Mission Belize: Reflections on Our 1st Day of Teaching

Today we went out to Bullet Tree Falls for our second day of work. The morning was spent finishing the windows, building a bike rack, and painting. We have learned lots of new things...like how to use power tools and how much muscle it takes to scrape off old paint! After splitting up into 3 groups for lunch, and being hosted by three wonderful families, the girls are off for their 2nd day of teaching. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed their first day, and after a recap meeting last night and sharing some stories with one another, they are even more prepared for day 2! Today's theme in the classroom is God is Love, and the students at Immaculate Conception School will be making prints with apples to help them understand the Trinity. The skin is God the Father, because He protects us, the flesh is the Son, to represent Jesus, God made flesh, and the seeds represent the Holy Spirit because they help us grow in holiness.

Larissa and Jenna share reflections on their first day in the classroom:

Yesterday was our first day teaching at the school. Seeing the kids as a community, welcoming us in at the beginning of the day was fun! In the afternoon, Shannon and I entered our Infant 1 class. Infant 1 translates to kindergarten. The kids jumped with joy upon watching two high school girls enter their classroom. It was a little nerve wracking standing in front of a classroom full of five and six year olds because we wanted to ensure that they understood the lesson about Jesus Christ. After Shannon and I introduced ourselves to the teacher and students, we had a great time interacting with all of them, as the incentive for participation was attention from the "big girls." In their faith books, the children wrote "Miss Shannon" and "Miss Larissa" by their drawings. I realized that I had nothing to fear in the classroom as the children simply enjoyed our company. My second class of the day was an 8th grade class, which happened to be away registering for high school. Today we will get to teach the 8th grade class for the first time. I am excited to see the kindergartners again today and see their drawings. As for the 8th graders, I am excited to meet them and teach them for the first time.

To mom, Dad, Baxter, and Tobey:
I miss you guys a lot by I am having a really great time here! I'll see you soon!
Love, Larissa

Before teaching the first day, I was a little nervous and anxious to see how the kids would respond to us and our first lesson. Walking into the infant one class (kindergarten), the kids were nothing but welcoming along with the teacher. The little kids just wanted our undivided attention and loved sharing their answers with us. When we were leaving, the little kids all ran up to hug Charlotte and I, making us feel so welcomed. This was a perfect ending to our lesson on the Body of Christ...demonstrating that we are all equals. Our standard 3 class (5th-6th grade) was a little bit more shy and it helped to sing the song and do the activities. Overall, it was a great first day of teaching, but there was room for improvement!

Love and miss you Mom and Dad!
Love, Jenna