Calle 5 #14-32
La Mesa, Colombia
aaronlaurak@gmail.com
Eight "I Love My Job" Moments
Dear family and friends,
It's been a busy but satisfying few weeks here in Colombia. We thought we could summarize it best by enumerating a list of eight "I love my job!" moments.
Taking the eighth graders on a tour of La Mesa where they had to follow directions in English. In the English program we began by testing students to identify an "advanced" group in each grade, 6th to 11th. Aaron has been teaching these students one day a week now for about six weeks, and it is a very satisfying experience. The groups are small, with 10 to 15 students, and they're made up of students who like English and really want to learn. So Aaron's been able to do activities like this field trip with the eighth graders that help the students use what their learning in meaningful ways.
Singing "The Wheels on the Bus" with enthusiastic children in kindergarten through grade two. Aaron has also been doing one short lesson a week with these grades, teaching songs like "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes," " Five Little Monkeys," and "Old MacDonald" to peak the students' interest in English and help them learn some basic vocabulary and pronunciation. He owes a debt of thanks to MMN worker Ericka Gingerich in Cebadas, Ecuador, whose example of how to work with small children inspired these activities.
Teaching the other teachers at school the secrets of long vowels as part of their weekly conversational English class. On the same day that Aaron teaches the primary students, he also has class in the afternoon with the teachers. It's interesting to work at both ends of the spectrum in one day. The teachers are a great group of learners, enthusiastic about the lessons and eager to try to speak. The class focuses on conversational English, but we also spend some time on literacy skills so that they can learn to decipher the English spelling system. Many times they can understand something written in English, but to actually read it out loud in a way others could understand would be near impossible. Aaron will feel that he has succeeded if at the end of the year the teachers can at least converse about some very basic things (What's your name? Where are you from? What do you do?) so they can interact with visitors from North America who don't speak Spanish.
Holding three successful youth meetings in which the young adults shared in meaningful ways AND had a lot of fun. A few months ago some parents at church were asking us to serve as youth leaders because the youth group had been nonexistent for some time. We told them we were willing to help on a leadership team, but that we did not want to be the ones "in charge." We wanted to be part of something sustainable that could continue after we're gone. So finally in February the church put together a team of two couples (one being us) and three other adults. Since the church is using Rick Warren's Purpose-Driven Church model in other ministries, we decided to call it "Youth with a Purpose." Our vision statement says: "Our youth group exists to reach youth with God' love so that they become part of his family, develop Christ's character in their lives, and exercise their abilities for the glory of God." In each of our three meetings we've had a time for singing and a devotional, some sharing and prayer, and some kind of fun activity. Each meeting the size of the group has grown a little because the youth invite their friends. It's exciting to see them view the youth group as a ministry and not just a social club.
Putting together a scary STD presentation for the 11th graders with another teacher. Part of Laura's work is helping with the sexual education curriculum. For the 11th graders, she and another teacher decided to do a presentation on STDs complete with graphic photos of the symptoms. We hope the "shock value" will help the students think twice about promiscuity.
Attending a Red Cross training with the school's health brigade students in grades 8-11. Laura has had had the pleasure of working with the school's student Red Cross chapter, the "Brigadistas". This group is very excited about health work and promoting health at the Colegio. They are in the process of re-training with the La Mesa Red Cross, and she's been attending the classes too. It's a good way for her to learn more health vocabulary in Spanish and to brush up on First Aid. She also likes knowing what exactly the students know, so if an emergency does happen, she knows what capabilities they have! More than anything, she's enjoyed the relationship-building with the group.
Hosting MCCer and fellow nurse Holly Miller-Eschleman for a few days. After our wonderful MCC retreat at the beginning of March, Holly came to La Mesa for a few days to get to know the area, our work, and us! When her family first came to Cali, she also had a vague job description not unlike Laura's. She was able to share with Laura how she got in touch with the local public health office, and eventually connected with the international "AEPI" organization which promotes children's health.
Having visiting speaker Gilberto Flores and his wife, Rosa, over for lunch. Gilberto is one of MCUSA's denominational ministers (kind of like a bishop but without the scary title). He decided that part of his sabbatical would be spent visiting churches in Latin America. The La Mesa Mennonite Church invited him to speak at the "Arise and Shine" Missions Institute that meets on Saturday mornings. We went to hear him, and to our great surprise, learned that Gilberto and Rosa are the parents of Fabiola Flores, MMN's assistant for Latin America who helps us with our financial reports, forms, newsletters and questions. We had a delightful time sharing with them, and appreciate the connections we continue to make with Latin Mennonites. Who knows where God will call us to serve in a few years? Back to Colombia? In another Latin American country? In a Latin Mennonite church in North America? We're open to God's leading.
Thanks to all who continue to send us emails, letters, and packages from time to time. We appreciate your faithfulness in prayer. The following is a list of a few things you might remember in the coming days and weeks.
-Pray for Aaron as he preaches in Spanish for the first time this Sunday at the La Mesa Mennonite congregation. His theme is breaking down walls with the gospel of peace. Also remember him as he makes concrete plans for his "World Religions" course at the "Arise and Shine" Missions Institute, which will begin at the end of April.
-Pray for Laura as she continues to give shape to her work and plans potential health workshops for people who live in poorer neighborhoods. Remember her as well as she struggles with homesickness from time to time.
-Pray for Abby as she continues to adjust to being cared for by a babysitter several times a week. Elsy, Pastor Martin's wife, is watching her a couple of hours a day, about three or four times a week. She does a great job, and Abby responds well, but this week she just started to go through another stage of separation anxiety. Pray that she will be able to get through this stage quickly!
Blessings and peace,
Aaron, Laura & Abigail