In the United States, during the month of November, it is a
common practice to start a 30 Days of Gratitude list or to start reflecting on
the things for which we are thankful.
Obviously, we take enough for granted during the other 11 months so we
should be able to stop, reflect, and give thanks for at least 1 month. So, as I have started to see people’s 30 Days
of Gratitude pop up on Facebook I have realized that recently I have become
quite negative about my frustrations in Brasil and it is time for me to step
back and offer up some prayers and praise of Thanksgiving.
After a late night meeting with the teachers and directors
at the Professional High School in Pentecoste I was reminded that every day I
work alongside some of the most amazing people I have ever have the privilege
of knowing. I have the great honor of
walking alongside teachers and directors who believe that together they can
build a better future for themselves and the students. They walk in faith and are strengthened by
the support and encouragement they receive from one another. There have been months when they have come to
work day after day without receiving a pay-check and never once did I hear them
complain. They have received piles of
work and tasks on top of their regular responsibilities as teachers, and they
continue to strive on. I am continually
inspired by them and thankful for the opportunity to walk alongside them.
And, if the teachers were not enough I am blessed to teach
and learn from some of the most amazing students Brasil has to offer. These students love to learn, share and help
one another. The teachers and students
alike at the school have developed an emotional climate where everyone is
welcome and embraced and all are part of the team. This afternoon I was coming to lunch late
because of a few projects I was working on.
As I sat down to eat, the last 2 students in the cafeteria were
leaving. As they saw me sit down they
turned back around and said, “hey, you can’t eat lunch alone! We will sit with
you!”. Never, in any high school in the
USA, have I seen this happen before.
The climate at this school is truly inspiring. Here the teachers and students walk as equals
where the students have as much, if not more, say in the direction of the
school. And, the sentiment of
cooperation dominates decisions and actions.
Honestly, I am so extremely lucky to work in one of the most amazing
places in the world with the most incredible faculty, staff and students.
As Prof. Manoel Andrade frequently reminds us, we are “Living
through grace, walking in faith and serving with love”.
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