Standing in the Head Teacher office with the teachers at one of our schools. Looking at each face in that circle. Affirming them. Getting to be their encourager.
Walking by the line of 7th grade students during morning assembly and smiling to myself as I overhear the boys talking about how smartly dressed they look in their uniforms.
Entering classrooms as the students stand and in unison practice their greeting. “. . . we are blessed that you are here.” I am blessed to be here!
Seeing a room full of first grade smiles. Watching them get up from their desk to surround our visitors with love. So many little ones hugging at one time we can hardly move.
Hearing of a sister who was too sick to finish her walk to school. Going to find her and drive her home. Being invited in. Hearing their story. Loving them.
The children being especially clingy during break time. Some practicing their handshakes and giving hugs but so many just standing as close as possible holding onto my arms and reaching to touch my hair—telling me, as best they could in English, what they had learned in classes that morning.
Sitting on a step with 2 boys and reading a book to them, a book about a boy in Africa that I used to read with my American students.
Beaming faces of children running to my car hoping to share something with me.