Life is better when you’re enjoying it.

When I came back after Christmas, I realized that I was quickly losing patience with my students. I was annoyed when they didn’t listen the first time or when I had to repeatedly ask them to pay attention or not talk when I was talking.

A couple weeks into school, my kind mom asked how she could pray for me, so I mentioned my attitude at school, and God helped me. I’m so grateful. Seeing the change–not in my kids, but in how I started to perceive my kids and their behavior–from one week to the next was really cool. I went from frustration, clenched fists, & deep, cleansing breaths to enjoying their silliness and finding creative ways to teach them.

I was happy to get back to watching my kids with starry eyes: admiring their pretty tan skin, hearing their silly & clever ideas, cherishing hugs & hand-holding, and being glad to teach them and watch them learn.

🙂 Here are just a few pictures to showcase my delightful estudiantes:

These are the four kids I had mentor time with each week. As our last shebang, I took them to Dunkin’ Donuts (and on an errand) before church one Sunday, and they loved it! “I’ve never had breakfast in the city before!” Getting samples in PriceSmart (like Sam’s) was a pretty big deal as well!

One day while we were outside to let some crazy people run off an overabundance of energy, José found some metallic blue beetles. | With the first graders, we made hot chocolate during our Christmas party!

Upside-down goggles and sweater-sharing with this silly, big-personality third-grader. He’s seriously so much fun!!

This boy is a combination of wiggles & energy, mixed with kindness & gentlemanliness. I love having my backpack carried and my hand held. So sweet (:

I finally got out the Old Maid game I bought last summer (?), and the second graders have had so much fun with it!! “Ms. Lindsey, can we play the Old Mad?” “It’s MAID, y’all; and yes.” 😉

And, to finish off, a picture of my two first grade girlies and some sweet first & second grade boys. We’ve got a school of such good-looking kids!

They attacked me at a moment when I was in distress, but the LORD supported me. He led me to a place of safety; he rescued me because he delights in me. –Psalm 18:18-19

God is good.

He delights in us.

And he makes it possible for us to know him, enjoy him, and love him.

Because he loved and enjoyed us first, we’re able to love and enjoy Him and others.

I’m grateful for that.

And I’m grateful for you!

I pray that your joy is found in the Lord as you look to him and see his eyes of love looking back at you.

Thank you for your love and support.

I couldn’t be here without you.

XO,

Lindsey