I have been amazed by the extent to which things at T.E.A.R.S. School have recuperated and gathered fresh energy after the tornado that struck last month. I came back from a weekend in Rio San Juan and could hardly believe my eyes: twisted metal and splintered wood; bent fans and ruined supplies; light leaking through the windows of a roof-less top floor. I stood there in the basketball court and just gazed up at the massive stone building, trying to take it all in. Wanda noticed my mouth was hanging open and directed my attention to the fence behind: the roof section had flown through the air and torn it up like a piece of paper.
Yet despite all the damaged materials and electrical problems and tendency to despair in such a situation, the staff has gathered new strength and continues their work with an unshakable trust that God is in control. I even heard Aneudy thank God in prayer that he had brought such an event into their lives, knowing that it was a chance for them to grow in their faith.
We are still meeting for devotions- though now on the main level, making use of the office. Physical Education is still going strong, though now Delia is doing it outside, making use of the recess area. Lunch is still being served on Wednesdays, though now in the hallway, Cheo lugging vats of Locreo down the narrow stairs. The school is still being kept clean, though now everyone is chipping in, helping sweep water away from the upper rooms after a rainy night.
Most importantly, the teachers and staff are still doing what they do best: repairing, cooking, cleaning, translating, communicating, educating and collaborating to form a body of disciples, investing in the lives of the destitute and the broken; the underprivileged and the forgotten. I thank Jesus for such a hope that has sprung up among us in the midst of adversity. Just as, when the darkness deepens, the stars shine with greater brilliance, so these trials have brought the glory of Christ into greater clarity. He is what keeps us going; even though all else should fail, he is our Champion.
This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 13th, 2008 at 6:57 am and is filed under T.E.A.R.S. School, General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
May 13th, 2008 at 10:23 am
What a great word of encouragement! I especially liked the part about the deeper the darkness, the brighter the stars shine. I’m sure with everyone participating in the clean up when it rains, there is a growing sense of ownership within the community touched by the school.