Pearls… for boys?

I wrote the previous post yesterday, and today, I tried my lunchtime necklace-making idea. Some of my girls were eating lunch together, and I asked them if they would like to make necklaces. They said yes. We began. Yeay. I showed them how to string the pearls. They liked the idea. As they worked, I told them God made us just as we are making these necklaces. Then I wanted to explain about Jesus forgiving us and cleansing us so that we are white like these beads, but the bell rang and it was time to teach English with the boys.

Something unexpected happened—the boys saw what we were doing, and they wanted to make necklaces too! I told them this was just for the girls, but they wanted to make them too! Crazy! I mean, I’ve witnessed their comfort level with decorating with red and pink tissue paper and I am aware that they do not suffer from thinking things aren’t manly enough, but I never dreamed they would want to make pearl necklaces for themselves. They wanted to do that instead of having English class. I said no. It was time for English. They kept bringing it up! They wouldn’t let me forget they wanted to make necklaces! We finished a little early, and I gave in. We had enough time to cut and tie the string, but not enough time to start stringing beads. They were sad and offered to stay late! Seriously! I figured if they really wanted to make the necklaces, it would be a good incentive to come to English practice in the next few days (The boys are always trying to find excuses not to come). I told them we could finish another day.

What do I do? Creating interest was not a problem. That’s an answer to prayer. But I still feel funny about making pearl necklaces with boys! I wanted the girls to have something special and feminine and pretty. Maybe the boys just enjoy the process, and I will suggest that they give the pearls to their mothers or sisters. Maybe that will work…