Can I call you mom?

She kept on telling me about the problems she was having at home, and I couldn't help it but to put time aside and listen to her. I knew that I was warned not to listen or get attached to any child. but honestly,
it is quite a hard thing to be a teacher and not get attached to a child. It’s a hard thing to be a teacher and not be a part of a child’s life. What should I do when a child wants to share what he or she faces every day? What should I do when a child starts to cry because of hardships at home or simply because they don't feel valuable enough? Should I cast a blind eye and tell that child that I am just there for her/him as a teacher but not as a friend or anything more?

There was always that popular phrase that many teachers used every time they walked into our classrooms. “I am here as your teacher not your friend.”

But how on earth can you tell that to a child? Tears welled up in to her eyes and I drew her closer and hugged her tightly. And I told her that no matter what I still loved her.
She drew back, looked up and then smiled at me.
"Ms Joshua..?" She hesitated a bit.
"Yes?" I said smiling back at her.
"Can I call you mom?"
I smiled wider, nodded, and then hugged her again. Deep down my heart burned with sadness, and I tried hard to blink the tears away.

A couple of weeks ago I was begging the Lord to make my mission her more and more clear. I wanted to know in what way did he want me to related to this children. and right there, while on my knees I felt the Lord finally answering my prayers.

I realized that a child doesn't only need to be fed with good knowledge and understanding, but much more they need affection, appreciation, and encouragement. They need someone to honestly tell them every day that they are loved for who they are. And that they are special in every best way.
A mom. I love it.

Weekend with Charmine

It was sweet Charmine's birthday one of my grade 2 girls, and I promised her a weekend with me. It was really an amazing and fun experience to have her over. I was amazed at how much time and the little things (especially the ones that we might find childish) could mean so much to a child.

                                        "when I grow up, I want to be a teacher "

                                                                Reaching for the sky.

Hungry Lion

                                                                   Say Cheese!

Independance Day

We celebrated our independence day today at school. we Had different activities going on and the kids got the opportunity to dress up into their traditional outfits. I did a March with the grade 7s which turned out pretty well than I thought. And two of the grade 7 girls Barbina and Karin gave a speech.
It was really special for all of us.
 The kids had fun and so did we as teachers.
I deeply thank God for the freedom of our country and our people.

                                                       the grade7s marching with the flag

                                       the 3s in their traditional (owambo) outfits

                                                         Barbina giving a speech

Narnia & The best.

Our church held an open soccer day today for the youth and different soccer teams from different schools signed up for it. so I thought it would be fun to sign up 4 of my previous grade 2 boys who really loves to play soccer. It's funny we were the only team from a Primary school the rest were high schools and varsity. But the boys showed no fear. I was so impress that they were willing to play against the big kids. 
I felt like we had the best soccer team ever. Well, we got beaten so bad, that we went out and celebrate our defeat with a big lunch! traded a bit of sorrow for joy and laughter. My boys are just super awesome.   

                                              Me and my previous grade 2 boys.
                                         (From the left: Ezra, Romario, Attiman, Arbert)

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Valentine"s Day

Yeahhh…Its valentine’s day! OR Noooo it’s that cursed day again!

Yep. This day can definitely cause feelings of loneliness and can act as an alarm clock that reminds you that you’re ‘just’ a single. But let’s change that mind perspective, and let’s make it easier for many out there to stop sniffling into their handkerchief and pull their heads from under the pillows. The TRUTH is:
You don’t have to be in a romantic relationship to give or receive love on this day, but be willing and open to accept the fact that it can come from anywhere and anyone. So, with that said, may we allow love to embrace us not only during Valentine’s Day but every 365 days. May we also allow love to flow out of us and know for sure that we are never alone. That we are always loved on the 14th of Feb and thereafter. Let’s make every single day a Valentine’s Day, to pour out our hearts for one another, maintaining commitment and affection all lifelong to the people around us and in our lives, to remember what true love is all about. If we going to expand the love, we need to first recognize that we already have the love that we need inside of us, for no one can give or share what they do not have. We are called to love. We are never alone. Not on Valentine’s Day or any other day. Because after the chocolates are eaten and the flowers are dead, God’s love and grace still remains.

 

 

Children are a blessing

Working with children is the most amazing challenge that i face everyday; its an everyday wake up call to be, humble, patience and thankful in many areas of my life and I like it because its an everyday learning process. To me, children are the most amazing people to work with not simply because they are adorable and super cute, but because they tend to teach us the most important things in life without them even realizing it. things that most of us adults tend to take for granted or simply think its impossible.
they are treasure boxes from above send down to show us the old; What it really means to be humble and how true faith in God should look like. they have a lack of fear unless someone introduce Scubydoo to them. No social boundaries. Endless curiosity, unconditional love, and shows us that its OKAY to play and simply be true to who we are. And as we watch them grow up, they are the evidence that God has indeed a plan and purpose for each an everyone of us.
they have the most amazing wildest future goals for their lives when they grow up than any one else on the planet, they want to be butterflies, cheetahs, fairies, superman, and even pink flamingos.
So, I don't only live for those sweet little hugs and kisses, I live to learn a godly valuable lesson from them.

Back to school

It was the best day of my life today. I was and still am excited to see all the kids back at school. and yes, I have made peace that the grade 2's are moving on to grade 3. So we have new grade 2s this year. It felt like a grand reunion for all the teachers and the kids today. I cried...a bit. My heart is so full of joy and really thankful for this day.
It was so exciting the kids couldn't stop talking about how their Holiday went. So many stories for two ears at the same time!

And we have new faces this year, not only in our class but also in school it self.

Let me introduce you to them:



This is our new grade 2 for this year.

And this is the grade 1s for this year. They are the new babies of the school. Super Cute!