Placed Here

It is an unbelievable reality that I have already begun my career.  I spent years dreaming of this day and lots of money and sleepless nights studying and waiting to get here, but I still can't believe it has officially begun!  Less than a month ago I graduated from Dallas Baptist University with the HUGE blessing of already having a job secured for my future.  There was no more stressing about where I would end up...God had been so good!

So here I am at a charter school in Oak Cliff teaching 4th grade.  I was actually originally hired as a 2nd grade teacher, but my position changed the first day I came to the school to meet my class.  All I can say is that it is nothing like I expected.  For example, I did not expect the tiny size of the room, the grand number of 26 students in my homeroom, or even the fact that I would be teaching 4th grade.  There are many challenges that face me - a big one just being that I am taking on a new class in the middle of the year with almost no time to prepare.  However, I know that I am placed here for a reason.

I remember the prayers and the events that fell into place as I received this job offer.  I remember the sheer joy I felt when I first got the call informing me that I got the job!  And most importantly, I remember the reason I even wanted to teach in the first place: to help mold and foster the growth of young children's lives.  It's all about the kids, and this job is my ministry.  Seven days into the year of teaching and I am already falling in love with my 49 students.  It breaks my heart how rough some of them can be, but they are kids and very impressionable.  I want them to know how I love them and to be a light in their lives.

I am reminded of that song "Carry Your Candle" and the message makes me want to cry.

There is a candle in every soul
Some brightly burning, some dark and cold
There is a Spirit who brings fire
Ignites a candle and makes His home

Carry your candle, run to the darkness
Seek out the hopeless, confused and torn
Hold out your candle for all to see it
Take your candle, and go light your world



While this may be the most difficult semester I have ever had to face, I am hopeful and anxious to see what happens.  The most important thing is to rely on Him and seek His will in all of this.  He placed me here for a reason, and I intend to make it count.