Just Another Week In Paradise

Ever have one of those days where everything goes wrong? Of course you have, everyone has. However, I had one of those days that stretched into a week that everything goes wrong. I had a few breakdowns - most of them were justifiable. However that seems to be the regular norm.

I've been trying to have a positive attitude and pray about it. This week I read through Psalms and I was really encouraged. It seemed to uplift me, even when I felt like I was drowning in disparity. And of course, I cannot withhold thanks from my parents and grandparents - they are a solid foundation of support. They always find something encouraging to say to me, even when I'm at my lowest. I thank God for them everyday that he has put them in my life. How blessed am I. The four wisest people I know are my pillars of strength.

Anyway, as I think back on the week, I honestly cannot remember anything that happened. I feel like time blurs together and I get amnesia. Perhaps its better that way. However, I distinctly remember Friday. If you were in my classroom, you'd remember too. It was a war zone. The students were at each other's throats. In a nutshell, here's what happened.

• Two of the girls started a rumor that another one of my student's had fleas. There was lots of tears and arguments over that.
• Every time I started a lesson, one of my boys busted out (multiple times) in the chicken dance - which threw off every lesson I had.
• Two boys were wrestling for fun during break time and it turned into a fist fight. A third boy thought he accidentally started the fight (which is strange) and so he hid and we searched all over school for a half hour to find him.
• One boy decided it would be funny to pull chairs out from people while they were attempting to sit - resulting in many crying kids.
• An email was sent informing us that in two hours a document was due (two hours when I had to teach). The document was given to me a half hour AFTER I got the email.
• On a dare, one of my boys ate a whole piece of paper. He thought it was tasty and so I had to stop him from eating every piece of paper in sight. That same boy was mad that I took away all his paper so he spit on a girl's poster.
• One of my boys drew "boy parts" and "girl parts" on his picture and proceeded to explain (in explicit detail) to one of the girls (who happens to be a staff kid) what they meant and did.

Oh yes, it was a LOVELY day! As I think back on it all, I can't help but laugh. At the time, I wasn't laughing. Oh no, the kids saw the wrath of Ms. Marie - several times.

But Friday ended on a positive note. One of my struggling students had worked so hard. He was dedicated to everything he started (which is VERY unlike him). I'm usually chasing him down and making new copies for him. He has a rough home life - really rough. Starting last Monday, I decided I'd make him my personal project this year. He is quite neglected by his parents, and so I want to show him as much teacherly and motherly love as possible. He needs it, he just feels so worthless much of the time. Anyway, he was dedicated to everything he did and finished it. At the end of the day, when all the kids had gone home, I gave him this huge sticker that says "Stellar Student" and told him I've never been more proud of him than this week. He lit up like a string of Christmas lights. He started crying and said, "Ms. Marie, no one's ever told me they were proud of me before. I wish someone at home would tell me that." Then he gave me a big hug and ran out. It melted my heart.

Even despite the fact that my week seemed to be going to hell in a handbag, Nathan was my saving grace. Even if I have the worst year ever of teaching, if I can reach out to him and be successful, I will have had a productive year.

As this weekend comes to a close, I find excitement that Idul Fitri holiday is just around the corner - less than two weeks. I've never needed a holiday more than right now - and school just started! So from now until then, I'll take one day at a time (one hour at a time - if needed). I'll make it to the finish line. I have to, I must!