It's the Weekend

So it's been a rough week. One of my students, especially one that my assistant and I have been trying to mentor, got caught with weed at school. My husband found it humorous that I did not know that pot and weed were the same thing. I suppose it's a good thing I didn't. I found this incident with my student very discouraging. Everyday I go to work, I pour myself into what I do. Honestly, I do not think they could pay teachers enough for what they do. To me, teaching isn't just another job. The pay is fine, but really, it's not worth what teachers put up with and go through. I mean, seriously, where is the compensation for a broken heart, a weary soul, dried up tears, and sleepless nights? I sometimes feel if I'm the only one that looses sleep over her students. I sure hope not and I doubt I'm the only one. The reason I make such a big deal out of this is because I truly believe my class is a mission field. These kids don't really need a teacher; they need someone that cares. Most of my students come from broken homes, one or both parents are in jail or had served time, can't afford lunch, can't afford school supplies, etc. What does one do with all of this? I can't save the world, but I want to make a difference. So, when I heard that this young man (8th Grader) was caught with weed, I was discouraged. He's suspended for 5 school days and placed in opportunity the rest of the school year. I understand he needs consequences for his mistakes. For me, that means I may not see him again. It's hard. My assistant shared that you never know when your seed is going to sprout. Some of us plant, some of us water, and some of us sow. I ache for the day that I sow because I sure don't see fruit yet. It's times like these that makes it hard to believe there will be fruit. I just want to know that my efforts aren't futile.

Needless to say, I'm glad it's a weekend. I need recharging. I feel like I've pour myself into my work and I've been running empty. I'm glad I get to stay home with Natty ALL DAY tomorrow. We're going to be "baby-proofing" the apartment - THAT'S going to be fun!