I made it through my first year of teaching! I was actually sort of surprised to see the year come and go. I had so much fun and learned so much, but I never reached the point of overload that I had heard every first-year teacher reaches. Therefore, I have concluded that this idea is either A) A myth that veteran teachers have concocted as a sick hazing ritual for first-year teachers or B) I was supremely blessed to have a small classroom (7 students) to cut my teeth on. (I'm inclined to think it's "A". ;)) Either way, I'm giving you all some of the credit. I'm so blessed to have a wonderful group of family and friends to support me on this journey in life.
Speaking of which, I wanted to update you on this next phase I'm jumping into. Just three days ago I sent in the last of my application for graduate school at WSU. Yes, I'm going back to school. Well, I suppose being a teacher means that I never really leave... but in the spring I hope to start classes in the Curriculum and Instruction department. (But don't worry, I'll be starting with part-time classes and full-time teaching 5th/6th grade again. I love those kids!)
OH MY! I'M SO EXCITED! Ever since that fateful day, sitting in the Stephenson kitchenette, when God told me to go into education, I have known what I wanted to do with it. For me, education is the tool I can take into the world that will build the disciples of tomorrow. By imparting the heart and vision of Christ-centered education to one teacher at a time, many more lives are changed than if I were to only stay in the classroom. Therefore, I am going back to school to gather more tools so that I have more to give to those who need it.
You wanna know somethin' funny? I've already gathered about ten books for my research and I havn't been accepted into the college yet. Hehe. Here's hoping they like my application.:)
I think my new favorite thing is discussing all the exciting questions my research is bringing up. Like, "Why educate?"and "How do you create an individually based education system that is founded upon their unique cultural needs while standing upon Biblical principles?" I think that right there is my thesis. Well, the beginning anyway. It's funny, this has consumed much of my thinking for the last couple months and all I have to show for it is a lot more questions than when I began. Oh, well. God is showing me so much about His power and sovereignty. I am taking courage from David when he went to meet Goliath because there is quite a bit of potential for me to look like an idiot if God does not show up to do most of the battle. This seems like a pretty big vision that God has given to me. But, I suppose that's where he likes us-willing to take on the giant, but fully recognizing that He is the one that wins the battle. I'm praising Him in advance for all the things He is going to do.
There are lots of exciting opportunities on the horizon that you will hear more about as they get closer. For now, please pray that I can keep my vision on God's ability and not my own inadequacies. None of this should really be about me anyway. God is doing a mighty work in the world today, and what a privilege that He let's me be part of it.
I'd love to hear your thoughts and what kinds of questions this sparks in you. We are all on a journey in this life and what a joy to share about where we are going and where we have been.
