Teachers have always had a special place in my heart.
Growing up I always looked up to my dad, as he was a teacher and his students
always showed him such respect. As I grew older, I appreciated teachers even
more as I saw the passion, time and energy that they pour into children.
Teachers are constantly trying to teach in creative ways and think of different
angles to get the concept across. Because of these reasons, I’ve noticed that
teachers do not always get the credit they deserve. Having worked at
Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Schools for five years, I have met some amazing
teachers. Not only did they put everything they have into teaching their
students, but they also were great role models outside of school.
This past month, we had the opportunity to act as teachers
and help students do their homework right in our back yard. These students came
by our house six nights a week with their list of homework assignments and
books ready to learn. They always were so excited to see us when we arrived home
from evangelism, shouting “hello” while jumping up and giving us big hugs. We did everything from math and
science to Nepalese (which unfortunately I was not able to help with). These
students were incredible, always seeking to learn and eager to get the homework
done so that we would say, “Great job!”
We also got to teach Sunday School, which is actually on
Saturdays here because Saturday is the holy day in this culture. It brought
back my teaching days and I realized how much I miss and love teaching, the
chance to influence and shape the future generation in a powerful and positive
way. However, teaching is not something to be taken lightly – it comes with
high responsibility. One of the last sermons we listened to as a team talked
about the importance of empowering our kids with leadership positions as we
raise up the next generation of leaders.
As many of you know, I love kids, so doing this was
amazing!!! I love helping them reach their potential and I know part of me
would love to be just like my dad when I grow up. While on the Race, I have had
a lot of time to sit and think about what I want to do with the rest of my
life. Do I want to continue to be a teacher when I get home? Do I want to
continue coaching? Thinking back on the past five years where I have been, I
have realized the amazing opportunity that I had with students. Was I always
the best teacher? Did I always put the students first? Did I always try and
mentor them in a way that would prepare them for the future?
While being on the Race, we are all teachers. As we travel from
village to village teaching the gospel, we are always trying to find new ways
to share about Jesus and how He loves them. Jesus was the best example of a
teacher we had. He went around and people were drawn to Him because He was such
a great teacher. He cared about his audience and would spend time just talking
with them. I realize that teaching will always be my calling, whether or not
that is my profession. We are all called to teach others about Christ and love
others.
For the next four months I have the privilege to love and
pour into people from other parts of the world. But I don’t want to stop there.
I want to continue pouring into people when I get home and for the rest of my
life. To all of you teachers out there, I want to acknowledge the amazing job that your are doing to pour into our future leaders. Keep up the great work! To all of my past teachers, thank you for helping to shape me into the person I am today. To my dad & mom, thank you for always loving me and pouring into my life and teaching me to love the Lord! I love you guys!
Thank you to everyone that has helped me get to where I am
today on the World Race. Our final deadline is quickly approaching and I am
still $1,700 short. If you feel called to participate in this mission trip and
what God is doing all over the world please consider donating. You can click
the Support Me tab on the right. Thanks!
