This morning, just before I started working with my first group of kiddos of the day, I see one of the girls in my group. Her eyes are a little puffy and she isn’t wearing her typical ear-to-ear smile. I go up to her and ask if she feels okay, thinking she’s getting sick again. She says no and starts to turn away. I stop her and ask what feels bad, holding the back of my hand to her forehead, typical teacher style. She responds with a statement that I’ve heard too many times during my short time student teaching and teaching: her dad went to prison. After a few more questions, I learned that he was taken away over Spring Break. This sweet, outgoing, and bubbly 7 year old shared that she was sad and scared and that her head was all confused because she didn’t know if he was going to stay there or come back home. I answered the only way I knew how. I told her I was sorry. I reassured her that she has a family at school who love her and care about her, and that she will be okay. This child’s world had been turned upside down, all stability was wrecked, and then there she was, at school, expected to focus on her work.
Like I said, I’ve heard stories like this too many times throughout my short time in the schools. It got me thinking. I go back and forth between being so focused on my job and my friends and family that I don’t spend the necessary time preparing in all ways for the Race. Then the rest of the time, I can only think about the Race, and I put everything else on the back burner. I think about the fact that my current job is only temporary- I’m grateful to have it, but let’s face it- I’m not staying there forever. It’s easy to get in the mindset that it doesn’t matter as much if I don’t create solid relationships with my coworkers and students because who knows if I’ll see them again. How much of a difference can I make in this short of a timespan?
And that’s when God hit me upside the head. HELLO- on the World Race, I’ll only be in each country for a MONTH. A timespan SO much shorter than what I have at my school.
This morning, that little girl’s tragic story reminded me why I need to be fully present. There are people all around me right now that are in need of love and support. How fair am I being to them when I’m just brushing them aside because they won’t be in my life forever? My biggest goal for the Race is to love on people who don’t normally feel loved. I can’t treat people in my own country, my own city, shoot.. my own elementary school any differently.
Guys, I know I give this spiel every time, but I have to be real. I’m so thankful for you all. Seriously. You’re taking the time out of your day to read my ramblings, to pray for me, and to donate your hard earned cash to my fund. It baffles me, really. But I’m oh so grateful.
I currently have $4620.00 in my account- almost 30% funded!! However, there’s still a long way to go before reaching that final goal of $16,254. I can’t do this without you. Even the smallest donations help! Click here if you’d like to join my support team by making a tax-deductible donation.
Please continue to pray throughout this season of preparation. I recently went to REI to try on backpacks- pray that I’m able to find gear at prices that won’t break the bank aaand that I don’t lose my mind in the process 🙂
Love you guys.
xo, Caitlin
