learning
For the most part, our students are meeting their learning goals, which must be achieved in order for them to graduate on time for their individualized plans. At times they might miss an activity or have to stay after school, but the students respond well to concrete goals and weekly challenges.
As the students learn, we also learn - what motivates them, what subjects & activities they struggle with, who gets along well together. As the days go by and we get to know each other at deeper levels, we also learn what is under the surface - feelings of rejection, fatherless lives, basic needs unmet (food, shelter, safety), addiction. . .
laughing
"Fun Fridays" have been a lot of fun. Students who meet their weekly academic and behavioral goals have gone to the arboretum, Dallas Baptist University, Eastfield College, community service projects, and have participated in engaging projects on campus. One of our best days so far was when the ladies from the Alvord quilting class came to school to teach the students how to sew on sewing machines!
Laughing together at common reference points from reading Holes and hearing guest speakers has given us special memories that make school feel more and more like family. Laughing is healing and soothing - many times a flashpoint is doused by a funny expression or quick word that reminds us of a time we connected. We've even laughed quit a bit at some of the not-so-great memories we now share.
collaborating
If I didn't believe that God is sovereignly watching over us and faithfully meeting our needs, it would be creepy how just the right person steps in to meet a need - sometimes within moments.
Some examples:
- One day around 10:30, a student said, "We should have a pizza party. We've been working hard!" About 1:30 that day, a group of men from Park Cities Baptist Church & Watermark stopped in to ask if they could bring pizza to the students once a week for the remainder of the school year!
- The teachers met together on a Tuesday afternoon to discuss an opportunity for our students to participate in a national robotics contest. We loved the idea, but none of us felt equipped to lead. On Wednesday, during lunch, a young couple stopped in to ask how they might be able to volunteer at the school. Justin, who has always wanted to participate in a robotics contest, said he would like to come in weekly and help with any kind of math or science project! On Saturday, he attending training at SMU and signed us up to participate!
- Last Monday, after going grocery shopping, I reflected on the number of our students who are responsible for their own food at home. "Wouldn't it be awesome if someone could show the kids how to plan, shop, and prepare practical meals on a budget?" I thought. On Wednesday, two guys from Watermark - Robert & Josh, came for our Connections time in the morning. They brought along a friend - Laura. As they were introducing themselves, Laura mentioned that she is a nutritionist and just returned from 2 years in Africa, where she taught people to plan, shop, and prepare meals with supplies available in their area! She is planning to do the same for our students!
- On Tuesday, as I was leaving the voting booth, I saw a friend that I hadn't seen since high school. She has been in Africa for 15 years, but now lives around the corner. We talked about the upcoming study on Injustice and she is planning to come and give the students a first-hand account of what she saw and experienced!
I could go on and on - God is so faithful! I wish I could say that in a million languages, because it is the overwhelming conviction we experience daily.
comforting
As we learn of the hurts and home experiences our students have, we realize that God has, indeed, comforted us (the teachers & volunteers) in many ways so that we can comfort the students with His love. We can share the hope that God never leaves us or forsakes us. He loves us even more than a mother with her newborn, and He has even carved our names in the palms of His hands.
We ourselves are comforted by those who come and volunteer and by each other. Working with urban youth is messy & painful. But it is worth every part.
depending
'Seems like we have 2-3 good days, then a really bad day or two, when we spend more time dealing with behavioral and emotional issues than teaching. And we make mistakes . . . so far, I've had to make a group apology for bad leadership and several individual apologies for disciplining in anger, overreacting, or ignoring something that should have been addressed.
We are constantly reminded (especially on difficult days) that only God can change hearts and we are completely dependent on Him. We are committed to keep showing up and doing our best and we trust that He will fulfill the plans He has for us.
We especially feel the prayers of friends certain days. There is a different spirit among the students - an openness, kindness, . . . hope. Please remember our students in prayer. . .and us! It is good to realize our dependence and enjoy leaning hard on Him.
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