pretty nifty

quincy, who has a harsh exterior but a softy on the inside, came to class the other day with writing (in permanant marker) on her arm. my first thought was 'what kind of obscenities are written on this girl's arm?!". i ask to see her arm, and much to my surprise, she had scripture written there. john 3:16 to be exact. how cool is that?!

school is improving... and i am beginning to realize more and more that this is the mission field that God has given me. i've said for years that i want to do what God wants me to do, and that i'd be a missionary in the farthest ends of the earth if that's what He called me to do...

my students are hurting... they're facing challenges and situations daily that no child should have to experience. they're having sex... and a lot of it. they're experimenting with, selling and doing drugs on a daily basis. their living conditions are deplorable. they have no values, no morals, no respect for authority or each other.

day in and day out i think "why deal with this when i can teach somewhere else and not deal with it"... and the thought that follows immediately is that these kids have been given up on so many times already - and i don't want to be another person to walk out on them. at the same time - my sanity is on the line!!!

i talk to God more during my days now than ever before. i know i can do all things through Him... and i also know i'm where i am for a reason. i'm the only Jesus these kids may ever see... what a challenge! what a privilege! what a responsibility!