Seeing through the eyes of the 40 + teachers who taught me during my career as a student has changed my perspective on being a professional educator. This month I have taught at Mount Carmel School International (MCSI) in Hakha, Myanmar; a small mountain village 20 hours shy of civilization.
Spending my days going over proper grammar, realizing how little I actually use. Covering Biblical stories and developing vocabulary list to further the comprehension of what was just taught. To being annoyed with the two students whose attention spans are no longer existent, but empathizing because it has been a long day. All while jumping for joy when one of my students has a light bulb moment.
Falling in love with these kids has been the easiest part of my month. That is why I caught myself day dreaming about ways to improve this school. I felt like they deserved better than what sat before me!
// The school building.
// Ms. Erica teaching Grade 5.
// Playground.
// Grade 3 with Ms. Molly.
// My Grade 6 on a chilly morning during break.
I was blessed with an opportunity to learn in a heated school. A school that had floors… I was fed every single day from amazing lunch ladies (shout out to Mom). Great memories were made on a crazy cool playground.
P: Why can’t they have that??
–
P: What makes me deserving??
–
God: What makes your experience better?
–
God: I love my children the same. Look at it from a different perspective!
God changed my perspective that day. I took some time and observed…
They have teachers that love them. They have a community of kids around them. I saw all the stereotypes of school that I grew up in.
He showed me that even though it is different, He has still provided exactly what these kids need.
If I’ve learned anything while teaching, it’s that students learn best when they are comfortable. These students are in their element. Their homes are just like the school so that is why it is nothing to them to make a fire during break on a chilly morning.
This is a place of comfort for them!
