Smelly Feet
So... my feet smell. After only a week or so of having to wear closed toed shoes in a hot climate my feet smell bad. I need to invest in more little socks or something. Not that this really matters, it is simply a constant reminder of who I am.
I am a teacher. A real teacher. I have my own classroom. I have children in that classroom. I have responsibilities. I have to change my lessons. I have 20 children counting on me every day. I am the person that they look to for guidance, direction, and knowledge.
In the Honduran culture, teachers are viewed very highly. The word of a teacher is the authority over all others in the minds of the children. The superintendent of the school, a Honduran, explained to us that children will side with us in an argument with their parents. If their parents say one thing and the teacher another, the teacher is right. Wow. What power my words have in the lives of these children.
Last week in devotions, we discussed how teachers are held to a higher standard. It even talks about this in the Bible. Despite all of this, I don't feel overly pressured. This is because I know I'm not alone. The Holy Spirit can fill me with his words each morning, for each situation that may arise. God has provided me with excellent co-workers who are there to help and advise me. Because of this, I willingly and joyfully accept this responsibility.
Today was the first day of school. As the school day began, all of the children found their seats and quietly began working on the get to know you activity I had put on the board. It was almost creepy how silent it was in the room. Don't worry, this didn't last for long. After a long time of practicing rules and procedures, some get to know you games, and a recess, I could hardly get the children to be quiet.
The children are very expressive, very affectionate, and vivacious. Most of them seem to have a genuine desire to learn, something I haven't seen in a while. We'll see how excited they are once they start having homework. =) Overall, it was a good day. We got through most of my plans. The students got comfortable with each other, me, and the room. I read "You are Special" by Max Lucado, one of my favorite books, to them. They listened attentively to devotions and followed my directions. Tomorrow is our first full day. So, I hope that it goes as well as today did.
Also, funny moment of the day. I was turning around and I ran into my cabinet. The children tried really hard not to laugh. So I just laughed and told them it was ok to laugh. =) I would.
I am a teacher. A real teacher. I have my own classroom. I have children in that classroom. I have responsibilities. I have to change my lessons. I have 20 children counting on me every day. I am the person that they look to for guidance, direction, and knowledge.
In the Honduran culture, teachers are viewed very highly. The word of a teacher is the authority over all others in the minds of the children. The superintendent of the school, a Honduran, explained to us that children will side with us in an argument with their parents. If their parents say one thing and the teacher another, the teacher is right. Wow. What power my words have in the lives of these children.
Last week in devotions, we discussed how teachers are held to a higher standard. It even talks about this in the Bible. Despite all of this, I don't feel overly pressured. This is because I know I'm not alone. The Holy Spirit can fill me with his words each morning, for each situation that may arise. God has provided me with excellent co-workers who are there to help and advise me. Because of this, I willingly and joyfully accept this responsibility.
Today was the first day of school. As the school day began, all of the children found their seats and quietly began working on the get to know you activity I had put on the board. It was almost creepy how silent it was in the room. Don't worry, this didn't last for long. After a long time of practicing rules and procedures, some get to know you games, and a recess, I could hardly get the children to be quiet.
The children are very expressive, very affectionate, and vivacious. Most of them seem to have a genuine desire to learn, something I haven't seen in a while. We'll see how excited they are once they start having homework. =) Overall, it was a good day. We got through most of my plans. The students got comfortable with each other, me, and the room. I read "You are Special" by Max Lucado, one of my favorite books, to them. They listened attentively to devotions and followed my directions. Tomorrow is our first full day. So, I hope that it goes as well as today did.
Also, funny moment of the day. I was turning around and I ran into my cabinet. The children tried really hard not to laugh. So I just laughed and told them it was ok to laugh. =) I would.
Hey! I finally read your blog! Thanks for sharing all this, I really enjoyed reading it!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm glad you had a good first day, hope the rest of your week goes good, too.
We also had our first day of school, the girls were very excited. And so now we're getting back into that routine again.
Rosalyn
that's so cool that you read "you are special" to them--that's such a good series! i love your attitude of trust in the Lord--that He will provide us with the words to speak. that's a good reminder for me too with work at bashor!
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