What a treat, the retreat.
I have a lot to do...so what do I do with my time? I blog. =) This year certainly has been a whirlwind. I can't believe there are only 2 weeks of school left, yet it also seems like eternity. There are some days when I feel like the school year might never end. Then, there are some days when I wish it wouldn't.
I have grown to really love my students. I loved my students last year. I will probably love my students again next year. Despite what they say or do, I simply do. Some days I wonder if it makes a difference. I show up each day, trying my best, pouring all of my heart into their lives, and then wonder are they getting it? We had the 5th grade retreat a few weeks ago. It was awesome. We played games, did different types of scavenger hunts, had a talent show, a banquet, and of course wrapped things up with a campfire. Truly, it was in these moments, when I was around a campfire singing and then later speaking to my kids that I felt alive. I do like teaching, and I feel as if it definitely the right thing for me to be doing right now.
But there is something different about the opportunity to share God's truth around a campfire. To sing a silly song until you lose your voice. To play a game that gets you soaked in Zuko (koolaid) and covered in whipped cream. To make up a funny cheer. To stay up late talking about what we learned and heard. These are all the things that make me remember that while my heart is in teaching, that teaching doesn't always show up in a classroom. Sometimes it shows up at camp, where you simplify things and simply live life together, have fun, and focus in on God in a fresh new way. While I don't know where God may take me with that in the future, I do know that I am grateful for experiencing that with my dear ones now.
One of the highlights of the retreat was the banquet. My friend Kristi put together an awesome video of the kids from kinder till now. You can watch it here if you'd like.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiQ0QN6ytMg
The kids laughed and cried, seeing how much they'd grown. Seeing them dressed up and receiving their awards was wonderful too. Each student received an award from me. It was a lot of fun to think about what unique characteristic each child had and to recognize them for it.
Here are a few pictures for you to see my wonderful children and me. =)
The lovely girls that I got to help in their getting ready efforts. =)
My tough boys. (and their tough teacher of course) The smiling didn't go so well. =)
He was really hungry, but Mr. Greene was jealous.
The girls who stayed in my room with me, hamming it up.
A few of my boys, with real smiles. =) love them.
The perfect picture of him in action. =)
I have grown to really love my students. I loved my students last year. I will probably love my students again next year. Despite what they say or do, I simply do. Some days I wonder if it makes a difference. I show up each day, trying my best, pouring all of my heart into their lives, and then wonder are they getting it? We had the 5th grade retreat a few weeks ago. It was awesome. We played games, did different types of scavenger hunts, had a talent show, a banquet, and of course wrapped things up with a campfire. Truly, it was in these moments, when I was around a campfire singing and then later speaking to my kids that I felt alive. I do like teaching, and I feel as if it definitely the right thing for me to be doing right now.
But there is something different about the opportunity to share God's truth around a campfire. To sing a silly song until you lose your voice. To play a game that gets you soaked in Zuko (koolaid) and covered in whipped cream. To make up a funny cheer. To stay up late talking about what we learned and heard. These are all the things that make me remember that while my heart is in teaching, that teaching doesn't always show up in a classroom. Sometimes it shows up at camp, where you simplify things and simply live life together, have fun, and focus in on God in a fresh new way. While I don't know where God may take me with that in the future, I do know that I am grateful for experiencing that with my dear ones now.
One of the highlights of the retreat was the banquet. My friend Kristi put together an awesome video of the kids from kinder till now. You can watch it here if you'd like.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiQ0QN6ytMg
The kids laughed and cried, seeing how much they'd grown. Seeing them dressed up and receiving their awards was wonderful too. Each student received an award from me. It was a lot of fun to think about what unique characteristic each child had and to recognize them for it.
Here are a few pictures for you to see my wonderful children and me. =)
Banquet table with some of my students. aren't they so good looking? =)
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