Christmas is such wonderful time of year. Homes are decorated, special treats are being made, and in spite of the craziness of extra activities, most people are in pretty good moods!
This week I had the JOY of taking my little pre-kinders to serve at the nursing home. Students at our school go twice a year in Pre-kinder, kinder and first grade, so I have the wonderful privilege of introducing my students to this ministry.
This year my students blew me away with their loving hearts! Usually the first experience is a little overwhelming and most of my students are timid around the "grandparents". This year, however, my little angels loved the grandparents with all their hearts!
For example, one student took seriously the task of finding a grandparent to color with. The person she chose was clearly in the depths of dementia and was singing to herself most of the time. In fact a nurse gave her a lollipop to keep her quiet and not to scare the kids. My little student didnt mind at all! She walked right up to her, gave her a hug and got to work coloring a special picture for her.
Part of our time together is singing some songs. We are learning "Do you hear what I hear" for the Christmas program, so I decided to have my students sing it for the grandparents. While they were singing, one of the grandmas got up and started to dance with one of my little students. I was watching carefully to make sure not to scare my students, but the little boy she grabbed joined in. I could tell he was uncomfortable, but was willing to dance with the lady. She made her way down the line and ended up dancing with four of my students before the nurse re-directed her. I was to blessed to see my students show God's love in an uncomfortable situation and I am sure it made that lady's day a little bit brighter!
Towards the end of our time, we pass out fruit salad that the students cut themselves. The teachers dish up the cups and children deliver. My little servants were so careful to make sure every grandparent got a snack and even brought seconds for those who wanted more. I was almost in tears seeing their loving smiles, grateful hearts and responsible attitudes to love and care for the grandparents.
Before we left, another grandmother grabbed me to dance and we formed a bridge for the students to dance under and around us. We left big smiles of the faces of the grandparents and my students got to see what a joy it can be to serve others. I cannot wait for our second trip this spring to bring more joy and love to the wonderful grandparents!
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| Greeting all the grandparents when we arrive |
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| Singing for the Grandparents some Christmas carols |
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| Coloring special Christmas pictures for the grandparents to hang in their rooms |
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| Serving fruit salad to the grandparents |