"All you need is love" (and Limes)

Limes is officially back in action! This week was our first week back holding class on Tuesdays-Thursday at 3-5pm. It's amazing how much I missed it!

"It is not enough to love children, it is necessary that they are aware that they are loved"

 - St. John Bosco.

I heard this today and I instantly thought of Limes and how true this is. To these kids hearing "I love you" is nice and for some the shocked looks on their faces when you say it shows how infrequently they hear those words, but it is also evident that more than saying that... it is our actions that have the power to speak volumes.

This does not simply have to be showering them with new toys, snacks, and fun games/activities. But also through structure, reliability, compassion, and patience. It is by those actions combined that we demonstrate to them that we truly do care about them, and that their needs and feelings are important to us. Words can be hallow, and many of these kids have learned this lesson much too well, so our actions can be more meaningful to them than a phrase. One little guy who I just love to pieces came running up to me to say goodbye one day this week. I have been bringing fun new toys and games and he was able to play with those on several occassions, but that doesn't mean the day went by without incident. The downside to new things is that no one wants to share, so this little guy and I had had several talks throughout class about sharing, listening, and following rules. Although he would end up relinquishing the toy or stop what he was doing, it was done so with a pout, and for the next several minutes I was the worst person in the world to him. However, I continued to engage him and despite it being a bit of a rocky day for him, when I went to leave I heard a shouting "Miss" and turned around to him leaping into my arms for a goodbye hug. It was so special and cute.

It is important for us to demonstrate love not only by the giving of materialistic things, although of course those things are nice, but also through our ability to look past their misbehaviors- especially on the most challenging days.

When they are acting selfish, it is important to remember what it might feel like to have very little to call our own. When they are constantly tattling or accusing others of wrong doings, it is important to remember the reasons they might be growing up with so much suspicion, distrust, and need to prove someone else wrong. When they get angry and frustrated over something seemingly small, remember what it might feel like to experience a loss of control that easily.  Amidst a thousand complaints, think about what it might be like to never be able to just be happy with how things are, and to always feel the need to find something wrong... or to rarely have your needs met and satisfied. We are all different, come from different backgrounds, living conditions, family structures, etc. and we don't know how their personal experiences have affected them, but the bottom line is the same... we all need to know we are loved!