If there was ever any doubts in my mind that this is what I want to be doing with my life right now, a day in kindergarten erased them all.In a small impoverished community on the outskirts of town, a woman holds kindergarten class in a little schoolhouse built in the neighborhood. Every morning 18 little children full of potential and dreams, come to learn each day. They sit two to a chair in a small concrete house beautifully decorated with their drawings. With very few materials, the teacher pours her heart into preparing them for elementary school where she knows their success can put them on a path to a very different life.
The tiny schoolhouse was packed. The graduates sat in their seats of honor and all their siblings and family crowded in to witness their little loved one receive their first diploma. The little ones normally found in old, dirty t-shirts, torn jeans and naked, muddy feet were dressed up like miniature princes and princesses. One by one the children came up as we announced their names. Cameras flashed, smiles grew bigger and bigger, and the parents eyes gleamed with pride. In a country where education is the key to a life out of poverty, hunger, and need, this was a big moment. Every child in that room felt like they had achieved something great, and every parent saw a great future in them.
However, some in the room sat wondering how they would continue to pay for their child's schooling. While some struggle to keep the children fed, the cost of uniforms, registration, and school supplies seems insurmountable. But God is so good, and his plans for these little ones will not be hindered. We were able to meet with 5 of the neediest families after the graduation festivities were over to offer their child a scholarship for their next year of schooling. We explained the goal and vision of the Honduras Education Project: how we hope to empower their child with an education and, with the help of his/her family, church and community, raise up an educated leader who loves the Lord and will not only advance his/her own situation, but that of their family, community and country.The room was silent asPpastor Arturo continued to encourage them and remind them of the plans our creator has for His children. Not one eye was dry as we said goodbye.
Working with these families and these children will be my greatest joy. Offering more opportunities like this to more and more children in need is the life I want to live.
