I would like to start off by apologizing for not posting
daily. The reason for this is that we don’t have access to wifi very often and
when we do its for a short period of time. So mom and dad, I’m okay! Now back
to festive blog things!
Today started a little bit like yesterday but the duration
of the day brought new and exciting experiences. Our first destination was the
Beacon of Hope School where we attended their prayer service. We were greeted
by glistening smiles and open arms by students and staff alike. We received the
word of the Lord from 2 pastors sprinkled with times for praise and
worship. I really enjoyed the praise and
worship time because it was a time for the students to express themselves
through singing and dancing. One of the students really stuck out to me because
he was really getting it and I wouldn’t mind getting some dance lessons from
him.
Towards the end of the service, I was asked to speak a few
words of encouragement to the students. Students of all ages were there. Even
students my age. I was trying to think what to say to them because these
students have been through so much. Most of the students at this school were
once a part of the Lord’s Resistance Army. Many of these students were forced
to kill those who were close to them. I was beyond nervous trying to think of
what to say to them. By the time I knew
it, the pastor was calling me up to speak. I stood at the podium looking into
their eyes. Their eyes were full of hope despite everything they’ve seen.
Through everything they’ve been forced to do. I just decided to speak from the
heart. My message revolved around perseverance, love, and hope. I just hope
that my words were able to touch at least one student…
On a lighter note, after the service we were free to
interact with the students and what better way to interact than to dance.
Praise and worship continued once the service ended. Elaine and I decided to
dance with the students and they were happy to have us. They had about 10
choreographed 8 count dances that weren’t the easiest for those of us who
aren’t the greatest dancers. Fortunately, the student that was amazing at
dancing during the service introduced himself as Joab and then taught me how to
do the dances. After about 15 minutes I picked up about half of the dances and
I couldn’t tell whether me or Joab was happier. Once Joab realized that it
would be fairly difficult for me to pick up the last few dances in such a short
time so he asked me to teach him an American dance. I thought for a little bit.
What dance should I teach him? The wobble? Forgot how to do it. The Cupid
Shuffle? Only really works with the original song. The Booty Call? Kind of
inappropriate. I finally settled on the Electric Slide because it’s pretty
simple and I had done it so much at family cookouts that it was second nature
to me. While the rest of the group did praise and worship dances, Joab and I
went off to the side and I showed him how to do the Electric Slide. I was sure
to jazz it up a bit for him so I added a snap on the front step that almost
touched the ground and exaggerated the step on the turn. He thought it was
coolest thing and after about 10 times he picked it up and was doing it better
than me. Soon 3 or 4 other kids joined in while others just looked on. I just
found the cultural exchange to be so fulfilling for the both of us while
finding a new dance partner in the process. Shout out to Joab!
--Tyler
Tyler, what a lovely post. I am amazed at what you all are experiencing. Those children have been through so much. I am sure you touched more than one hopeful student that day. You all are so inspiring to your friends and family.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the next time you need someone to lead a line dance, remind Elaine that she macarena'd her way through kindergarten!
Love, Juliet (Elaine's mom)
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