Sealed in Him

Saturday, November 14, 2009 is a day that I hope to remember forever. There is much that could be said, but it comes down to this: three of our beloved students-one brother and two sisters- confessed their need and love for J, and were b-tized and as sign and symbol of the great work that is being done in their hearts and lives. It was a small gathering, done in the privacy of Carly's apartment, with my boss Newt officiating, but our hearts were bursting with joy and I know that there was a seriously loud celebration going on up in the sky, if you know what I mean! His presence was most definitely with us, and the images of what I saw are forever in my heart. It was truly a special and sacred time.
I wish I could write more, but I must refrain. Instead, I'll tell you about our second English club of the year. Club really is one of the highlights of each month- especially for someone like me who used to do this kind of stuff all the time. No where else to we get to be in front of so many students at once-and so many different kinds of students at that. No where else do we get to have so much fun with students- playing "human musical chairs" and watching them stuff their faces with bananas. And we get to share life lessons in the classroom all of the time, but there is something extra special about speaking to 200 totally tuned-in students. This month the talk is on joy, delivered by yours truly. Students are constantly asking me how I am so energetic and optimistic all of the time, so I decided to tell them: I’ve got joy (joy, joy, joy down in my heart). Not happiness, but joy- something deeper, and something not dependent on mood or circumstances. You and I know where it comes from, and the students who got wet on Saturday most certainly do. The world can’t give it, and the world can’t take it away!

This club was also special thanks to some visitors from home- Newt brought his wife Claire and friends Rick and Beth Barr along to check out what’s happening in China. They came to club and helped out by participating in the “Little Nemo” skit with students. They each stood blindfolded behind a student, stuck their arms through and fed the lucky kids bananas and glasses of water. Here’s Beth, winning the competition with one of my sophomore students, Susan (who still has a mouth full of banana). She'll probably remember this moment for the rest of her life. Joy!