Tale of a 5th Grade Teacher...

To teach is to learn twice.

-- Joseph Joubert

Five years ago, if you were to tell me that I would be finishing up my first year teaching, I would have laughed--literally. I would be the first one to tell you that teaching is not in my bones--but God has a way of changing us to what He has called us to do. My good friend Kim says that God is just showing off, and boy did He ever in this unthinkable ministry He has placed me in.

Yes, I said ministry. You see, I have strived to live my life as God calls me to live it. I am not perfect and yes sometimes I don't want to do it, but I know that when I do, I am always blessed beyond measure. This is where I am, blessed.

BLESSED to be able to impart something positive in these kids.

BLESSED to be able to see these kids with "real" and "spiritual" eyes.

BLESSED that I have been given a greater love for those that need it.

BLESSED to know that God placed me where I am at.

BLESSED by those friendships that have been cultivated and deepened during this journey.

BLESSED by the never ending prayers and support from my family and friends.

I LOVE what I do, I LOVE the passion that I still have in these final days of the year. Yes, it is HARD. One of the hardest things I have ever done--I have wept for the lives of my students. I have wept feeling unworthy and discouraged. This was not meant to be easy--is it worth it? YES.

This class of students will always be special to me--they will have a special place in my heart. Why? Because they are my first. They make me laugh, they make me want to pull my hair out, and they have made me cry. I love them for it.