My first book

Wouldn't my folks be proud? I just finished reading my first book....in Spanish that is.

Since I often help in the book warehouse at the book ministry, I see 100s and 100s of books go by. It seems weird to see popular titles go by with familar faces but the title in Spanish. About a week ago I decided that I really wanted to read to the kids, even though it would have to be a really really simple book. They LOVE to be read to, even many of the older kids. So, last Sunday afternoon, I summoned my courage and went to the middle school aged house (the little ones, my first choice, were napping) and asked who wanted to hear a story. I was swamped. I had kids sitting all on top of and around me. The house mom was too afraid to hold my camera, much less take a picture as I had desired. Oh well. Anyhow, I read the book with much animation to about 15 boys and they seemed to really like it. They even asked me to read it again. (I hope that was because they liked it, and not because they couldn't understand me!) Afterwards, I got to go to Griffin house....my absolute favorite place, and read separately to the boys and girls aged 4-7. I don't know who enjoyed it more, me or the others. After I read it through, I had them each take turns and read one page each. Most could read, some better than others of course. Just so you know, my first book was about an elephant that was afraid of the rain. And Noah came by, asking for the elephants help (with the lumbar) to build an arc because a LOT of rain was on the way. Well, you know the story and can figure out the rest. The kids liked seeing the familiar pictures off all the animals going into the arc.

I've also bought a 2nd book, a bit more challenging (with more than 10 thick card board pages), about a fish who's afraid of the dark. The animation is really colorful and cute. I think I'll read it to the kids this weekend. Better start practicing and figure out what it is I'm reading.

The grades of the kids, even our "good" kids have been plummeting badly over the past months. I've not heard anyone offer a reason, except that the school year will be over the first wk of Nov...but this plummet has been going on for awhile. According to some (including the students) it just seems that there's a really bad case of apathy here, particularly with the teenagers. They could basically care less about anything and don't see any relevance to education or really anything else. In general, this culture doesn't value education, and few go beyond primary school. Most do manual labor or work in the markets. Someone sparked an idea in my head though. And I'm wondering if putting good, sound, yet interesting books, in the kids hands will help them reach for more. For example, YWAM has an excellent well written book series on famous leaders (worth following). Maybe reading about people like Nate Saint and Corrie Ten Boom will help them to realize that they need to be prepared to do something with their lives. I know only a few will want to read the books, but based on the "starfish principle" I think I'll try it anyhow. Any other ideas on how to motivate this generation? I know this is prevalent everywhere, but it seems like it may even be worse outside of the USA. All opinions welcome.