Holiday Concerts and Basketball Practice

I feel that it is my main mission being here in DC to spend time with my kids and build relationships. So of course that means becoming the girls basketball coach. Now, coaching is not a big deal unless you have absolutely no idea how to play the sport your are coaching. I usually have H-O-R-S-E spelled out in the first 10 minutes of the game. But naturally since I'm tall, white, and from Indiana I would be good at basketball. I did agree and chose to help coach the basketball team mainly to spend more time with my students. The girls are so excited that I'm involved and I am quickly realizing how much they take note when you choose to be there for them. I went to a holiday concert last night because some of my students were playing the violin. I have never enjoyed hearing 60 violins each playing a different pitch and slowly getting through Ode to Joy than when I knew my students were up there and smiling when they saw me sitting in the audience. I was a little disappointed that more teachers were not there for their class. I believe I saw two others there. However, the students love it. They love the fact that you were there. So as I head into basketball season (much prayer will be needed) I will be praying that God would allow me to be a part of these girls lives and help me to connect with the girls and give them the confidence they need. As teachers, we need to never get too caught up with our own comfort and convienience that we stop caring for our students. I understand that teachers have familys and they must choose how they spend their time. Right now, this is what I was called to do and I do what I can to give my best to these students. The concert last night only lasted 30 min. We are helping them become better human beings. When we take the time for them it shows you care about them, and they start caring for others. Now, I just need to work on my hook shot......