more reflection

I had to write some essays and do some deep reflections for the application to volunteer in Haiti...

Describe previous mission experiences and the way in which you grew as a person as a consequence of that service.

Since graduating from college I have had many jobs and enjoyed them…most of them working with youth or adults and I figured that my calling was there. When called to Malawi, I had no idea what to expect. The school needed a kindergarten teacher. I had no training in early childhood education or teaching but as a kindergarten graduate (24 years before) I was assured that I could do it. I had worked one-on-one with K, 1st and 2nd graders, but never in a classroom to myself. My understanding was that school was in English, there was curriculum and plenty of supplies there ready for me to use. My first day was a nightmare. It sunk in (quickly) that while English was used in school, these children didn’t know English and I knew no Chichewa and had no assistant or translator. I was ready to jump back on the plane and head home—I was in over my head! After a pep talk from a mentor and a chance to journal, I awoke the second day and did a short devotional before going back to school, and while it certainly was not a cake walk it was better than the first day. And each day after that got better—well, there were days that didn’t but they were in the minority. The kids and I grew and learned together. What I expected for the day didn’t usually happen—if I “knew” it was going to be a great day, it was more chaotic than normal; when I expected chaos things went smoothly. I learned to continually remind myself that it was God’s day and whatever happened would be in His hands, we work to meet the plan but nothing we do can throw it off. It is a great lesson that I’ve taken with me. My teaching was fulfilling and challenging in a way I would never have foreseen. I could do it and enjoy it.