But I Can't Stop Thinking About Them

Reflecting on my first week of student teaching, I can say that I am truly blessed. I prayed for a good relationship with my Master Teacher, and we get along great! I even saw our relationship improve as the week went on (and as I was more consistent in my prayers). I prayed that everything would run smoothly when I was in front of the class, and although I haven't been teaching that much yet, God has granted me this prayer as well. He has given me favor with my students and they know better than to mess with Miss Hill. In fact, a student who is in my class because another teacher couldn't handle him, has become one of my favorites (if that's allowed), and I even got a hug from him yesterday (a big deal for "tough" boys).

This week has also been a week of firsts. I was able to walk around Imperial Courts Housing Projects for the first time with one of the counselors at the school who has (by the grace of God) taken me under his wing. It was my first time hearing mother**** f**** b**** come out of the mouth of a 9 year old. It was my first time having to question everything that came out of my students mouths, knowing that they were probably lying to cause drama.

I fell even more in love with the children of Watts and with the community as well. I suppose I can compare this love to a love I could have for a boyfriend. When you are in love with someone, you never want to leave them and when you finally have to, you feel a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach. That's how I feel when I am in Watts. I am on a high anytime I am in the community and I dread having to leave. I totally broke down a couple nights ago, because I did not want to be living in Whittier; I wanted to be back in Watts.

I woke up this morning with my students' faces running through my mind. I couldn't stop thinking about them and wondering what they were doing this weekend, if they were safe, and who was influencing them. I thought about one boy in particular who hangs around the gangs in Imperial Courts. I wondered what lies they were telling him and whether or not he was believing them. I thought about how he came to school with no jacket (in the rain) because he didn't have one. I remember his face when he walked in the classroom yesterday morning. It was worn and sullen and reflected his home environment. Maybe thinking about my students this deeply will make me crazy, but I can't help it; I love them.

But here I sit, in my apartment in Whittier dreaming of Watts. Only five more months until I move there, but until the...I can't WAIT for Monday!!