I am thankful for my fourth graders...

After too much time away from blogging, I am finally writing to all of you. I thought it was about time I wrote about the place I spend a majority of my time and pour into each and every day…



Reading Day Costumes!

Although ministry to the community and at the myriad of outreaches here in Malawi is an incredible blessing, my primary focus has been on fifteen pretty special kids. My class has become some of my favorite people to spend my days with. Each morning I look forward to greeting them with a smile, hearing their prayer requests, and laughing with them. As I continue to learn more about their personalities, struggles, and stories, I am amazed that God chose and equipped someone like me to teach them. Don’t get me wrong, teaching is no walk in the park. There are the days that putting on a smile is an effort and answering one more ridiculous question feels like it may kill me, but overall, nothing beats the knowledge that fifteen students trust, admire, and confide in you. 


A present from a student

The diversity of my class is challenging, hilarious, and just a unique experience. With kids from America, South Africa, Lebanon, England, and Malawi, you really never know what reactions you may get. The word “Eesh!” is one I hear often. Whenever you say something that shocks or disgusts them, the common Malawian expression “Eesh!” echoes through my classroom. On a heavier note, you would also never know that some of them walk to school or live in poorer outskirts of the city.



In comparison to the American education system, there are some key differences here in Africa. One thing that I love, but has also been strange, is the lack of clearly drawn lines between teacher and student. Whereas in America, you would never go to families houses for dinner or students’ birthday parties, that is very common at ABC. I can easily have my students over to bake cookies or plan a movie night at my house for the class. This just doesn’t seem to happen anywhere else. I love how involved I can be in my students’ lives. I feel like I really have the opportunity and privilege of investing in each one of them.

 
From swim galas and soccer tournaments, to international celebrations and reading parades, I have been blessed to be a part of so many activities at the academy. Sometimes I feel more like a soccer mom than a teacher, but I can’t say I mind. These students are truly incredible. Each one has brought something special to my class.

In just two short weeks, school will be out for a month long Christmas break and my adventure here will be halfway through. It is hard to believe! Time truly has flown by, and so much of what I have seen or experienced here has profoundly changed me. When the time comes to leave Malawi, I am positive I will be a different person than when I arrived.