Grade two student: "Miss Garcia, why do you have brown spots on your face?" (Referring to my freckles)
Me: "Why is your skin brown?"
Grade two student: "Because God made me this way."
Me: "God made me this way too!"
I'm pretty sure that the world would be a simpler place if we all realized and accepted this simple concept that even a second grader can grasp.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Little miracles
Since coming to Zambia and living through the dry season here, my hands (and especially my right hand) have struggled seriously with dry skin, cracking, and eczema. Things like coconut oil, vitamin e lotion, and petroleum jelly have kept them functioning, but the dry air, chalk dust, and Africa germs have kept them cracked, cut up, and sometimes even infected.
Going home for a visit during the month of August did wonders, and finally got my hands past a point of healing that has made a huge difference, even back in Zambia. As one of my grade threes put it bluntly yesterday, "Miss Garcia, your hand looks much better. It is almost beautiful!" Although a semi backhanded compliment (children are great at speaking their minds!), I agree 100%, and I'm so thankful and happy to have almost normal looking, and even almost beautiful hands again!
Going home for a visit during the month of August did wonders, and finally got my hands past a point of healing that has made a huge difference, even back in Zambia. As one of my grade threes put it bluntly yesterday, "Miss Garcia, your hand looks much better. It is almost beautiful!" Although a semi backhanded compliment (children are great at speaking their minds!), I agree 100%, and I'm so thankful and happy to have almost normal looking, and even almost beautiful hands again!
Friday, September 20, 2013
This is God's will....
A sticky note on my desk top has the verse 2 Thess. 5:18 on it, talking about giving thanks no matter the circumstance, because it is God's will for us to be in that circumstance.
It's a favorite verse of mine, but a new thought in it just hit me today. So often we are pining to know "God's will for our lives"....so rarely do we like to think that those everyday sticky, uncomfortable situations are actually His will. "God's will" is not always this big huge calling that saves the world...often times it's getting out of bed every morning, working through homesickness, or just being there for that crying student.
Right now for me God's will is pretty simple. Stay in Zambia until December, have a good attitude, and put in your best effort (no matter how you feel). Ok...I think I can do that. :)
It's a favorite verse of mine, but a new thought in it just hit me today. So often we are pining to know "God's will for our lives"....so rarely do we like to think that those everyday sticky, uncomfortable situations are actually His will. "God's will" is not always this big huge calling that saves the world...often times it's getting out of bed every morning, working through homesickness, or just being there for that crying student.
Right now for me God's will is pretty simple. Stay in Zambia until December, have a good attitude, and put in your best effort (no matter how you feel). Ok...I think I can do that. :)
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
First Week Finished
Well, today finishes the first week of school, and to be perfectly honest, it's been a rough week.
Apart from having very hot weather (which drains everyone), I've been struggling health-wise since coming back to Zambia, just going from one thing to the next. It's left me with little energy and therefore, a lot of last minute preparations. The most obvious sign of my procrastination was the fact that I had to tell the bell ringer on two occasions to please not ring the bell for assembly until I was actually there to lead the songs!
For Sarah it's been a bit overwhelming trying to figure out the crazy schedule, the long list of school rules and expectations, all the kids' names, how she fits into everything. I realized that I was attempting to teach her in one week what has taken me nearly two years to learn....not exactly realistic, and definitely not happening.
In spite of the roughness of the week, I'm still seeing great things, getting way more grace and miracles handed my way than I deserve, and Sarah is loving being here. God is still getting me out of bed every morning (even with a night of practically no sleep!) with a desire to do my job, and have a love for my kids as I finish out the last two and a half months with them! God's strength is surely great!
Apart from having very hot weather (which drains everyone), I've been struggling health-wise since coming back to Zambia, just going from one thing to the next. It's left me with little energy and therefore, a lot of last minute preparations. The most obvious sign of my procrastination was the fact that I had to tell the bell ringer on two occasions to please not ring the bell for assembly until I was actually there to lead the songs!
For Sarah it's been a bit overwhelming trying to figure out the crazy schedule, the long list of school rules and expectations, all the kids' names, how she fits into everything. I realized that I was attempting to teach her in one week what has taken me nearly two years to learn....not exactly realistic, and definitely not happening.
In spite of the roughness of the week, I'm still seeing great things, getting way more grace and miracles handed my way than I deserve, and Sarah is loving being here. God is still getting me out of bed every morning (even with a night of practically no sleep!) with a desire to do my job, and have a love for my kids as I finish out the last two and a half months with them! God's strength is surely great!
In my classroom, teaching my grade twos.
Sarah leading a grade two reading group.
Not the best shot, I admit, but I was trying to be discreet!
Friday, September 6, 2013
Back at Sakeji
Waking up this morning back at Sakeji in my own bed was a little strange. It took me a few seconds to figure out which home I was in! Everything was so familiar, but I wasn't really used to it at the same time!
Anyway, we've made it back safe and sound. The trip was very long, but very smooth. It's the first time traveling between the states and Zambia where I didn't have any delays, any missing luggage, or any stressful layovers. Immigration in Lusaka was pleasant, and for the first time in the Lusaka airport, I wasn't the last person to get out of the baggage claim!
We took a small flight up to Solwezi, waited about two hours for our ride, and then traveled up to Sakeji, a six hour drive. So smooth, and I'm grateful to finally be finished traveling.
The month of August at home in the states was a wonderful time. I enjoyed spending so much time with Chris and family, and got to do just about everything on my list while at home.
Next step, term three! My prayer is to stay very focused, and keep my head in the game for my last term. Sarah, my sister, is here as well, and I'd really love for this term to be a good time for us both.
Anyway, we've made it back safe and sound. The trip was very long, but very smooth. It's the first time traveling between the states and Zambia where I didn't have any delays, any missing luggage, or any stressful layovers. Immigration in Lusaka was pleasant, and for the first time in the Lusaka airport, I wasn't the last person to get out of the baggage claim!
We took a small flight up to Solwezi, waited about two hours for our ride, and then traveled up to Sakeji, a six hour drive. So smooth, and I'm grateful to finally be finished traveling.
The month of August at home in the states was a wonderful time. I enjoyed spending so much time with Chris and family, and got to do just about everything on my list while at home.
Next step, term three! My prayer is to stay very focused, and keep my head in the game for my last term. Sarah, my sister, is here as well, and I'd really love for this term to be a good time for us both.
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