Choosing to look for the good

When we began this trip, I remember thinking to myself "Wow. 26 days. We are going to have so much time!" Well let me tell you- time is flying, and we are having so much fun! Last night a group of us went down to Point Lobos, a look out point by the ocean, and watched the sunset. It was one of those moments in life that I wanted to capture in a jar so I could go back to it again and again. I was surrounded by people that I am growing to love so much and was looking at the deep, wide sea with a golden sun setting over it. Truly, it was a moment to treasure.

As for the classroom, I have been placed in a kindergarten classroom. The thought of Kindergarten made me want to run for the door, and I would be lying if I said that there weren't moments where I wondered what on earth I am getting myself in to. My classroom is filled with children who are a different color than I am. Ji'Niyah, Wayjon, Jessiah, Mikiah, Nevaeh, Tianee, Gabino, Selam, Husaam AND Bryan. Good ol' Bryan. I was so intimidated at first because these children came from such a different world than mine, but I have been so incredibly thrilled to spend time with them each day. They say the funniest, sassiest things and they love so quickly. That is my favorite part about working with children. It takes about two seconds for them to love you more than anything in the world, and they live in the moment without asking questions. We have fits, accidents, paint spills, moments of insanity, moments of joy, moments of sadness, moments of triumph and lots and lots of fun. They test my patience, but I look at their faces, feel their embraces and hear their words of encouragement and love towards me and I can't help but encourage, love, support and educate them in return.

If I have taken anything from my experience in the classroom so far, it has been that it is no use to go to school everyday trying to be something I'm not and focusing on the negative. I had a really difficult day on Monday where I wasn't feeling excited about being the classroom. I had walked into the classroom with a negative attitude and, in return, had left with even more of a negative attitude. Since then, I have made the commitment to look for the positive, enjoy the kids for who they are, not looking for who they aren't and enjoy every moment loving them. It has worked, and I am enjoying every second I can spend with them.

This weekend we have a 3 day weekend thanks to Dr. King and will be enjoying company, Siri's birthday, good food and more adventures. More from one of us later.

Love-

Liz