As I stand there with 13 pairs of eyes staring back at me, I being to wonder, “How did this happen?”
Have a question about blood pressure, the muscles of the body, or how to assist an elderly person into bed, than I am your girl. Have a question as to long and short vowels and cursive writing, than I am not your girl. Which information am I using this month? Not the nursing degree information I am working towards, that’s for sure.
I never thought I would be a teacher, but yet, here I am in; in Panama teaching a 4th grade class. When I knew I would be serving this month at the school, I was selfish and asked a teammate which class would be the ‘easiest’ and we both agreed that it would be 4th grade. Little did I know at the time that 4th grade doesn’t have a teacher. So as to where my teammates are assisting a teacher, I am in the classroom most of the time by myself. Good thing I passed 4th grade!
And though I feel under-qualified or even unqualified, this is where God has placed me this month. God has placed these special 13 children into my hands. To teach. To love. To mold. To pray for. To serve. He has placed my team at Doulos Christian Academy (a ministry of YWAM Panama City) for a specific reason.
(Yup- that's my class…can't hold still to count to 3 for a picture)
And though I may get tired of saying the same phrases constantly all day long such as: “Sit down.” and “No talking.” It’s worth it. These kids need it. The majority of their home lives are not ideal. School is a place of security for them to receive love, knowledge of God and an opportunity for a future. And I wouldn’t prefer to be serving anywhere else this month.
But the time for me to be here is running out. My team leaves in a month (I know it sounds like a long time, but it going to fly by) and after we leave, who will be the 4th grade teacher? Who will be assisting in the Pre-K, Kinder, 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade classrooms. Who is going to teach P.E. and Art class? (Yeah my team is tackling a lot).
Doulos needs help. God has promised that help is on the way, but who and when? We are still waiting for that answer.
Maybe it could be you! It would only take a time commitment of a year. (only 8 months to finish off this year). Consistency is very important when it comes to teaching. I am the 3rd teacher the 4th graders have had this year (in 3 months). You would be molding the minds and lives of the next generation of Panama. You don’t need a teaching degree, but just a love of children and to see them learn and be able to speak English (the school is bi-lingual, but all my classes are taught in English and my 4th graders understand me completely).
You would be staying at the YWAM base which is a 15 minute walk from the school (but we get rides most days). There are beds, air-conditioning, great food, great community from all over the world all at a reasonable price. Who can say no to that?
If you are interested in knowing more or potentially serving here in Panama please leave a comment or email me ([email protected]) and I can get you connected!
