About two weeks ago I had the privilege of visiting what is translated in English to a "slum" school in Dhaka.  Every year, our school holds a community sale that is used as a fundraiser in order to help cover the costs of running this Christian school, since most of the children that attend are not able to afford to pay anything.

When I walked in with my year 9 class I was greeted by several (maybe 100) children aged around 5 to 8 years old.  They were so excited to see us, but also in shock as most of them had never seen a foreigner before.  After they sang some songs for us and a few of them did some cultural dancing, we had an opportunity to sing some of our rehearsed Christmas Carols and play some games with them.

I was effected by two things while I was there.  Firstly, the joy that was in the faces of all the children there, even though they had what we, in the western world, would consider to be nothing.   Secondly, I was disappointed with the way that some of my teenagers were acting, as if they were too good for these children.  I had a few of them asking if we could skip the trip and just go to Pizza Hut....

I suppose I should be used to the Western cynicism towards the less privileged East, since I do face it often here, however, I suppose I just didn't expect it from international students who are so incredibly exposed to the poverty that is present in Dhaka that you would expect their hearts to be a bit softer towards this tragedy...  

One thing that has become more clear to me through this half term, as I begin to reflect now is shown in this little life experience.

Those with more appreciate less.


Most of my students come from very rich homes, and not saying that I don't, but they are often arguing over the latest phone or pair of jeans much like the western children, and are blinded to the most obvious lack of abundance all around them.  So what can I do as a teacher?  I suppose I can expose them, encourage them, and show them from scripture, something that I have been effected by since the first time I read it.

"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also"  Matthew 6:21

Where is your heart?  Where are you putting your VALUE.  Is the way in which you define "value" destroying the way you can love one another?  Do you not realize that if you "treasure" the things of this world that your heart is following them?  Why not put your treasure in something that will last forever?

"For as the things of this world shall pass away, and the desires of it also, but those who abideth and doeth the will of God shall live forever"  (1 John 2:17).

Put your trust and faith in a God who won't pass away.  Appreciate what you have as a blessing from Him who gives Eternal life, and quit asking for more, and your joy will be complete through Christ.  Do not look down on those who have less material things, for it may be possible that they have much more in their hearts.
Just a thought, more soon as I catch up on a few events of my end of term in Dhaka.

In Christ,

Corinne