I do realize that I am way behind on this. I've actually had this update written for almost 2 weeks now, sent it out via email, and forgot to update here. This is my last and final update from my summer BCM internship. If you have missed my frequent updates, they are all here in order from most recent to oldest.
Sometimes the only journey we need to take is within ourselves. Physical relocation has nothing to do with it. It is a heart relocation that God looks for and when we open ourselves up for His unconditional, purifying love, we journey much further than our feet could ever carry us and beyond where our dreams thought we could reach. And if we allow God’s divine influence, He will bring us home.
Greetings in the Name of the Lord,
It has been a couple weeks since I completed my internship in East Palo Alto . The Lord has indeed done a work in my life I wasn’t expecting, nor could I have ever dreamed of – He has given me a purpose, a passion, and a vision for life. In my final days with my classroom, I realized God accomplished much more in my life than I came to accomplish in the community. Teacher became student. Student became teacher. As simple as that.
Among humility and patience, my students taught me what it means to love unconditionally. When you stare into the eyes of a child who adores you no matter what your faults, who respects you despite the numerous times you’ve had to discipline him or her, and who takes one look at you and realizes he or she is safe, cared for, and respected, you cannot help but fall in love. Anahi, Bianca, Stephany, Izzie, Jose, Jose, Angel, and Natalia literally stole my heart this summer and to be honest, I don’t need it back. Six weeks didn’t feel like enough.
Though this is the last of updates you will receive from me, I would like to ask your continued prayers in the community of East Palo Alto . The Lord is doing great things there and will continue to do so long after our quiet exit as interns. Pray for healing among the families, for God’s protection to overwhelm the children. Pray that these kids may witness miracles in their life, to turn to their Heavenly Father, and realize not only are they important in His eyes, but they are unworthy because of sin and understand their desperate need for a Savior. Pray that these kids will grow up to be future godly leaders in America , able to overcome their circumstances because of God’s saving grace.
As cliché as this sounds, God changed my life this summer. Despite the many things going on in my personal life, I was able to make an impact on these kids and that is an experience I will treasure forever. On the night of the banquet, one of my classes performed “Where is the Love?” in American Sign Language. It didn’t really occur to me until after the fact that all summer long that was what I was searching for – that I’ve spent most of my life searching for – what love really means. And I’m sure God will continue to reveal the meaning of love over my lifetime, however long or short it is, yet I feel privileged to have received this gift of understanding at the age of twenty. I spoke to the community of EPA in attendance about how the song talks about the tragedies and terrorism that is an unfortunate reality of our world today but how we, as the signers, call upon God, our Heavenly Father, to come show us love so enemies can become friends.
“God gives us Himself – His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity,” the priest at the church I attended over the summer said during my last Sunday in EPA. “Being imitators of God sets the bar very high, but it’s not unattainable with the power of Christ in us. We HAVE to be people of love. ” He continued onto speak about stocking up on the Word before we all disappeared off into work, school, or wherever we were going this fall because we need His strength if we will make it in life. We need spiritual food for our journeys. “God sent His Son to reveal some of His mysteries to us, and through this His very character and His Word is revealed to us, who we are, where we’re going, and where we come from is revealed to us.”
I journeyed to California this summer thinking God was telling me to change my plans and that my dreams needed to be diverted. I came into East Palo Alto thinking God was perhaps calling me back to my childhood home (and He was for reasons beyond my understanding but not in the way I expected), to possibly teach, or even work with children. God confirmed quite the opposite. He brought me out of Pennsylvania to show me what I have here at Geneva , what I’m supposed to do, where I’m supposed to be, and why. I do not need to ask for your prayers to make this vision a reality because I know just by revealing it to me, God has already made it a reality. I would, however, like to ask for your continued prayers that I will continue to seek after the Lord with a childlike faith, with honest praise, and an unashamed love.
God is love. That statement has profoundly changed my perspective on life, my purpose, and my heart and soul. He IS love. Are you experiencing His love?
I’d like to conclude with a song that touched my heart – comforted, strengthened, and encouraged me after the completion of one crazy, chaotic, but proof of God’s transforming power, His amazing grace, and His unending love. Let this be your prayer as it is mine.
No One Else
Matt Papa
God, You are my God
I will seek Your face
With all my heart
Soul and strength
Sovereign God
My Abba Father
I will trust in You forever
Jesus, Master
I will follow You
You shed Your blood for me
Everlasting Sovereign God, You are my desire
There is no one else for me
Jesus, Savior, Risen One, You set this heart on fire
There’s no turning back for me
Faithful God, my dearest Friend
You have my heart
Come take my hand
And walk with me
Oh how I need
Oh Your touch, Your face
Is all I see
Everlasting Sovereign God, You are my desire
There is no one else for me
Jesus, Savior, Risen One, You set this soul on fire
There’s no turning back for me
How could I ever cease to sing
Of the praises of my God and King
You are all to me, my everything
No for You Lord, I live, I’ll bring
My sacrifice of praise to You
Lord, it’s all of me, my life unto
The Living God, You shed
Your blood upon the cross
Now everything is lost
Compared to knowing You,
My Savior, what else could I do
But follow You for all my days?
My lips will never cease to sing
Oh praise Him, sun and moon and stars
Oh praise Him all you sons of God
Praise Him angels, follow Him
All creation and Amen!
Praise Him in the sanctuary
Praise Him for His mighty deeds
Praise the Lord with song and dancing
Praise the Lord, oh my soul, praise Him!
Everlasting Sovereign God, You are my desire
There is no one else for me
Jesus, Savior, Risen One, You set this soul on fire
There’s no turning back for me
Oh there’s no turning back,
You set my heart on fire!
Psalm 34: 1-4 "I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; the humble will hear of it and be glad. Oh magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His Name together. I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears."
In His Grace,
Hannah
Monday, September 7, 2009
Thursday, August 6, 2009
With His Love in Our Hands (BCM Week 7-8)
I've been a bit behind. Thanks for your patience.
God be praised! This is the eighth and final week. My apologies for missing last week’s update. I’ve been swamped with work and tired in the evenings. By God’s good grace, He’s sustained me this far. I’m in the home stretch. Today is my last day of teaching and tomorrow is our end of the summer banquet.
This is a bittersweet farewell. I have grown to know and love my girls, Anahi, Bianca, Izzie, and Stephany dearly. They are all so talented, funny, sweet, and bright and I wish them all the blessings in the world. In all sincerity, I don’t think I’ve ever encountered more beautiful and more intelligent third graders. Their sweetness and fresh curiosity sparks something inside of me that I cannot explain nor can I put in words. My girls have redefined the meaning of childlike faith, unspeakable joy, and unparalleled enthusiasm for life. I walk away at the end of the summer with a newfound lightness in my step knowing I’ve made a difference in these young ladies’ lives.
My relationship with Christ and with others has, of course, been tested, stretched, and challenged, but then again, I went into this summer anticipating change for the better and challenges. Nothing could have prepared me for the classroom curriculum and full-time teaching. I know for sure as of now I could never be an elementary school teacher, though I respect the heck out of anyone who is willing to try and succeed. I would like to thank my mother for her encouragement, ideas, support, and for all those years of home-schooling that prepped me for fun, hands-on learning. My girls definitely benefited from my mother’s expertise.
God has more clearly defined a vision for me for life. I have a renewed faith in Him and in my future and though I have no idea how my dreams and His plan will come to pass I have ever confidence that He is still Lord over my life, the King of Kings sitting on His throne today and He will make it happen. Saying “I’m excited” really doesn’t cut it and I’m not quite sure how to explain exactly how I feel, but in a very understated manner, I am looking forward to what the future holds, to returning to college and sharing my experiences, and to growing even deeper in the knowledge and wisdom of the Lord.
This summer, as cliché as it sounds, has changed my life in so many positive ways. Not only have I learned more about myself and about other cultures and about how people communicate and interact (my major!!!), but I’ve learned more about who Christ is, what He has done for me, and how much I want to share that with the world. There is such an uncontainable passion stirring and an unexplainable joy within me knowing I wake up every morning and close my eyes every evening with Him.
My ideas of community have changed too. God has brought some fresh insights into my life from some unique angles – from my classroom, from my students’ families, from peers I wouldn’t have probably befriended other than this internship, and even from the Catholic church down the street. Despite being a Protestant, I love how reverent and humbling the Catholic services, how very intimate worship is. The messages are simple, but always something I need to hear. A couple Sundays ago the message was on the 23rd Psalm, one I hold especially dear to my heart, particularly verse 3: “He restores my soul.” This past Sunday the theme was the Bread of Life. It was so comforting to be fulfilled by Heavenly food. It’s as though that verse “cast all your cares upon God” really was happening. I felt burdens, mountains of worries, issues, problems just simply lift and evaporate in the holy awesome presence of the Lord and believers. I feel as though when I walk inside and interact in the service that it’s just God and I, and after a long, hard week, this is very much needed and refreshing. I can talk God no matter where I am, but something about this church makes me feel as though I can truly meet God where I’m at no matter what’s happened or what’s going on in my life. It is no longer about me and what I get out of the service, but what I have to offer to my God, my Abba Father. And that’s something no church has ever taught me. Something the priest mentioned last Sunday I really liked: “when we partake in communion, it strengthens us in community and in personal faith.” Because we, as the Body of Believers, no matter what color we are, no matter what our backgrounds, drink in the sweetness of unity through one – Jesus Christ.
A verse that really struck me…. 1 John 4:7
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” Why? Because God is Love. Think about that. Read that again slowly. God IS Love. He is love. He sent Love into the world for us. As Love, He gave up everything for us. He became man out of Love. And if we love, we know God because God is love. It may seem like I’m repeating myself, but just meditate on those words. We know God when we love because God is Love. I will never look at the definition of love the same way again. It’s not a feeling or an emotion or even a thought. It’s a way of life. It’s a being. It’s God.
Just to conclude, this has been a song on my heart for the past 2 weeks. Listen to the power in the verse and chorus
Matt Papa’s “We will Shine”
Can you hear it?
It’s the sound of the saints with the Spirit,
Coming like an army – we are the people of God! (yeah)
We’re gonna shake the darkness
With His praise in our lips
And His love in our hands.
We’re gonna change tomorrow
For His kingdom and His glory! (yeah!)
So let it rise, let it rise;
Hear the sound of His praise; let it rise!
We will shine, oh, we will shine,
With His glorious light we will shine!
We’re shine like the morning
With our faces ablaze in His glory,
Cuz there’s a kingdom coming
And it won’t be defeated! (no!)
Cuz we are His chosen ones,
And we won’t back down
Till every nation knows His love
Cuz we serve the risen God
And His name is Jesus!
So let it rise, let it rise;
Hear the sound of His praise; let it rise!
We will shine, oh, we will shine,
With His glorious light we will shine!
Oh we’re gonna shine! Shine (yeah!)
Jesus, Jesus, Name above all Names
Risen Savior, worthy of all praise! (2x)
So let it rise, let it rise;
Hear the sound of His praise; let it rise!
We will shine, oh, we will shine,
With His glorious light we will shine!
Oh we’re gonna shine! Shine (yeah!)
God be praised! This is the eighth and final week. My apologies for missing last week’s update. I’ve been swamped with work and tired in the evenings. By God’s good grace, He’s sustained me this far. I’m in the home stretch. Today is my last day of teaching and tomorrow is our end of the summer banquet.
This is a bittersweet farewell. I have grown to know and love my girls, Anahi, Bianca, Izzie, and Stephany dearly. They are all so talented, funny, sweet, and bright and I wish them all the blessings in the world. In all sincerity, I don’t think I’ve ever encountered more beautiful and more intelligent third graders. Their sweetness and fresh curiosity sparks something inside of me that I cannot explain nor can I put in words. My girls have redefined the meaning of childlike faith, unspeakable joy, and unparalleled enthusiasm for life. I walk away at the end of the summer with a newfound lightness in my step knowing I’ve made a difference in these young ladies’ lives.
My relationship with Christ and with others has, of course, been tested, stretched, and challenged, but then again, I went into this summer anticipating change for the better and challenges. Nothing could have prepared me for the classroom curriculum and full-time teaching. I know for sure as of now I could never be an elementary school teacher, though I respect the heck out of anyone who is willing to try and succeed. I would like to thank my mother for her encouragement, ideas, support, and for all those years of home-schooling that prepped me for fun, hands-on learning. My girls definitely benefited from my mother’s expertise.
God has more clearly defined a vision for me for life. I have a renewed faith in Him and in my future and though I have no idea how my dreams and His plan will come to pass I have ever confidence that He is still Lord over my life, the King of Kings sitting on His throne today and He will make it happen. Saying “I’m excited” really doesn’t cut it and I’m not quite sure how to explain exactly how I feel, but in a very understated manner, I am looking forward to what the future holds, to returning to college and sharing my experiences, and to growing even deeper in the knowledge and wisdom of the Lord.
This summer, as cliché as it sounds, has changed my life in so many positive ways. Not only have I learned more about myself and about other cultures and about how people communicate and interact (my major!!!), but I’ve learned more about who Christ is, what He has done for me, and how much I want to share that with the world. There is such an uncontainable passion stirring and an unexplainable joy within me knowing I wake up every morning and close my eyes every evening with Him.
My ideas of community have changed too. God has brought some fresh insights into my life from some unique angles – from my classroom, from my students’ families, from peers I wouldn’t have probably befriended other than this internship, and even from the Catholic church down the street. Despite being a Protestant, I love how reverent and humbling the Catholic services, how very intimate worship is. The messages are simple, but always something I need to hear. A couple Sundays ago the message was on the 23rd Psalm, one I hold especially dear to my heart, particularly verse 3: “He restores my soul.” This past Sunday the theme was the Bread of Life. It was so comforting to be fulfilled by Heavenly food. It’s as though that verse “cast all your cares upon God” really was happening. I felt burdens, mountains of worries, issues, problems just simply lift and evaporate in the holy awesome presence of the Lord and believers. I feel as though when I walk inside and interact in the service that it’s just God and I, and after a long, hard week, this is very much needed and refreshing. I can talk God no matter where I am, but something about this church makes me feel as though I can truly meet God where I’m at no matter what’s happened or what’s going on in my life. It is no longer about me and what I get out of the service, but what I have to offer to my God, my Abba Father. And that’s something no church has ever taught me. Something the priest mentioned last Sunday I really liked: “when we partake in communion, it strengthens us in community and in personal faith.” Because we, as the Body of Believers, no matter what color we are, no matter what our backgrounds, drink in the sweetness of unity through one – Jesus Christ.
A verse that really struck me…. 1 John 4:7
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” Why? Because God is Love. Think about that. Read that again slowly. God IS Love. He is love. He sent Love into the world for us. As Love, He gave up everything for us. He became man out of Love. And if we love, we know God because God is love. It may seem like I’m repeating myself, but just meditate on those words. We know God when we love because God is Love. I will never look at the definition of love the same way again. It’s not a feeling or an emotion or even a thought. It’s a way of life. It’s a being. It’s God.
Just to conclude, this has been a song on my heart for the past 2 weeks. Listen to the power in the verse and chorus
Matt Papa’s “We will Shine”
Can you hear it?
It’s the sound of the saints with the Spirit,
Coming like an army – we are the people of God! (yeah)
We’re gonna shake the darkness
With His praise in our lips
And His love in our hands.
We’re gonna change tomorrow
For His kingdom and His glory! (yeah!)
So let it rise, let it rise;
Hear the sound of His praise; let it rise!
We will shine, oh, we will shine,
With His glorious light we will shine!
We’re shine like the morning
With our faces ablaze in His glory,
Cuz there’s a kingdom coming
And it won’t be defeated! (no!)
Cuz we are His chosen ones,
And we won’t back down
Till every nation knows His love
Cuz we serve the risen God
And His name is Jesus!
So let it rise, let it rise;
Hear the sound of His praise; let it rise!
We will shine, oh, we will shine,
With His glorious light we will shine!
Oh we’re gonna shine! Shine (yeah!)
Jesus, Jesus, Name above all Names
Risen Savior, worthy of all praise! (2x)
So let it rise, let it rise;
Hear the sound of His praise; let it rise!
We will shine, oh, we will shine,
With His glorious light we will shine!
Oh we’re gonna shine! Shine (yeah!)
Friday, July 24, 2009
on my heart.... (thoughts from week 6)
Song:
As the Deer
As the deer panteth for the water
so my soul longeth after Thee
You, O Lord are my heart's desire
and I long to worship Thee
You, O Lord are my strength, my shield
To You, O Lord, may my spirit yield
You, O Lord are my heart's desire
And I long to worship Thee
Verse:
Hebrews 11:1 "Faith is the evidence of things unseen..."
Song:
O, God, You are my God
And I will ever praise You
And I will seek You in the morning
And I will learn to walk in Your ways
And step by step, You lead me
And I will follow You all of my days
My prayer of the week:
God show us Your love today
so our smiles may be brighter
and our hearts may be lighter,
so that we may be ready
to totally and completely
serve You,
oh most glorious Father!!
Song: God of Wonders
Lord of all creation
of water, earth, and sky
the heavens are Your tabernacles
Glory to the Lord on high
God of wonders beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
Father, holy, holy
Lord of heaven and earth (4X)
Hallelujah to the Lord of heaven and earth (3x)
Verse:
"Hear o Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on your doorposts of your house and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:4-9
A Prayer:
You are God of gods
the King of kings
And You are Lord of lords
my Maker
my Creator
my Savior
my Abba, Father, Daddy
And I will praise You
most glorious God
You have filled my heart with song
and I will sing everywhere
and anywhere
all the time
my heart is filled with gladness
with unspeakable joy
You are most worthy
oh so worthy
yes, Lord, worthy
Of all my praise and worship
and I'll bow on my knees
and humble my heart
to raise up Your Name
and cry, "Holy! Holy!
Oh most Holy Lord!"
Amen.
As the Deer
As the deer panteth for the water
so my soul longeth after Thee
You, O Lord are my heart's desire
and I long to worship Thee
You, O Lord are my strength, my shield
To You, O Lord, may my spirit yield
You, O Lord are my heart's desire
And I long to worship Thee
Verse:
Hebrews 11:1 "Faith is the evidence of things unseen..."
Song:
O, God, You are my God
And I will ever praise You
And I will seek You in the morning
And I will learn to walk in Your ways
And step by step, You lead me
And I will follow You all of my days
My prayer of the week:
God show us Your love today
so our smiles may be brighter
and our hearts may be lighter,
so that we may be ready
to totally and completely
serve You,
oh most glorious Father!!
Song: God of Wonders
Lord of all creation
of water, earth, and sky
the heavens are Your tabernacles
Glory to the Lord on high
God of wonders beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
Father, holy, holy
Lord of heaven and earth (4X)
Hallelujah to the Lord of heaven and earth (3x)
Verse:
"Hear o Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on your doorposts of your house and on your gates." Deuteronomy 6:4-9
A Prayer:
You are God of gods
the King of kings
And You are Lord of lords
my Maker
my Creator
my Savior
my Abba, Father, Daddy
And I will praise You
most glorious God
You have filled my heart with song
and I will sing everywhere
and anywhere
all the time
my heart is filled with gladness
with unspeakable joy
You are most worthy
oh so worthy
yes, Lord, worthy
Of all my praise and worship
and I'll bow on my knees
and humble my heart
to raise up Your Name
and cry, "Holy! Holy!
Oh most Holy Lord!"
Amen.
Open Hands, Open Hearts (BCM Week 6)
While Week 3 (week 5's update) was rough, Week 4 with my students (week 6's update) was the exact opposite. God was moving in ways I didn’t even understand.
I visited two of my students in their homes. It felt amazing to be able to meet my students’ families and to say how proud I was of my students, and to see the kids in their natural habitat. Anahi had me reading a book in Spanish. While extremely slow, I managed to make it through an entire children’s story. At Angel’s house, I discovered his love for animals and his amazing artistic ability despite being autistic. He has overcome incredible odds and has improved drastically from the first week. I also really appreciated the home-cooked meals – Mexican food rocks!!!
I learned quite a few Spanish words this week which will come in handy in fall 09. I’m learning Spanish in exchange for lessons in making hoops in basketball. The girls love that!
I challenged my homeroom girls to various reading activities instead of the usual I read, we read, and then they individually read. Reading Olympics engendered some friendly competition and excitement for reading.
I finally figured out a way to get my math class to be more engaged. I discovered that by doing the Problem of the Day and going straight into a fast-paced lesson, it left little room for complaining and distractions. Then during the second half-hour I let my students color and draw me pictures for my refrigerator while listening to the music of the sea. No joke! The number of correct answers tripled from previous weeks and this activity allowed the kids to embrace their artistic side while learning.
Another amazingly cool development – answered prayers!! I’ve been keeping a fairly consistent prayer journal and it’s exciting to see how God has been moving in my heart and life. I’ve prayed for a spirit of gentleness, for the right words to say to a hurting child, for a way to connect with my students, and to love more. Those are just a few of the things I have been praying fairly consistently. This week God answered that prayer in spades as I was able to see not only a steadily growing openness in the children, but a quiet, growing change inside me.
There’s something so beautiful in the simple drawings of a child – those stick figures made so painstakingly, the earnest eagerness in their voice as they explain their masterpiece, the patience in each stroke, and the wonder on their faces as they discover a new color that transforms their world. This week I witnessed just such an event. I peered into the world of a child, and found my arms expanding so they could fit in my hug and my heart expanding with pride for my students, with joy at their childlike wonder and faith, and with love for their tenderness and innocence. Sometimes I look at a child and I think not where did the years go, but where did the innocence? And these kids have to endure so much more than I did at their age. They bear the burdens with confused acceptance and the maturity of someone twice their age. Let us remember the days when peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in brown bags filled our stomachs at lunch, when our mothers hummed Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star to us when we were falling asleep, when we chased butterflies and soccer balls in the grass at recess, and when we galloped about coloring the world with our infectious laughter and sweet smiles. Let us remember the wonderful world of a child and for a moment, no matter how brief, close your eyes and feel the wind and sun and remember God is love. A child taught me that this week.
I feel like we’re on the brink of a revolution – a revival. We’re reaching these kids and we’re making a difference and this week I caught a glimpse of God’s majesty, His splendor, His power, and His unfailing love.
I’d like to ask prayer for the increased development of the students. May they be fully and totally ready for school in the fall season. May they continue to engage in the classroom. Pray for my patience, that I’d exercise wisdom in the classroom, and for sustained health and continued spiritual growth.
I’d like to ask prayer for the safety of the children, physically and spiritually. This week, though the Lord was good, as always, and some awesome things were occurring, God brought to my attention a little bit of the darker side of life in EPA. I’d like to ask prayer for those who are hurting deep inside who have no one to love them, no one to tell them how special they are, and no one to encourage them. I gave a child a hug this week and said, “love you.” It was heartbreaking to hear his response. A first-grader: “No one ever told me that.” Oh what we as American college-students take for granted! Pray for loving homes, for strength of spirit to rise up in this community, and for the tenderhearted mercies of God to rain down on the lives of these children.
One final thought: This has been my song of praise this past week. Meditate on the words.
You're calling me to lay aside the worries of my day
To quiet down my busy mind and find a hiding place
Worthy, Worthy
I open up my heart and let my spirit worship Yours
I open up my mouth and let a song of praise come forth
Worthy, You are worthy
chorus:
Of a child-like faith
And of my honest praise
And of my unashamed love
Of a holy life
And of my sacrifice
And of my unashamed love
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:4-9.
In His Grace,
Hannah
I visited two of my students in their homes. It felt amazing to be able to meet my students’ families and to say how proud I was of my students, and to see the kids in their natural habitat. Anahi had me reading a book in Spanish. While extremely slow, I managed to make it through an entire children’s story. At Angel’s house, I discovered his love for animals and his amazing artistic ability despite being autistic. He has overcome incredible odds and has improved drastically from the first week. I also really appreciated the home-cooked meals – Mexican food rocks!!!
I learned quite a few Spanish words this week which will come in handy in fall 09. I’m learning Spanish in exchange for lessons in making hoops in basketball. The girls love that!
I challenged my homeroom girls to various reading activities instead of the usual I read, we read, and then they individually read. Reading Olympics engendered some friendly competition and excitement for reading.
I finally figured out a way to get my math class to be more engaged. I discovered that by doing the Problem of the Day and going straight into a fast-paced lesson, it left little room for complaining and distractions. Then during the second half-hour I let my students color and draw me pictures for my refrigerator while listening to the music of the sea. No joke! The number of correct answers tripled from previous weeks and this activity allowed the kids to embrace their artistic side while learning.
Another amazingly cool development – answered prayers!! I’ve been keeping a fairly consistent prayer journal and it’s exciting to see how God has been moving in my heart and life. I’ve prayed for a spirit of gentleness, for the right words to say to a hurting child, for a way to connect with my students, and to love more. Those are just a few of the things I have been praying fairly consistently. This week God answered that prayer in spades as I was able to see not only a steadily growing openness in the children, but a quiet, growing change inside me.
There’s something so beautiful in the simple drawings of a child – those stick figures made so painstakingly, the earnest eagerness in their voice as they explain their masterpiece, the patience in each stroke, and the wonder on their faces as they discover a new color that transforms their world. This week I witnessed just such an event. I peered into the world of a child, and found my arms expanding so they could fit in my hug and my heart expanding with pride for my students, with joy at their childlike wonder and faith, and with love for their tenderness and innocence. Sometimes I look at a child and I think not where did the years go, but where did the innocence? And these kids have to endure so much more than I did at their age. They bear the burdens with confused acceptance and the maturity of someone twice their age. Let us remember the days when peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in brown bags filled our stomachs at lunch, when our mothers hummed Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star to us when we were falling asleep, when we chased butterflies and soccer balls in the grass at recess, and when we galloped about coloring the world with our infectious laughter and sweet smiles. Let us remember the wonderful world of a child and for a moment, no matter how brief, close your eyes and feel the wind and sun and remember God is love. A child taught me that this week.
I feel like we’re on the brink of a revolution – a revival. We’re reaching these kids and we’re making a difference and this week I caught a glimpse of God’s majesty, His splendor, His power, and His unfailing love.
I’d like to ask prayer for the increased development of the students. May they be fully and totally ready for school in the fall season. May they continue to engage in the classroom. Pray for my patience, that I’d exercise wisdom in the classroom, and for sustained health and continued spiritual growth.
I’d like to ask prayer for the safety of the children, physically and spiritually. This week, though the Lord was good, as always, and some awesome things were occurring, God brought to my attention a little bit of the darker side of life in EPA. I’d like to ask prayer for those who are hurting deep inside who have no one to love them, no one to tell them how special they are, and no one to encourage them. I gave a child a hug this week and said, “love you.” It was heartbreaking to hear his response. A first-grader: “No one ever told me that.” Oh what we as American college-students take for granted! Pray for loving homes, for strength of spirit to rise up in this community, and for the tenderhearted mercies of God to rain down on the lives of these children.
One final thought: This has been my song of praise this past week. Meditate on the words.
You're calling me to lay aside the worries of my day
To quiet down my busy mind and find a hiding place
Worthy, Worthy
I open up my heart and let my spirit worship Yours
I open up my mouth and let a song of praise come forth
Worthy, You are worthy
chorus:
Of a child-like faith
And of my honest praise
And of my unashamed love
Of a holy life
And of my sacrifice
And of my unashamed love
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:4-9.
In His Grace,
Hannah
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Of a Childlike Faith (follow-up on week 5 and intro to week 6)
I know I already posted for last week's update (I'm a bit behind... sorries). I wrote this last night after visiting one of my students and his sister in his home. I am so appreciative of the community of East Palo Alto for opening their hearts and homes for us and letting us into their children's lives.
There’s something so beautiful in the simple drawings of a child – those stick figures made so painstakingly, the earnest eagerness in their voice as they explain their masterpiece, the patience in each stroke, and the wonder on their faces as they discover a new color that transforms their world. This week I witnessed just such an event. I peered into the world of a child, and found my arms expanding so they could fit in my hug and my heart expanding with pride for my students, with joy at their childlike wonder and faith, and with love for their tenderness and innocence. Sometimes I look at a child and I think not where did the years go, but where did the innocence? And these kids have to endure so much more than I did at their age. They bear the burdens with confused acceptance and the maturity of someone twice their age. Let us remember the days when peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in brown bags filled our stomachs at lunch, when our mothers hummed Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star to us when we were falling asleep, when we chased butterflies and soccer balls in the grass at recess, and when we galloped about coloring the world with our infectious laughter and sweet smiles. Let us remember the wonderful world of a child and for a moment, no matter how brief, close your eyes and feel the wind and sun and remember God is love. A child taught me that this week.
You're calling me to lay aside the worries of my day
To quiet down my busy mind and find a hiding place
Worthy, Worthy
I open up my heart and let my spirit worship Yours
I open up my mouth and let a song of praise come forth
Worthy, You are worthy
chorus:
Of a child-like faith
And of my honest praise
And of my unashamed love
Of a holy life
And of my sacrifice
And of my unashamed love
There’s something so beautiful in the simple drawings of a child – those stick figures made so painstakingly, the earnest eagerness in their voice as they explain their masterpiece, the patience in each stroke, and the wonder on their faces as they discover a new color that transforms their world. This week I witnessed just such an event. I peered into the world of a child, and found my arms expanding so they could fit in my hug and my heart expanding with pride for my students, with joy at their childlike wonder and faith, and with love for their tenderness and innocence. Sometimes I look at a child and I think not where did the years go, but where did the innocence? And these kids have to endure so much more than I did at their age. They bear the burdens with confused acceptance and the maturity of someone twice their age. Let us remember the days when peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in brown bags filled our stomachs at lunch, when our mothers hummed Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star to us when we were falling asleep, when we chased butterflies and soccer balls in the grass at recess, and when we galloped about coloring the world with our infectious laughter and sweet smiles. Let us remember the wonderful world of a child and for a moment, no matter how brief, close your eyes and feel the wind and sun and remember God is love. A child taught me that this week.
You're calling me to lay aside the worries of my day
To quiet down my busy mind and find a hiding place
Worthy, Worthy
I open up my heart and let my spirit worship Yours
I open up my mouth and let a song of praise come forth
Worthy, You are worthy
chorus:
Of a child-like faith
And of my honest praise
And of my unashamed love
Of a holy life
And of my sacrifice
And of my unashamed love
The Lord is My Shepherd (BCM Week 5)
Hello everyone,
This last week was, by far, the hardest one. Stress levels were high. The amount of sleep I was getting dwindled. Lessons weren't quite as organized as they needed to be. There was too much to do and no time to do it. But God was gracious and He sustained me. Every week I see the desperate need to be in the Word and in constant communication with my Heavenly Father or else I'm off my game.
Good news! My Monday sign language class is really taking off. Stephanie, the other intern who has been helping me, has been a lifesaver. My kids are really enjoying learning how to sign an American Sign Language interpretation of the Black-Eyed Peas song, "Where is the Love?" One of the things we've been stressing with the kids is that the only way to restore broken people is through the amazing love of God. He is the only one who can guide us and help us. For a class of 15 boys and 1 girl, they did spectacularly last week.
Also my theater class.... well, in the last 30 minutes before class on Tuesday since it totally slipped our minds, Chanel and I managed to write a script. We're doing a version of Noah's Ark with more modernized language. The kids loved it. They had so much fun with it last week, and so did I.
My girls in my homeroom have been so well-behaved. Even during our crazy scavenger hunt in the Baylands last week when we got separated from the group and we were way behind, my girls were still singing and smiling and laughing. They kept repeating "even if we don't win, we're still winners, Miss Hannah," Anahi said. Oh yes they were! After hiking 4+ miles in the hot sun and getting "lost," we still managed to come in 2nd place.
This week my homeroom is participating in the Reading Olympics. There are four categories: Reading Comprehension, Reading Puzzles, Fast Reading, and Reading Activities. Currently Bianca is in 1st with Izzie in a close 2nd followed by Stephany and then Anahi. They are getting into the spirit of competition but are still sweetly enjoying learning.
Continue to pray for the health of interns - mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Like I previously said, I was much more stressed out and tired. God has been doing great things in East Palo Alto and has really been stretching me outside of my comfort zone. I had to be patient with kids who are on different levels mathematically and restructure my lessons during classtime. I had to learn how to effectively and lovingly discipline students last week. I led a guided tour someplace I'd never been, someplace I was uncomfortable with, but God was watching out for us in the middle of no-man's-land. And my girls were still so cheerful. It was a good reminder. "Out of the mouth of babes," right?
Continue to pray for unity and patience among the interns. I really feel like the Devil has been personally attacking all of us. I took time over the weekend just to reflect, relax, and retreat into the Word. God definitely did some restoring over the weekend as I was reading Psalm 23. Yesterday in church I was reminded about finding rest in God and needing that down time. The songs were so beautiful and the service so reverent and the message, simple but deep. I can't wait for Sundays simply for that reason alone and to be able to be rejuvenated before the upcoming week.
Continue to pray for my classes for their patience, for their dedication to their work, for listening ears, and for understanding during the lessons.
Pray for encouragement. Pray for flexibility. Pray for strength of mind. Pray that we'll be slow to speak, slow to anger. Pray that we'll be open-minded. Pray for gentleness and humility.
I know this is a long list but I really do believe in the power of prayer. God promises to answer the prayers of the faithful, not always the way we want, but He never ignores us. God needs to be first in order for us to be on our toes and fully ready for this. God never promises the Christian life will be easy so obviously we're doing something right if the Devil feels the need to attack us. Thank you for your continued support and prayers and I've enjoyed hearing from some of you. It really is encouraging.
My girls have been teaching me a little Spanish, so I'll conclude with this.
Psalm 23:1
"The Lord is my Shepherd."
"El Senor es mi Pastor."
In His Grace,
Hannah
This last week was, by far, the hardest one. Stress levels were high. The amount of sleep I was getting dwindled. Lessons weren't quite as organized as they needed to be. There was too much to do and no time to do it. But God was gracious and He sustained me. Every week I see the desperate need to be in the Word and in constant communication with my Heavenly Father or else I'm off my game.
Good news! My Monday sign language class is really taking off. Stephanie, the other intern who has been helping me, has been a lifesaver. My kids are really enjoying learning how to sign an American Sign Language interpretation of the Black-Eyed Peas song, "Where is the Love?" One of the things we've been stressing with the kids is that the only way to restore broken people is through the amazing love of God. He is the only one who can guide us and help us. For a class of 15 boys and 1 girl, they did spectacularly last week.
Also my theater class.... well, in the last 30 minutes before class on Tuesday since it totally slipped our minds, Chanel and I managed to write a script. We're doing a version of Noah's Ark with more modernized language. The kids loved it. They had so much fun with it last week, and so did I.
My girls in my homeroom have been so well-behaved. Even during our crazy scavenger hunt in the Baylands last week when we got separated from the group and we were way behind, my girls were still singing and smiling and laughing. They kept repeating "even if we don't win, we're still winners, Miss Hannah," Anahi said. Oh yes they were! After hiking 4+ miles in the hot sun and getting "lost," we still managed to come in 2nd place.
This week my homeroom is participating in the Reading Olympics. There are four categories: Reading Comprehension, Reading Puzzles, Fast Reading, and Reading Activities. Currently Bianca is in 1st with Izzie in a close 2nd followed by Stephany and then Anahi. They are getting into the spirit of competition but are still sweetly enjoying learning.
Continue to pray for the health of interns - mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Like I previously said, I was much more stressed out and tired. God has been doing great things in East Palo Alto and has really been stretching me outside of my comfort zone. I had to be patient with kids who are on different levels mathematically and restructure my lessons during classtime. I had to learn how to effectively and lovingly discipline students last week. I led a guided tour someplace I'd never been, someplace I was uncomfortable with, but God was watching out for us in the middle of no-man's-land. And my girls were still so cheerful. It was a good reminder. "Out of the mouth of babes," right?
Continue to pray for unity and patience among the interns. I really feel like the Devil has been personally attacking all of us. I took time over the weekend just to reflect, relax, and retreat into the Word. God definitely did some restoring over the weekend as I was reading Psalm 23. Yesterday in church I was reminded about finding rest in God and needing that down time. The songs were so beautiful and the service so reverent and the message, simple but deep. I can't wait for Sundays simply for that reason alone and to be able to be rejuvenated before the upcoming week.
Continue to pray for my classes for their patience, for their dedication to their work, for listening ears, and for understanding during the lessons.
Pray for encouragement. Pray for flexibility. Pray for strength of mind. Pray that we'll be slow to speak, slow to anger. Pray that we'll be open-minded. Pray for gentleness and humility.
I know this is a long list but I really do believe in the power of prayer. God promises to answer the prayers of the faithful, not always the way we want, but He never ignores us. God needs to be first in order for us to be on our toes and fully ready for this. God never promises the Christian life will be easy so obviously we're doing something right if the Devil feels the need to attack us. Thank you for your continued support and prayers and I've enjoyed hearing from some of you. It really is encouraging.
My girls have been teaching me a little Spanish, so I'll conclude with this.
Psalm 23:1
"The Lord is my Shepherd."
"El Senor es mi Pastor."
In His Grace,
Hannah
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Speaking Louder than Before (BCM Week 4)
It's that time again - weekly update for my BCM internship.
Every week I grow and learn so much. This past week God has taught me too much to put in one little update note, but I'll try and hit the highlights.
All of my girls are kinesthetic learners which really makes it much easier on me so I don't need to cater to different learning styles. The more hands on the better I've discovered. I've been taking the girls outside and pointing out trees as we learn about trees and plants and photosynthesis. I read my kids children's books about whatever we're learning and have them act it out. They are all very artistic so I have them color a lot. They love that! It's so exciting to see how much they want to learn. I've been trying my absolute hardest to make learning fun, creative, and exciting for them. Every morning when I bring my girls in from the parking lot I ask them if they are ready to learn and they always say, "Yes, Miss Hannah." It's heartwarming.
I may have mentioned Izzie, one of my students before. The first week she wasn't focused and she didn't smile at all. The 2nd year interns told me how they remember Izzie from before and not once did she smile last summer. Over 4th of July weekend, I prayed God would move a mountain and make her smile by the end of the summer. Monday morning I was shocked when Izzie walked in with a big smile on her face and said, "Miss Hannah, I am ready to learn." I really love these girls more and more every day. God has softened my heart toward them. They all have dreams and goals. Stephany told me she wants to "go to college to get more knowledge." Pray these girls continue to excel in school, that they are blessed with teachers who want them to learn and make learning fun and who care about them individually, and that they pursue not only their education through college, but a relationship with God and see it as fundamental in their lives.
God has really shown me the power of prayer this week. Not only did Izzie smile simply hours after I prayed about it, but God took away the migraine I had on Tuesday also. I was back to normal within 8 hours. I came home this weekend again to escape the germs, but many of our interns are suffering from illnesses, stress, and headaches. Pray for mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health.
Funny story. I really needed a new flashdrive since my first one completely died. I was hunting in the electronics section of Walmart for one at 10 of 8 knowing we were meeting in the front of the store at 8. I asked an employee where they were and found them. But then there was a lock on the end of the rack. I couldn't get it off. So in the middle of the aisle, I placed my hand over the lock and prayed, "God, I don't have time to find an employee. I really need this. Send someone." I opened my eyes and someone said in a deep Arnold Schwarzenegger voice, "Can I help you with that?" The guy obviously didn't work there. He helped me get the flashdrive and I put it in my cart and turned to say thank you and he was gone. The aisle was ridiculously long and I would've seen him if he passed me and unless he was running at the speed of light, he couldn't have gotten to the other end of the aisle. I guess, God has a sense of humor when He sends His angels. Apparently my Angel Man sounded like the Terminator and looked like Chuck Norris. But God is good.
Something God made clear in my life this week is to seek after Him passionately and to be real. This is already my lifelong goal but God reinforced that this week through various methods. As Christians, are we HOT for Christ? Are we on fire for Him because if we're lukewarm or chilly, God needs to work in our hearts. God is working in my heart for sure. This week I was reminded that I really am there for the kids, to be in their lives, to care about them, and to show them the love of Christ daily.
Finally, God made something else clear. If we are constantly surrounded by people who only think, dress, act, speak, and look like us, we’ll never grow. God brings differences together to challenge us, to break us for Him, to encourage us, and to ultimately bring us back to Him. If we aren’t being challenged, we aren’t growing. Wow! That was a tough pill to swallow. God’s still working in me on that one.
Thanks again for your prayers. I appreciate them all. I see them at work. God is really blessing this experience for me. This is about God, not me. This is for the kids, not me! I am really seeing the desperate need to be in with my Father daily… praying, in the Word, and praising Him and remembering how holy and worthy of praise He is.
I was listening to Jeremy Camp this week so this week’s song is “Speaking Louder than Before.” Why aren’t we, as Christians, speaking up and speaking out and doing something about these hurting, broken people right in our own backyard? God has really convicted me of this is the past year and especially in these past few weeks. I want to make this song my life’s work. I think this song nails everything I’ve been working for: boldness, healing, hope, love, passion, unity, service, compassion, and genuineness.
Ponder the lyrics with me.
Hear now this declaration
From out across the nations
We need to wake up and understand
Many hurting hearts are crying
But our voices seem to be dying
Can you see the battle raging on?
Bridge: We are the light to reach this world
We are the salt preserving these souls
Let’s show them the love we’ve received now
Chorus:
We are, we are in desperation
We need to reach this generation
We are speaking louder than before
We are the hope that’s been forgotten
We have the love that will be brought and
We are speaking louder than before
Take every chance that you can
Move together taking a stand
Never losing heart, we’ll speak as one
We are the image of Christ
Show love and serve at all times
We can make a difference in these lands
Bridge
Chorus
Every thing’s so surreal
But this urgency I feel
We should be reaching out to
All these desperate pleas
Oh the meet is real, can’t you feel
Let’s call it revolution
My beating heart is breaking for them
That’s why I’m speaking now
That’s why I’m speaking now
Bridge
Chorus
Chorus
Every week I grow and learn so much. This past week God has taught me too much to put in one little update note, but I'll try and hit the highlights.
All of my girls are kinesthetic learners which really makes it much easier on me so I don't need to cater to different learning styles. The more hands on the better I've discovered. I've been taking the girls outside and pointing out trees as we learn about trees and plants and photosynthesis. I read my kids children's books about whatever we're learning and have them act it out. They are all very artistic so I have them color a lot. They love that! It's so exciting to see how much they want to learn. I've been trying my absolute hardest to make learning fun, creative, and exciting for them. Every morning when I bring my girls in from the parking lot I ask them if they are ready to learn and they always say, "Yes, Miss Hannah." It's heartwarming.
I may have mentioned Izzie, one of my students before. The first week she wasn't focused and she didn't smile at all. The 2nd year interns told me how they remember Izzie from before and not once did she smile last summer. Over 4th of July weekend, I prayed God would move a mountain and make her smile by the end of the summer. Monday morning I was shocked when Izzie walked in with a big smile on her face and said, "Miss Hannah, I am ready to learn." I really love these girls more and more every day. God has softened my heart toward them. They all have dreams and goals. Stephany told me she wants to "go to college to get more knowledge." Pray these girls continue to excel in school, that they are blessed with teachers who want them to learn and make learning fun and who care about them individually, and that they pursue not only their education through college, but a relationship with God and see it as fundamental in their lives.
God has really shown me the power of prayer this week. Not only did Izzie smile simply hours after I prayed about it, but God took away the migraine I had on Tuesday also. I was back to normal within 8 hours. I came home this weekend again to escape the germs, but many of our interns are suffering from illnesses, stress, and headaches. Pray for mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health.
Funny story. I really needed a new flashdrive since my first one completely died. I was hunting in the electronics section of Walmart for one at 10 of 8 knowing we were meeting in the front of the store at 8. I asked an employee where they were and found them. But then there was a lock on the end of the rack. I couldn't get it off. So in the middle of the aisle, I placed my hand over the lock and prayed, "God, I don't have time to find an employee. I really need this. Send someone." I opened my eyes and someone said in a deep Arnold Schwarzenegger voice, "Can I help you with that?" The guy obviously didn't work there. He helped me get the flashdrive and I put it in my cart and turned to say thank you and he was gone. The aisle was ridiculously long and I would've seen him if he passed me and unless he was running at the speed of light, he couldn't have gotten to the other end of the aisle. I guess, God has a sense of humor when He sends His angels. Apparently my Angel Man sounded like the Terminator and looked like Chuck Norris. But God is good.
Something God made clear in my life this week is to seek after Him passionately and to be real. This is already my lifelong goal but God reinforced that this week through various methods. As Christians, are we HOT for Christ? Are we on fire for Him because if we're lukewarm or chilly, God needs to work in our hearts. God is working in my heart for sure. This week I was reminded that I really am there for the kids, to be in their lives, to care about them, and to show them the love of Christ daily.
Finally, God made something else clear. If we are constantly surrounded by people who only think, dress, act, speak, and look like us, we’ll never grow. God brings differences together to challenge us, to break us for Him, to encourage us, and to ultimately bring us back to Him. If we aren’t being challenged, we aren’t growing. Wow! That was a tough pill to swallow. God’s still working in me on that one.
Thanks again for your prayers. I appreciate them all. I see them at work. God is really blessing this experience for me. This is about God, not me. This is for the kids, not me! I am really seeing the desperate need to be in with my Father daily… praying, in the Word, and praising Him and remembering how holy and worthy of praise He is.
I was listening to Jeremy Camp this week so this week’s song is “Speaking Louder than Before.” Why aren’t we, as Christians, speaking up and speaking out and doing something about these hurting, broken people right in our own backyard? God has really convicted me of this is the past year and especially in these past few weeks. I want to make this song my life’s work. I think this song nails everything I’ve been working for: boldness, healing, hope, love, passion, unity, service, compassion, and genuineness.
Ponder the lyrics with me.
Hear now this declaration
From out across the nations
We need to wake up and understand
Many hurting hearts are crying
But our voices seem to be dying
Can you see the battle raging on?
Bridge: We are the light to reach this world
We are the salt preserving these souls
Let’s show them the love we’ve received now
Chorus:
We are, we are in desperation
We need to reach this generation
We are speaking louder than before
We are the hope that’s been forgotten
We have the love that will be brought and
We are speaking louder than before
Take every chance that you can
Move together taking a stand
Never losing heart, we’ll speak as one
We are the image of Christ
Show love and serve at all times
We can make a difference in these lands
Bridge
Chorus
Every thing’s so surreal
But this urgency I feel
We should be reaching out to
All these desperate pleas
Oh the meet is real, can’t you feel
Let’s call it revolution
My beating heart is breaking for them
That’s why I’m speaking now
That’s why I’m speaking now
Bridge
Chorus
Chorus
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