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Two weeks passed, and—alas, rain! Dark rainclouds filled the morning skies. What was I to say to the students who had gathered for Morning Prayer indoors? The Moon was up above the clouds somewhere, but, even if we were outside, we could not see here through the clouds. Thoughts and conviction formed in my heart and mind.

Through sharing our activities, we build community as we spend time exploring the great outdoors (in rain and shine!) with the multitude of students who come bringing smiles and songs, who offer to comfort and hold.  Through the mindset of prayer, the nursery staff come offering joy, safety, and variety as their one thing needful.

I suppose that what I'm really asking God with these questions is, "Am I a good teacher?" The response questions He seems to be asking me are, "Are you patient and kind? Can you leave the results to me?"

As an elementary instructor, I have the honor of teaching my students about long division, and Roald Dahl, and Minoan bull-leaping, and even (especially!) the delights of adverbial subordinate clauses. While I love these things, and they are SO valuable, I recognize that they are only part of my work.

There will come a time when teachers must speak with authority, because what confronts you and your students may be so insidious that on the surface it sounds deceptively like the truth. Here is an important point that should not be missed: St. Thomas can only detect this because he has himself remained so active in his pursuit of the truth.  

The education prescribed by Vitruvius leads to a holistic, spiritual, and moral development as students realize and affirm our existence in a complex and exquisite harmony. An education that is too specialized or achievement-driven is not as beneficial as it might seem and, in some cases, is a danger to society. We do our best at The Saint Constantine School to create an environment where all human beings can become fully real and fully connected to Christ, His Church, and His Creation.

Feeling lost, I turned to my mentor, Tribal Elder Willy Jones, Sr. He smiled and advised me, “Teach them the same way you were taught, and be the good teacher they never had.” 

When I was with my grandmother, the things being done were being done simply because they were part of her daily routine. Nothing special was organized for me; rather, I was simply invited into her world as she moved through the rhythms of her life.

Leaving one’s home is difficult, especially when not by choice. However, despite the distance and passing years, despite how fast the world changes, the legacy that has remained with me from Deddeh is a love for God and the values of kindness and gratitude. I aim to imitate the example of my elders by caring for guests and making them feel at home. I remember lessons that have stuck with me, shaping who I am as a wife, mother, and teacher.

During one season of my life, I lived in West Virginia. The winters seemed endless as we awaited spring. These last few weeks of February in Houston have reminded me of my time there and make me thankful that the cold and clouds will soon end.  

Morning prayers at The Saint Constantine School are a cherished moment to pause, even when it is cold, dreary, or rainy.