During the month of April, TMC “adopted” 40 caterpillars. All our children at VPEC (Victory Plus Educational Center) eagerly observed and recorded the butterflies’ life cycle process, from caterpillar to chrysalis to butterfly.
Then the children also helped us plant three butterfly bushes, spending recess enthusiastically digging holes for the bushes. On April 27, we watched in awe as 32 butterflies emerged from their butterfly houses outside Victory trailer. Many of the butterflies paused to light upon our fingers and hands before flying off in freedom.
What a beautiful picture of new life! Second Corinthians 5:17 came alive before our eyes: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Old things have passed away; behold, the new has come. ” The children were thrilled to have this hands-on experience with new life. They completed their butterfly unit study by doing folded butterfly symmetrical paintings. I have to add that each painting was unanimously declared a creative masterpiece!
We’ve continued to have animated discussions of another promise that came up in conversations following the butterflies’ release. John 8:36 declares, “Whom the Son sets free is free indeed.” Butterflies are indeed free. But more importantly… you and I can also be!