//October 18, 2021
Hello from Joy Preschool in the Malealea Valley! I decided to stay back from my group as they went into the villages these past few mornings and work with the little kids at the preschool on the “Africa 4 Jesus” base and I’ve loved every moment of it. These kids only speak Susuto and i have the privilege of helping them learn English. Let me tell you, they did not go easy on me. Myself along with one teacher and depending on the day a another girl from my squad worked with 40 wide eyed nuggets. I’ve been working with the 3 year olds, about 20 of them each day. They can count to 20, say the days of the week, each month, and the seasons all in English! I’m currently teaching them colors! Each morning with them is filled with so many sweet moments.
I’ve gained a whole new perspective on children and I’ve found a love for teaching. As hard as the language barrier is, I can tell they just want to learn more and I’ve learned laughter is a universal language. I’m also learning the phrase “child-like faith”. Children know the truth that we have the power to teach them and they do not question it. If we as adult put on child like lenses, not in the sense of believing in myth’s and fairytales instead, looking at it as a metaphor for trust, dependence and love, and an encouragement to ask for what we need, we would be living in a whole new way.
The preschool has three teachers, however one of them is on maternity leave and the other one is 8 months pregnant with twins (she is literally in the hospital getting induced as I type this)! I was unaware of how desperately they needed the help until the soon to be mama talked with me over coffee after class. She opened up to me about how grateful they each are that my team and I are willing to sit and work with the kiddos.
I spend most of my mornings in the preschool, and in the afternoon of this week my team had the opportunity to put together a lesson for the local high school students. As intimidating as high school students can be, I have never been more impressed with my team. We went into the class room and preached the gospel and spoke so much truth into this students lives. On our way out the first day, the principal stopped us, with tears in her eyes, and said we were truly sent by God. A lot of these students were struggling with so many deep issues and many of them were on the edge of dropping out. She told us no professional counselor they brought in could help, she truly believed my team was the missing gap they needed to connect with these students. Wow!!!
Ephesians 6:4
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
For the first time since getting to Africa, I feel as though I am truly making a difference:)
A lot of of recent prayers have been for the Lord is to give me inner peace and rest as he guides me into my future. These past few weeks of being disconnected and fully engaged in the life before me has brought me that inner peace and allowed me to grow so much deeper in my relationship with the Father. Lesotho has already impacted my life so much! I can’t wait to see what the next few weeks will bring!
Please be praying for all this little kiddos and high school students. Prayers that they are able to have passions and goals before them that they are able to achieve. Prayers that they are safe from any sickness and disease. Lastly, prayers that they are able to focus on God even if their culture is trying to tell them something different to believe in.
Blessings,
Brenna 🙂
What an incredible month for you!!! Praying that the seeds you are planting will keep growing…..
Brenna-so glad to read your blog. I know that you are doing important work and am proud to be your aunt! ?
Nuggets haha! I love it! I’m just so thankful you were able to go and so happy that you feel like you’ve been changed and also able to impact so many lives to make a true difference! It’s amazing not only how much you have taught them and will continue to teach them, but also the lessons and impact you likely left on them! Also, helping them with deeper problems that aren’t as surface level such as their mental health is huge. Keeping them in school alone is enough to change their lives forever! And the laughing, truly truly amazing! Laughing is really the best and very underrated! I’m so happy you’re loving it there and loving teaching! This experience sounds like a once in a lifetime experience! All while spreading His word too!