Monday, June 30, 2008

Day 1 - June 30, 2008

Briefly,

I have a lot of people interested in what I am doing up in Philadelphia with Teach for America. I decided, rather than making many exasperating phone calls, as explaining this stuff will require that. Instead, I thought writing this stuff down, as much I can, will be a great way to keep you in the loop, and also ask for prayers along the way (I'll need them!). 

If you have any questions, or encouragements PLEASE fill free to leave them, as I am sure they will be appreciated. I can already see God's greatness in all of this, but goodness, I never anticipated it being so overwhelming. 

Anyway, here is the first day, hope your week is going well! 

God Bless
-AL


DAY 1:

I woke up at 5:15AM this morning to give myself plenty of time to get ready and head to breakfast. I thought I was really preparing myself for an early and on time arrival to the bus at 6:45. However, unknown to me, the lunch line was massive and the breakfast hall was chaos. I guess that is what happens when 700 people are all trying to eat and pack their lunches in the same hour. I am a little discouraged because waking up at 515AM was extremely difficult, and now my time will be spent waiting in lines rather than getting ready. Oh well, God has a plan for it all, and I know the time will be something I get used too. 

I was one of the last people on the bus, I guess they left others after I had arrived, which was a blessing. Not that the others got left behind, but that I secured a seat. We arrived at Fairhill Elementary School about 15 minutes later and was greeted by the peppy staff and hot classrooms. Somehow the air conditioner was not working. I definitely appreciated the circulating air when I experienced it. For a moment I complained and expected better service than this, but I remembered where I was. I also grounded myself in the Jamaica mission trip I took last year, remembering that air conditioning and working bathrooms are a luxury not all of us are able to have. I guess, I did not expect that to be the case in America, where I live among so much. 

It was a long day. We began at 7AM and did not leave until 430PM. It was a day full of lecturing and orientating. In a way I was happy about this, because I am not ready to go into a classroom and teach. That will happen soon enough though. I start teaching third grade on Monday However, I just found out today that I will be giving diagnostic assessments on Wednesday. 

Our mentor, Ms. Morris, is a little scattered, but she has a good heart. Although I was strategically looking for what she can provide my team and me, God reminded me she is His child and created in His image. That really brought me back to where I needed to be. 

I have 17 students in my class, but our group was warned that this could change. We could even be placed in a different class if things do not work out with Ms. Morris. I am most afraid of this. I really have no knowledge of what is to come, I feel in the dark and uncertain. I feel like all I can plan for is the week in front of me, and I normally like to have my whole summer mapped out. I see God using this to show me the importance of being flexible and embracing change. I can't say it feels too comfortable right now, but Teach for America is definitely about stepping outside of your box. 

We left our school and headed back to the university. I am staying at Temple University in Philadelphia. It is in one of the worst parts, and the campus is pretty spread out. I am kind of worried about this, but I know God would not bring me to a place that would be harmful. I feel like it will be good practice for Baltimore. We had dinner at 5 or so, I was so hungry. I had eaten lunch at 11AM today and then nothing until dinner. They really are not good at making sure we have energy. Most of this program is contingent upon our own efforts, including packing snacks and water for the day. 

I have training at 7 tonight. It will last for two hours. I am not too sure how I am going to get through anymore, especially since I have to wake up again tomorrow at 5AM. God will get me through. 

I have decided to make a calender of the days I have left. I think it will keep me hopeful. On a good note, God has blessed me with the ability to come home for the fourth. We have a half day so I can get back to town in the early afternoon. I am looking forward to that. However, I will need to spend a chunk of saturday doing some lesson planning. Maybe I will beg one of my teacher friends to help me, oh the perks...

I can definitely say that I am exhausted and terrified. I am also slightly excited and hopeful. My friends and I have been talking a lot this evening and find we have a lot of venting we need to do. I want to be realistic about my time here, it will be hard and challenging. However, I need to keep reminding myself that God has the reigns and is in control, and with that comes eternal hope, faith and victory. 

I am worried about failing and not being what my students need to succeed. Again, I need to hand those worries for God. 

So prayer requests for me would definitely be: 

That I get enough sleep
Have energy
stay encouraged and hopeful
Trust God's plan, especially when I can't see it. 

Well, I need to head off to my final activity for the day. I already took my shower and plan to be in bed as soon as I possibly can! 

Thanks for your support, and you will be hearing from me shortly.

God Bless
-AL