Challenges

My classroom is often a very funny place, due to the language barrier.   Last week, we read a story about sea creatures.  On one of the pages we read the following sentence: "Perhaps we can go to the beach tomorrow."  One student raised her hand and asked, "Miss, what is 'perhaps'?.  I explained that perhaps meant "maybe" or "likely".  I wrote the word on the board and we brainstormed other sentences with this word.   Little did I know how much they loved this word, but how quickly they would forget its meaning.   The next day, students submitted their homework, which was comprehension questions based on our story.   I received some interesting responses.  One question was "What is a baby whale called?"  One little girl wrote, "A baby whale is called a perhaps."  Another little boy answered, "Perhaps a baby whale is called perhaps."  (He was getting closer!)  Another question read, "Why was the character like the turtle?"  One little girl responded, "They were both perhaps."  I think we might need to review the meaning of "perhaps"! :)  They are so funny!  I got a good laugh from their responses.  At least they were trying to use the new word!

This past week I have been watching my students grow in their excitement for the Bible and God!  It is always so encouraging to hear students say, "Miss, I love how the Bible is always filled with good things for us!"  or "God must REALLY love us!"  It is so exciting to watch their love for Bible increase.   Although we had some really great moments in 3B, it was a more challenging week as well. I often felt like Solomon trying to sort through problems and determine who was right and who was wrong.   On Friday, I had two sobbing uncontrollably over another students words.  Two of my boys started fighting during indoor recess and another boy was upset for feeling left out.   It was an exciting time in my classroom.  There were times when I would just pray, "Lord, give me wisdom to help these students solve their problems. "  It is so hard to know who is telling the truth sometimes!

After a long week at school, the fun did not stop.  I am a small group leader for 9th and 10th grade girls.  The school puts on a high school youth group type program for the students, since many don't have any church activities.  I have 5 girls currently, 4 of whom are MKs at the school.  At first, I thought it was funny that I was put with the only 4 MKs at the school.  After praying about it, I really feel that the Lord can use me and my co-leader to help them grow.  I have never been an MK, but I have been a PK and I understand some aspects of growing up in the church and having parents involved in ministry.  The one challenge for me is the fact that these girls are SO smart!  They want to learn more and I just feel unequipped to lead them.  I know God is calling me to step out of my comfort zone to lead these girls, I just pray I may be open to His leading in this small group.  Please pray for these girls to know God in a new way and grow deeper in their relationship with Him.

I immediately left small group to head to my church for a young adults small group.  It was all in Spanish, but thankfully my friend, Jenna, was able to help translate for me.   As you all know, the language barrier has been difficult for me.  On Friday night, I was able to understand some of the lesson, which was huge!  God is at work.  I absolutely love my church and am so blessed by my new friends there.  I pray we will continue to grow in our friendship and challenge each other in our life with Christ.

As I am learning daily, "God does not call the equipped, He equips the called."  May I remember these truths during the challenges and continue to see His calling for my life!