July 9, 2008

• The quickest way to get depressed while serving in an orphanage is to set expectations for the kids.  I want these kids to succeed so bad, but nearly all of them are content to fail and simply move on in life.  This week in particular has been really discouraging for me because it is our middle school and high school kids’ test week.  Some of the kids have been extra grumpy and have been quick to give up on their studies.  I've been tutoring different kids and trying to prepare them for their English exams, but most of them are barely trying.  They have no confidence.  I asked one of my kids today, "When you first look at the English exam do you think, 'Oh, this looks too difficult' and give up right away?"  She half-smiled and nodded her head.  She is one of my better students too.  She has been progressing well in our small classes in my apartment, but when she is in the school building where she has been failing for years now, she simply doesn't have hope.  And I know this is true for many of the other kids as well.  So what can I do?  I encourage and teach and encourage and teach, but only so much gets through and sometimes I find myself exasperated and I have to be careful not to discourage them or want to give up. 

   

  But I have to remember that Jesus Himself taught His disciples for three years and they still didn't understand and even ran away in His time of trouble.  It wasn't until the Holy Spirit fell that they finally understood and had the boldness and power to stand. 

   

  Holy Spirit, come.  God, help me continue to plant seeds as I wait for you to pour out Your Living Water and bring these seeds to life.  Bless me and my kids.  Amen.

   

  By the way, last week one of my English kids had to take an early English vocabulary test that I painstakingly helped prepare her for.  She got an A on it and happily reported that to me.  Amidst the discouragements, I have to remember the praises and dwell more on them.  God is working. 

  • 8:28 am
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