Always a Kid at Heart

Although my major at Franklin College was journalism, people sometimes guessed that I was going to be an elementary teacher.

In fact, my R.A. freshman year told me that I'm the "most wanna-be el. ed. major" she had ever seen. And she even said that before she saw me around kids!

I guess it's because I have an upbeat personality and "teacher handwriting" that I have an elementary education reputation. (ooh, that rhymes!) Besides, I absolutely love being around kids. (for the most part, anyway. I'm not a big fan of screaming and whining.)

As much as I like kids and teaching, I didn't major in education because I don't see that being a career for me for the rest of my life. I'd like to have children of my own one day, and I don't know that I'd enjoy being around my own kids as much if I dealt with other kids all day long, every day. I've thought that I could just be a Sunday School teacher instead. Or...maybe teach for a couple of years in another country to satisfy the el. ed. major within.

So I'm excited about being a teacher for elementary students in Japan for a little while. I've had a lot of experience with kids -- and even a little experience teaching kids in other countries. (Another reason why maybe I have a "most wanna-be el. ed. major" reputation.)

Maybe it's because I am a big kid that I like being around kids so much! I love their energy, imagination and the funny, off-the-wall things that they say.

This week I'm volunteering at Vacation Bible School at church. Yesterday, I was the story-teller, and although it was kind of chaotic at times, at least the kids understood English, which makes it so much easier! Tonight at VBS, a five-year-old named Gary was asked to pray. He said (as fast as possible), "DearGod,thankyoufor thisday. Ahhh! Ok, I'm done!" It made me smile.

I have so many good "kid stories." I look forward to having even more fun stories to share soon about the cute Japanese children I'll teach. I hope that I never lose my inner child, and I wish that for everyone.

Four of my favorite VBS kids displaying their bugs.

Surrounded by five-year-olds!