
I was so blessed to be working with these beautiful and loving children, and blessed to hear their answers through our discussions. As I taught divinity today, I decided to focus our content on loving our neighbors, with an emphasis on who our neighbors are, and how to show our neighbors that we love them.
When I asked about ways we can show love to our neighbors, I expected the typical answers of…. sharing, being nice, don't hit, etc… I was partially correct. I did receive these answers, but I also got answers like, have patience for others, be merciful with others, pray for others. Once they gave these answers, the largest grin appeared on my face, and I was reminded about how loving others encompasses all these things. I realized that I need to make sure I am patient, and that I forgive, and that I am praying for others as well. Automatically, Colossians 3:13 comes to mind. It reads, "bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." If we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior, this scripture should prick our hearts to forgive others no matter what they have done to us or others. While he walked on this Earth, Jesus showed forgiveness and love for his fellowman in everything that he did. He showed us that we can forgive others, and honor God’s authority when it comes to judgment and wrath. We are within God’s will if we forgive. We are not in God’s will if we do not forgive. This was something big that continually poked and prodded at me all day.
Once we were done with the primary school, we had lunch and headed over to the tech school. This week, they are remembering the genocide, and while this happens, there is a program three times a week where they go over the history of the genocide, along with placing emphasis on it "never again" happening, but at the same time remembering the lives that were lost. We were blessed with the opportunity to sit with students at the school before and during the program. We were able to make solid connections, but also had the program translated for us by the students. I met with a young woman named Nancy. Nancy is 17 years old, and is studying so that one day she may go to university and get a degree in electrical engineering. She has such a passion for education, learning and helping others, and loves theater, journalism, and debating. Automatically, we hit it off, and I am so proud to say that I have a new good friend that I can't wait to meet with more as this journey continues!
It has been quite a long day though, so I am going to head out for the night. I will try to keep you updated! Hope all is well!
With my love,
Leah
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