Learning, Struggling, Advice?

 So much seems to happen between my chances to write a post I don't know what to write.  Like life in most places, highs and lows.  And like most times, not spending good time in the Bible and praying in the morning makes the day much more difficult.

   I think I'll write this post asking for your thoughts, suggestions, advice, and godly counsel.  We have a responsibility to be a good example and to teach good principles to those around us, especially the young ones who are beginning to develop their ways. 

   Kids want to play.  That's normal.  But there is also a time to work, and here there is much work we have to do.  Half the time the older boys are good examples in working, and the other half the time lead the younger ones in sitting around.  They speak the younger ones' language and are of the same culture, so they relate and look up to them more.  I am the odd ball for trying to motivate to work if nobody wants to.  I won't scold, though sometimes I think I might be bordering that.  I don't like that.  

   I also don't like begging or cheer leading.  I too often get complaining and murmuring, in which I respond,  "Do you not like living here at the lake?  You want to go live at Bamboo School?  We work here or we work at Bamboo School."  They like living here, and so do I.  If we don't take good care of what's been given to us, it will be taken away from us.  That seems to be my only motivation for them.

   Today I was thinking about the talents and gifts we are given, some more than others.  We are only responsible for using what we've been given.  Jesus said that he who hides what he's been given, even what he has will be taken away.  Use it or lose it.  That's a good lesson we need to learn here I think.  There is always the free will and consequences that come from bad choices.  That is not under my control, unless I think of consequences to implement.  Then I need to be sure I'm doing so fairly at the right times. 

   I'm still trying to figure out what I'm suppose to be learning here.  How to lead and be a good example?  Not harsh.  Someone recently told me leading by example only goes so far.  Not sure what to do here.
I just know I want to do things right and be a good example, make a difference for good.  Above all love. 

  Many times, like yesterday though, I'm very proud of them for how hard they work.  Maybe they deserve a day off after how hard they worked yesterday.  I'm sure there is much I need to learn in all this, not just teach.

  So any suggestions on getting them to work when it's time to work?  To get them to clean when it's time to clean?  Everyday I'm telling them the same things over again.  They don't like it and neither do I.  I have someone translate about working smart and not hard, about just doing what you know you need to do without being told.

   How about destroying or stealing?  What kind of consequences could be implemented?  They love to play soccer.   It's good exercise and fun.  I would hate to take that away for a time, but is something they really enjoy.  I don't want to be an "authoritarian" bad guy.  I just want to do what's best for everybody.

   I hope this post is not complaining, just looking for growth in my life and to be effective where I'm at.   Maybe by being transparent someone else will learn with me.  Thank you for any thoughts, advice, and prayers. 

 Building a stone stairway.