First student-teaching day in the Windy City

"The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps." 

Proverbs 16:9

Yesterday, my roommate (Becky Marras) and I went to look at the apartment we will be living in, signed a contract, and paid first rent. But, on our way there, we got lost. Good thing we were together. It created great bonding time.

But then, on the same day, another student teacher and I decided to find out how to get to our school using public transportation since we both are placed in the same school. Time: 56 minutes, give and take. On our way back, however, Chelsi (my traveling buddy to the school) got off earlier. She left me her cellphone and we both trusted that I would get off the right track. It was not the case, unfortunately. I got off three blocks after, and then I walked around in circles pretending to know where I am going. Walking with "confidence," not looking lost. Finally, I gave up my pride and called Chelsi, got directions to hotel, and eventually got to my destination.

that is down the street of our bus stop to go to school.

While walking when I was lost, my good Lord gave me joy and peace. He reassured that He is leading. He is taking care. He DESIRES, LONGS to take control, to establish my steps. In chaotic times such as this beginning week, I make a plan, but He has a better one.


For instance, today was my first day at Jamieson Elementary School (my placement for student teaching). I will be doing four weeks working with the special education teacher, and the other last four weeks I will be in a first grade classroom. Today, I was going to meet with my special ed. teacher, but . . .she did not show up. And she won't tomorrow either. So, plans were changed, and went with my first grade classroom. I am going to try to paint it as good as I can for you:


My teacher is South Korean (I love that fact!). She made everything comfortable for me, and gave me tasks to interact with the kids. And she also kind of needs the help since we kind of have 32 students ranging from different countries and speaking different languages in our first grade classroom. Some speak Arabic, others Spanish,  and English of course (city-hard-to-understand-because-you-speak-too-fast English). In other first grade classrooms, there are Indians (yay!), Asians, African American. I loved walking around the classroom and looking at the different colors! It is beautiful! The kids would come to me asking me to sharpen their pencil, and asking if I know about Selena Gomez. . ."her last name is like yours Ms. Gomez!!!" They are a rowdy bunch, and although I loved seeing the diversity, I was SO overwhelmed leaving the school thinking that I will have to teach all 32 six to seven year old boys and girls! I cannot just yell to get their attention. How can I teach in a way they understand with only 5 hours of class (classes begin at 9 and end at 2:40)? How can I meet all their needs?

But, once again, after a meeting with all the student teachers, then dinner with all chicago semester people, and then a Wallgreens run, I laid on my bed exhausted and overwhelmed. Once again, God reminded me that He "establishes my steps." There is nothing He sends my way that I am not ready for. I am in His hands!


So, student teaching in an urban setting and learning city living. . . I am SO EXCITED! So overwhelmed! So filled by His Spirit. It is EXCITING! So thankful by it!


Tomorrow I go to the first graders (I love their smiley faces already!), move into my apartment (I love my roommie and apartment), and enjoy the city lights.