A Lesson Learned

Dear family and friends,

Greetings from Nicaragua. I will soon be finishing my 4th year of teaching at NCA. Can you believe I have been here for 4 years?!  I will be going back home in June for summer vacation. I plan to return in August for my 5th year. When I first started teaching I questioned my choice of profession. I have really grown into it over the years. I believe God has placed me in the position of a teacher for a purpose. It is difficult work, but so rewarding. God has given me so much love for the children He has brought into my life. I am so thankful to be with them every day and I am blessed to be able to watch them learn and grow. I can’t imagine doing anything more fulfilling. I am blessed.

On April 10th there was an earthquake near Managua that registered 6.2 on the Richter Scale. Some people’s homes were damaged, along with some schools. However there wasn't any significant damage in the area where I live just outside of Managua. After the large earthquake there were many aftershocks and smaller earthquakes. Due to the threat of another large earthquake, schools in Managua have been closed for the last 4 weeks. This has been a time of testing for teachers and students alike. I and some of the teachers I work with have struggled to find purpose when our purpose seems to have been taken from us overnight. We have sent home packets of work and provided online assignments for students, but those things do not compare to actual face to face time with students. The Ministry of Education has said that we will be able to return to school next Monday. We are all very hopeful and excited to soon be back in the classroom with our students.

During this small time of testing I have learned to surrender my time to the Lord. All our times are in His hands. Every day, every moment, every breath. He knew we would not have school during this time. He knew the struggle it would bring to some of us. We will have 4 weeks left of school if we start again on Monday. It is a short time to teach our students a few more things before the end of the school year. It is a short time to enjoy their smiles, laughter and insights.  I have surrendered my time to the Lord. If I don’t get even one more day with the children before this school year ends, it is enough. I am thankful for all the days we have had. God is in control and He knows. It is times like these that I realize how much I have to be thankful for. We never know when it will end. I want to be thankful for every day, every moment, every person. Life is precious.

A few of my sweet sweet students

Dinner with some awesome teachers

Roommates

The other ELL teacher, Meredith, who is leaving after 2 years. I'll miss her!


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