The
timepiece noted five minutes past three. Andrew waited for this day all week,
but he felt butterflies in his stomach. In fact, he was having trouble catching
his breath. But he had one goal for the day: get as far as he could in forty
minutes, then check how many walls, just like his, he could find on his way
back. He set off on his pursuit, checking his timepiece every few minutes. He found
fourteen walls on his way back. As he reached the last one, he threw over a
note attached to a rock. He kept going, though. He had no time to stop. He had
to be back for the prompt knock on his door, for supply delivery.
All week, he
pondered what to write. What did he want to know? What should he ask, how
should he ask? Did everyone else think they were alone? Was he the only one who
thought that? What did the others think, know, question…dream about?
In the end,
he decided to keep it short.
Hi, my name is Andrew. I live in a
small cottage, similar to your own, not too far away. A week ago, I decided to
climb my wall for the first time. I didn’t think I would find anything. I just
wanted to know what was on the other side. I found your wall and peeked over
it. I saw you. I didn’t make any noise, because I was too surprised. Really, I
didn’t even know what I would say.
What’s your name? Did you know there
are other kids in this land? Have you ever wondered about this world?
If you write back, I will check
outside your wall in two days. I have a short window where I can slip out
quickly. And please, keep quiet about all this. Write back to me on the back of
this paper.
There ensued
a back-and-forth writing relationship between Andrew and Evangeline. They wrote
four letters in those first two weeks.
After
counting those first fourteen walls, Andrew began a map, noting all the places
he had been, noting any specific landmarks. He even wrote names as he learned about
the people and his surroundings. At the same time, he worked on a growing list
of questions.
Family
Connection
Draw a map
for what Andrew found and continue to label it, as the story progresses.
Andrew’s pursuit began in Week 7. I would love to see these maps,
as I prepare to draw one for the story.
Enter into
the story together. Begin making a list of questions Andrew might have. I
would love to see your questions as I decide what answers Andrew will find.
“For we are
God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the
good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 NLT
Discuss what
this verse means. Start a list of things we might hear God “say to us” vs.
things we might hear the enemy “say to us”. Save this sheet to use for the next
few weeks. We will add to it. Ask the kids to remember the black robe vs. the
white robe – and all the different words we used. Consider placing this list in
a place where you can add to and be reminded of. Teaching our kids to know
the difference between the voice of the enemy vs. the voice of God is one of
the most important tools we can give to them. Allow this conversation to become
a part of your family culture. (When you hear _____________, do you think that
is God’s voice or the enemy?) We are continually helping them tune in to his
voice.
Scripture
to memorize: See
above. Ephesians 2:10 NLT
Journaling
Ideas:
Start your
own list of God’s voice vs. enemy’s voice (and sometimes my own self-talk), in
your journal. Keep adding to it as you go throughout your week.
For younger
ones (and yes, even older ones): Play some quiet, soaking music (instrumental
worship with no words). Listen and sit in the Lord’s presence. Set a timer for
1-2 minutes and bask in the quiet, knowing it’s simply enough to just be with
Him. Then ask the Lord to show you how He sees you, to put on His glasses
(we used this example in class), and show you how He sees you. Draw this in
your journal. Write what you hear the Lord saying (or have a parent
help).
