Smile Smile

I just got home from spending a few days in the slums of west Delhi. I stayed with the family that runs the refuge center with the six new children from Manipur. I love going there and spending time with all the kids. They are so full of life!
Anyway, I hold an English Speaking and Pronunciation class there for the Burmese refugees. We have class on Thursdays and Fridays. I gave them each an english journal which they write journal entry assignments I give to them. This was the first week I was able to take them home and read what each of them wrote so I could make corrections. Every Friday each student has to read aloud one entry to practice speaking. The following is an entry of one of my students that really touched me... I'm typing it as is, without grammar corrections. He titled it "Smile, Smile"...

I love my parents. One day, I'm very feeling and my heart broken when my father die. I prayed for the smile but I can't get it. One day I was on a train, deep in my own concerns, and as I glanced up a young woman flashed me most radiant smile. I naturally responded with a big grin and my whole day changed from grey to dazzling. I was so moved by the effect of her smile that I bestowed brilliant smiles on everyone I met, and what a defference a smile makes. i think, God used her smile for me. So i can smile now. Even if you feel a bit low just try smiling at someone. Thank you... smile... smile... smile...

These people have been beaten and tortured and run out of their own homes. Almost every journal entry reflects their past. Sometimes it can be overwhelming to read them all, but the hope that they have put in Jesus is what makes the difference. I feel so honored and humbled to be able to be a part of their lives. Please pray for this group of students and what God has for their future.

Burmese Refugee Children

Today was my first day teaching English to the Burmese refugee children. They are so wonderful. Their country (Burma) has been very unstable for years. These driven were driven out along with their families around 4 years ago. Their parents do not know the Indian language Hindi and therefore are unable to get work. They end up in slum areas where they are barely able to feed their familes yet alone send their children to schools. We have started an education program for these children. The new children in the refugee center will also be a part of this program until they can read and write english well enough to be put into a private school.

I worked with the older children today beginning with the alphabet and the sounds they make. They were so responsive and caught on quickly. During break time they are provided with a healthy meal and a safe environment to play. They begin and end their school days with a devotional. This is very new to them and they do not really understand it all, but they are drawn to this love and care they are reveiving. Although only one person there can speak their native language, they are all excited to be able to learn.

Please continue to pray for this program and the other programs we have throughout the various slums.

The weather is getting hotter every day... but I am finding ways to keep cool!

God continually blesses me each day I am here. I am always encouraged by the emails and prayers from back home.

I'll update more later!!

The first picture is of some of the children we have taken from the streets and have put into family care. I spent the other morning with them. They are doing very well in school and in their new family, but a few are struggling emotionally wanting to find their parents and wondering why they left them. Please keep them in your prayers as well.

The second picture is of all the new Burmese students.