{Teaching} was hard. Some of the kids were needy and vulnerable and depressed, with faces of dubious, aged concern, rumpled foreheads, downcast or shuttered eyes. Some were wild. We did not exclude anyone, because Jesus didn't. On bad days, I could not imagine what he had been thinking. I could always feel Jesus in the room, encouraging us in every way, although maybe he would have stopped short of sharing Doritos with us.
Teaching presented significant challenges, as many students struggled with emotional issues, appearing weary and burdened. Their vulnerability was evident, while others exhibited unruly behavior. In this context, the teaching philosophy was inclusive, reflecting the teachings of Jesus who embraced everyone without exclusion. The difficulties of the role sometimes led to frustration, leaving the teacher wondering about the deeper reasoning behind their struggles.
Despite the tough days, there was a profound sense of support felt throughout the teaching experience, almost as if Jesus was present, offering encouragement. This spiritual connection provided strength and motivation to push through the hardships of teaching, even if it meant navigating the trials without the comfort of sharing snacks like Doritos. The reflection illustrates the deep intertwining of faith and the challenges faced in the educational environment.
