Pizza! The Children's Way.....

After finishing my fist lesson with the Sunday school children about 3 weeks ago, I often wonder if I could inspire a few junior masterchefs in making with the CCC Sunday School Kids after that. I toyed with the ideas and then I said to myself, " Why not Ivan? Get the children to enjoy being children and just have fun!". So, it stuck to my head that I was going to teach them to have fun and to do it in the next lesson. Well, Surprise! Surprise! I did it last Sunday with a lot of help from SLing, SYuen, Sharon and Lily. 

Though it was already quite late by the time we got home after a night out as a family, SLing & I still managed to get the early prep ready for the next days' action. As I diced and chopped up the ingredients with SLing on Saturday night, I really felt the sense of joy and accomplishment in my heart. I just wanted the children to have a great time and something different to do in their lesson with me. Most important of all, I want them to remember the very foundation of God's Word and to remember what was taught through the activities carried out. Preparation takes a lot of time and by the time I lay my head to sleep, it was way after 2.00am Sunday morning.

It's not capati or roti canai,ok? It's  Pizza! Pizza! Pizza!

That morning, I was up early and started my pizza dough preparation. It was as though I had slept with the recipe in my head. I kinda memorized the dough recipe in my head and merticulously did the measurement according but a lot has to do with the guts and prayers that it would be good food for the children, actually. As I worked the dough with my hands, I prayed for a good soft dough to work with. By the time I finished with the dough, it begin to rise, nice & fluffy. We then quickly stuffed every ingredients available into a shopping bag and off we go for some food and thereafter to church.

That morning, as SLing, SYuen and myself walked in with the shopping bags under our arms, members were curious and I was nervous as usual. Then just when I was ready, there a  Sunday School  Service and I had to wait for my turn before the children break out to their respective classes. I then taught the children on creations days and keeping the Sabbath Day holy.  I also told them that we are going to do something fun and enjoyable during their lesson. Their eyes just brightened up and smiles were all over. Eager hands and excited children filled the air and couldn't wait to start. When it was time for them to do their own pizza, they were transformed into adrenaline pumping children. I kicked off the enjoyment by showing them how to dust the pizza dough and placement on the goodies ( pasta sauce, mushroom, cheese, pineapple, sausage and magical stuff, luncheon meat ) of toppings.

Pizza goody on the way to gorgeousness!

Viola! When it is done, it is was straight into the oven for 7 minutes. While the first one was done, two others were being worked on by the girls first. It was really wonderful seeing them so excited and enthusiastic.I guess, as parents, we had been over-protective with our children when it comes to handling of  knives or even cooking. Sometimes, knowing what to do and having that passion is important. So, one by one, as the pizza rolled out from the small ovenette, the smell and the aroma drew people to the table. I'll say it again - the children were the stars that day. They followed instructions, made the pizza and even fed the adults who were around and still could have some to pack back for their parents. This is one thing I wanted to teach the children - respecting the adults and sharing of food with others - Manners! They did so well and I am so proud of them.

Raw pizza with goodies undergoing cooking process

As usual, SLing and I were virtually drained out at the end of the lesson but a fulfilling one indeed. I guess, during the cleaned up, some of the children came by and said their thank yous to me and SLing. Above all, I actually live for moments like this with the simple, uncomplicated, innocent and truthful children. These are moments that I will always live to enjoy and put them close t my heart. As I was about to exit, a child came to my side and asked me, " Uncle Ivan, it was so enjoyable and fun. Can we do this again, please?"  I answered , " Sure, why not? Make sure you come for Sunday School, ok?" Hmmmmnnnnnn.....what's next? Ravioli, pasta, apom, bread,  fruit cocktail ....the possibilities are endless-lar! One day at a time then!