The "Lasts" Begin

You realize you are leaving somewhere when the "lasts" begin. The last time you will make calendar cards for the kids attendance, the last time you will start a new unit, the last time you will put new nametags on the tables for lunchtime.

We have come full circle, as the new teachers will be coming in to be trained in just another week. It is strange to think that just a year ago that was me. I am enjoying every moment we have left with my kids.  Just last week, we had our sledding field trip to Mt. Izumigatake.  It was practically a blizzard when we got there, and it was hilarious to watch them attempt to walk in the snow and fall down every now and then. The snow wasn't packed down at all when we got there, so it was a struggle for at least the first 15-20 minutes as we pulled kids to the bottom of the hill on their sleds.  We made sled "trains" with two teachers and about a dozen kids, so you can imagine the speed we were able to build up to.  They continued to chant, "One more time! One more time!" We have been having snow play days at school too, which consists of lots of snowball fights and sad attempts at snowmen.

Back in December, I started reading Bible stories out of the Beginner Children's Illustrated Bible in the classroom. I didn't read too many stories before this because most of their English was not strong enough and I knew there would be little if any comprehension. They have a monthly "Bible Talk" that is in Japanese, but I thought it was time to start adding to that in my classroom.  It has become pretty much their favorite thing in the world, and every day they will ask for the "Jesus Book".  One little boy in my class gets so excited whenever I read a story from the Bible and shouts, "Yay! Jesus!".  

I can see why Jesus says, "Anyone who will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will  never enter it."  Their faces have such wonder and awe when they listen to stories about Jesus, such simple faith.  May we never lose our wonder of Jesus Christ; His power, His perfection, His holiness, His humility.