lessons learned...

Wow, it's officially been one week since I've started classes and already I'm learning the little ins and outs of becoming an effective teacher. It is tough to say the least but most certainly rewarding in many little ways. From tying shoe laces, bandaging boo boo's, to teaching the proper way to shoot a basketball, this week has been full of lessons. Some things I've learned are to not make promises to play kickball when you doubt the students will even remember the promise. Trust me. They do not forget promises. God truly has little quaint ways of showing me that I have quite a bit to work on. I have a wonderful support system here though, it is like one big family, everyone is looking out for each other. It is a feeling I can't describe. Christ's love is ever so blatant through the faculty and their genuine desire for Susi and I to have just a big of an impact on the students as they have. I love it here. Yes, I know it has only been two weeks, but my attitude has been consistent, and I'm praying for God's guidance throughout this journey. I'll be honest, the kids do test my patience throughout the day, but if there is one thing I have learned is that I have little patience, and that is something that I can work on for sure. I'm far from perfect. Anyone who truly knows me, knows that. This year, however, will shape me into the young woman God intends. Anyways, I love the kids here. They are beautiful inside and out. Some may be a bit rowdy, some may be very reserved and quiet, but past their initial shells, they all seem to have a genuinely innocent composure to others and the desire to have everyone happy. I think that is amazing. Today, I was teaching 3/4 P.E. In this class is a boy named Corey. Corey, is a different child yet at the same time, I've noticed to be quite knowledgeable about various random subjects he's interested. But, Corey does not understand the meaning of no talking back. He always has to have the last word or has to just continue talking. I've learned he loves hopscotch ...oh and WITH A ROCK. (He gives those he asks about hopscotch a question whether they like playing it with a rock or a leaf). :P This whole week though, I have made the assumption that Corey has a type of behavior disorder seeing how his parents and teacher treat him compared to the other students. BUT, today I decided to go against the rules and find it out for myself. So, today was soccer day. Every one chose a partner, and Corey had one too, but before I knew it he ran off to the restroom and his partner found someone else. Therefore, Corey was left without a partner. I got the rest of the kids set up and in action and by the time Corey returned, I decided to partner with him. "Corey, lets kick!" I said. He proceeded to tell me that he'd rather be playing hopscotch. I didn't ignore him but as a responce to his hopscotch request, I kicked the ball to him, thinking it'd go past. NOT SO MUCH! The kid pulled a total Beckham on me! He trapped the ball, juggled it um maybe 5 times, and passed it perfectly back! To say I was in shock is an utter understatement. So I asked Corey, "do you play soccer at home?" He said no he's never kicked a ball before, but he liked watching the world cup this summer. I put two and two together and found myself completely behooved by Corey. Another incident to cover the lessons I've learned this week. I was tutoring in 2nd grade after school one day this week with two students with dyslexia. I can honestly say that this was my favorite part of the week. I loved it. One student, Tyler, is the funnest kid alive. He is extremely smart and loves attention. The latter I've found can be a bit complicated when it comes to teaching him how to pronounce his "ae's, ch's, mb's" and whatnot, mainly because he did not focus. BUT, I realized that all he needed was the one-on-one close attention and encouragement. He had it. I was so proud of him! The little lessons this week have taught me all kinds of patience. I love how God works through my life in the simplest of ways. The small mannerisms of a student can truly change a teachers heart. This week my one of my prayers will most definitely be to have God take the lead in my life and my teaching of the kids. He taught me the ultimate lesson to love. The least I can do is pass it on to a child and show them patience that God shows me everyday, every moment of my life. That's the least I can do.
Well, this weekend I am going camping with the church, I'm looking forward to it most definitely. I will update soon I promise! :)
Much love,
Ari