For any of my supporters who are teachers, this blog is especially for you.
Majil, Matt, Sam, Martina (our fearless translator, guide, and friend!), me, Nick
When I left for the race in September, I did so postponing the start of my 11th year of teaching. So, imagine my joy when I learned that this month we would be visiting classrooms all over the Czech Republic promoting summer English Camps and a music program called Fusion. Finally, a ministry that clearly lined up with my skills!
A little more about the ministry before my musing about the past week: American culture is followed closely by the teenagers here, and the desire to learn English is huge. English Camps are week-long summer programs attended by both Czech students and teams from America. By living, learning, and playing together, Czech students have an English-immersion experience without having to leave their country. The Fusion program capitalizes on everyone's inner desire to be a rock star (come on, you know you have moments…) by rehearsing a weekly Glee-style group learning American pop songs. They also have summer camps with American teams. The Czech culture has been described to me as atheistic, but, I personally see it as largely apathetic towards spiritual things. Students have a natural tendency to question things, and through intentional conversations with Czech students, many hear the gospel for the first time through these ministries.
Our role this last week was to enter classrooms promoting English Camps by showing a short video and giving the students the opportunity to have conversations with us. Teachers were very receptive to our presence in their classrooms because the students rarely have opportunities to talk with native English speakers. Sometimes we'd be with the students for 20 minutes, and sometimes we'd be responsible for filling up an entire 45 minute slot.
Over the course of the week, we visited too many classrooms to count. We had to create activities that varied by age level, school, and teacher demands. We had to facilitate conversations with all different levels of English speakers who were often embarrassed to try out their English with native speakers. Once, we were asked to review body parts with the students, and I taught them all a “Head & Shoulders” type song with movement that I often do with my students in the states. We had to be flexible, we had to be enthusiastic, and we always had to be “on.”
At the end of each day we were mentally, if not physically, exhausted. “Tired” doesn't even begin to describe us. I suppose the fact that we moved to a new city each day didn't help (five days, five different places to lay our weary heads), but, the truth is, teaching is hard work, especially if you do it well.
I had forgotten what is was like to spend a week teaching; or, maybe with so many new things happening all the time, I just hadn't thought about it. But, I loved every second of it, even if I had forgotten how exhausting it can be. My teammates, who already respected the teaching profession, finished last week with a newfound appreciation for a job that many people wrongfully assume is easy. It's not.
So this is for all the teachers out there sipping their 3rd cup of coffee before 7:30 A.M. You do amazing work, and you are rarely praised for it. I pray that today God gives you a little extra encouragement as you go about your day. Maybe it will take the form of a pair of eyes that light up after finally grasping a concept. Maybe it will take the form of a normally rowdy class being a little more attentive than usual. Maybe it will take the form of a fire drill when you need that 3 minute breather most. (Don't deny it, I know how it can be some days!) I pray that you know how greatly God values those who care about children and their future. You care about what He cares about. Don't let a little sleep depravation get in the way of doing your best for those whole the world often thinks of as the least. It's worth it.
And, for the rest of you who have benefited from good teaching throughout your lives, here's a little secret:
We really like Starbucks gift cards.
