Felt Oceans Working with the missionary children brought so much joy to the beginning of my New Year! The five children live in either Bolivia and Paraguay with their families. Several of the adults thought it was funny that I chose lessons about ocean animals, when the children come from the only two countries in South America that are landlocked. However, that did not stop the children's enthusiasm about learning about these creatures and sharing what they already knew.
On Monday, we found the dolphin, who taught us that we need to talk about Jesus to our friends. They made interactive felt oceans, where they each cut out their own ocean animals to help them remember our lessons from the week.
On Tuesday, we found the blue whale, who taught us that God can do big things in our lives. They made egg carton ocean creatures to go along with our lesson.
On Wednesday, we found the jellyfish, who taught us that we need to stand up for what is right. The children and youth took a field trip to a local ceramics/pottery shop where they each decorated their own piece with the help of local artists.
On Thursday, we found fish, who taught us that God is always on our side and will protect us. We used permanent markers and rubbing alcohol to tie-dye t-shirts. They turned out really colorful!
On Friday, we wrapped up our series with the shrimp. The shrimp taught the children that even though they may be small, God has a special purpose for them.
The children were so excited to come to "school," as they referred to our time together, and find out what our next animal was going to be. I enjoyed getting to know each one and take care of them so their parents could enjoy their time in their own sessions. My prayer is that as the kids play with the crafts that they made, they will continue to remember the truths that they learned as they explored the ocean to find Jesus.
On Monday, we found the dolphin, who taught us that we need to talk about Jesus to our friends. They made interactive felt oceans, where they each cut out their own ocean animals to help them remember our lessons from the week.
On Tuesday, we found the blue whale, who taught us that God can do big things in our lives. They made egg carton ocean creatures to go along with our lesson.
On Wednesday, we found the jellyfish, who taught us that we need to stand up for what is right. The children and youth took a field trip to a local ceramics/pottery shop where they each decorated their own piece with the help of local artists.
On Thursday, we found fish, who taught us that God is always on our side and will protect us. We used permanent markers and rubbing alcohol to tie-dye t-shirts. They turned out really colorful!
On Friday, we wrapped up our series with the shrimp. The shrimp taught the children that even though they may be small, God has a special purpose for them.
The children were so excited to come to "school," as they referred to our time together, and find out what our next animal was going to be. I enjoyed getting to know each one and take care of them so their parents could enjoy their time in their own sessions. My prayer is that as the kids play with the crafts that they made, they will continue to remember the truths that they learned as they explored the ocean to find Jesus.
 Egg Carton Ocean Creatures - Turtle and a Whale |  Some more Egg Carton Ocean Creatures |
 The MKs at the Ceramics Studio and their finished products! |  Tie-Dye T-shirts |
