Update and Introduction

This job is insane. I work harder than I've ever worked in my life and do not feel like I'm succeeding. The teacher I work with told me I need to be "meaner". She says the kids have figured out I'm the "nice one" and are taking advantage of me. This week, I was bitten, called a M.F. & a "stupid a** sh**" (all by a 4 year old), cried twice and was generally overwhelmed and exhausted. I'm really praying that God gives me strength and that I am able to keep in mind that my purpose in life is to glorify him. Somehow I need to find a way to do that in this job.

The experience is inspiring me to apply to graduate school again and study education, so that I can possibly figure out a way to improve the school experience for inner-city kids. As long as there is this atmosphere of anger, yelling, etc., I don't know how the cycle of failure and violence will end.

There are some very sweet kids in my class. I want to introduce you to one of my favorites (yes, teachers have favorites). Her name is T., and she is a complete doll.

T. is an ideal student. She is fun, creative, curious, eager to help, and extremely loving. I adore T., and look forward to seeing her sweet face each and every day.

Hopefully I will get used to the energy needed to do this job and have more left over to write on this blog. Right now, I basically go to work and then sleep. I do have a lot to say, though, so stay tuned.

Thank you all for your prayers. I NEED them very much.