On the way to a new adventure! Seventeen Taylor University (Indiana) students, led by Dr. Cynthia and Stan Tyner, spent three weeks at the Kids International Ministry Center in January teaching in our classrooms, helping at our children’s home, joining in our feeding ministries, and along the way experiencing defining memories and endearing relationships.
For the past seven years, Cuatro Christian School has been blessed to have a group of Taylor University student teachers come and bravely dive into a teaching setting of a different culture and language. Initially, all their senses are overwhelmed. But by the end of three weeks, their minds have been opened to a larger world and their hearts filled with many new friends.
The TU students worked alongside the CCS teachers in our elementary and high school classrooms, getting to know the students, coming up with engaging learning activities, until at last completely planning and teaching lessons to their Filipino students. One of the TU students specialized in art and taught at all grade levels…what a thrill for our students who seldom have access to such materials!
TU Taylor Bluemel (shown above) shared: “I had the privilege of working alongside second grade teacher Ms. Melody, as she guided me in learning how to teach and interact with her students. Each day brought its own challenges, especially with language barriers, but it also brought new joys and meaningful moments. These moments helped me to form deep relationships with my students, which in turn helped me be able to reach out to meet them at the level of need that each one had.”
Ms. Bluemel continued: “Not only did we interact with the children in the classroom, but we also were able to spend time with them after school doing such things as swimming with them at the pool, playing basketball and volleyball, and visiting some of them at the children’s home. Being on the Taylor University track team, I was able to involve some of the students in my training, often running relay races with them. Of course, I lost every time!” (By the way, congratulations to Ms. Taylor Bluemel who just qualified for the 3000m for nationals!)
Ms. Bluemel continued: “The time I spent in the Philippines at Cuatro Christian School demonstrated to me how strong the faith of the teachers and staff was, and how the work that they are so dedicated to is having a meaningful impact beyond the walls of the school. Upon arrival in the Philippines, the staff immediately took us in and made us feel part of the Cuatro Christian School family, and I will always cherish being able to work with such kind and genuine teachers and students. I know that many of us will deeply miss the time we spent at this school, and we will forever be grateful for the opportunity we were given to gain experience in the classroom while also being able to interact in the lives of both the students and staff.”
The CCS teachers and students were blessed as well by the TU team. Besides being exposed to more English, the CCS teachers and students were energized by the exchange of ideas and the new relationships made. Both Filipino and American had to step out of their comfort zone, but when they did, what an adventure! And what a fun time sharing the Philippine culture!
Thank you to Ben Williams, TU student, who photo-documented the TU experiences and is making many of his photos available for the KIDS IM website.
Prayer Requests:
* Fund raising and building of our new high school
* Upcoming Ministry Day on Feb. 14 when our 5th and 6th grade students will be sharing the gospel in neighboring communities.
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