Faith in Action

We started back at Aurora Primary School last week and it was amazing to see all the children again! I was in a different classroom then I usually am so I didn't have a chance to see the students that I spent the most time with last year until lunch. I was then greeted with huge hugs and smiles! "You're back teach-a Sarah, we missed you!" Oh, what a welcoming group they are! When I had a chance to break away from them I had to hide in the classroom as I was overcome with emotion. I am not sure how I am going to leave these kids. What will they do when I don't come back? I am not trying to flatter myself, it's just that I am afraid there won't be anyone to replace us and it breaks my heart. I am determined to make every minute count with them and do my best to make an impact, no matter how brief my time with them is.

When we arrived at school this week we were pleasantly surprised to find another group of American's there hard at work. The school is under serious renovation as they have to make several improvements in order to meet the new health code standards. They are tearing down buildings and bringing in new "portable" type structures as housing for the students as well as re-building bathrooms (thank goodness)! When I had a chance to talk with one of the women, I found out that they were from Pennsylvania. They belong to a Baptist church there and have had a relationship with Aurora for years, thanks to another individual from their church that is on a service mission here. They had raised money in December to help Aurora with their never ending needs and when they received a call that man power was needed to help with the demolition and construction a group of 6 arrived at the school with less than a weeks notice! Now that is faith in action! I had chills as I listened to this woman recount how she and the others were able to make such quick arrangements in order to be of service! I also felt guilty as my role is to play and give love to the kids as they were doing back breaking, demanding work! I did offer to help for good measure but fortunately they had it under control!

I am inspired and in awe of this group. I am fortunate to have this opportunity to serve because I am already here for other reasons. These people came all the way here for just one week to give of their time and talents! AMAZING!