I remember being amazed during my time in Germany how much I could pick up and learn about people just by watching. I didn't understand much of what they said, but by observing their body language, actions, and tone, I slowly started to learn about people. Of course, not ALL of my conclusions from my observations were correct, but many were and it was fascinating! I've always loved watching people!
I'm beginning to experience that here, too, as I adjust and settle into a routine. Yesterday, however, my observations were sad ones. I've been sitting in on (and doing crafts and such here and there) a Sunday School class for junior highers. They're fun kids and seem to like me, though I'm not sure why since we can barely communicate with each other! :-) I think I'm a novelty...the silent American girl who smiles a lot! Anyhow, as much as I genuinally like the kids, their attitudes upset me. My biggest observations? They seem to have very little respect for authority, and basically NO understanding that the Bible applies to THEM in their day to day lives. I know what you're thinking...how is that any different from kids in the US? :-) This isn't a new problem, and probably IS the case in many places back home, too, but it made my heart sad to see yesterday.
It ALSO made me even MORE eager learn the language. I want to be able to talk to them, to share a Savior with them who loves them and wants to guide them if only they'll listen and obey. I want them to see that the Bible isn't just stories, but REAL people with REAL lives who made choices just like us. I want them to own their faith and see what it means to have a RELATIONSHIP with the sovereign Creator of the universe!
Sigh...it is hard to have so much to say and yet no way to say it! :-) But God knows, and I continue to pray that He'll show me why I'm here and how to use my time. I'm at the point now where I'm having to choose between different opportunities. My observations yesterday, though, helped me clearly identify again what my heart's desire truly is: to see young people really come to KNOW our Savior and follow Him with a radical, life changing faith.
Please, Lord, show me how I can best do this, even with my limited abilities. If you can use anything, Lord, You can use me.
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Who Am I?
- Kristie Abernathy
- I graduated in May 2008 from Moody Bible Institute. God has given me the incredible opportunity to spend the next two years working as part of an ABWE team in Romania! This is exciting AND terrifying! I'm so thankful that I serve a God Who is much bigger and stronger than I am! I will arrive (Lord willing!) in January of 2010! Here we go!
2 comments:
We could both sit in an airport for hours and watch people, couldn't we? :)
People still need the Lord, no matter what their age, where they are or what language they speak. I'm praying for you as you learn the language, that God would give you uncharacteristic boldness to fumble through conversations so you can better share Who He is so these kids who like your smile can hear about the One Who gives you a reason to do so.
Love you, Sweetie.
Praying for you, cousin! I know you will have a tremendous impact on these kids life, and probably more than you ever realize this side of eternity!
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