I came to India hoping to teach—-English, music, art, and the possibility of healing and new life. But there are some things that others just teach better.
For example, during a prayer time the other day, Arpita kept rubbing her eyes, as if trying to make out a picture behind them. She told Vinita di later on, “Mummy, when we were praying, I saw heaven.” Taken aback and a bit skeptical, Vinita questioned, “How do you know? It could have been anywhere.” Arpita insisted, “No, the Lord was there. It was very bright.”
I’ll admit, I’ve approached some of our projects this spring feeling doubtful that they would “work” with such young children. I remember one particular day in the car, having to repent of my poor attitude as Rebecca and I prayed over the upcoming session. However, on that day and many after, what I saw was amazing—and it had nothing to do with our teaching.
A few weeks ago, we did Becca’s tried and true illustrated story-book project, where the kids choose an animal they can relate to and tell “its” (their) life story in pictures. To begin, they all closed their eyes and asked God to show them which animal to pick. Nina picked a fish, simply because “the Lord told me to.” After some discussion, she then went on to draw how the mommy fish got taken away in a net—Nina’s mom is in jail.
Moni chose a butterfly, because “they are pretty and fun and playful, and this is how God made me.” In one page of her story, the butterfly is tied to a pole while being beaten. On the last page, representing the present, the butterfly is surrounded by other butterflies and colorful flowers. Through the stories, the girls revealed painful memories, yet their endings were all the same: a bright new life. We were able to close the sessions by emphasizing two principles: 1. The bad things that happened were not your fault. 2. There is freedom in forgiveness.
This week, we’re teaching the girls the meanings of their names. With meanings ranging from “Delicate, Beautiful,” to “Loves the Lord,” their names embody their worth and value. We asked if they each felt their name was true. Most did. For instance, Sima’s real name is about sacrificing to give something valuable to others. Sima beamed as Anu didi pointed out an example of just that—the other day, Moni had taken Sima’s school book, written her name in it, and pretended it was hers. When this small act of thievery was discovered and Moni about to be punished, Sima said, “No, don’t punish her. It’s okay, she can have my book.” How is it that this young child understands the concept of “turn the other cheek” more than most mature adults? And then Moni was broken by this act of forgiveness and began to cry in remorse, experiencing the conviction of the Spirit, perhaps for the first time.
Tina had more trouble believing the truth of her name. She said with a shy, shameful smile, “but I’m bad.” We can only imagine the experiences she’s had that make her feel this way about herself. But we were able to tell her about how God washes away the bad and only looks at the good.
“I keep asking that God, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance…” –Ephesians 1
When the girls get phone calls from parents, have nightmares, or hold on to silent memories, we can see the past tugging on their hearts. With these activities, we want so much for them to understand how precious they are. Yet the Father wants this for them, too, and through His spirit, He’ll make sure it happens. The best progress is made, not because Rebecca and I are super creative, or because the home staff are skilled at leading prayers… but because, very simply, He loves them. He is their teacher.
