13 X Matthew 18:5

When I was in school, I was one of those good kids. One of those nerds who always turned my homework in on time and studied hard for every test. And I had the grades to prove it.

My dream for as long as I can remember was to work in the medical field. Clinics, hospitals and using all that fun science stuff with those big words no one ever understands. That was the desire of my heart and was I open to anyway God wanted to use me….
In that field of work.

Teaching. Not really on my radar. Kids can be too much at times. And groups of them… woah slow down. But as we know, our plans are not always (usually not) God’s plans. This month in Panama was one of those times. God wanted me to see, “Yeah Jamie, you are capable of teaching and you know more than just science facts. Jamie, you are able to make a difference in a kid’s life.”

But not just one kid. How about thirteen!

I get to Doulos Christian Academy on a Tuesday. I find the fourth grade classroom and sit in the back while the Professor is teaching all in Spanish. I’m a little bored not really with anything to do. First recess comes and goes. The Professor is then leaving and is telling me that it’s my opportunity. My opportunity to do what? Take blood pressure?

I’m lost. I’ve never taught before.
What do I even teach 4^th graders?
4^th grade was a long time ago.

Thankfully the 3^rd grade teacher comes in to help. She begins teaching while I actually get to help. Slowly during that week, the reigns moved from her teaching to me teaching.

After a month here, I feel like a real teacher. I have math, reading, phonics, religion, spelling and cursive lessons all planned out. And though I may not always know the difference between hard and soft vowels and consonants because English has WAY too many rules; so I’m learning as well.

In a week and a half, I can already guess that my heart is going to break. Though the number of times I have said “SIT DOWN” or “NO TALKING” is immeasurable, each one is worth it. Each Question answered. Each smile given. Each laughter shared. They are worth it.

Some days I leave with headaches and never want to go back. While some days I have a full happy heart and could stay forever. Teaching is worth it. It’s a job that requires perseverance and determination, but seeing a student hit that moment of understanding is amazing and irreplaceable.

Kids are the future. These kids are the future of Panama. And I feel blessed to be a part of their childhood and one step both in their life and their walk with God.