Today was a day full of the unexpected. One by one, things happened that were simply not what I planned for, both good, and bad, and all of them taught me something...it was a day of parables. So I guess I'll tell them like that :)
Unwholesome Talk?
I had time to attend Elementary chapel today. Now that I'm teaching the elementary kids, I have been trying to invest in and spend more time with them. My schedule hasn't permitted it because I have been teaching K-8 classes, but God gave me some extra time to spend with them in their chapel. They were talking about Ephesians 4:29, and not letting unwholesome talk come out of your mouths. This was a good reminder for me today, and God actually convicted me to remember to apply this to my classroom. Sometimes sarcasm with my students can get the best of me, and I needed to be reminded that I should control my tongue. You never expect to be convicted in an Elementary school chapel, but God was good to me by showing me that I needed to hear what I heard.
Learning how to teach from a 12th Grader
I was BLESSED with an AWESOME (and unexpected) conversation with one of the 12th grade girls today, as well. She was having a bad day and needed to talk, so I sat down with her and listened to her heart, struggles, and frustrations from the year. I taught her last year when I was student teaching, and it was unbelievably encouraging to hear her talking to me about her walk with the Lord. She showed me so much about her heart and helped me see things from a student's perspective rather than just from a teacher's perspective.
Fist Fights & Failures
I broke up my first fist fight today in one of my music classes today. Though I was shaky and felt like crying, God gave me strength to take it and gain control over my students. God taught me, also, that I need to start getting to know the ins and outs of upper elementary students. I haven't figured out what to expect out of them, because I have been learning what to expect out of junior high and high school. 4th, 5th, and 6th graders are a whole different monster, and I just don't know what to do with them. I'm praying and hoping that these students will be convicted and remorseful for their actions toward eachother, but the whole situation just made me sad.
God also taught me that I need to stop blaming myself for other people's bad choices. Those boys chose to fight, but I was trying to figure out what it was that I did wrong in order for this to happen. I felt like I failed as a teacher because it happened during class time. I had a lengthy conversation with the Elementary school principal about the incident, and she spoke the truth: I cannot control the choices and decisions of others. Fist fights are fist fights. They'll happen whether I am there or not. I'm thankful that God had this happen, because I think these boys will be on their way to mending their relationships, and I am now on my way towards classroom management that prevents the opportunities for these things to happen in my class.
The Perfect Prayer Partner
During prayer meeting God brought me to pray with the PERFECT person. Ally (another single teacher) and I had both been struggling with similar issues over the past week, and I was able to pray with her about them in a real, open and safe environment. I am so thankful for her and her heart here in Bolivia, and I can't wait to continue to develop our friendship over this next year. God showed me through this that I am not alone--not only do I have Him, but I have friends that can come alongside me and pray me through my struggles, and bare my burdens too!
Dog Poo
I stepped on dog poop on my way to the car after prayer meeting. I felt something on the bottom of my foot, so I put my hand down there to investigate, and got a huge chunk of poo on my hand. I ran to the bathroom and puked after using a gallon of soap to wash my hand and shoe. God taught me never to touch the bottom of my shoe. Ever.
Thanks for reading the parables of my day! Also thanks for your prayers & support!
PLEASE be praying every day this week AND next week for SPIRITUAL EMPHASIS WEEK and HIGH SCHOOL RETREAT. There is a HUGE amount of spiritual warfare going on on the SCCLC campus, and we NEED your prayers to knock down the enemy.
Thanks again!
--Rachel :)
So encouraging to hear that you are listening to the little life's lessons that God has for you there. I enjoy your reading your blogs and look forward to each one. Love you bunches!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing , Rachel. I do enjoy reading your blogs and hearing what the Lord is going for you. Love you!
ReplyDeletesorry!! it's what the Lord Is doing for you>>
ReplyDelete