Journeying together

I started my PGCE 3 weeks ago now. Just in case you forgot what that was, it's a Post Graduate Certificate in Education which means that I am on a one year course to train as a secondary teacher. Today was actually my 3rd day in a secondary school where I'm just observing lessons until they tell me that I have to do the starters or plenaries and then eventually, they'll get me to do whole lessons. I'll tell you that yesterday was a real treat as I sat in some of the maths lessons. They weren't brilliant but it was good to get a feel for who the school ran. I won't go into detail about what happened today though as in all honesty, I felt a little traumatised by the end of the day. I guess my lesson coordinator wanted me to see the range of class types from "top sets" to "bottom sets" but I don't think I had prepared myself for what faced me today. Praise the Lord that they have assured me I won't be teaching any of those classes (at least not whole ones) since this is only my first placement and they have special teachers and policies for those cases but when I think of any future possibilities of teaching in a school like this one...you can bet today made me rethink my "life choices". :)

It was a little depressing coming home to an empty house as well and I was so thankful to the Lord that my dad had text me just as I got off the bus and reminded me that I should be praying for these kids, for the teachers, for the school, and undoubtedly for this nation. The stark contrast of a desired classroom environment to what was today was a picture of how great the need for Jesus is in this generation. I guess I should've expected it and yet I still can't believe just how far today was from what would be the ideal classroom environment. Then again, I give huge credit to the staff in the school who are obviously very committed to the well-being and care of each child but at the end of the day, we are all limited and whatever we try to do in our own strength is short lived if at all effective. I think I should stop here, however, because I did just come home and in the state I am in, I would not be able to give a very accurate account. Whatever the case, please do pray with me for these students and indeed also for the teachers. After that, if you happen to remember that I'm in this school for 3-4 days of the week until February, please do pray for me too. Although I haven't really gotten into any "proper" responsibilities yet, I am starting to see how intense it is or can be. I'll admit that there are many moments where I feel overwhelmed with fear and doubt and it is especially at these times that I find just how great my need is of Jesus too.

Yup, it is not only that the unsaved need Jesus for salvation but we are all in need of Christ each and every moment of each and every day to live. For we can do absolutely nothing without Him (John 15:5). It is a daily looking to the Cross that gives us strength and hope. I am also thankful to the Lord that on top of His faithfulness in refreshing me in those quiet times of the early morning (4:30am starts for the school days these days), He has also brought about (as usual) surprise encouragements from various people. Thank you Claudine for your facebook message earlier today (if you happen to read this)! It come at such a time that I needed to be pushed onwards and upwards and a few others also who just remind me that this is where God has called me to be and that I just need to be faithful and press on, having the full armour of God (Ephesians 6). Yes, it is an ongoing battle and there are many fiery darts of doubt, fear, and deception but PRAISE HIM! He is my victory (John 16:33)! He is my refuge! He is my strength! He is my peace! His the great I AM. Just in case you're wondering, I was greatly encouraged and challenged about all this in the last book that I read, 'We Would See Jesus' by Roy and Revel Hession. It's one of those small, skinny and non-threatening-looking books and if you have not read it before, I really pray that you'll manage to pick it up and read it because it is all about Jesus and there is nothing else worth reading about besides Him, which is why reading the Bible should be first on anybody's reading list. :)

I guess I could go on and catch up with all the words I missed writing here in the last month-ish or so but I'm sure that wouldn't really benefit anybody so thanks for bothering to read this far and greater thanks for standing with me in prayer. 

Learning from the greatest teacher, the Lord Himself,

Debbie