Kids' episodes

Episode 1: Shock & Frustration

1st day of school after June holidays, I reached the classroom at 6.45 am and was getting ready to start a busy and tense day. Were told to make sure kids on LEAVE OF ABSENCE (LOA) did not come to sch. Suddenly 1 kid exclaimed, "XYZ is here!" (XYZ was a kid on LOA). Running out in shock to see if she's really there, I didn't find her in sight. The kid made a mistake. TSK!

After recess, I was going through powerpoint slides to let the pupils know the importance of social responsibility and the seriousness of H1N1. Then inform them that if they came back from affected countries on the 22nd June or after, they would be on LOA and shouldn't be in school. Then one kid exclaimed, "Ms Goh, I came back on the 23rd!" I panicked and quickly searched for his data. Then confirmed that he came back on the 21st. He made a mistake too. TSK!

Episode 2: Encouragement

Saw the status of an ex-student on Facebook. I strike a conversation through what she wrote and realised that she's in the Heart of God Church. Her status is always so full of the zeal of God. I am encouraged by her child like faith.

Episode 3: Touched

A boy from boys brigade (he's also a super cute boy in my class) is so impacted by the stories shared during CCA time that his interest in God is aroused. He carries a Bible to school and reads them everyday and even brought his whole family back into the arms of God. The whole family now goes to church every Sun. A young boy bringing the love of God back into the hearts of his parents and family. I am touched by what God can do through a young boy.

Episode 4: Friendship

A lonesome boy wanted a selfish friendship with another boy. He was jealous and possessive and they quarrelled (sounds gay I know). Instructor tried to talk and intervene but couldn't get him to join the group. Took me a long while to think and pray and then shared some stories in the Bible with him. He is also in boys brigade. So I guess he will understand what I am talking about. He's a sensible, sensitive and silly boy I would say. I was glad that he joined the group again after we had talked. I sincerely prayed that he will understand all that I had shared and may God help him to find true friendship!

Episode 5: Peace

A girl had a nightmare during the 2nd night of the camp. She screamed so loudly from her tent and woke all the girls in her tent. Many from other tents were too tired to notice her scream. It was a freaking scary scream.. She repeatedly shouted, "I can't believe it! Mummy, I hate this world!" My heart broke when I heard that. She was standing and stamping her feet on the ground. I went near and held her. She seemed to be demon possessed as she kept coughing so hard until she almost vomitted.. on me. She struggled to get off but a colleague and I surrounded her. She screamed again and then came to hug me twice. I said a short simple prayer in my heart and the peace of God came and calmed her down. She was ok after that but I guess there must be some things troubling her heart. I pray that the peace of God will constantly secure her heart of insecurities no matter what is happening around her.

Through teaching life, I am enriched by the experiences that I have with each individual kid. All those expected, unexpected, happy, sad, exciting, boring, encouraging, demoralising, pleasant, unpleasant incidents/encounters with these young ones makes my life an interesting one. Although sometimes work can be never ending and not forward looking, there are enjoyable times too. All the experiences that I had previously, served as a reminder that I am a teacher because I am called. I love kids. Whatever I do, I do for them, not expecting anything in return from them.