My first day of school!

Wow. You know I thought all through my life that the first day of school as a student was awkward and kind of chaotic. I learned very quickly today that the first day from a teachers end is even more so chaotic and stressful. Here is my schedule, Monday at 12:45 I teach 4th grade until 1:15. Next are my first graders whom I really enjoy and I think they have a lot of potential. After these to classes is my big project, the second graders. These guys are a little out of control and I don't use this term lightly. I really had to reach deep within myself to find the patience for this bunch. Hopefully they will grow to understand that the better they behave the more games we will play. I guess that sometimes I forget that these kids are just kids and likely so they will be squirmy and loud. 

On a more serious note, you all don't really understand the limited resources that these kids grow up with. The school where I teach is a two story building with no air conditioning. There is no cafeteria and the kids have to bring there lunches everyday. Students eat with there class at there desks and when they are finished eating as a class they make there way to the playground. Now please understand that when I say playground I mean a small dirt field with one small set of monkey bars and an asphalt basketball court. The basketball court has one rim set at 10 feet and the other at 8 feet, these rims have no nets and the basketballs are rubber balls that I am sure at one time resembled basketballs but now look like worn rubber playground balls. There is one area of the playground that is grass but it is approximately 15 yards by 30 yards. As far as equipment goes there is close to none. We use metal hoola hoops and plastic dollar general balls. We have cheap worn jump ropes and a handful of frisbees. I am very serious when I say that that is all of the equipment that we have.  

Please be in prayer for these kids and this school. What Tien Shan is offering to all of these kids is wonderful and there is nothing they need more than you prayer and support. 

I hope to get some pictures up on facebook of the school here pretty soon so keep an eye out for those. 

Until next time,

Lee Wallace

leewallace08(at)gmail.com