The School in Bridgetown, Barbados
By Mrs. W. A. Sweaney
We began school at this place, October 14. Had you entered the schoolroom with me that morning, you would doubtless have felt very much as I did, that some changes were necessary before much could be accomplished. There was a shelf around the room, and in front of this the children sat on a bench without a back, with their backs, of course, to the teacher. When the hour for opening arrived, they all came in and scrambled over the bench and over one another, and then looked over their shoulders to see what I was doing. I assigned books as best I could from the scanty supply at hand, but from their variety, it seemed as if it would be necessary to have as many classes as there were pupils. I now experienced something entirely new to me,—many of the children studying their lessons aloud! I tried to make them understand that there was a better way than that to prepare their lessons; but they simply could not grasp the idea of silent study. Not even whisper? How they laughed! We have a nice, quiet school now. It seems to me I never saw children develop so rapidly, nor take such a deep interest in their work. I have thirty pupils enrolled, ranging in age from six to thirty-five. We have a class of young ladies, as nice, bright, intelligent girls as one would wish to meet. They are fitting themselves to become teachers, canvassers, Bible workers, etc. They are having a good experience in the things of God. Before school opened, they were scarcely able to bear testimony in social meeting, but now they review the Sabbath school or lead a Bible study in church or elsewhere without any hesitancy. They were all members of the church; at our quarterly meeting four more went forward in baptism, and since that time three others have made a start. Their parents and guardians tell us that they are sure they understand the step they are taking, as there is a marked change in their everyday experience in the home life. December 20 we closed school for a two weeks' vacation. The last week was spent in review and written examination. I think in all my experience as a teacher I never saw such earnestness, anxiety, and desire for success, as that manifested by the pupils during that week's work. As I looked over and marked their papers, I felt repaid for my ten weeks of hard work. God had indeed richly blessed us. During the vacation, Mr. Sweeney reseated the house, making seats large enough to hold two, with backs and desks. This has made my work much easier, as well as being more comfortable for the pupils. He also painted several blackboards. We have three Bible classes, and all seem to enjoy the work. Next to this they enjoy physiology and hygiene, and best of all, they put into practice what they learn. They tell me of their trials in giving up certain things, and of victories gained. We pray together over them, and then rejoice together when the enemy is defeated. Many of the people here regard domestic work as a disgrace, to be done only by a servant. We have been seeking God earnestly to help us overcome this evil. In our school we teach sewing, scrubbing, sweeping, etc. At first some were rather reluctant to attempt such a thing as scrubbing. I did not urge them, but took the pail of water and a mop, and went to work. When more water was needed, I took the pail and went to the nearest standpipe to get it. They were astonished. But this did not last long. Young people give up such ideas more readily than people who have clung to them for years. Now there is no day that they enjoy more than scrubbing day. Hard work is required, but we are glad for the privilege of working. God has given us many precious promises concerning this work, and we are daily realizing his willingness to verify them. We are earnestly seeking God to help us that our schoolroom may represent the order and government of heaven. And need a teacher be discouraged, since the Lord promises to be present, and by his Holy Spirit impress the lessons upon the hearts and minds of the children? God has indeed richly blessed our efforts thus far, and we are seeking him earnestly, and trusting him for victory and for further guidance.