A Year Ago, I had an amazing opportunity to visit Burma (now called Myanmar). And while there, I was to teach a one-day watercolor class to children in an orphanage. The children, ages six to 16, had never even held a paintbrush! To teach drawing and color theory in such a short time when I couldn't speak the local language was daunting enough. But traveling to a developing country under a military dictatorship concerned me more.
Yet I did not want to back out of the trip or teaching the class because of fear. I felt certain that the painting class would bless the children. So with solid reliance on God's love and care, I made plans to go forward. Artist friends generously donated enough paintbrushes, paper, and pigments until I had a full suitcase to leave with the children.
On the day of the lesson, 30 kids lines up, eager to paint. Using paper plates for palettes, and with an interpreter's help, I explained how to make six colors out of the three primary colors and showed them how to paint a palm tree. Immediately, they understood and began to paint. And how they painted! Palm trees, blue skies, birds, and flowers painted effortlessly with joy, spontaneity, and color. When the children paraded past me displaying their finished artwork, I could see God's hand in each piece. I now know that the gift of art is given to all—and is endless.
