A Day in the Life of Education

Teaching a preschool lesson

When I went to Kenya in 2005, I saw the difference between education and lack thereof. Kids who went to school were not only more knowledgeable, but had higher goals regarding their lives and the possibility of change in their country. Kids who went to school had aspirations that I had never even heard of. Kids who went to school had an idea of the world outside of their village. Kids who didn’t, had a whole lot less of everything. Of course, it wasn’t their fault; nor was it their parents’. It was the fact that a lack of education meant (from what I experienced) a lack of a larger perspective. I came back from that trip and changed my major to Teaching.

Phillip at home, while his sister is in school

Boys outside their home (could not go to school)

Children in school

      The school I work/volunteer at is a good one. I love it. I love the students, I love the atmosphere, and I love that there is an exponential need for growth for which I am able be used to my ability. Yet, there is still something missing. Like all schools in the area (government and private), there exists an extreme deficiency of outside resources. This includes after school academic programs, clubs, sports (besides basketball), and in-school academic achievement opportunities. Our students are no doubt pushed to succeed academically every day in their classes, however there is a need for more motivation to not only survive school, but to thrive in school. I have asked myself that question many times; How can I add to this need? Recalling my high school days and all the programs and opportunities available to us as we went about those four years, I want the same for our students. 

Recess

      Recently, our high school put on an “Academic Decathlon” for the students to compete in teams against one another. Realistically, what that meant was I prepared several questions from multiple subjects (most academic, but some unoriginal), and made a huge Jeopardy Game. The students loved it. Even more, they were challenged to go beyond their daily routine and they thrived. My mind warped around other ideas to get students involved academically (lower performers as well as higher performers), in order that they may be further motivated to achieve greater academic goals for themselves while they still attended their classes. An annual Spelling Bee, a Quiz Bowl for the elementary school, an ASB program, Literacy Competitions, a mentoring program; there are countless projects to divulge into. Thank the Lord I have the strength and energy to dive in while the water’s hot!

Sometimes I am really grateful for the gaping needs of this community. It means we have open chances to make some delightful changes!

Deeply Rooted

Deeply Rooted

Isaiah 40:31 “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

I am 25 years old. I have been married to a great, God-fearing and God-following man for almost 3 years. I have two beautiful and healthy babies. I am 4.5 months pregnant. I live in a country thousands of miles away from all my family.  And I love and serve a God who is faithful.

These are facts. I have to remember the facts during the storms in my life. The facts are what keep me grounded; deeply rooted. This life is not easy. Not just my life, your life. Every day is either a day to be thankful for, or a day to wish would end. But, can’t we also be thankful in those days? Thankful for a Father who is always faithful to His word. We are coming into a new season of life at the moment. Less relying on jobs, more relying on support. Less planning for the future, more planning for the day. Less worry, more faith. But with it, comes doubt and hopelessness sometimes. I don’t know what lies ahead. I don’t know what next year looks like. I don’t know what it will be like to have 3 children under 2 years old. I don’t know what friendships will last and which ones will flounder. I don’t know who or what the enemy will throw at me to discourage our work and vision out here. I don’t know where the money will come from. However, I do know some important facts. And if I hold to these facts, I can be thankful and joyous throughout all of these uncertainties.

Fact #1: GOD is my father, my provider, my comfort, my joy, my strength, my light, my word, my Lord.

Fact #2: This same God—hears and loves me.

Fact #3: God has provided in the past for our family’s uncertainties and will provide in the future no matter our doubt.

Fact #4: My reason for living is to love and serve my Creator and those around me, starting with my HUSBAND and my children. When I honor, respect, and love them, I honor, respect, and love God.

Fact #5: God has provided me with a partner who also loves and serves Him and who I can find joy in every day of my life. He earnestly seeks the Lord and we find Him together as one. He loves me.

Fact #6: My children are healthy, provided for, and sweet. They laugh every day.

Fact #7: We have chosen to serve the Lord and the people of Israel for such a time as this.

Fact #8: God promises that He works everything for the good for those who love and serve Him.

Fact #9: Paul and I are healthy and thankful.

Fact #10: I have a passion, desire, and talent to work in the field of education and God has provided the opportunity for me to do so now.

What are the facts of your life? When I scroll back up to those uncertainties, they look scary. It can be like a dark hole I crawl through, hoping there is a way out. But when I remind myself of the facts of my life (and there are many more), everything else seems so clear because the answer lies in the truth. And the truth is: “Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8 And so we prepare for the rain by digging our heels in the truth so deeply that no amount of wind can sway us.