In my classroom in the evening, there are two world maps. It is so fitting the maps are in my classroom where I teach English for people from diverse countries. I asked my student from Vietnam to take this picture for me last night.
For me it represents what my life is about, which is to share the love of Jesus with refugees and immigrants from all over the world. I teach adults, but I am also aware of the struggles their children face.
In the mornings, I teach English for moms from other countries in the elementary school where their children go. I interact with children in the hallway. It has been my practice to try to bless them in various ways in the mornings. Sadly, they are aware of the harmful things being said in our public discourse. That is a huge motivation for me to speak words of affirmation to them or just to joke a little with them.
Monday morning I saw two sisters from Guatemala as we were entering the school. I greeted them in Spanish as I always do. One of them took my hand to walk into the school together. I greet the Hispanic children in Spanish because I want them to feel good about their language and culture. Sometimes I tease them in Spanish about how I think they want a lot of homework. I always wish them a good day in school in Spanish.
Monday morning I was talking with one of the 5th grade teachers outside her classroom as she was watching her students put on their coats to go outside for recess. A boy in her class came up and bowed to me, pointed at his teacher and said, “She is a great teacher.” Then he looked at me and said, “You are a great teacher.” He came here a few months ago as a refugee from Syria. I asked him his name and where he was from and then I greeted him in Arabic. He was surprised.
My interactions with the children in the school always reminds me of when Jesus blessed the children in Matthew 19:
“Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked them.”
“Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there”.
Children are important to Jesus. Children need affirmation, blessings, and encouragement. It concerns me that at an age that the only things they should be concerned about are spelling quizzes, recess, and hoping for snow days, the children I see every morning are exposed negativity in our culture. They hear it when the news is on.They hear comments out in public. Children pick up on a lot more than we realize.
So I will continue with my practice of joking with them. speaking blessings to them, and giving high fives in the hallway. All children all precious to Jesus and all children are a blessing.
Thank you for reading. God Bless.
Jesusluvsall's Blog 
Well said! I love the similarity between this post and one of my last ones. Thanks for writing!
Awww. Such grace. Love this. 💃
I agree with the boy “You are a great teacher”.
Keep it up big bro.
Thank you little sister 🙂
😊
Boy? xD but yeah thanks
Awww. Sorry, it was meant to be a direct reply to Big bro Matt regarding his post, didn’t know I replied on yours.
I am sorry. 🤗☺
Nah you’re fine 🙂
So true
Exactly. Matthew, God bless you for your heart for children (and all people). Our children desperately need loving, caring, godly adults that will reflect their value before the Father. What a joy to be versed in their language, which is another of the many ways you let them know you care. Thank you for the love and inspiration you bring to the world. Blessings ♥
It is a blessing to be able to speak with them. Thank you little sister ❤️🤗❤️
I’m glad you are helping children to feel comfortable with their language and culture. I had a Mexican coworker who told me her kids seem to reject Spanish. If she spoke to them in Spanish they only answered in English. I also noticed many people from other countries will choose a nickname that sounds more American when they move here. I had another Hispanic coworker named Yuri but she wanted to be called Judy instead. Many of the Chinese people I’ve worked with choose a different name too.
Sadly they feel the need to use nicknames to feel they fit it. For the children it is sad when they reject their native language
This is so touching and beautiful ❤ . Your life is a blessing to so many, big brother. Both children, and the cause of refugees are very dear to my heart. I am so thankful to God for your example and getting to meet you here so that I can see His light through you.
Thank you so much little sister ❤️🤗❤️
Surely you are doing God’s, work what an admirable quality and apparently you have been blesssed with the gift of languages for such a time as this. God bless you.
Thank you little sister 🙂
Wonderful!
Thank you
You’re welcome!
The world can certainly use more people like you, especially in the schools.
Thank you so much 🙂
Amen! I wish more people do what you do at their places of work. Our children, our future ♥️
Amen. They certainly are 🙂
Love your pics big brother! It is so nice to see you tonight. I completely agree that all children are a blessing, it doesn’t matter what circumstance led to their conception, they are all a blessing and a gift from Abba. I’m thankful you have been blessed with an opportunity to invest into their lives, and to sow seeds of kindness.
Thank you ❤️🤗❤️
🤗❤️🤗