We all have a voice. So let's make some noise!
Saturday, March 2, 2013
A million voices
We’ve been back from Uganda
We all have a voice. So let's make some noise!
We all have a voice. So let's make some noise!
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
What hurts the most
Sometimes it just hits me like a brick. I'm in Uganda, and have been for almost 2 months. And during these 2 months, I've been a teacher, a friend, a student, a rainy day entertainer, a playmate, a nurse(I'll explain later)... but at the same time, I've had to see things that break my heart, and have left a big mark in my life. I've had to comfort 2 little girls who are ill with Malaria, I've had to buy food for a little girl who's stomach was "paining" her because of hunger and lunch wasn't ready, and I've seen children running around with no clothes on. Now, some people might think I'm complaining about the things I've seen, or that I'm growing tired of some of the challenges. But that's simply not true.
This morning, Christine, Kelsey and I took Ian, a P2 student, to see a nearby doctor because he has a serious wound on his leg from spilling hot porridge on himself a few days ago. After having an injection, ointment applied, and medicine prescribed, we walked back to the school. And then, Christine was telling us that Anisha (P3) is his sister, and his caregiver for the time being. Their mother is currently working in Kampala, and won't be returning for about a year. So that leaves a 3rd grader as the primary caregiver for a her brother, who is in 2nd grade... Is it just me, or does something sound off in this situation?? I want so badly to take care of them until their mother returns, but I don't have enough time left here to do so.
An hour or so later, we made our way back to the doctor with Ritah and Prossy, who were both complaining of headaches. Come to find out, both girls have Malaria. Ritah's temp was very low, while Prossy's was high. After some injections, more prescribed medicine, and orders to come back after school and before school tomorrow for another injection, we went back to the school, where both girls layed down to rest. They seem to be feeling a little better, but they aren't over the hill yet.
Then, after thinking we were done with our "excitement" for the day, Anisha starts complaining of a stomachache. Christine gave her some medicine, but her stomach pain did not go away. Then she said that her stomach pain was because of hunger(common problem). So Christine and I(along with her ADORABLE son, Elvis) walked down the hill to buy Anisha a snack, because Lunch wasn't even close to being ready. Anisha ended up with 2 biscuits and a banana... enough to hold her over until lunch.
As I sat in the office eating lunch this afternoon, I looked around and saw Ian, Ritah, Prossy, and Anisha, smiling and coloring, along with Jessica, Shakira, Marvin, Vicky, and the other Ritah(These 5 kids aren't sick but just wanted to spend time with their friends). And as I listened to the sound of the heavy rain on the church's tin roof, I thanked God for putting smiles back on these beautiful faces that I love so much. But my heart still longs to do more for them. That's what hurts the most. Knowing that Ritah and Prossy still need to be cure of their Malaria. Knowing that Anisha and Ian's mother won't be home for a year. Knowing that most of these children live in such extreme cases of poverty. Knowing that we're only their teachers for 2 more days... But I'm going to give up control. I'm gonna let go, and let God take the wheel. And really, he's been in control this whole time.
I don't know what else to say to these children when we leave, other than
Nkkwagala ("I Love You" in Luganda)
This morning, Christine, Kelsey and I took Ian, a P2 student, to see a nearby doctor because he has a serious wound on his leg from spilling hot porridge on himself a few days ago. After having an injection, ointment applied, and medicine prescribed, we walked back to the school. And then, Christine was telling us that Anisha (P3) is his sister, and his caregiver for the time being. Their mother is currently working in Kampala, and won't be returning for about a year. So that leaves a 3rd grader as the primary caregiver for a her brother, who is in 2nd grade... Is it just me, or does something sound off in this situation?? I want so badly to take care of them until their mother returns, but I don't have enough time left here to do so.
An hour or so later, we made our way back to the doctor with Ritah and Prossy, who were both complaining of headaches. Come to find out, both girls have Malaria. Ritah's temp was very low, while Prossy's was high. After some injections, more prescribed medicine, and orders to come back after school and before school tomorrow for another injection, we went back to the school, where both girls layed down to rest. They seem to be feeling a little better, but they aren't over the hill yet.
Then, after thinking we were done with our "excitement" for the day, Anisha starts complaining of a stomachache. Christine gave her some medicine, but her stomach pain did not go away. Then she said that her stomach pain was because of hunger(common problem). So Christine and I(along with her ADORABLE son, Elvis) walked down the hill to buy Anisha a snack, because Lunch wasn't even close to being ready. Anisha ended up with 2 biscuits and a banana... enough to hold her over until lunch.
As I sat in the office eating lunch this afternoon, I looked around and saw Ian, Ritah, Prossy, and Anisha, smiling and coloring, along with Jessica, Shakira, Marvin, Vicky, and the other Ritah(These 5 kids aren't sick but just wanted to spend time with their friends). And as I listened to the sound of the heavy rain on the church's tin roof, I thanked God for putting smiles back on these beautiful faces that I love so much. But my heart still longs to do more for them. That's what hurts the most. Knowing that Ritah and Prossy still need to be cure of their Malaria. Knowing that Anisha and Ian's mother won't be home for a year. Knowing that most of these children live in such extreme cases of poverty. Knowing that we're only their teachers for 2 more days... But I'm going to give up control. I'm gonna let go, and let God take the wheel. And really, he's been in control this whole time.
I don't know what else to say to these children when we leave, other than
Nkkwagala ("I Love You" in Luganda)
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Forever Changed
Sometimes I have to be reminded of just how important our attitudes are. They affect so much, and it they can influence people too. I never imagined Kelsey would've been able to come with me on this trip, but looking at it now, things would be so different here without her. I never imagined that i'd have my 1st teaching job at 15 yrs old, but here I am now. I never imagined that these kids could change me in the way that they have, but... they have. And the attitude I have everyday makes a difference. If I choose to drag around all day, they are gonna do the exact opposite, but they can tell i'm not being myself, and they start to think it's because they've annoyed me in some way (which they haven't). So looking at our last 3 days here at the school...
Attitude means everything.
As we pulled up to the school this morning, I was tired. I just wanted to go back to bed... I had the wrong attitude. And my kids turned it right around, before I had even said goodmorning to them.
It was no sooner than we had turned onto the bumpy road to the school, that we saw this massive group of little children in green uniforms, running full speed towards our car! And Michael looks back at us and says "Oh! Oh! Oh! They want to see their teachers!" I honestly felt like I was going to cry! Suddenly we were surrounded by little kids, banging on our window, wanting us to come out. It was a feeling, that I wouldn't trade in a million years. "Can we get out and walk to the school with them?!?!" Kelsey asked in a very excited, yet serious look on her face. I don't really know why she asked, considering we were out the door before we even got an answer! We walked, skipped, and danced the rest of the way up the hill, in the middle of a sea of children.
Words can not describe, how happy I was, and still am. And looking back at it now, i'm almost in tears at how much they really love us! They've given me so much more than I could ever ask for. They are so, incredible, and I love them... more than they will ever know.
Yesterday, 2 little girls came to the school. Ritah, is in P3, and Vicky, is in P1. I had the privilage of spending some time with Ritah, and she is absolutely precious. She has a beautiful smile, and she hides her face whenever I ask her a question (which I find rather adorable). She likes football (soccer), and enjoys singing & dancing, and her favorite school subject is English. And Vicky has the most ADORABLE little laugh, and a big, bright smile. And just like her sister, she loves to play and dance around. And both of these girls like matoke(a meal made from bananas).
This afternoon, I spent a few hours with our other Ritah, who is in P4. But that time wasn't spent playing, or laughing, or dancing around.
Ritah is sick.
With a headache, a stomachache, and a fever, sweet Ritah slept on my lap for quiet some time, only waking up long enough to eat and drink a few sips of her water(not filtered, of course). And everytime I looked into her eyes, I could see that she was hurting. As I rubbed her back and hummed softly as she slept, I longed for the chance to see her beautiful smile. But when she woke, there was no smile. Christine suspects that Ritah has Malaria. I don't know if it's that serious, but if she's right... I don't even want to think about that. Ritah is a strong little girl, and she's a fighter, and I have no doubt that she's gonna be just fine. But having known how horrible headaches feel, my heart aches for this sweet little girl.
With a new Ritah, and a new Vicky making my day a little brighter, and then with our other Ritah being sick, my heart longs to spend more time here. We only have 3 days left at the school, and then we won't be their teachers anymore. We'll be leaving Uganda a week from today. I can't imaine waking up one day and realizing, "I'm not their teacher anymore." It just seems too strange. Adjusting back to my day-to-day life... not seeing these beautiful faces everyday... not being here... it's so hard to imagine.
Just a fair warning everybody... I will never be the same. These children have left a big mark on my life, and no matter what, I will NEVER forget them.
Jemima (Nursery)
Shakira (P4)
Rose (P3)
Reyna (P2)
Prossy (P4)
Vicky (P1)
Jovan (P4)
Moses (P3)
Marvin (P2)
Ian (P2)
Aisha (P3)
Ritah (P3)
Jessica (P3)
Anisha (P3)
Jonathon (P4)
Ritah (P4)
These are just a few of the children that have changed my life... Forever <3
Attitude means everything.
As we pulled up to the school this morning, I was tired. I just wanted to go back to bed... I had the wrong attitude. And my kids turned it right around, before I had even said goodmorning to them.
It was no sooner than we had turned onto the bumpy road to the school, that we saw this massive group of little children in green uniforms, running full speed towards our car! And Michael looks back at us and says "Oh! Oh! Oh! They want to see their teachers!" I honestly felt like I was going to cry! Suddenly we were surrounded by little kids, banging on our window, wanting us to come out. It was a feeling, that I wouldn't trade in a million years. "Can we get out and walk to the school with them?!?!" Kelsey asked in a very excited, yet serious look on her face. I don't really know why she asked, considering we were out the door before we even got an answer! We walked, skipped, and danced the rest of the way up the hill, in the middle of a sea of children.
Words can not describe, how happy I was, and still am. And looking back at it now, i'm almost in tears at how much they really love us! They've given me so much more than I could ever ask for. They are so, incredible, and I love them... more than they will ever know.
Yesterday, 2 little girls came to the school. Ritah, is in P3, and Vicky, is in P1. I had the privilage of spending some time with Ritah, and she is absolutely precious. She has a beautiful smile, and she hides her face whenever I ask her a question (which I find rather adorable). She likes football (soccer), and enjoys singing & dancing, and her favorite school subject is English. And Vicky has the most ADORABLE little laugh, and a big, bright smile. And just like her sister, she loves to play and dance around. And both of these girls like matoke(a meal made from bananas).
This afternoon, I spent a few hours with our other Ritah, who is in P4. But that time wasn't spent playing, or laughing, or dancing around.
Ritah is sick.
With a headache, a stomachache, and a fever, sweet Ritah slept on my lap for quiet some time, only waking up long enough to eat and drink a few sips of her water(not filtered, of course). And everytime I looked into her eyes, I could see that she was hurting. As I rubbed her back and hummed softly as she slept, I longed for the chance to see her beautiful smile. But when she woke, there was no smile. Christine suspects that Ritah has Malaria. I don't know if it's that serious, but if she's right... I don't even want to think about that. Ritah is a strong little girl, and she's a fighter, and I have no doubt that she's gonna be just fine. But having known how horrible headaches feel, my heart aches for this sweet little girl.
With a new Ritah, and a new Vicky making my day a little brighter, and then with our other Ritah being sick, my heart longs to spend more time here. We only have 3 days left at the school, and then we won't be their teachers anymore. We'll be leaving Uganda a week from today. I can't imaine waking up one day and realizing, "I'm not their teacher anymore." It just seems too strange. Adjusting back to my day-to-day life... not seeing these beautiful faces everyday... not being here... it's so hard to imagine.
Just a fair warning everybody... I will never be the same. These children have left a big mark on my life, and no matter what, I will NEVER forget them.
Jemima (Nursery)
Shakira (P4)
Rose (P3)
Reyna (P2)
Prossy (P4)
Vicky (P1)
Jovan (P4)
Moses (P3)
Marvin (P2)
Ian (P2)
Aisha (P3)
Ritah (P3)
Jessica (P3)
Anisha (P3)
Jonathon (P4)
Ritah (P4)
These are just a few of the children that have changed my life... Forever <3
Friday, November 2, 2012
The Greatest Need
A few weeks ago, I did a post saying that the school has several renovations to be done. Since then, many people have asked both Kelsey and myself, how help can be given. So today, I want to tell you about what some of the needs are, and I hope you will be in prayer for them.
1. Flooding/Roofing: Because of the lack of roofs on 2 of the 5 classrooms, they flood every single time it rains. So almost every morning, the students have to de-flood their classrooms. Kelsey and I spent probably an hour on Wednesday helping them get rid of all the water in their rooms, while it was still raining. I would definitely call this the greatest need.
2. School Fees: Every once in a while, we continue to see children being sent home because of school fees. Most of the students need sponsors. This is a great need also. To send just 1 child to this school for an entire year, costs as little as $30. That's a few trips to Starbucks, or a dinner out.
3. Steps: Some of the classrooms are somewhat elevated, so although it's not top priority, steps are needed.
4. Grass: I wouldn't call this a need, but it is something they are wanting to add to the school. It would somewhat help the mud situation, but the mud doesn't stop classes or really cause much damage, so I would probably consider grass to be the least priority at this point.
So roofing, flood control around the school grounds, and the school fees are the greatest needs at the time. The other roofs are supposed to be going up next week (hopefully), but the flooding and school fees are still a problem.
Kelsey and I have decided that we want to start raising donations and finding sponsors as soon as we get home, so please be in prayer for that as well. I greatly appreciate how much you have all wanted to help! We will have more details and information when we get home, but if you have any questions about the flooding, the roofs, or the students, you are welcome to message me on Facebook, and I will try to answer some of your questions.
Thank you all again! The need at this school is great, and your help and support will make a BIG difference!
1. Flooding/Roofing: Because of the lack of roofs on 2 of the 5 classrooms, they flood every single time it rains. So almost every morning, the students have to de-flood their classrooms. Kelsey and I spent probably an hour on Wednesday helping them get rid of all the water in their rooms, while it was still raining. I would definitely call this the greatest need.
2. School Fees: Every once in a while, we continue to see children being sent home because of school fees. Most of the students need sponsors. This is a great need also. To send just 1 child to this school for an entire year, costs as little as $30. That's a few trips to Starbucks, or a dinner out.
3. Steps: Some of the classrooms are somewhat elevated, so although it's not top priority, steps are needed.
4. Grass: I wouldn't call this a need, but it is something they are wanting to add to the school. It would somewhat help the mud situation, but the mud doesn't stop classes or really cause much damage, so I would probably consider grass to be the least priority at this point.
So roofing, flood control around the school grounds, and the school fees are the greatest needs at the time. The other roofs are supposed to be going up next week (hopefully), but the flooding and school fees are still a problem.
Kelsey and I have decided that we want to start raising donations and finding sponsors as soon as we get home, so please be in prayer for that as well. I greatly appreciate how much you have all wanted to help! We will have more details and information when we get home, but if you have any questions about the flooding, the roofs, or the students, you are welcome to message me on Facebook, and I will try to answer some of your questions.
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| School photo with all students, teachers, and the Muzungu visitors <3 |
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Love is Calling
It's hard to believe that we'll be leaving Uganda 2 weeks from today. It seems like we just got here yesterday, but we've actually been here a little over 5 weeks. How the time flew by so fast, I will never know.
Kelsey and I have talked a few times about how hard it'll be to re-adjust to our normal lives in America. But I've realized that the life I'm currently living here in Uganda, is normal to me. It seems normal to see chickens and goats everywhere I go. It seems normal to eat either Posho or Rice almost everyday for lunch. It seems normal to have a bunch of little children surround our car every morning, and it seems normal to have even more little children come up to us and hug us as we leave every afternoon. It seems normal to choose a skirt to wear every morning instead of searching for my favorite pair of jeans. All of these things seem perfectly normal to me!! Now, don't get me wrong, I still look forward to putting on my sweat pants every night, and I can't wait to come home and wear pants whenever I want. But I've gotten so used to the day-to-day life here, that NOTHING seems to surprise me anymore.
For those of you who didn't see me post about it on Facebook, I learned that the little girl who I have been calling Beckah, is actually Jemima. She was probably playing "Let's trick the Muzungu!!" I have no idea how I heard the name "Beckah", but I just wanted to clear that up. Also, Kelsey worked with Aisha yesterday, and she told me afterwards that she thinks Aisha has Dyslexia. Dyslexia isn't something you would hear about in Uganda, and finding someone who can help Aisha with that will be difficult, so please be in prayer about that, as well as the school situation.
Yesterday during P.E., a group of children surrounded us, and with a very sad look in their eyes, said "We will cry when you leave..." How can you look into those beautiful brown eyes, and it not melt your heart??? We hugged them, and said "We will cry too!!!!" And the whole time, I was holding back tears. You see, these children aren't just our students anymore. In fact, they've never been "just students" to me. They are SO much more than that. They're my friends, my playmates, my students, my teachers (some of them have been teaching us to speak Luganda), my "little monkeys" (the boys are anyway), but more than anything, they feel like family to me. And in the Christian aspect, they are. But they're family to me in another way too. I can't explain it in words, but these children have filled my heart with so much Joy!!!
One of my favorite songs that got me pumped up for this trip, is "Love is Calling" by Karen Spurlock. Part of the chorus says:
"Reach the fallen, reach the broken, help them keep going, come on, Love is Calling you"
Everytime I hear those words, I think of Uganda, and all these lost, broken people, who need someone to help them keep going. They need JESUS.
Over these last several weeks... months, actually... all I've wanted to do is make a change. Change just one life. I know now, that only God can change lives. And my hope, is that He will change lives here in Uganda through me, and Kelsey, and Paps, with the men he's teaching.
God is Love.
Love has called me to Uganda.
Love has called me, and Love is calling you <3
*EXTRA NOTE*
I want to thank all of you who have wanted to help with the school situation. It is GREATLY appreciated!! We will keep you updated during these last 2 weeks, and when we get home we will tell you all of the details. God bless you all!!
Kelsey and I have talked a few times about how hard it'll be to re-adjust to our normal lives in America. But I've realized that the life I'm currently living here in Uganda, is normal to me. It seems normal to see chickens and goats everywhere I go. It seems normal to eat either Posho or Rice almost everyday for lunch. It seems normal to have a bunch of little children surround our car every morning, and it seems normal to have even more little children come up to us and hug us as we leave every afternoon. It seems normal to choose a skirt to wear every morning instead of searching for my favorite pair of jeans. All of these things seem perfectly normal to me!! Now, don't get me wrong, I still look forward to putting on my sweat pants every night, and I can't wait to come home and wear pants whenever I want. But I've gotten so used to the day-to-day life here, that NOTHING seems to surprise me anymore.
For those of you who didn't see me post about it on Facebook, I learned that the little girl who I have been calling Beckah, is actually Jemima. She was probably playing "Let's trick the Muzungu!!" I have no idea how I heard the name "Beckah", but I just wanted to clear that up. Also, Kelsey worked with Aisha yesterday, and she told me afterwards that she thinks Aisha has Dyslexia. Dyslexia isn't something you would hear about in Uganda, and finding someone who can help Aisha with that will be difficult, so please be in prayer about that, as well as the school situation.
Yesterday during P.E., a group of children surrounded us, and with a very sad look in their eyes, said "We will cry when you leave..." How can you look into those beautiful brown eyes, and it not melt your heart??? We hugged them, and said "We will cry too!!!!" And the whole time, I was holding back tears. You see, these children aren't just our students anymore. In fact, they've never been "just students" to me. They are SO much more than that. They're my friends, my playmates, my students, my teachers (some of them have been teaching us to speak Luganda), my "little monkeys" (the boys are anyway), but more than anything, they feel like family to me. And in the Christian aspect, they are. But they're family to me in another way too. I can't explain it in words, but these children have filled my heart with so much Joy!!!
One of my favorite songs that got me pumped up for this trip, is "Love is Calling" by Karen Spurlock. Part of the chorus says:
"Reach the fallen, reach the broken, help them keep going, come on, Love is Calling you"
Everytime I hear those words, I think of Uganda, and all these lost, broken people, who need someone to help them keep going. They need JESUS.
Over these last several weeks... months, actually... all I've wanted to do is make a change. Change just one life. I know now, that only God can change lives. And my hope, is that He will change lives here in Uganda through me, and Kelsey, and Paps, with the men he's teaching.
God is Love.
Love has called me to Uganda.
Love has called me, and Love is calling you <3
*EXTRA NOTE*
I want to thank all of you who have wanted to help with the school situation. It is GREATLY appreciated!! We will keep you updated during these last 2 weeks, and when we get home we will tell you all of the details. God bless you all!!
Monday, October 22, 2012
Hallelujah
Wow, only 3 weeks left. I look back at the day we left and wonder how the trip is already halfway over. It's insane...
I never could've imagined what this trip would be like. I guess I had an idea, but man, God sure surprised me! I mean, how many 15 year olds can say that they have been a teacher. And i'm not talking about VBS volunteer teacher, either. Nope, i'm a real (temporary) teacher. Whether it's physical education, reading, bible, or craft, my students never let me have a dull moment. NEVER. Seriously! In P.E. today, I had to constantly keep an eye on the boys, because they find it extremely fun to run into the woods behind the school and climb up the trees like little monkeys. And they find it hilarious when I come at them, yelling for them to get down. They just smile and laugh at their Mzoongoo teacher. But honestly, I had to laugh too. It was quite funny.
For those of you that have been reading my other blog posts, Isha is doing very well. Starting last Friday, I have been taking her out of class to work with her one-on-one, and she's doing great. Friday I taught her the words "at", "bat", "cat", "fat", "hat", "knat" "mat", "pat", "rat", and "sat", and then today I taught her "book", "cook", "hook", "look", shook" and "took", and she is really getting it. I'll go over how to sound out each word with her, and then I ask her to write it, and then spell it without looking. One of the things Isha struggles with, is telling different letters apart. I'll ask her to spell "Hook", and she spells "Kook." She just gets it mixed up in her head. And she also struggles with which word is which from time to time. I ask her to spell "Cook" and she spells "Book" instead. But once I explain to her what she did wrong, and help her with it, she does great. She can spell "Shook" now, and that was one of the harder words I taught her.
Now, I know you probably find it odd that i'm teaching such simple words to a 3rd grader. But honestly, I have too. This school hasn't even been open for a full year yet, and Isha most likely has never even stepped foot in a school. It's difficult, but she's making marvelous progress. Ebenezer Christian Academy is a private school, and so the families pay lots of money to send their kids to school. If they go to a public school, which is government sponsored, the cost is a lot less. So it's rather amazing to me that so many families have been sending their children to this private school, and it truly is a God thing. This school teaches disipline, respect, and among other things... they teach them about Jesus.
The one thing that concerns me, is that I'm not going to be able to continue pulling Isha out of class forever. And that's gonna be tough. She gets distracted easily, she has trouble with big words, and she she constantly needs someone to motivate her. Yeah, I can sit beside her in class, keep her focused, motivate her, and help her with the words. But what about when we leave? There are times when there's not even a teacher in the room(because of teacher shortage)!! How in the world is she supposed to get the help she needs to learn, if they can't even have a teacher in the room at all times? Kelsey mentioned a tutor, which is a wonderful idea, but there's a very little chance of finding one, excpecially if they're going to want money(Why am I saying "if"?!) The idea of having to leave Isha with no one to help her with her struggles, is not a pleasent thought. And it frustrates me just to think about it.
Prossy asked me to be her sponsor (again) today, and It broke my heart when I had to tell her no. She asked me the same question at the beginning of the trip, as well as the question about buying her a uniform. Well, I had said no to both, because it didn't seem possible. But then, we were able to provide uniforms for ALL of the students. So I guess when that happened, she got the impression that I'd be able to be her sponsor as well. And being a sponsor is rather expensive. It is most definetly something, that I can not afford to do. So when I had to tell this sweet girl that I couldn't sponsor her, I was devestated. And i'm sure she was too!
Everyday, God surprises me. He put me here to help a little girl learn to read. He put me here to bring encouragement to a 4th grader. He put me here to be a friend to Beckah, and to the rest of the kids. And then I wonder, why would God put me HERE? A place of such poverty. A place where some children simpy can't go to school because of money. A place where a classroom doesn't always have a teacher. A place where people are dying everyday because of disease. Why? Why me? Why here? Why bring me here if I can't help out long term? But then I realize, I'm not in control of what happens. I'm not the one who calls the shots. God is. Everyday, God reminds me that HE is in control. Everyday, he reminds me that he is always here. And everyday, he makes me say Hallelujah.
I never could've imagined what this trip would be like. I guess I had an idea, but man, God sure surprised me! I mean, how many 15 year olds can say that they have been a teacher. And i'm not talking about VBS volunteer teacher, either. Nope, i'm a real (temporary) teacher. Whether it's physical education, reading, bible, or craft, my students never let me have a dull moment. NEVER. Seriously! In P.E. today, I had to constantly keep an eye on the boys, because they find it extremely fun to run into the woods behind the school and climb up the trees like little monkeys. And they find it hilarious when I come at them, yelling for them to get down. They just smile and laugh at their Mzoongoo teacher. But honestly, I had to laugh too. It was quite funny.
For those of you that have been reading my other blog posts, Isha is doing very well. Starting last Friday, I have been taking her out of class to work with her one-on-one, and she's doing great. Friday I taught her the words "at", "bat", "cat", "fat", "hat", "knat" "mat", "pat", "rat", and "sat", and then today I taught her "book", "cook", "hook", "look", shook" and "took", and she is really getting it. I'll go over how to sound out each word with her, and then I ask her to write it, and then spell it without looking. One of the things Isha struggles with, is telling different letters apart. I'll ask her to spell "Hook", and she spells "Kook." She just gets it mixed up in her head. And she also struggles with which word is which from time to time. I ask her to spell "Cook" and she spells "Book" instead. But once I explain to her what she did wrong, and help her with it, she does great. She can spell "Shook" now, and that was one of the harder words I taught her.
Now, I know you probably find it odd that i'm teaching such simple words to a 3rd grader. But honestly, I have too. This school hasn't even been open for a full year yet, and Isha most likely has never even stepped foot in a school. It's difficult, but she's making marvelous progress. Ebenezer Christian Academy is a private school, and so the families pay lots of money to send their kids to school. If they go to a public school, which is government sponsored, the cost is a lot less. So it's rather amazing to me that so many families have been sending their children to this private school, and it truly is a God thing. This school teaches disipline, respect, and among other things... they teach them about Jesus.
The one thing that concerns me, is that I'm not going to be able to continue pulling Isha out of class forever. And that's gonna be tough. She gets distracted easily, she has trouble with big words, and she she constantly needs someone to motivate her. Yeah, I can sit beside her in class, keep her focused, motivate her, and help her with the words. But what about when we leave? There are times when there's not even a teacher in the room(because of teacher shortage)!! How in the world is she supposed to get the help she needs to learn, if they can't even have a teacher in the room at all times? Kelsey mentioned a tutor, which is a wonderful idea, but there's a very little chance of finding one, excpecially if they're going to want money(Why am I saying "if"?!) The idea of having to leave Isha with no one to help her with her struggles, is not a pleasent thought. And it frustrates me just to think about it.
Prossy asked me to be her sponsor (again) today, and It broke my heart when I had to tell her no. She asked me the same question at the beginning of the trip, as well as the question about buying her a uniform. Well, I had said no to both, because it didn't seem possible. But then, we were able to provide uniforms for ALL of the students. So I guess when that happened, she got the impression that I'd be able to be her sponsor as well. And being a sponsor is rather expensive. It is most definetly something, that I can not afford to do. So when I had to tell this sweet girl that I couldn't sponsor her, I was devestated. And i'm sure she was too!
Everyday, God surprises me. He put me here to help a little girl learn to read. He put me here to bring encouragement to a 4th grader. He put me here to be a friend to Beckah, and to the rest of the kids. And then I wonder, why would God put me HERE? A place of such poverty. A place where some children simpy can't go to school because of money. A place where a classroom doesn't always have a teacher. A place where people are dying everyday because of disease. Why? Why me? Why here? Why bring me here if I can't help out long term? But then I realize, I'm not in control of what happens. I'm not the one who calls the shots. God is. Everyday, God reminds me that HE is in control. Everyday, he reminds me that he is always here. And everyday, he makes me say Hallelujah.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Patience and Positive Reinforcement
Yesterday, I wrote about a little girl in P3, whom I was very proud of, because she said her memory verse. Well, her name is Isha. And I am now, EXTREMELY proud of her.
Today, we gave our P3 class a longer memory verse, and I was nervous, because I wasn't sure if she would be able to say it. But once again, God showed me how incapable I am, and how mighty and powerful HE is.
Kelsey was trying to teach the verse to her, but Isha simply couldn't say it. Kelsey said to me "Isha seems to respond to you more, will you help her?" So, I go up to the board, and start asking her to fill in the blanks. At first, she didn't say much. She kept a straight face, and I could hardly even get her to repeat me. But then, I said "Isha, you know this. What is the 1st word. I know you can do this." She began to speak, and sure enough, the word "the" came out of her mouth (very clearly, if I might add).
I smiled big from ear to ear and started to cheer her on, and encourage her to say the next word (which was a little bigger). And to my amazement, the word "Spirit" popped right out. I kept urging her to go further, and with some help, she did. We made it through "The Spirit of the Lord is on me", and I was so incredibly proud of her. Now, don't misunderstand, she did have some trouble with it. I had to help her, because she doesn't read English very well. But she CAN do it.
I really had to help her with some of the bigger words, like "because" and "anointed", and even some of the smaller words like "Lord" and "Good". She knows the words, but its hard for her to read them, and then pronounce them.
Every time she was able to say 4 or 5 of the words without needing me to say them first, I was as excited as a little child on Christmas morning! Wait... nope. I was MORE excited than that!!! And after going over the verse a few times with her, she was able to say it (slowly, and with a few mispronounced words) all by herself! I was - I am, so extremely, and incredibly proud of her!
Isha is smart. You just have to go slower with her, and it helps a lot, if you can get her to focus on you (and only you), and really think about what you're asking her to do. But more than anything, Isha responds, to Positive Reinforcement. The more I cheer her on, and clap when she gets a word right, and hug her when she can say it without me... the more willing she is to come out of her shell and participate. And believe it or not, positive reinforcement is something that is obviously not practiced here. For the most part, the teachers are stern, and they don't cheer the kids on very much. I guess it's the way they do things, and I'm not saying the way they do it is wrong. But for most kids, Isha included, you have to go another direction. You have to clap when they say the word, especially if they pronounce it right. And you have to cheer them on, and encourage them to keep going. You have to motivate them, and show them that it's good to participate. And above all, you have to be patient. You can't yell, or blow your top if they take a little longer. You can't expect them to do it perfectly the first time around. You can't expect that they will always focus on you and what you're saying, because its hard for them to understand you sometimes. And honestly, "You" could be replaced with "I", every single time. I have to be patient. I can't yell, or blow my top if they take a little longer. I can't expect them to do it perfectly the first time around. And I can't expect that they will always focus on me and what I'm saying, because yeah, it's hard for them to understand my crazy Kentucky talk sometimes.
Patience isn't something I come about easily, but i'm learning. It's not always easy, but the look on that little girls face when I hug her, and cheer her on, and tell her how proud of her I am, makes it all so much more than worth it.
Patience, and Positive Reinforcement, is what it's gonna take to have a breakthrough with Isha.
Today, we gave our P3 class a longer memory verse, and I was nervous, because I wasn't sure if she would be able to say it. But once again, God showed me how incapable I am, and how mighty and powerful HE is.
Kelsey was trying to teach the verse to her, but Isha simply couldn't say it. Kelsey said to me "Isha seems to respond to you more, will you help her?" So, I go up to the board, and start asking her to fill in the blanks. At first, she didn't say much. She kept a straight face, and I could hardly even get her to repeat me. But then, I said "Isha, you know this. What is the 1st word. I know you can do this." She began to speak, and sure enough, the word "the" came out of her mouth (very clearly, if I might add).
I smiled big from ear to ear and started to cheer her on, and encourage her to say the next word (which was a little bigger). And to my amazement, the word "Spirit" popped right out. I kept urging her to go further, and with some help, she did. We made it through "The Spirit of the Lord is on me", and I was so incredibly proud of her. Now, don't misunderstand, she did have some trouble with it. I had to help her, because she doesn't read English very well. But she CAN do it.
I really had to help her with some of the bigger words, like "because" and "anointed", and even some of the smaller words like "Lord" and "Good". She knows the words, but its hard for her to read them, and then pronounce them.
Every time she was able to say 4 or 5 of the words without needing me to say them first, I was as excited as a little child on Christmas morning! Wait... nope. I was MORE excited than that!!! And after going over the verse a few times with her, she was able to say it (slowly, and with a few mispronounced words) all by herself! I was - I am, so extremely, and incredibly proud of her!
Isha is smart. You just have to go slower with her, and it helps a lot, if you can get her to focus on you (and only you), and really think about what you're asking her to do. But more than anything, Isha responds, to Positive Reinforcement. The more I cheer her on, and clap when she gets a word right, and hug her when she can say it without me... the more willing she is to come out of her shell and participate. And believe it or not, positive reinforcement is something that is obviously not practiced here. For the most part, the teachers are stern, and they don't cheer the kids on very much. I guess it's the way they do things, and I'm not saying the way they do it is wrong. But for most kids, Isha included, you have to go another direction. You have to clap when they say the word, especially if they pronounce it right. And you have to cheer them on, and encourage them to keep going. You have to motivate them, and show them that it's good to participate. And above all, you have to be patient. You can't yell, or blow your top if they take a little longer. You can't expect them to do it perfectly the first time around. You can't expect that they will always focus on you and what you're saying, because its hard for them to understand you sometimes. And honestly, "You" could be replaced with "I", every single time. I have to be patient. I can't yell, or blow my top if they take a little longer. I can't expect them to do it perfectly the first time around. And I can't expect that they will always focus on me and what I'm saying, because yeah, it's hard for them to understand my crazy Kentucky talk sometimes.
Patience isn't something I come about easily, but i'm learning. It's not always easy, but the look on that little girls face when I hug her, and cheer her on, and tell her how proud of her I am, makes it all so much more than worth it.
Patience, and Positive Reinforcement, is what it's gonna take to have a breakthrough with Isha.
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