Puffy, white cottonballs swirled through the air as I drove to Chattanooga this morning. Who knew that He would kiss my face with joy today? Unassumingly, I prayed that Papa would allow me to enjoy my 2nd student teaching placement. My first placement was so wonderful, I struggled to think I would be able to enjoy my 2nd placement at all.
Questions swirled through my head just like the puffy cottonballs falling from the sky. A CDC classroom? Not me, Papa...you know me: the smart, creative, overachieving daughter? What can I offer these kids...I do not have the patience. What if I have to change diapers? Dear God, please, please no diapers, I may throw up, You know me!
Pulling up to a school blanketed in soft, billowy white I wiped away a tear, and maybe a little pride. Okay, Papa, whatever You choose. I will follow You. Wait, did I mention I got lost during my mental meandering? Yes, I actually traveled 26 miles out of my way, and had to call Nice Office Lady to get directions.
Hold my hand, Papa, I prayed as I entered the standard school office and greeted Nice Office Lady. I walked through the hallways, finding my way through a maze of corridors with the help of *Julius, the sweet student who will be my GPS for the next 8 weeks.
11 little heads turned as I entered the room. No wheelchairs, no walkers, no diapers....just 11 perfect little heads, with sweet brown eyes of several different shades. Some smiled, some stared, but my heart sang. Real Teacher continued the lesson on weather, "What is happening outside?" Little voices sqealed, "Snow!!! It's Snowing!" They talk! Yes. Thank You God. One by one I was introduced to them all. Little Twisty Hair Girl, Sweet Chubby Boy, Soft Brown Eyes, Pink Shirt-Matching Skirt Girl, Combat Boot Boy, Tall Girl, Super Big Second Grade Boy, Shy Girl, Fro Girl, and Flapping Hands each in turn, some with prompting, some without. About 20 minutes into class, the excitement in the room was electric - the PUFFY WHITE COTTON WAS LANDING ON THE GROUND!!!!!!!! 11 perfect little heads peeped over the window and perfect little five fingered hands pointed at the winter wonderland. Real Teacher and I could not stand it any longer. We had already read Green Eggs and Ham and no one could sit still....jackets flew about the room, yelps, squeals, calls, and laughter filled the air. 28 feet scrambled to the playground covered in feathery white goodness (6 extra legs for me, Real Teacher, and Awesome Assistant Man). Even in a skirt joyful, childlike giddyness would not escape me (not to mention no one was wearing a scarf or gloves). A cold, white cottonball war ensued. My new students screamed and played, they chased me through the snow and tackled me. Before I knew it the principal was outside too, videotaping our ridiculous fun.
Flapping Hands and Super Big Second Grade Boy pursued me with perfect schoolboy vigor, my favorite grey flats were no match for their adept strides; I slipped, fell and was immediately covered in children and snow. We rolled and rolled. Laughter sprinkled through the air like a gentle melody. I closed my eyes trying to understand the moment. God kissed me so beautifully in that smelly mess of soggy snow and students. I never noticed my frozen hands and wet feet until we returned to the building. Next thing I knew school was cancelled and all the children were being picked up from school.
Driving away from Winter Wonderland the puffy, white cottonballs glided through the air and my mind wandered again. Questions stirred and my heart was full of love. Why me Papa? Why do You let me meet these kids? Who am I that I might get to know them? I am not ready, Papa. I can offer them nothing.
