This August I began my 17th year with World Impact, at Los Angeles Christian School (LACS). I started teaching at LACS in 2000, thinking I would only stay for a year or two, three at the most. At the time I had no idea what God had in store for me. I still remember my first day in the classroom, just sitting for hours, not knowing where to begin, thinking of the group of fifth grade students I would meet in a few short weeks, and wondering how I would ever know how to teach them.
I also remember that first day of school. I was so nervous, and excited, and scared, and completely depending on God to get me through that unbelievable day. He did get me through it, and through so many more days that were filled with fun, joy, laughter, accomplishment, excitement, frustration, tears, loss, pain, and heartbreak.
Someone asked me recently, “What is the best thing about teaching at LACS?” and I didn’t even need a second to think of my answer—the people. This includes the amazing staff at World Impact Los Angeles, and especially at LACS, who will stop anything and everything to pray for one another, help with a project, give advice, or just lend an ear on the hard days. They are selfless, genuine servants who love God and love others so well.
The families of the students I teach, who will give you the shirt off their back, even if it is the last one they have. These strong, hard working men and women sacrifice greatly to send their children to our school. They are always willing to help out, to make us food, to open their homes to us, to be our family away from our families.
The students I teach, who inspire me daily. Many of them are facing things in their lives that I will never have to face, injustices and hardships that no person should ever have to think about, especially as a child. Seeing them persevere and overcome is one of the greatest blessings in my life.
The faithful and generous supporters and sponsors who have prayed for me and who send in financial support every month for the past 16 years to make it possible for me to be here. I have learned so much about faithfulness and love and sacrificial giving. They have given me the gift of being able to work here and I am eternally grateful. I am honored to be able to do what I do, and to have them as partners in this ministry.
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