Time for Class

Sara Kennel
Oct 13, 2021
3 min read

After having been here a month, I can tell you that my teacher never runs out of life. Her personality is full of light and vibrance that each day she doesn't fail to share. Every day is a conversation. Its excercises in a notebook, and vocab words; but beyond that it is mutual learning where not a day passes where she doesn't ask me to translate a word, or tell me of her classes shes taking to learn English. Today I found out she has four grandchildren. For some time I think I have thought her much younger then she is because of her spunk but additionally her curiosity. She has shown me with her actions, how there is not one reason why you can't always have a posture of learning, no matter your age, or the environment, or the person who is teaching you something.

I have yet to talk much about the group of people I have been fortunate to know during my time here, but I would love to introduce some of them to you with the lessons they have showed me through their actions and experience.

Javier (host dad), who showed me that everything should have lime and salt on it, and helped me learn how to whistle!!

Veronica (host mom), who showed me that hospitality is patience and understanding that deserves immense gratitude, and that tea made from plantains and cinnamon is incredible.

Charlie, who showed me that it is not disrespectful to be up front and honest when something someone is doing is not beneficial for you or someone else and needs to change.

Jonas, who showed me that your perspective is all about how widespread your window of the world or a given situation is.

Josh, who showed me that you grow the most in situations you believe yourself unprepared for, and confidence in them will take you very far.

Sara, who showed me how to loosen up (a little) when I bake and be willing to go off book.

Lynette, who showed me that being uncomfortable and frustrated with a calling is human and sometimes necessary to process everything. (Also that there are Mennonites in Fresno, Calfornia???)

Spencer, who showed me that a spirit of flexibility opens a lot of doors for opportunity and also interesting (or strange) living situations.

And this is the tip of the iceberg. The experience has only been getting richer; but I am praying for a posture of learning and an absense of pride in all instances. It is challenging but vital thing in order to release that fear of embarrassment and allow myself to really grow in confidence in my learning with God. It is my request for the week, that you might also be willing to pray for that for me. Additionally, I ask for prayers for a boy named Garrett, who is a part of a church I went to recently and is not in a strong place spiritually. He is a light to those around him but is still in a lost and disconnected place and his family would be blessed by prayer.