Making It Worthwhile

As I mentioned on Wednesday, this semester has been a challenge. I'm in a fourth grade class at a very poor school. The school itself is new and wonderful, but the most of the children live below the poverty line.

The stories I hear from these children sometimes break my heart. I see kids who are told they're ugly and some who have unsupportive parents.

Some of them are so angry. I wonder how awful their situations must be for them to harbor such anger at only nine years old.

I have never seen such disrespect towards teachers and peers. It is shocking to me that they talk back so rudely and call each other such hurtful names.

They surprise me every day. Not in good ways.

Throwing desks, ripping up papers in my face, blatantly refusing to obey.

If I did these things when I was in school, I can't imagine what would have happened.

I would never imagine talking to teachers the way they talk to us. Shocking is the only way I can describe it.

Yet even in these rough conditions, the children have a hold on my heart.

I am so grateful I get a chance to love on them each day and tell them how special I think they are.

I know that on some days, I may be the only one to tell them that.

This year has shown me that this is what I'm supposed to do. I know the Lord has called me to this profession.

While I am often frustrated, at the end of the day, I still love the kids. And I love that I have a chance to make a difference.

 They grow up in situations so different from the loving one I grew up with.

I have called my parents multiple times this semester to just thank them.

For loving me, telling me how special I am, being my biggest fan, disciplining me, and supporting me through everything.

My prayer is that I encourage them to be something. To know that they can overcome their challenges and do something great with their lives.

At the end of the day, if I help just one child, it will all be worth it.

A Week of Fourth Grade

This week has been pretty crazy for me. We are in the schools all week.

{Usually we are only there on Thursdays and Fridays.}

I'm enjoying being in the classroom everyday because it gives me a chance to see what they do each day of the week. Usually I come in at the end of a unit so I'm not able to see how they started.

I'm also teaching a lot this week. We had to plan a unit for three subjects.

I chose reading, writing, and social studies with a focus on the explorers.

I think I'm having more fun than my kids.

I absolutely love making posters, creating brochures, making up booklets, and all the other cute stuff that goes along with teaching.

{If I had to pick my dream job, it would be doing all the things teachers do without the actual teaching part. I love grading papers, decorating classrooms, making worksheets, etc. So if you're looking for someone to do that stuff, hit me up! Seriously. I'm not kidding.}

I'll share some pictures once the week is over.

The end result is *hopefully* a brochure telling about their explorer.

Will it turn out like I hope? Who knows. But I have faith!

Here's a little snapshot of an example brochure I made:

While this semester has been hard (more to come on that later this week), it has definitely confirmed to me that teaching is what I'm meant to do.

Good thing, right?

That would be horrible to decide I didn't want to teach as a senior in college.

Hope y'all are having a wonderful Wednesday!

Fall is Here!

It's fall, y'all!

I love saying that. 

Makes me sound so Southern.

It was a chilly 55-60ish degrees today in Georgia.

That's cold for us!

I pulled out the boots because they make me oh so happy.

*hopefully summer doesn't decide to make a reappearance*

My day got even better when I remembered it was a government holiday.

Because I work for the Forest Service, I didn't have to go in to work!

Party for me!

Except I really sat at home writing lesson plans all afternoon.

Good news is I'm finally finished.

Which means I can now relax, catch up on blogs, and maybe watch a little TV.

Oh and the final season of Gossip Girl starts tonight!

Here's hoping it's better than last season.

Have a wonderful night!!

Be Thankful and Rejoice

I was reading Jessica's latest post earlier today. Something she said really stuck out to me: 

Always remember that your circumstances do not determine who God is, and you must be thankful and rejoice no matter what goes on in your life.

There are a lot of people who think less of God depending on their circumstances. I'm sure I have even fallen into that trap at some point.

But I know that our God is greater than anything life throws at us.

When my mom had cancer, I am so thankful I knew this truth.

My circumstances do not define God.

He is so much higher than that.

Knowing He was going to see me through to the end gave me such comfort.

I hope this encourages you today.

Don't forget that God knows your situation and that He is worthy of our praise.

God is good, all the time!

PS check out Jessica's blog. She's such an encourager!

Proud Sister Moment

I just need to take a second a brag on my little brother. Callaway has officially been moved to the varsity football team. He has been playing JV and some varsity, but as of this week, no more JV!!

Which means Zeb and I don't have to drive home on Thursdays!

It was getting a little tiresome going home both Thursday and Friday nights to watch him play. So now it's just Fridays!

If you want to see a shot of him in action, click here. And here.

I love high school football. Really I love all football.

High school football just has a special place in my heart. I think it has something to do with the feel of a whole town rallying behind a team. There's just something so great about that.

It wouldn't surprise you then to know that Friday Night Lights is one of my favorite shows. If you haven't seen it, go to Netflix immediately and start watching. Tim Riggins is the man.

But I digress. Congrats, Cal! I'm so proud of you. Can't wait to watch you finish the season! Love you, bud!

Mental Health Days

I need a mental health day, y'all. Real bad.

I have been going non-stop for what feels like years.

This is what I wish would happen:

via

Do you ever take mental health days? I have grown up with this idea. My mom used to let us skip school every once in a while when we were kids. Once a month or so, she would let us stay home. We would play games all day, go outside, have a picnic, pick apples or grapes, or run errands with her. Those days were the best.

 I was talking with my small group last week about how tired I felt. I told them I was going to take a mental health day soon and they had no idea what I was talking about! They thought I was crazy. I didn't think it was that foreign of a concept. 

In the off-chance that you haven't ever taken one, I highly recommend it. It's such a great chance to step outside your normal routine and relax. I am not able to take them but once a semester because of the education school's rules. But the day I take off? So glorious.

What do you do to step back and relax? I'd love to hear suggestions that don't involve taking a whole day off.

Hope you all are having a stress-free week...because those are the best kind!