I didn't really move to McAllen, but everyone thinks I did. They aren't too far off. I came to McAllen earlier this week to begin training for Teach For America - Rio Grande Valley (RGV). I am staying in a hotel with over 90 other corps members this week as we train to become educators in this region. I am far from home and I miss it- mostly the people.
However, I read my own blog this morning from September 2013 and was directed to John 1. I was reminded of the abundant grace, life, hope, and joy that I am given each day. I can do this not by my own strength or might or power, but because the God who created me knew that I would be right here on June 5th, 2014, before he even created the world. He is all-powerful, and there is a reason and a purpose that I am here. I can and will teach Algebra 1 to over 100 ninth-graders this fall, and I believe that he'll give me the strength I need for each day. (Just as He does every day, regardless of what I'm doing.)
Back to training- I am headed to Houston with all of the other 2014ers this Sunday for "Institute"- TFA training through which we will learn how to teach! We will teach, collaborate to form lesson plans, observe and learn from veteran teachers, and establish a basic knowledge of how we will manage our classrooms.
In July/August, I will "officially" move to the RGV, train some more, and begin teaching in August at Roma High School in Roma, Texas. Look it up on a Texas map for some entertainment. It's a small town of somewhere between 10 and 12 thousand people, but I visited the district office and the high school yesterday and the facilities and resources are incredible. When I met my assistant principal at the high school, he took me to the library, where almost all of the math teachers were meeting together and working on curriculum. It was great to meet the other teachers and see what they are preparing for our students this year.
The school has a fairly new football stadium with turf that was built about 4 or 5 years ago, a new baseball stadium that was built last year, and a massive Performing Arts Center. It is next door to a middle school and to an elementary school, which provides a platform for unique collaborative projects between the schools. Every year (for the past 6 or so, I think), a group of Roma HS students goes to Boston for Spring Break to tour Harvard University and a few other campuses, and to explore another region of the country. For most, this is the farthest trip they've taken and the first time they fly on a plane. For many, it may be their first time traveling outside of the Rio Grande Valley. The trip is designed to encourage students to keep setting high goals for their future, to attend college, and to have the courage to move away from home and try something new, if they so desire.
How did I get to the valley? My sweet Momma drove down with me! On Monday, we explored Roma and ate at El Mexicano (delicious), went to Falcon Lake Park (15 minutes from Roma- a lake & dam on the Rio Grande with a national park around it), looked at some housing options, etc. We stopped at an overlook point that has a good view into Mexico (you can see the border from pretty much anywhere in Roma- and my phone periodically switches to picking up Mexico cell towers throughout the day whenever I'm in Roma). Mom and I had a great time together and she flew back home on Tuesday morning and (of course) we both had some misty eyes for a little while.
Now I'm on day 3 of training with TFA and I am learning a lot about the Valley and TFA's work. Yesterday morning, I went back to Roma and signed a contract! (Am I an adult now?) I'm excited to get to Houston and learn how to teach and how I will manage my own classroom. As I alluded to at the beginning of this post, each day has it's high points and low points- but overall, I am learning not to stress and not to rely on my own strength- it won't be enough- but to instead lean on Him who called me here and to pray without ceasing.
Friends, family, and loved ones: I miss you deeply and I am increasingly thankful for your support in this journey. Keep in touch!
Love,
Emily Grace
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