Not a Traditional Classroom

Over the past year I have grown to have two new, yet incredible passions: adoption, and disadvantaged children. At camp this summer I loved being able to work with the kids who hadn't had their fair shot at life, who had been given the bad end of the stick, who didn't have it easy. Some of my favorite kids, and although they were also some of the most challenging, were the ones who came from rough backgrounds - specifically the kids who were in foster care, just because their stories broke my heart into so many pieces.

I've known forever that I wanted to work with kids. Originally, I was going to do youth ministry. Then the idea of education came around, and that was the train I jumped on. And I've loved it. But, I cannot picture myself teaching in a typical, traditional classroom. That isn't where my passion is. Yes, there are several underprivileged kids in those situations, I know that. What has been on my heart recently has been teaching in an orphanage. Although not many orphanages exist anymore, there are several that are Christian based and have schools as a part of their program. It would be as far from a "traditional" classroom as imaginable. The idea scares the poop out of me, but is exciting at the same time.

I don't know if this is what I am called to do, but it has been layed on my heart the past few weeks. Another possible idea (just because I know some of y'all will have a minor heart attack when you read this), was to go teach overseas. All you need is a high school diploma, and many "schools" will hire you. No, I didn't honestly consider this as a possibility, but it did momentarily cross my mind! So when you think I'm crazy for wanting to take the not-so-traveled route in education, just remember -- I've had crazier thoughts!