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!