PRAY

I have both the blessing and the burden of being a teacher at a public school. Last week the principal of one of my schools heard that I go to the Vineyard and asked me to ask my church to pray for the students at McKinley School. “This is your ministry now.” She said. Another Christian teacher at the same school says she feels I am meant to be there. I have 36 Kindergarteners between my two classes, children that have been entrusted to my care. Regardless of opinions on the public education system and the district (believe me I have them too!), we cannot deny that there are solid Christian people within this public institutions striving to make a difference in the world, to touch the hearts and souls of their students. But there is only so much a person can do. So it is imperative that we PRAY.

Pray for the children who live in poverty, who don’t receive proper sleep or nutrition, and don’t have access to the basic necessities (2 of my students are homeless). Pray just as much for the children who are indulged and given everything they ask for and not had limits set on them. Pray for the parents who do not have time to spend with heir own children. Pray for the single and young mothers. Pray for the broken marriages and blended families. Pray for extended family members within the home and providing childcare. Pray for the students who struggle in school and have difficulty learning. Pray for the students who are immigrants or for other reasons are not fluent in English. Pray for the parents who are not educated on what is best for their children. Pray for the students whose families attend local churches and AWANA programs to be a light to those around them. Pray for the moms who get together and find connection with one another. Pray for the fathers to be role models to their children. Pray for the students who deal with emotional and physical abuse or who witness domestic violence within their homes. Pray for the lack of funding for quality education programs. Pray for administrators working to balance financial pressures as well as the pressure for student success. Pray for the teaches who can only do so much and too often are not given enough to cope with the great demands of providing a good education, plus mediate conflicts, teach positive character traits, foster a love for learning, expose children to the greater world around them, manage behavior issues, maintain positive relationships with families, collaborate with coworkers and staff, and yet lead personal lives outside of school!

Everything Must Change

So for the past 9 years, I have occupied the entire 3rd floor attic of my parents' house. I painted clouds on the walls and it has been my space to hang out in. Lots of memories, good and bad. I knew eventually this chapter would close and have wanted to move out and move on. Things never happen the way I picture them to.

Meanwhile, my sister moved out of the same house, got married, and had a family. She has been living with a church family and it has been such a blessing to us all. Unfortunately, they are not able to continue living there, and had not found another place to go, so my parents welcomed them to move back in even though space here would be tight.

While I was in Kenya, she told me about another church family who have a room they want to rent out and the whole situation sounded ideal as a next step for me but I was so determined I wouldn't be around. Then I got this job and so it seems meant to be to move in with them!!! Also, that way my sister and family will have more room!

We have known them for almost 9 years and they are a sweet couple with 2 young kids. The room is a small room they have been using as an office. They have invited me to eat meals with them and have friends over in the awesome basement hangout area. :)

I am blessed by all these changes, but change is so hard. It is hard to picture living with them and leaving all I have known here. It is great that I will still be close by though.

Even harder to picture is that all of this is happening within the next week!!! My sister is moving on the 10th, and it looks like I will be as well though I have so much stuff everywhere and the idea of packing is completely overwhelming!!! (on top of what is already going on with teaching)

Ahh, life is crazy even when it is good crazy!