Last night after I finished my last blog post,I went to bed around 1:00 or so. (I'm a night owl these days...) Aaron had been in bed for a while. Just as I was drifting off, we were both startled out of our sleep when Joey yelped really loud and we could hear him jump up and struggle. I leapt out of bed and went to check on him. He seemed fine. No injuries that I could tell of. The only thing was that he wouldn't lay down anywhere. For about an hour- maybe more- he kept pacing the floor. He'd sit for 30 seconds, then get up and walk around, then sit again for 30 seconds, then get up again. Aaron finally got up (I think he got woken up and couldn't get back to sleep)and sat for a while on the computer and Joey calmed down a bit sitting on the couch with Aaron. Fast forward to this morning. Aaron wakes up around 6:30, frustrated because he forgot to set an alarm and wasn't up as early as he wanted to. He jumped into the shower, and I got up quickly so that I could make his lunch. As I was standing in the kitchen, Joey all of a sudden tried to "get" something (the way he normally plays with his ball) in the corner by the cupboard. I told him to stop and when I knelt down to see what was going on, Joey was shaking! It was really pathetic. He was shaking so hard I could tell he was definately scared! So Joey and I went into the bathroom and talked to Aaron while he was brushing his teeth and getting ready for work. As all three of us were sitting there, we saw it- a mouse! It ran from the kitchen into the bathroom... where I promtply locked it in, with Aaron inside!
Aaron eventually got out, but I don't think the mouse can. So now there's a mouse in my bathroom. And because Aaron is gone all day at school and will be gone tonight at a Knicks game, I have to go buy and set the trap. Awesome. Wish me luck...
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Life Update Part One
Since it's been so ridiculously long since I've updated this blog, I thought I'd try to update you on what’s been going on with us. Tonight I’m going to share about our job situations; tomorrow I’ll talk about what’s going on personally and how you can pray for us, if you feel led. We do appreciate all your prayers!
I am still working with the after school program at the YMCA, and really enjoying it. It’s challenging at times, but I like working with the kids. When I was hired in October, I was assigned to work with 4th and 5th graders, which was a bit difficult for me because of all the “attitude” I was getting from them. Also I feel that, as a female, it was somewhat difficult for me to gain their respect. If I raise my voice, for example, I just basically sound like I’m squealing. Doesn’t do so much for commanding attention. However, by the end of the semester, I felt like I had made some progress and was already beginning to learn about what it will be like to work with kids on a more regular basis. After Christmas, I was assigned to a K-2nd grade group, which I like a lot better. These kids are tough in a different way: lots of shoe tying, bathroom breaks, and tattletaling. Not so much attitude. I’ve appreciated the opportunity to work with a few different age groups, because it’s given me exposure to the challenges of working with each, and has helped me think about what I might want to do as far as my future teaching career.
While I am enjoying my job, I only work for 3 hours a day, 5 days a week. This really isn’t enough money for us, nor is it enough hours taken up out of my day. So I am currently pursuing other part time opportunities that will work with my current schedule. Yesterday I had an interview at a new YMCA opening up on my block (super convenient!) and I’m hoping to get hired there. My only concern is that the pay won’t be what we need it to be and that I won’t get the kind of hours I’m looking for. So we’ll see…
Aaron is still pressing on in his crazy difficult job situation. He is such a trooper! While things are still tough, he feels like he is getting a better grasp on curriculum and instruction. His students, however, are still very difficult to handle. He never knows what might happen in his classroom. For example, last week a student brought in matches and was lighting them in class, threatening to light Aaron on fire and also to burn the school down. Aaron called for security, who came but basically just waited until the kid threw the matches out the window. After that, it was business as usual. No punishment for the student! This is the kind of situation Aaron has to deal with, and it’s very frustrating for him. I don’t think his job is totally without hope, though. Whenever his students show up and do their work, or when a student shows genuine interest in what they’re studying, Aaron is encouraged, even in a small way. I think he has to cling to those moments and try to remember them when things are especially tough. I also think his genuine concern and compassion for the kids is what is getting him through. I admire him so much for his determination to stick it out through this school year, even when opportunities presented themselves to possibly move on to other schools. In spite of everything, I think the kids, too, realize that he cares for them, and I think that does make a big difference.
Enough for tonight. Stay tuned for part two tomorrow!
I am still working with the after school program at the YMCA, and really enjoying it. It’s challenging at times, but I like working with the kids. When I was hired in October, I was assigned to work with 4th and 5th graders, which was a bit difficult for me because of all the “attitude” I was getting from them. Also I feel that, as a female, it was somewhat difficult for me to gain their respect. If I raise my voice, for example, I just basically sound like I’m squealing. Doesn’t do so much for commanding attention. However, by the end of the semester, I felt like I had made some progress and was already beginning to learn about what it will be like to work with kids on a more regular basis. After Christmas, I was assigned to a K-2nd grade group, which I like a lot better. These kids are tough in a different way: lots of shoe tying, bathroom breaks, and tattletaling. Not so much attitude. I’ve appreciated the opportunity to work with a few different age groups, because it’s given me exposure to the challenges of working with each, and has helped me think about what I might want to do as far as my future teaching career.
While I am enjoying my job, I only work for 3 hours a day, 5 days a week. This really isn’t enough money for us, nor is it enough hours taken up out of my day. So I am currently pursuing other part time opportunities that will work with my current schedule. Yesterday I had an interview at a new YMCA opening up on my block (super convenient!) and I’m hoping to get hired there. My only concern is that the pay won’t be what we need it to be and that I won’t get the kind of hours I’m looking for. So we’ll see…
Aaron is still pressing on in his crazy difficult job situation. He is such a trooper! While things are still tough, he feels like he is getting a better grasp on curriculum and instruction. His students, however, are still very difficult to handle. He never knows what might happen in his classroom. For example, last week a student brought in matches and was lighting them in class, threatening to light Aaron on fire and also to burn the school down. Aaron called for security, who came but basically just waited until the kid threw the matches out the window. After that, it was business as usual. No punishment for the student! This is the kind of situation Aaron has to deal with, and it’s very frustrating for him. I don’t think his job is totally without hope, though. Whenever his students show up and do their work, or when a student shows genuine interest in what they’re studying, Aaron is encouraged, even in a small way. I think he has to cling to those moments and try to remember them when things are especially tough. I also think his genuine concern and compassion for the kids is what is getting him through. I admire him so much for his determination to stick it out through this school year, even when opportunities presented themselves to possibly move on to other schools. In spite of everything, I think the kids, too, realize that he cares for them, and I think that does make a big difference.
Enough for tonight. Stay tuned for part two tomorrow!
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Introspection
I don’t say this to complain or to make people feel sorry for me. But I created this blog as an outlet and also as a way to keep our friends and family informed about our lives, and I think I would be remiss if I only wrote about all the fun things we get to do in the city (surfacy stuff) and leave out the tremendous (and painful) work that God is doing in our lives. So I’m going to try and get it all out. Here’s a few of the ways I’ve been struggling:
- I’ve been learning just how ugly I am apart from Christ. I think because I’m homesick, feel a little lost and displaced, and don’t have a full time job and lots of friends to distract me, a lot of my nasty, selfish, self-centered tendencies and desires are coming to the surface. I’m not making life easy for my husband, that’s for sure. Praise God that I’m not confined to a life of wallowing in sin, but I’m “dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” (Rom. 6:11)
- I’m having a hard time living in the moment. Instead of being thankful that the Lord has allowed me to realize a dream I’ve had since 9th grade by moving to New York City, I’m constantly thinking about “when we go home.” Either that, or I’m thinking about everything I’ve left behind. I struggle to focus on the (numerous) blessings in the here and now. How lame.
- I’m feeling a bit directionless as far as my future goes. I know I want to go to grad school and pursue English Education and Literacy but I’m not sure how and when it’s all going to pan out. Actually, maybe directionless isn’t the best word. Maybe what I should be saying is that I have control issues. I want to have it all figured out and know exactly what’s going to happen and how it’s going to happen. For my entire life. Control issues. Trust issues. Same thing, I believe.
- I’m lonely. Plain and simple. As much as I love talking to my friends back home over the phone, it’s just not the same. I miss them so much.
Ok, now that you’re thoroughly depressed, here’s the silver lining. Through all of this, I know in my soul that God is faithful. And I am so incredibly grateful for His presence in my life. That He is just as present here in New York as He was in Ohio. In this gigantic city, full of so many people, He sees me. He knows how human I am, and He forgives me. He understands. He cares. And He’s worthy of my trust. And in the midst of this struggle, I can “count it all joy… because the testing of your faith develops perseverance… so that you be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1: 3-4) Which is the goal, after all. To be more like Jesus. I find comfort in that.
If you’ve made it this far, I’m impressed. I hope it made sense. Sorry if this is a lot to handle. But God is at work in the midst of my mess, and I can’t keep silent about that. I promise I’ll make my next post lighthearted. Maybe “Christmas in New York”? :-)
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Weekends and The Wizard of Oz...
The last two weekends have been quite fun around here. There's a lot going on! That's one thing we really love about New York... always so much happening! It's almost hard to decide what to do sometimes, and I'm constantly paranoid that there are fun things happening that we're missing because we don't know about them. While I'm still unemployed, I'm going to try and go through some of the good websites and create a "calendar" for the next few months of all the things we could potentially do. Should be fun! Anyway, here are a few pics of some of the fun things we've been doing:
On Saturday, September 26, the Smithsonian Institution sponsored a nationwide "Museum Day." Several museums were free that day, so we decided to check out the South Street Seaport Museum. The museum is located at the very bottom tip of Manhattan, right across the river from Brooklyn.
On Saturday, September 26, the Smithsonian Institution sponsored a nationwide "Museum Day." Several museums were free that day, so we decided to check out the South Street Seaport Museum. The museum is located at the very bottom tip of Manhattan, right across the river from Brooklyn.
The best part of the museum was touring the boats in the harbor. We had fun taking pictures.
Another fun thing we did last week was go to a showing of The Wizard of Oz in Central Park. The event was in honor of the movie's 70th anniversary. Before the movie began, they had a concert where artists sang songs their renditions of songs from the movie, as well as songs related to the movie (like selections from Wicked). The headliner was Jennifer Hudson. She was amazing!
Here's the screen, and the crowd of people. It wasn't a very big space, and they cut the line off right after we got in!
The stage where the musicians performed.
The movie!
The movie!
It was cold... we had to huddle together for warmth!
So that's a bit of what we've been doing. This coming weekend should be even better... my family is coming to see us! We are so excited... can't wait to write about their visit.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Waiting...
Today was a boring day. I'm getting a bit tired of not working. I find it very hard to be motivated to do anything at all, even finish setting up the apartment, with nothing really pushing me. Also, I'm very much motivated by other people... so being alone here for most of the day is tough. I pray the Lord will provide me with the right job very soon...
On Friday night, Aaron and I went to the Brooklyn Tabernacle's young adult ministry (which, incidentally, is called Transitions). It was interesting and fun, and definitely good for me to get out amongst people. I'd say there were about 150-200 people there. They were discussing their small groups, which launch within the next few weeks. It really made me miss our Transitions back home. It's hard to enter a group like that and remember that, just a few weeks ago, we were part of a very similar community, and we had lots of friends and a wonderful small group with whom we've spent years developing relationships. We miss you all so much...
I'm sorry this post is such a downer so far. I guess I'm just lonely and impatient. Impatient for life here in New York to be what it was back in Ohio. And I guess that's kind of stupid, because it's not going to be the same. But I'm hoping, of course, that it will be equally full of wonderful people. And I'm anxious to start meeting those people and making friends! Ah, patience... why does it feel like I'm always having to learn patience??
The apartment is coming along. We got a desk and a kitchen cart, both of which we lugged home from Target on the subway (not in the same trip). It was interesting, to say the least, but we're too cheap to get a cab! Anyway, hopefully soon I'll have those apartment pictures posted...
Over the weekend, Aaron and I saw the movie Love Happens. It was so good, and clean, which is unusual. I love Jennifer Aniston... maybe someday I'll see her here in New York! So far, I haven't seen any celebrities, which is unfortunate. On Saturday night, Aaron and I went to Central Park and walked around for a while, and we also spent some time walking on Park and Lexington Avenues. I told Aaron to keep an eye out for celebrities (look for the people in hats and sunglasses!) but we didn't see anyone... I'll be anxious to post about my first "celebrity sighting" one of these days!
On Friday night, Aaron and I went to the Brooklyn Tabernacle's young adult ministry (which, incidentally, is called Transitions). It was interesting and fun, and definitely good for me to get out amongst people. I'd say there were about 150-200 people there. They were discussing their small groups, which launch within the next few weeks. It really made me miss our Transitions back home. It's hard to enter a group like that and remember that, just a few weeks ago, we were part of a very similar community, and we had lots of friends and a wonderful small group with whom we've spent years developing relationships. We miss you all so much...
I'm sorry this post is such a downer so far. I guess I'm just lonely and impatient. Impatient for life here in New York to be what it was back in Ohio. And I guess that's kind of stupid, because it's not going to be the same. But I'm hoping, of course, that it will be equally full of wonderful people. And I'm anxious to start meeting those people and making friends! Ah, patience... why does it feel like I'm always having to learn patience??
The apartment is coming along. We got a desk and a kitchen cart, both of which we lugged home from Target on the subway (not in the same trip). It was interesting, to say the least, but we're too cheap to get a cab! Anyway, hopefully soon I'll have those apartment pictures posted...
Over the weekend, Aaron and I saw the movie Love Happens. It was so good, and clean, which is unusual. I love Jennifer Aniston... maybe someday I'll see her here in New York! So far, I haven't seen any celebrities, which is unfortunate. On Saturday night, Aaron and I went to Central Park and walked around for a while, and we also spent some time walking on Park and Lexington Avenues. I told Aaron to keep an eye out for celebrities (look for the people in hats and sunglasses!) but we didn't see anyone... I'll be anxious to post about my first "celebrity sighting" one of these days!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
A Week in the Life...
It's been a week since I last posted, not because I haven't wanted to, but because we STILL don't have internet in our apartment. The guy from Verizon was supposed to come yesterday and install it, but there was a mixup and it didn't happen. Hopefully tomorrow. Once again, I'm at the Brooklyn College library, using the internet while Aaron's in class. I'm such a criminal! ;-)
Things are going pretty well for us. I believe Aaron's spirits are lifted, even though things in his classroom are still difficult. He has good days and bad days with the kids, which is to be expected. I know things will keep getting generally better, however, as Aaron continues to learn and grow as a teacher. I can't wait to see where he's at by the end of the year; he'll be a pro, I'm sure. ;-) In the meantime, however, if any of you educators, especially those with experience in Special Ed, can offer him any advice on how to plan lessons for kids on such opposite ends of the behavioral and learning spectrums, I know he'd appreciate it.
Aaron and I spent all day Saturday working on our apartment. We got the loft bed all set up, which was a huge help, because then we were able to basically arrange the furniture. I'm actually very happy with the way it's set up. It took me a while to figure out the best scenario: should the bed go against the brick wall and cover part of the window? Or should it go against the white wall and cut into the walkway? Where will the "living room" area be, and where will we put the desk and the dressers? It was tough, and I was really wishing my mom was there to help, but I eventually did it all on my own! We still have some furniture to buy, and more unpacking to do, but hopefully within the next week, I can post some pictures of the apartment. We need to get it squared away quickly, because we are both so tired of tripping over boxes.
On Sunday, we slept in and spent most of the day at the library, using the internet and working on Aaron's lesson plans for the week. We then went to the 6 p.m. service at Redeemer Presbyterian Church, which meets at Hunter College on the East Side of Manhattan. The pastor there is Tim Keller, and we'd heard of him from a few different people, including Aaron's uncle David and our friends Nathan and Erica. Aaron had visited there while he lived in the city over the summer, but this was my first time. We ended up being late and missing most of the music because of subway issues, but we still enjoyed it. I had seen pictures of Tim Keller before, and from his appearance, as well as what I'd heard from others, I expected him to be very academic and stuffy. I knew he was a good pastor, but I thought that was maybe from a theological and academic standpoint. However, I was really surprised when I heard him speak. He was very conversational and, even though he spoke with much depth and conviction, I felt that even those who were "unchurched" could easily understand and appreciate his message. His sermon, incidentally, was about when David sinned by counting the fighting men and then was given a choice of punishment. Dr. Keller made some excellent points, and Aaron and I left there feeling both convicted and encouraged.
As far as church goes, we still want to visit several places, but we really liked Redeemer. In my opinion, it is exactly what an urban church should be- extremely focused on outreach and very passionate about both church-planting and social justice issues within the city and beyond. There are also so many different groups that meet throughout the week- groups for lawyers, educators, etc.- and these are in addition to their "small group" ministry. It was definitely a neat thing to see church done this way, in a city so huge and so needy. I'm looking forward to going there again, and also to visiting other churches (even though I miss Maranatha so much already).
On Sunday night, I was excited to get a text from my friend Brandon, who I went to high school with. He's been living in Florida, but had lived in NYC prior to that, and is back and forth fairly often. He works in Theatre and is about to go on tour with Young Frankenstein so he's in the city for the week preparing to leave. Another high school friend, Jameson, lives permanently in the city and also works on Broadway. The three of us met up and had dinner on Tuesday night while Aaron was at class. We met in midtown and they took me to a Mexican restaurant in the area of Manhattan known as "Hell's Kitchen." The food was delicious, and the company was wonderful. It was so fun to spend time with them and catch up! A former roommate of Brandon's also joined us, and it was nice to meet a new person. Aaron and I are hoping to be able to see them on Friday or Saturday before Brandon leaves, especially because Aaron wasn't able to join us on Tuesday. I can't even describe how nice it was to actually have "plans with friends" here in the city. So far that's a luxury I haven't had since we moved. It made me feel more at home somehow, like I actually live here and know some people.
Just before I met up with them, I got a phone call from a place I had sent a resume to. They wanted to meet with me about an Assistant Teacher position at an afterschool program affiliated with a church in Queens. I had an interview with them yesterday, which generally went very well. I think the interviewer was happy with me, and she asked me to come back later in the day for a sort of "trial run" working with the kids. I originally told her I would, but I ended up calling and cancelling. I really think I would have liked the job, and it seemed like a nice place to work, but the position was very part time (only 4 hours a day), the pay was very low, and it took me an hour to get there. After talking with Aaron, as well as my mom, I decided that the 2-hour commute wasn't worth it.
I have to say, I'm really thankful for people who talk sense into me sometimes. People who make me slow down and consider everything before making a decision. If I would've made the decision myself, with no advice from anyone else, I probably would have taken the job, and then ended up regretting it. If I'm not careful, I can tend to rush into things out of a sense of urgency and necessity. In other words, my thought would have been, "I need a job! This is the first one I've been offered and it seems fairly decent so, even though it's crazy far away, would cut significantly into my time with Aaron, and pays nothing, I'll take it!" This is where I need people to remind me that the first offer is not always the best offer, and that God is in control and will provide for me. I just need to wait on His timing.
Well, I'm going to move on to other things (like more job-searching) while I've got the internet at my disposal. Thanks to everyone for all the comments, emails, facebook messages, text messages, phone calls, etc. You have no idea how much that all means to us, especially now, while we're still so "disconnected" here in the city. Hearing from you and talking with you is so refreshing. We love and miss you all so much!
Things are going pretty well for us. I believe Aaron's spirits are lifted, even though things in his classroom are still difficult. He has good days and bad days with the kids, which is to be expected. I know things will keep getting generally better, however, as Aaron continues to learn and grow as a teacher. I can't wait to see where he's at by the end of the year; he'll be a pro, I'm sure. ;-) In the meantime, however, if any of you educators, especially those with experience in Special Ed, can offer him any advice on how to plan lessons for kids on such opposite ends of the behavioral and learning spectrums, I know he'd appreciate it.
Aaron and I spent all day Saturday working on our apartment. We got the loft bed all set up, which was a huge help, because then we were able to basically arrange the furniture. I'm actually very happy with the way it's set up. It took me a while to figure out the best scenario: should the bed go against the brick wall and cover part of the window? Or should it go against the white wall and cut into the walkway? Where will the "living room" area be, and where will we put the desk and the dressers? It was tough, and I was really wishing my mom was there to help, but I eventually did it all on my own! We still have some furniture to buy, and more unpacking to do, but hopefully within the next week, I can post some pictures of the apartment. We need to get it squared away quickly, because we are both so tired of tripping over boxes.
On Sunday, we slept in and spent most of the day at the library, using the internet and working on Aaron's lesson plans for the week. We then went to the 6 p.m. service at Redeemer Presbyterian Church, which meets at Hunter College on the East Side of Manhattan. The pastor there is Tim Keller, and we'd heard of him from a few different people, including Aaron's uncle David and our friends Nathan and Erica. Aaron had visited there while he lived in the city over the summer, but this was my first time. We ended up being late and missing most of the music because of subway issues, but we still enjoyed it. I had seen pictures of Tim Keller before, and from his appearance, as well as what I'd heard from others, I expected him to be very academic and stuffy. I knew he was a good pastor, but I thought that was maybe from a theological and academic standpoint. However, I was really surprised when I heard him speak. He was very conversational and, even though he spoke with much depth and conviction, I felt that even those who were "unchurched" could easily understand and appreciate his message. His sermon, incidentally, was about when David sinned by counting the fighting men and then was given a choice of punishment. Dr. Keller made some excellent points, and Aaron and I left there feeling both convicted and encouraged.
As far as church goes, we still want to visit several places, but we really liked Redeemer. In my opinion, it is exactly what an urban church should be- extremely focused on outreach and very passionate about both church-planting and social justice issues within the city and beyond. There are also so many different groups that meet throughout the week- groups for lawyers, educators, etc.- and these are in addition to their "small group" ministry. It was definitely a neat thing to see church done this way, in a city so huge and so needy. I'm looking forward to going there again, and also to visiting other churches (even though I miss Maranatha so much already).
On Sunday night, I was excited to get a text from my friend Brandon, who I went to high school with. He's been living in Florida, but had lived in NYC prior to that, and is back and forth fairly often. He works in Theatre and is about to go on tour with Young Frankenstein so he's in the city for the week preparing to leave. Another high school friend, Jameson, lives permanently in the city and also works on Broadway. The three of us met up and had dinner on Tuesday night while Aaron was at class. We met in midtown and they took me to a Mexican restaurant in the area of Manhattan known as "Hell's Kitchen." The food was delicious, and the company was wonderful. It was so fun to spend time with them and catch up! A former roommate of Brandon's also joined us, and it was nice to meet a new person. Aaron and I are hoping to be able to see them on Friday or Saturday before Brandon leaves, especially because Aaron wasn't able to join us on Tuesday. I can't even describe how nice it was to actually have "plans with friends" here in the city. So far that's a luxury I haven't had since we moved. It made me feel more at home somehow, like I actually live here and know some people.
Just before I met up with them, I got a phone call from a place I had sent a resume to. They wanted to meet with me about an Assistant Teacher position at an afterschool program affiliated with a church in Queens. I had an interview with them yesterday, which generally went very well. I think the interviewer was happy with me, and she asked me to come back later in the day for a sort of "trial run" working with the kids. I originally told her I would, but I ended up calling and cancelling. I really think I would have liked the job, and it seemed like a nice place to work, but the position was very part time (only 4 hours a day), the pay was very low, and it took me an hour to get there. After talking with Aaron, as well as my mom, I decided that the 2-hour commute wasn't worth it.
I have to say, I'm really thankful for people who talk sense into me sometimes. People who make me slow down and consider everything before making a decision. If I would've made the decision myself, with no advice from anyone else, I probably would have taken the job, and then ended up regretting it. If I'm not careful, I can tend to rush into things out of a sense of urgency and necessity. In other words, my thought would have been, "I need a job! This is the first one I've been offered and it seems fairly decent so, even though it's crazy far away, would cut significantly into my time with Aaron, and pays nothing, I'll take it!" This is where I need people to remind me that the first offer is not always the best offer, and that God is in control and will provide for me. I just need to wait on His timing.
Well, I'm going to move on to other things (like more job-searching) while I've got the internet at my disposal. Thanks to everyone for all the comments, emails, facebook messages, text messages, phone calls, etc. You have no idea how much that all means to us, especially now, while we're still so "disconnected" here in the city. Hearing from you and talking with you is so refreshing. We love and miss you all so much!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
First Days of School...
It’s 7:05 p.m. and I’m currently sitting in the library at Brooklyn College (where I am NOT a student) using their internet and waiting for Aaron to get out of class. I’m not really supposed to be here… Aaron kind of snuck me in. But oh well. Hopefully no one will notice… ;-)
Yesterday was Aaron’s first day of school with students, and it was rough. He only teaches four periods a day, and he teaches two subjects, English and History. He has the same kids for two periods each day, so he actually has an extremely small number of students. He’s supposed to have 8 students in his first two classes; yesterday, only 4 showed up. In the second set of classes, he’s supposed to have 4 students; he only had 1. I think this was a bit disappointing for him, but also somewhat of a relief. His day was challenging enough, so the smaller the class, the better. For those who don’t know, Aaron is teaching in a District 75 school in Brooklyn. District 75 is a special district in the NYC school system just for special needs kids. It really is an interesting set up, because the students with more advanced disabilities are sent to these schools, where there are smaller class sizes, more paraprofessionals (aids that assist special needs kids), and, ideally, a better learning situation for them. It’s definitely a unique system.
Anyway, in Aaron’s first group of kids, only two out of the four were actually paying attention. One kid slept the entire time, and the other, who has more severe emotional problems, sat on the window ledge, making noises and throwing pens out the window. Obviously, this was frustrating for Aaron, and I know he still feels somewhat unprepared to deal with these kinds of situations. He’ll learn, of course, but these first few weeks will be challenging. In the afternoon, Aaron had only one student, who seems to want to learn and pay attention, which Aaron is grateful for. In fact, at first Aaron was unsure what this kid’s “disability” was. It was only once they spent some time reading a story out of the textbook together that Aaron realized the student has little to no reading comprehension skills. He was able to actually read the words out loud, but when Aaron asked him questions about the story, the kid really had no idea what it was about. Aaron will have to really focus on literacy with this particular student, which will be challenging, but hopefully rewarding.
It was funny, because as I listened to Aaron describe this particular student and his inability to truly understand what he was reading, I really felt heartbroken for the kid. It is so sad to me that this poor guy could have made it into high school without being able to really read. I know these stories are common, especially in areas of the country where kids receive poorer education; however, this was my first encounter with this type of literacy issue, and I felt as though, all of a sudden, something inside me was “sparked,” so to speak. I’ve been wrestling for a while now with what exactly I want to do, and I’ve known that I wanted to pursue education, but haven’t been exactly sure in what direction I’d like to go. Now, I feel like I really want to explore the option of becoming a literacy specialist. I can’t think of anything much more rewarding than helping kids who are struggling learn how to read. Because how can you survive in this world if you can’t read? I’m going to be praying about this possible direction for my future. And of course I’ll be doing some research; I’m not going to jump into anything without really thinking and praying it through. I just feel like a new possibility has arisen for me, and I feel really excited about it. So pray for Aaron and I both as we struggle and learn and grow through these new adventures and possibilities!
I met Aaron at his school yesterday when the kids were gone, because I wanted to see his classroom. It was fun seeing where he’ll be every day, and I took a few pictures of him. I wanted to have a record of his “first day of school.” J Afterwards, we went to Pathmark, one of the local grocery stores, and I got ingredients to make lasagna (I wanted Aaron to have something special after his first day). I managed pretty well in our tiny kitchen, though I did set off the smoke alarm twice. It’s pretty sensitive, I guess, because there was no smoke at all, only heat. I suppose that, in such a small apartment, the heat can very quickly set off an alarm. But all in all, the dinner turned out well, and we enjoyed relaxing together after a long day.
In other news, Aaron had a much better day today, and I came out here to Brooklyn College to meet him and have dinner. I’ve left Joey alone in the apartment for quite a while now, so I hope he’s doing ok. I’m still a little iffy on how he’s doing. He’s really nervous to leave our apartment. I have to practically drag him out the door. He gets even more nervous once we’re on the street, until I can get him around the corner where he goes to the bathroom. Then he’s focused on smelling out all the other dogs and peeing over their scents. He’s got to prove he’s dominant… he’s such a typical boy! ;-) We got him a bark collar, which emits a small shock whenever he barks. I really hate to have to use that on him, but it’s not supposed to hurt him, just make him uncomfortable. We haven’t used it yet, but I think I may have to start. I’m afraid he might be barking when I’ve left the apartment, and we don’t want to make our neighbors hate us already! We’ll see…
To close, I thought I'd post a few pictures:
Here's Aaron in his classroom. His school is located at the tip of Brooklyn, out by Coney Island.
Mr. Mast, on his first day as a teacher!
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