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First Term Reflection:Part 1

 The first term was quite something - challenging and exhausting. Work really took its toll on me. I've had to go to work even on Sunday to submit my plans because during the week, it'd get really hectic.


I'd even be drowsy at church as I wasn't getting enough rest; and having to teach on Sabbath too was overwhelming me - but mostly being  a Children's Ministry Co-ordinator. It just dawned me that I wasn't going to manage because I have a lot on my plate this year. So after prayerful consideration, I decided to step down from the post. And its felt refreshing to not have classes morning and afternoon and head a department. The pastor suggested I get an assistant but I refused.


Another reason for stepping down was my burden to for doing house visits. It honestly felt like I was stuck at church. Plus that's the only opening I have. Thankfully, we've manage to do about 4 house visits.


Thankfully God has made a lee way. I now play the role of an assistant and I'll support her through the end. 


The disappointment has been parents who need delegation instead of supporting you since you are trying to help their children. Such parents will watch me work alone. I had even requested assistance from some choir members when we started the children's  choir in 2022. But eventually the adult choir would practise at the same time. I've seen a lot of uncaring attitude and have learnt that parents would rather relax than be hands-on. But God is faithful ♥️😊.


I'm disappointed that the kids still don't have classes. Since February 2022 I've been begging the church but the leadership was under poor management. Thankfully, his term has ended.


We've achieved so much. I'm currently going to teach the PowerPoint class. I enjoy this group. Hopefully, through God's grace we'll achieve much and develop character-wise. Any success in working with children requires prayer and hard work (planning for the kids, teaching resources, visual aids etc.). 


Overall, God's been faithful. I've seen the Great Controversy at play at work. It continues to be painful - one day we'll divulge. What really hurt me is suffering from fever and when the kids didn't come due to drainage problems, we were at work. I could've used that day to recover. The fact that I can be sick but not allowed to rest isn't fair at all. But Jesus has made us victorious. I've seen a lot of development in the learners, but those who aren't assisted at home continue to be burdensome.


Home has been mentally challenging at times. Having dad around is a lot. If it's not blasting music every morning and evening, it's having to financially spend way too much because he wants to spend only R1k on groceries while I spend more. He buys food himself. He's made our home less homely too. He's exhausting and I'm considering moving out.


We've finally reunited with my nieces and nephew, after 6 months of separation. It's been a heartbreaking journey. We'd visit them most Sabbaths - they'd always be dirty, the middle child without underwear and there's been abuse from their mother. It's been a LOT. That environment isn't good at all and it's disappointing that she's kept these kids away from us for no good reason except being evil hearted. She's the first toxic mom I know and somehow my brother seems silent. They are both a disappointment.

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