Day 10

A few weeks later, Beatrice was sitting at a school desk still feeling overjoyed. Just a few months ago, this opportunity was simply a dream. By the work of an ongoing miracle, she was in a classroom, wearing a real school uniform. I love my new shoes, and this shirt is so clean and white. And look how nice . . .

“Beatrice—BEATRICE!” her teacher called, awakening her out of her thoughts again. Some of the children giggled as Beatrice’s face blushed with embarrassment. “The headmaster of the school wants to see you.”

Beatrice’s heart pounded as she walked toward the office, not knowing what this was about. Her mother was standing there in her pretty blue dress, along with her friends Betty and Ruth and someone else Beatrice didn’t know.

As they entered the office, the headmaster explained. “Beatrice, this is Mr. Dennis. He and others from ELI helped train your mom a few months ago. He has shared that the ELI staff would like to host a special event for the school children later this year. There would be games, arts and crafts, skits, special testimonies about God’s love, and even a movie. Do you think your classmates would enjoy that?”

“Yes! I think everyone would love that!” Beatrice answered, unable to contain her enthusiasm.

Ruth stepped forward. “Beatrice, you have done a fabulous job working alongside your mother as she helps train different village families. You have shown true leadership skills in the community and in church youth group. We would like to ask you to help lead this event. What do you think?”

Beatrice couldn’t believe her ears. What an honor to be able to help with such an exciting, important event. I’m becoming a leader just like Mom. “Yes! I would love to!”

• Why would the school and community leaders ask Beatrice to help coordinate the event?

• Why do you think an event with all the school children is important, valuable, and even powerful?

• What doors do you think the school event will open regarding the overall community?