With a thankful heart...

Imagine waking up inside a mosquito net, getting ready, walking to school (work) in the early morning sun (probably nearly 70 degrees by 6:30am) and looking out over the hills onto the city.  Then picture walking into school and seeing people who were born in 4 different countries before seeing an American. Next find yourself teaching at a Christian school with children from 8 nations in the class, none of whom will be eating a turkey dinner that day.  This was the beginning to my Thanksgiving!  In the afternoon I gave up the chance to bask in the African sun (it was 80 by then) so that I could finish the preparation of my delicious mashed potatoes (completed only with the assistance of dear Uncle John, all the way from Plymouth). 

After a glorious and needed nap we headed down the hill to a fellow teacher’s house.  She is Canadian, but her husband is American (although he’s spend the fewest years of his life actually in the States).  I think we had people from 5 different places around the world, and at least 8 individuals were celebrating their first Thanksgiving.  We had all of the traditional foods, including turkey which is expensive and hard to come by in these parts.  It was definitely difficult and emotional to be away from my amazing family at this time, but it helped to be surrounded by the people I love most in this country!  God has truly surrounded me with more than I could ever deserve or imagine.  My evening ended by skyping with two Thanksgiving parties: one at the Rogne’s in Ann Arbor and one at the Moote’s in Plymouth.  Technology is such a blessing and it was overwhelmingly wonderful to see the smiling faces of my family whom I’ve been missing in pretty intense ways! 

To go back a bit, I actually loved teaching on Thanksgiving and soaking up everything that we are thankful for.  I began the morning just singing praises to God for all that He has graciously given to us and had the remainder of the school hours themed around thanks.  One of many amazing parts about teaching in a Christian school is that I can chat with my students about the things that matter the most, without hesitation or dancing around talking about Jesus because of separation of church and state.  It is inspiring to witness my little ones proclaiming that they are grateful that God sent his son to die for our sins, not because they think it is the right answer, but because it is because what they believe in their hearts. Be sure to check out their answers in my blog entry from yesterday! I learn so much from them every single day.

Overall, although vastly different than any other Thanksgiving, it was an incredible day! 

On another note, this week I was teaching Bible and our story mentioned something about suffering.  One of the children asked about it, and so I gave the others an opportunity to enlighten us.  A boy said, “Suffering is when people are begging for money and they’re crying in their hearts.”  Crying in the hearts. Wow.  Ah!  It just blows me away how God is working in these kids and how they can offer such insight!  It is unlikely that this six-year-old’s parents sat him down and said, “Now son, this is what suffering is…”  But through the Holy Spirit working in his life, he GETS it!  I am in constant amazement.

So, if anyone was questioning why I am so in love with my life here, I hope I have provided a small illustration.  There are frustrations and sad times, but mostly I’m just one happy girl!

Thanks again for the prayers and financial support.  I couldn’t do this without all of you!

With love, hugs, and many thanks,

Kerry 

Happy Thanksgiving!

My first grader's responses to "What are you thankful for?"

I’m thankful for God, that He made the world. I’m thankful for my grandfather… he died and now is in heaven. I’m thankful that God made countries and continents.  I’m thankful for the whole world… and the class! I’m thankful that in December I’m going to get to see my Grandma.

I’m thankful for Jesus.  I’m thankful for Christmas, that Jesus got born, of course. I’m thankful for Jesus and God.

I’ve got a lot of things… I’m thankful for food, water, a family, friends, and Jesus. I want to pray for my uncle because he died and now is in heaven. I’m thankful for God and Jesus.

I’m thankful that God gave us this time to praise him.

I’m thankful that my Mom comes back soon from America and that she will bring me gifts.  I’m thankful for friends and my teacher.

I’m thankful for a lot of things… I’m thankful for land and Jesus dying on the cross, and a family and food and friends.  I’m thankful that all the teachers are teaching well and I’m thankful that the students listen to the teachers.  I’m thankful for God and Jesus.

I’m thankful for my mom.  I’m thankful for friends and family.

I’m thankful for my family and I’m thankful that no one in my family is dead.

I’m thankful for my family and my teacher.  I’m thankful for our school and a book.

I’m thankful for my brother and my cousin.  I’m thankful that God gave us shelter.

I’m thankful for my friends and my teacher.

I’m thankful that it’s nearly December.

I’m thankful that my mom came back.

I’m thankful that my mom’s back is better.

My amazing kids

My students are the sweetest.  I mean, they drive me crazy on a daily basis, but their love and their hearts for God constantly overwhelm me with joy.  For the past few weeks I've had this silly cold/cough and my students are always concerned about me, requesting prayers for me each morning and showing compassion.  This morning one of my students came up to me and gently said, "Miss Dembowski, my mom said she can take you to the doctor so that they can help your cough and you can feel better."  Precious.  

On Wednesday it is the first graders' turn to do the program for chapel.  We are talking about Creation so today my kids were in groups around the classroom doing some art projects to prepare.  Four of my children were sitting on the floor in a circle cutting out flowers from construction paper (very hard to come by in Rwanda, but my roommate came very prepared) and they just started singing Jesus Loves Me.  I melted.


This weekend KICS had their fall festival which is kind of like a carnival/Halloween party (but no mention of Halloween).  Everyone dressed up and came to a beautifully decorated school and there was food, games, bake sale, etc., etc.  It was so fun to see my kids dressed up in their adorable costumes. It was funny to be calling it "fall" festival when, apart from the 20 minute downpour in the middle, it was sunny and 80 degrees.  No seasons here, except for rain.


Friday we celebrated Guy Fawkes/Bonfire Day which is a holiday from the U.K.  Lucky for us, we have 2 female British teachers and another British family so it gave us a great reason to have a party!  One of my friends had gotten marshmallows in a package, so we had make-shift s'mores.  We couldn't find plain chocolate, so we had to use the crispy kind!  Also, graham crackers are no where to be found in this country, so we used biscuits.  Anyway, they were delicious!


Yesterday was a great day at the orphanage, mainly because I got to feed mashed up banana to one of the tiny babies!  It is strange and perhaps pointless to try to describe my weekly experiences when I go to House of Hope.  I'm so joyful when I arrive because instantly I have children running into my arms craving love.  When we leave, they cry.  They cry because although the people there are wonderful, there is no way they could get the attention they need. Ah.  This Sunday was "Orphan Sunday" at church.  They showed this video and I encourage you to watch it, even though it isn't a "feel good" video by any means.http://vimeo.com/13888620

Well, that's all for now!  If you have questions, comments, news, or anything to share I encourage you to e-mail me.  I'm much better at responding to e-mails than I am at updating my blog.  Also, a lot happens that I don't necessarily choose to share with the entire world!


If you could be praying for my class's chapel performance on Wednesday that would be amazing!  We've been practicing a lot and so they're beginning to get a little bit bored.  
I can't stop praising God for the amazing friendships that have developed here!  The people in my life are just so incredible.


Well, friends, keep in touch!


Love, hugs, and dreams of fall,
Kerry :)