I
realize that it’s been a while since I gave you all an update on my current
adventures. Well, since the majority of my days have been divided into three
main activities (subbing, coaching, and support raising) I’ll give you an
update in all three categories.
Subbing
As
I’m sure you all can imagine, subbing isn’t always the world’s greatest job.
There are so many days when one or two kids (…or, let’s be honest, the entire
class…) decides that they are going to make your life as difficult as possible.
Of course, these days are mostly spent counting the seconds until the bell
rings…funny how students aren’t the only ones who do that!
On
the flip side, subbing has also been full of many joys and moments of
encouragement. This past Friday, I had the chance to sub at one of the local
middle schools. It was one of those days where the office calls in about 8-10
subs and they all take rotations throughout the building, covering for
different teachers at different times. They call this type of sub job a
“vacancy.” It’s typically a pretty nice gig since you almost always get more
than one planning period. ;) Well, Friday was my first time subbing for one of
these vacancy jobs. I was told that due to a small gap in the schedule, I would
have an hour lunch break, which is, of course, double the usual 30 minute break!
I spent my extra time hanging out with the other substitutes and swapping
stories about all of our subbing adventures (and misadventures!) It's always fun to find things in common with new friends. :)
Other
bits of encouragement that I have found throughout my subbing experiences
typically come from the students themselves. Comments like, “I remember you!
You’re my favorite sub!” or “Why are you so nice? You’re like the nicest sub
ever!” Not to mention, the ever-popular, somewhat cryptic remark, “It’s you again!” This simple exclamation is
almost inevitably followed by a none-too-subtle point in my direction and
a wide-eyed stare. I still have yet to determine if this is a positive comment,
but since they always seem slightly excited, I’m assuming it’s a good thing.
Coaching
For
those of you that don’t already know, track meets are notorious for being
obnoxiously long and hopelessly behind schedule. I’ll admit that after being
spoiled for 5 years by the NCAA with it’s fancy time schedules and exact start
times like 12:08pm, I have forgotten what real West Virginia middle school
track is like. Here are some things I have re-learned… As a rule, assume the
track meet will start at least 45 minutes behind schedule, assume it will take
well over an hour to run all heats of the open 100 meter dash, and if your
kids are in flight 3 of the long jump, they probably won’t be jumping until after
dark. Also, be sure to pack a lunch…and a snack…and a dinner.
Even
though it might sound like I’m complaining, in truth, I love to coach. It
really is a joy to get to work with such a fine bunch of hard-working kids. I
love being able to give back a little of what I know about running, to talk
about race strategy with the kids, to plan new workouts, and to have the
opportunity to pray together before a race. I’m really going to miss them next
year!
Support
Raising
I
have some exciting news on the support raising front! God has brought me up to about 50% in one-time gifts and just about 20% in monthly support! This is such
great news! Thank you, thank you, thank you to those who have already given to
be a part of my teaching ministry in Germany! Though I have still not crested
the support mountain, I know that with each step I get closer and closer to
reaching the goal. God is good and I thank you for choosing to be a part of my
journey! If you haven’t yet had a chance to give, please check out the “Join My Team” page for more info on how to get involved.
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