I am not Kasey Brinson. So in addition to not being a beautiful blonde, or insanely witty, possessing a love for running, nor having a slight obsession with a certain 3 legged dog, I did not spend this year travelling the world using a bag with conveniently placed wheels. Bad call, Arnold. Baaaaaaad call. But I’ve learned my lesson, and am officially packing for my NEXT international adventure in a ginormo purple suitcase (given to me for FREE – don’t forget to thank God for the little blessings) that has wheels. Aaaaaahhh the rolling bliss that awaits me.
So only one week from yesterday I will be leaving for Tegucigalpa, Honduras. One week from today I will begin my teaching job at CEAD. YIKES! Over the past month I’ve tried to remember what it was like to be a 5th grader. No luck. All I remember is that I loved my teacher (thanks for being amazing, Mrs. Samaratoni! wish I recalled a little more of what/how you taught us!), I liked Mellow Yellow, and had a big attitude problem (who’s surprised?). Shoot. Looks like this year is going to be crazy exciting and full of unexpected experiences.
While over thinking my life (as is my custom) I’ve tried to decide up front what kind of teacher I am going to be this year. How can I inspire these kids? How can I make them more creative? What will it take for each of them to be interested in every subject? How can I be sensitive to their individuality while maintaining a balanced community? How can I earn their confidence and respect? How can I ensure that they give respect to each other and also to those they come in contact with outside of their school environment? How can I push them to be the best “them”? In short… how am I going to make these children into the best and most excellent 5th grade class that there has ever been in the history of Honduran 5th grade classes? (yes, that might actually KIND OF be my small goal this semester. i dream big.)
So after worrying about these things, googling different methods, reading first year teaching books, brushing up on classroom management techniques and grilling my little sister about everything she’s ever learned during her 4 years of Ed El training at Ball State I’ve come to a conclusion: I have NO idea what I’m doing. It shouldn’t have taken me THAT long to figure out! But seriously, I’ve got nothin. And I’ve never been more excited about that! One of the most important things I’ve learned in my life is that God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called. Well lucky me, I’m so incredibly unqualified, so I believe that God will use me to do ALL the things that I want to do this year and more!
So, folks, that’s me. So excited about the opportunities that are awaiting me in Tegucigalpa. I know I’m going for more than to SIMPLY teach a class. I am filled with the power of the Holy Spirit and I am going there to change lives.
I hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday season so far. It has been GREAT knowing that so many people at home read my blogs this year, looked through my pictures, and generally cared about the different things my team did this year. Seriously. Humbling. I have LOVED being able to spend time with my family this month and am so excited when I see God working in all of their lives. Speaking of family…. who wants to see the most gorgeous little girl in the world? Huh? You?!? Oh, ok, good.
My niece, miss Brooklyn Laine Fike.
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Photo thanks to Julie Curry Photography
That’s all for now, friends. If you’d like to donate toward the purchasing of my class supplies, you can do so through the Donate button on my page HERE. I’ll try to keep you up to date on life in Honduras, as well as shoot you some awesome pictures of my class soon! Please keep me updated on YOUR lives, because I love hearing about what you are doing. (FYI I’m one of those people who say that and mean it. So please, email me anytime.)
Peace&Love
Brianna
