Anyways, just wanted to give you a heads up on what has been going on in my life over the past few weeks..
Backpacking last weekend was wonderful. It rained the whole day that Saturday so we were soaked for the whole hike that day but I loved it--once you were soaked it was so much fun just letting the rain fall and just experiencing God in that kind of way. I can't really explain what it felt like to me. :) Kentucky is beautiful (yes dad, I agree, but still not enough for me to be at Asbury right now ;) ) !
Last Monday was my first day in a middle school classroom during my time here at IWU. I have a practicum this semester working once a week with middle school students. The place is so chaotic. I had a little run in with the librarian and some other people which really discouraged me. I was so frustrated I just wanted to run away and get out of the place. Yes, I agree the students were really disrespectful to the authority figures in the school, but the teachers weren't much better. After I stepped away by myself I just took some deep breaths and reminded myself that I was there for the students and that even though I might disagree with how some of the faculty were handling things, I couldn't let it bother me. At that point, I was sent to the library with a student named Marissa. She is an 8th grader at the school and a very respectful young lady. As I helped her with some vocabulary, she quickly opened up to me about some personal things going on in her life. I am really excited to begin building these relationships with these students that I will see every Monday. I pray for them that I can make an impact on their lives--even if it is such a small one. Today when I walked in to the classroom, I called Marissa by name and she seemed so intrigued that I remembered her name even when she didn't remember mine. It made my heart smile. :)
Speaking of schools, did I tell you about my high school experience a few weeks ago? I had to go pick up a high school text book at Marion High School, which is a high school close to the IWU campus. It was the end of their school day, so when I pulled up there were herds of students standing around outside waiting for their rides to come pick them up. But it was such an awesome feeling for me to be walking past these young students and hearing their conversations, etc. I can't even explain it but it just felt so right. I remember calling my mom as I was leaving the school grounds just so excited about it all.
I am so excited for my future in teaching, no matter how that looks like for me. I just know that I am called to build relationships with people and to be a positive example and encourager.
How could you pray for me this week?
Continue to pray for my heart and the impact of Satan's attacks. Pray that I clearly see what are the enemies lies in my life everyday. Pray for a contagious joy in my life--one that would be of an encouragement to my friends rather than a discouragement.
