Sunshine amidst the rain ☔
Friday, July 5, 2013; 10:43 PM | 0 Comments
The few months that just passed have been what people would call "the valley" for me.
Never had so many heartbreaks, disappointments and discouragements coming to me all at one time. On top of that, I was never in the pink of health, and being a sick person didnt help me become a happier person. But im thankful cause through all of it, I've seen God's faithfulness and his love for me.
I love my job (though people think i like it a little too much), but when you're unhappy and sick, your job, even one you love can wear you out. And more so when it really is very tiring and physically draining. There were many times I could have a meltdown just cause I'm too tired. But God gave me what all teachers in the world need once in awhile (and it was what I really needed) He sent kids to shower me with love, little gestures of cards and gifts, hugs and kind words. I received more of these in the past few months than i have in my past two or three years.
John baked cookies with his mum and brought them for all the teachers.
Moeka made origami at home and gave them to me, her mum saying in the sweetest way a Japanese lady would "she likes you very much".
Naomi who tore off her sticker on her bottle because she wanted to give something of hers to me and also wrote a note that says "I love you".
Oen draws a picture for me every week and cause boys will be boys, his pictures are always crumpled.
Joash surprised me with a handmade fan/toy (something which seemed like he'd made for himself but decided he wanted me to have it instead)
And Juliette who said "Teacher Anne is my favourite teacher." (after a really long time of not liking me very much)
I also saw how much meaning there is in what I do and can do. When a simple out-of-the-classroom chat, or an act of paying attention to a child's genuine need, and even persevering at what I'm doing can make a difference to them.
I've come to realise how much I like being with children, and how much I like hearing them call me 'Teacher Anne'.
My major heartaches have been friends, friends I've felt I let down, and friends who've let me down. If you ask me now which had hurt more, my answer would be to know I've let down some of those dearest to me. Let down means how I haven't been as good a friend as they are to me. It means how unfair I have been all along in our friendship. But through this, I was made to realise how lucky I am to have these friends who stuck around even though I have so many flaws. They hadn't just stuck around, but they loved me and accepted me so much I couldn't see those flaws anymore. Anne really doesn't have many friends, and I really want all of you to know that you mean the world to me, thank you for loving me for who I am. And, I'm sorry. For many things I can't explain and put into words.
I've made many revelations, about myself and about others, and have come to really appreciate many things and people in my life. Thankful for the many rays of sunshine (family, friends and kids) amidst the rain, because of these people I will learn to sing and dance in the rain. (: