Inspirational Sunday

Since the end of our school year is very near here in Abu Dhabi, I'm posting inspirational quotes for teachers.

The world seldom notices who teachers are; but civilization depends on what they do. Lindsay J. Stiles

We all need someone who inspires us to do better than we know how. Anonymous

There is no way to judge the worth of a teacher except in the lives of those he has taught. Anonymous

Quality education is not just providing information, it is developing wiser minds. E. J. Oliver

Theories and goals of education don't matter a whit if you don't consider your students to be human beings. Lou Ann Walker

One good teacher in a lifetime may sometimes change a delinquent into a solid citizen. Phillip Wylie

Never give up on a child. Patricia Willis

The best teacher of children is one who is essentially childlike. H. L. Mencken

Everyone who remembers his own educational experience remembers teachers, not methods and techniques. The teacher is the kingpin of the educational situation. He makes or breaks programs. Sidney Hook

I touch the future. I teach. Christa McAulliffe

Tickle-Me Tuesday

There were a bunch of cute memes making their way through Facebook. Had to share. A few of them pertain to me.

Inspirational Sunday

Have you ever wondered if you were making any headway in your obedience to God? He'd given you a task, you obediently took it (although it seemed so daunting) and now, it just doesn't seem like anything's happening. You'd asked God for a sign to let you know you were doing something right, but it doesn't seem like He hears you.

Yeah. I've felt that way...many times. I've felt that way just this past trimester. I knew God had sent me here to Abu Dhabi. I knew - for reasons only He knows - He put me in this specific class to teach these specific 3/4 year olds English, despite the fact that I haven't worked with kids that small in a classroom setting (I tend to avoid preschool aged kids). I must admit. I didn't want to. I prayed so hard for Him to put me with the older kids (a prayer I'm now glad He said no to). There were times when I struggled. Especially the times when I was left alone with 25+ preschoolers who didn't understand a word I was saying and who looked at me like I was an alien (which, I may as well have been since I was speaking an "alien" language). At the beginning, most were shy towards me and hardly ever talked. It was hard. And draining. And I wondered if I should give up and go home. I mean, I tried, right? But something within me - the Holy Spirit - kept me going. I kept asking God if I was doing it right. Was I reaching the kids? Did they feel His love through me?

I got my answer after our three-week break. When my kids saw me, they swarmed me with hugs as if - dare I say it - they missed me. They called out my name, snuggled their chubby faces in my neck, and grabbed my hand and wouldn't let go. At the end of the day, they eagerly waved bye to me, calling out my name from across the room (repeatedly, if I didn't answer right away), just to get my attention. This, my friends, is now an everyday occurrence. Even my shyest little angels make an effort to show me love. And OMG, their hugs! Man, but they make day! They spread their arms as wide as they could & squeeze. They race to see who would grab my hand first, like they want the privilege of holding Ms. Raenice's hand. I even got a sweet kiss on the cheek. One of my students, who never went for hugs last trimester, can't seem to get enough this trimester. He smiles at me everyday and sometimes, he's one of the first ones to grab my hand. And I just LOVE when they are so excited about showing me their work. "Ms. Raenice, shoofi!" Ahh, the joys of teaching.

I asked and God answered. Yes, they can feel His love shining brightly through me. Yes, I'm doing something right...reaching the children, despite the language barrier. Yes, I'm making some headway in this journey. They know Ms. Raenice is not like other people they've met, and I'd like to think it's cos of God's love. His love is what's drawing them to me. It's funny cos I've asked God to let His light shine through me so bright, that it draws His babies to me...and that's exactly what He's doing. God has given me the tools I need to succeed, even when it looks like I wouldn't. He's right here with me.

This trimester, I have a second class to teach. I still have my original babies, but now, I have double the chance to spread His love. I feel like I'm starting all over with these students. Some of them are shy and trying to feel me out. And yes, it's draining. But I believe just as God has used me to make an impact on my first group of babies, He will do the same with my second group. It's funny watching my first group look at kids in my second group with that "Who are you and what are you doing with my Ms. Raenice" look. And my second group looks at me like, "Who is this woman and why are they so into her." These kids have truly stolen my heart.

If you've been obedient to God, and it doesn't seem like you're going anywhere, I've got to tell you...KEEP GOING. You're obedience alone is moving you forward. If you give up, you'll miss the treasure God has in store for you. If you give up, you'll never see God's mighty power work through you. If you give up, you'll never be able to do some awesome things through God who gives you strength. His children has been given the gift of the Holy Spirit, who's with us, leading and guiding us. When we need that push, the Holy Spirit will whisper, "Keep going." And every so often, God may send you a little...sign to let you know that, yes, you are doing something right. There is nothing like walking in His will for you. It's an amazing thing!

Miscellaneous

A to Z Blog Challenge: I survived! It was a cool experience and I've met some new friends on the way. At first, I was hesitant about joining. I mean, I didn't find out about it until 2 days before. I figured it would be difficult. A few times, it was difficult, BUT I did it. And I'm glad I did.

Blog Schedule/Book Reviews/Writing: First of all, welcome to my new followers. Can't wait to dialogue with you. My normal blog schedule is:

Monday: Manificent Monday
Tuesday: Tickle-Me Tuesday
Wednesday: Writing Wednesday
Thursday: Random Thoughts Thursday
Sunday: Inspirational Sunday

This week, I'm only posting Manificent Monday (today's post is coming, I promise) and Tickle-Me Tuesday. My regularly scheduled posting will start back up Sunday. Honestly, I'm thinking about starting a blog strictly for book reviewing since I read SO MUCH. Until I think about it, I'll just post book reviews on Fridays and Saturdays. But I'm almost positive I'll start a book reviewing blog.

I am so behind on both reviews and reading! I've got about a gazillion reviews to write and books/ARCs to read. Not really a gazillion, but you get the idea. It sure does feel that way, tho. I've been focusing a big chunk of my time on job search (yes, I'm leaving the comfort of substitute teaching), that I haven't been focusing on writing and reading as much. But I plan to rectify that situation. This week is all about reading and writing. I'm concentrating on catching up on my reading, writing these reviews, and writing novel #2 that I've neglected. Boy, my main character is not happy with me. If I'm not careful, she'll start ignoring me as I've ignored her while looking for work. Then, I'll really be in trouble.

Netgalley: Speaking of reviews, if you love to review books, Netgalley is all kinds of awesome! It's where you can get e-galleys of books before they're published for free. I love it! There are some awesome books there.

Job Search: I still don't know what I'll be doing in the fall, but I'm not going to worry about it. I'll keep looking and doing what I need to do, but I won't be so caught up in it, that that's all I do. I trust God to do what He does and provide. I do have an opportunity to teach in Abu Dhabi (about 2 hour drive from Dubai). I made it to round 3 - I had an interview yesterday - and now I'm waiting to see if I made it to the final round.

Honestly, this will take me so far out of my comfort zone, but I'm ready. If I'm chosen to go, I'll go. If not, I'm cool with that, too. God has some awesomeness in store for me. I'm just waiting to see where He wants me to be. If I do go, I'll definitely be counting on the wonders of technology to keep me sane. I mean, I'll be on the other side of the world from all that I know and love. You can count on me blogging, tweeting, and facebooking. And I'll definitely be adding Skype to the list. Anyway, I'll find out some time this week. Eep!