Have you heard the old children’s song, “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart!”? The song then continues on with peace and happiness, and the Spanish version ends with “because Christ saved me!” Well, we sing it almost every morning in my class, because it’s a favorite. The kids love getting more and more excited every verse, as well as singing faster and faster. Every single time I see their smiles, I know it’s the joy of the Lord.
Lately I have been thinking and praying about each of the six children that are in my morning class. Each one of them different, but they have all suffered. God has rescued and redeemed them, and I get to see them grow each day. They are all under the age of 9, and each journey showcases God’s redemption. We are a little over halfway through the Guatemalan school year, and only through God’s grace, we have seen such change. Here are just a few of the many joyful moments from the Hope of Life transition class…
-Growth: Children have come and gone this year…we have had a total of 10 different children, and four have been reunited with their families! It is hard to see them go, but I love how God heals and restores.
-Learn: Every single student has made leaps and bounds! From learning the alphabet, to science experiments, and even reading, children who have suffered from trauma can overcome when they know they are safe, loved, and able!
-Faith: Bible time is our favorite. The children always pray for their classmates..even those who have left. They reenact the story of David and Goliath, the lost sheep, and the life of Jesus. Recently, they took turns around the circle sharing miracles that Christ has done in their lives…healing a brother, food when they were hungry, and joy when they felt sad!
Yo tengo gozo.
I have joy knowing these children are here, seeing the joy they have, and reminding them they are never forgotten… their Heavenly Father is always with them.