April 12, 2019

Prince First Graders Collect Books for Schools in Indonesia

Prince Avenue Christian School first grade students recently had the opportunity to bless school children across the world in Indonesia.  First-grade teacher Ginger Hayden had a planned visit to see her son and his wife that live and work in Indonesia.  “I heard that the school children there could use picture books, so our first graders started an Indonesian Book Drive.  By the time I left for my trip, our students had collected 45 pounds of books!”

As she traveled abroad, Mrs. Hayden was not sure who would get the books or in what way, but she looked for opportunities to gift the books once she arrived.  She explained that when she found recipients, they were overwhelmed with emotion to receive such a gift.  “Some of the books were given to a teacher who taught in a very poor Indonesian school for orphan children.  They literally had nothing.  The teacher just cried when she saw the books, and the students wrote thank you notes after receiving them.” 

Mrs. Hayden and her family were then invited to the home of a local woman to enjoy an Indonesian meal.  This woman happened to be the headmaster of an elementary school.  Mrs. Hayden then had the opportunity to give some of the books to this school.  The remaining books will be given to more schools as Mrs. Hayden’s son and daughter-in-law visit them in the future. 

Mrs. Hayden was able to share the stories of the books and pictures of the recipients with her students upon her return.  “This project helped our students see that God can work in many ways through their generosity.  It is so exciting to see God’s plan even in picture books.”

 

   
             Prince 1st Grade students with books they collected to support children in Indonesia.

 

   
        Mrs. Hayden with the Indonesian teacher.                 Mrs. Hayden with Indonesian students.