For many of you, myself included, the progression of the story is familiar through my regular postings in 2014, yet to me the story is still remarkable. Jordan and I arrived in Australia with little knowledge of the education system here. As a new graduate with no connections, I walked across Brisbane submitting my resume to various primary schools and I somewhat stumbled upon Indooroopilly State High School. I hesitated from quite some time at the entrance of the school: "I am not even qualified to teach all of the high school year levels." "I look the same age as some of these students!" "They have their own Australian teachers to choose from." "They will probably laugh at me after I drop off my resume." Negative self-talk came too easily that day, yet for some reason I thought, "I made it this far, I might as well introduce myself and hand in my resume. What's the worst that can happen?"
The 'worst' that happened was this: I received a call the very next day to supply teach; I continued receiving calls multiple times per week for the entire first semester; I was asked to apply for a teaching position; I was shortlisted for an interview; I received a job offer; I accepted the job offer; I am now teaching at Indooroopilly State High School, the first school to provide me with work, and the last school I expected it from!
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| R Block - This building has become my home away from home. |
The entire development of this story from last February til present time is covered by the fingerprints of God. I know this especially because the idea of teaching at a high school once scared me. I do not have great confidence in the power of my presence - or lack thereof - among teenage students, but I do have confidence in my God and what He can do in me and through me despite me!
Oddly enough, after 5 years of studying education and growing my skills through practicum, I felt, and still do feel, very unprepared and under qualified to take on the overwhelming responsibility to teach 50+ year 7 students. You see, teaching the curriculum in an engaging manner that stirs up creative and critical thinking is hard enough - and ridiculously time-consuming - let alone attempting to care for, minister to, console, wisely direct, and equitably love on each and every student.
So how does one 24 year old beginning teacher do this?? Certainly not alone, that's for sure!! Sharing resources and wisdom, providing guidance and feedback, speaking encouragement and positivity, fellow colleagues have been absolutely incredible to assist me through my first year.
But this year has been marked by such beautiful encouragement - and confirmation of my practice - from students, parents, and classroom assistants that remind me all the successes in my classroom are beyond me; they are purely gifts from God. It helps to have a great group of kids that bring a smile to my face, but there absolutely have been some challenges along the way requiring wisdom that I do not have. I'm not the wisest of individuals in the world and I often stumble to find the right words at the right time, so I am extremely thankful for a God who works within my weaknesses. There is not an ounce of doubt in my mind that I would not be in this position - teaching in Australia and receiving such positive feedback - without my incredible Father showering me with blessing upon blessing.
It's been 6 months, a whole semester, since I began teaching, and gratitude has firmly remained in my posture in the classroom and before God. Do I say it enough? Probably not, but I am so aware and consistently reminded that I am blessed with this incredible job purely because God has these unimaginable plans for my life and those around me! To be honest, teaching is so much more than a job, it's a privileged opportunity to serve.
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Undoubtedly, there have been learning curves to manage and obstacles to overcome this year, yet the visit of my dear friend, Alissa, during term break was exactly the perspective shifter I needed! Let me be clear: Alissa is one of the most genuine, generous, and selfless people I know. Her career, patients, friends and family are blessed with her loyalty, and the reality that she is also my best friend is an absolute blessing.
Having Alissa in my presence can only mean one thing: adventure. :)
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| Noosa Beach Board Walks |
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| My absolute favourite, the Bunyan Fig |
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| We really could spend all day relaxing with these guys! |
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| A trip is no trip without some camping! |
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| Mount Warning. Yes, we climbed this guy ... at 4 am, in the dark ... to watch the sunrise from above. Our best adventure yet! |
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| Good morning to you too! |
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| Climbing down - thorough enjoyment! |
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| Alissa + Me + Southbank. A favourite combination! |
As I write, I am surrounded by mostly-packed suitcases, ready to depart for a visit home. I have been using the phrase, "going home" quite frequently in sharing the exciting news of our trip. Part of me, however, feels uncomfortable with that phrase. They say, "Home is where the heart is", and my heart is here in Australia. Jordan and I have built a home here, forming incredible friendships, serving in an incredible church, and studying and working with incredible people. When Alissa was exploring Brisbane, she encountered things different from home. "That's weird," she'd say. I used to make the same comments not so long ago, but something in me has shifted since last year. Rather than agreeing with her and recognising the difference from Ontario, I became internally defensive. "This isn't weird, it's home," I thought. "It's my normal, it's my world."
You see, the phrase "going home" has become somewhat difficult to say because Australia has become home. Yet it simultaneously feels so wrong to say, "going to Toronto", because Toronto is more than a city. It's where we grew up, where (most of) our family and friends live, where experiences took place and memories formed. My heart, and therefore home, is also in Canada.
For Jordan and I, we are home, but we are excited to return home. Today especially I can't help but wonder what emotions and feelings we will experience when we visit our homeland. Are relationships with family and friends going to seem like we never left? Or will the reality of 18 months apart create tension in trying to belong?
Is our heart divided in two or are we twice as full? I would like to believe the latter.
See you soon, folks!
As always, thanks for your prayers and support.
We are looking forward to reuniting with you shortly!!
