Service Week & Thanksgiving

This last week, as you may know, was service week at our school. All of the students from K-12 were involved in serving others somehow. The older students went off campus around the Kemang area and out to serve others and build relationships. Erik lead a group of 9th graders out to a place called Kupang. They spent the week in an orphanage and nursing home. He returns later tonight and so far I have heard many positive things about his week and I am looking forward to hearing more details about what God did during their week there... We also had lots of fun in my class learning about what it means to serve others! :) Here is how our week in 1st grade looked {warning: this blog contains mass amounts of adorable pictures}

On Monday, all of the 1st grade classes (3 classes) met with some Kindy students and read to them. We talked about being good examples and what it means to show service in this way. 

 

Throughout the week we talked about what service means and how as 6 year old's we can still serve others. In our class, we focused on serving the cleaning staff at our school. We made cards for them and spent some time in the kitchen baking bars to give to them. The students had a hard time at first understanding why they didn't get any of the bars we made - but they were really excited about giving them to the cleaners when the time came. I love watching my students beginning to grasp the fact that everything isn't about them. They were sincerely excited about serving others in this way, and I hope and pray that attitude continues throughout their lives!

Getting ready to serve what we made to the cleaners ... 

We also spent time during the week talking about Thanksgiving and being thankful. We talked about the story of the 10 lepers in the Bible and the kids took time to think about all of the things they have to be thankful for. It's very easy for my students (and myself) to take for granted what we have, but I was proud to see them think of the many things they have to be thankful for.

On Thursday, we celebrated Thanksgiving! The kids got to wear "fall" colors and our wonderful class parents made us a yummy Thanksgiving lunch to enjoy with all of the Grade 1 students. It was lots of fun!

After the yummy lunch, parents were invited into the classroom to make a craft together. We were packed! :)

Today (Friday) we wrapped up the week by reflecting on what we learned. We also spent time decorating our class for Christmas - one of my favorite things to do! {I mean it IS the only thing you should be doing after Thanksgiving day, right?!}

It was a tiring but fun and sweet week with my kiddos. I am so thankful for my job and for my wonderful co-workers and students! Thanks for continued prayers- we have 3 weeks left until Christmas break! Time is flying and we are loving life and so blessed! We love you all! 

Bye for now <3