Teaching Life

I have not written a post here in some time because I have been out of the country, in Croatia.  I went to Karlovac for a mission trip with my church for two weeks.  I was there to build relationships and spread God’s love and grace among the youth and adults, inside and outside the church.  My role in this mission trip was to offer English classes for the people in this town, which were held at the Baptist church where we were staying during our visit.

I was assigned to the Intermediate level, which was mostly pre-teens. During my time teaching, my TEFL training came back and I remembered why I earned my TEFL certificate to begin with - I love teaching!  I love teaching English to other cultures and connecting on that level with the students. I especially loved teaching the young students.

This was a relief for me since I start student teaching this fall.  This trip clarified for me that I am doing the right thing and following the path God has intended for me, career-wise. When a student in Croatia hugged me and said “thank you”, that feeling of accomplishment and making a difference warmed my heart.

As a future teacher, I understand there will be some challenging times and maybe even some frustrating days. But, seeing the look of “I get it” in a student’s smile and young eyes will make it all worth it for me.  So, thank you God for making this trip possible and impacting the lives of others, whether in the United States or a land across the ocean.  I have found my purpose and look forward to my role as a teacher.

I hope ALL teachers can find that glimmer of understanding and love in their students that makes the job all worth it!