By: Terry Stierman
The young boy, not older than 9, was guiding his mother into the classroom to see his masterpiece. All smiles as he pointed to the painting that hung from the ceiling, pasted to black backing along with several others. I did that, he exclaimed. That is my galaxy painting. Deep blues and purples swirling around the page, lighter areas creating powerful contrasts, and dozens ofstars flicked onto the canvas with white paint and a toothbrush. His mother looked at the painting with the smile of a proud mother, watching her child grow and flourish in the Conviventia God is Love School in Cartagena Colombia.
It was open house day, and the school was buzzing with energy as over 1000 students and hundreds of parents made their way through the various displays the students created to show off their efforts from a week of projects, learning and fun. Robotics, Magic Milk in Chemistry, Hot wheels and Static Electricity in Physics, Galaxy Art, Snap Electrical Circuits. Answers to questions like Where does oil come from? Introductions to planets and our moon. English wheel of fortune to practice pronunciation and spelling. Solving problems using critical thinking. The air was filled with music coming from the outdoor auditorium as the student band played inspiring worship music.
How could there be so much joy in a community filled with daily struggles to put food on the table, houses that sometimes were constructed only with wood slats and dirt floors? True joy does not come from things. True joy is not material driven. True joy cannot be purchased. It comes from homes, not houses. It comes from family love and friendships. It comes from a deep faith. Even in the face of many challenges, life is something to be celebrated together.
When I look closely at the picture below of the 11th grade students as they accomplished a difficult challenge in the chemistry review class, I see pure joy. Joy and pride of a job well done. Finding joy in life is easy if we look in the right places. If you are interested in learning more about our mission trip opportunities, please contact our Missions Director at Jeisson.delgado@conviventia.
