The Cosmopolitan Texan: The kingdom of heaven belongs to these

Anyone who has served in the Peace Corps will tell you that it is a roller coaster of emotions and that you have to focus on the highs in order to help you get through the lows. What I have noticed is that for me, the high moments inevitably seem to involve children. Whenever people ask me how I enjoy my work, I always respond that I get frustrated working with the adults but absolutely LOVE working with the kids. Whenever I feel myself getting to my breaking point as a result of the laziness, incompetence, apathy, and selfishness that I unfortunately see displayed in so many grown-ups in my area, it always takes only about 10 minutes of working with my students to correct my cynical view of the world.

I have come to the realization that adults most times are so set in their ways that they are not willing to change (especially when the attempted change is coming from a younger, White American). With the kids, though, it seems I still have a chance to change attitudes, mindsets, and behaviors, and thus, outcomes. For that reason, I have pretty much stopped trying to work with teachers, and instead am now focusing most of my time and energy on my learners. It reminded me of the story in Matthew where small children were brought to Jesus to be blessed, yet the disciples tried to turn them away – presumably because they were too insignificant for a man of such stature. Yet the response from the Prince of Peace was:

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14 (NIV)

Based on my experiences here in South Africa, I think the big guy was on to something.

I bring all of this up because I recently had one of those experiences that makes you think that maybe there IS hope for this world amidst all of its problems and pain. Upon collecting my mail from the school last week, I noticed a small envelope, addressed in somewhat haphazard writing (though still better than my own) from a little girl in my hometown of Huntsville, Texas. Upon opening it, and reading the enclosed letter, I could not help but break out in a smile from ear to ear and offer thanks for the innocence and simplicity of a child that we sometimes lose in our adult lives. I have included the unedited letter in its entirety below. I hope that Sarah does not mind:

Dear Josh,

First let me tell you that I am left handed, so that is why my writing (and spelling!) is so bad. Any way, I am 10 and I live in Huntsville Texas. Shannon Louvin (from what she said) your cousin, emailed me and told or asked me to write you a letter. So I am writing this letter. She told me that you teach in South Africa. She also said that you are a very smart and athletic kid. I was wondering if you could be my pen pal. If you had time, energy, and if you wanted to. I have never had a pen pal before and I thought it would be fun. But just saying, you don’t have to if you don’t want to. I am not tryin to force you. You would be my first pen pal, and you know that kids always remeber their first everything. There fist teacher, first real best friend, and first pet. I would remember you as my first pen pal.

(P.S. Lessie is my dog. I Love, Love her very much. (Less-e).)

Woof!

Sarah & Lessie

How you can possibly be down on the world after receiving something like that? To top it all off, on the back of the letter, Sarah had drawn a picture of Lessie so I could know what she looks like. Like I said above, it is moments like these, that make it possible to endure all of the hardships and misfortunes that I necessarily encounter in the line of work I am in.

Well, let me just say, Sarah, I would be happy to be your pen pal, as, truth be told, I also have never had a pen pal. And even though I am no longer really a kid, I will still remember YOU as my first pen pal.

And Sarah, even if you do not read this, do not worry. You will be receiving a handwritten letter of your own from me shortly.

Your pen pal,

Josh