"Art is one of those things that we simply must do, so that our spirit may continue to grow"
Geoffrey L. Manpearl
The day started slower. The High School kids left last night and the Joy standard school kids left , early this morning. The High School kids go to boarding school, and the Joy Standard (Middle and Elementary School) will return around 4:30. That leaves the "Home School" kids here to work with during the day. Those are the kids that go to school on the Touch A Life campus. The are either too young to go to Joy Standard, are recently rescued from forced labor, or had difficulties passing their tests and need to work on specific skills. Many of those that are recently rescued have never been in school and are normally behind. There are only 2 teachers on campus. Most of the teaching is rote memory. Caning is a reality in public school. Most get caned at least twice a week. They get caned or have to stand in a crouching position as punishment for being late, late work, missing 1 on homework assignments. It's definitely a different culture.
As I prepared for the art activity for today, I talked with Ron about the potential. This was an activity that allowed me to get a glimpse into the kids world and what they were thinking when I did it in public school back in America. It is a string/ink manipulation. The kids move the ink around with string on the paper that is folded. It creates some incredible shapes and textures. They then use watercolor to finish it off, and write what they think they see and what they might call the painting.
As an artist, I know several things about when people create art. First, the act of creating allows the artist a boost in their self esteem.
I did this.. it looks great.. I was able to relax and enjoy the process, even if the end product wasn't exactly what I wanted. This was fun!
It also allows for the kids to talk with one another about what they were doing. It encourages leadership as one person will help another through the process. But most of all it gives them a format to express themselves. Even though this may not include things that have happened in their past, but it will allow them to begin communicating through their art, and understanding that creating art is a way to communicate, when talking about something can be difficult.
As we were going through the process, and I was demonstrating. I could tell that there were some that did not understand English as well as others. However, since I was working with them on things that are very visual, they caught on quickly. Hearing their interpretations was fascinating. Ron was there listening as well, just in case something was brought up that might trigger a conversation that he could have. It was great to see them energized, excited about the process, and enjoying the benefits of creating art.
That night, I led the devotion. It was the analogy of the potter and the clay from Jeremiah 18. Lord, you are the potter, and we are your clay. Mold us, center us, allow us to be changed with your hands. Take your hands and center us, touch our heart and reshape us. When we have imperfections, use those for your good and change us at thy will. Create us into a new vessel for your glory.
Hearing the kids singing praises gave me goosebumps. With everything that they have been through, God is showing them love. The potter is working on them..
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