At the end of the summer I was given the opportunity to work as a dorm parent at the High school that I graduated from. The school is small, and has a dormitory on campus for students to live there. The dorm consists of mainly international students from Asia, a couple from Africa, and a few local students that live to far from the school to commute everyday. I wasn't sure whether or not I should take the job. Combining was still going on and I would start this job as soon as I was done on the farm. I was worried with my commitment to intern for the district office that fall, and my volunteer work at the church with worship team and youth programs that this job would be to much as I was also raising support and getting ready to go to the Middle East. I was planning on working at Jamba that fall, so by taking this job I would be taking a pay cut as well because I would still be able to work at Jamba, but not the hours that the needed me for. The school was aware of these things and still wanted to work with my schedule and have me live at the school to watch over high school girls. This really was something I would love to do. Its like Youth Ministry and "international work" all in one.
I love High School students, and already had a relationship with a few of the domestic students that would be living there in the week. My little brother would also be working there, so it would be a great way to see him more. I prayed a lot about this cause I really wasn't keen on the idea of this practically being a volunteer position and the commitment to being at the school so much. I didn't feel a yes or no from God. I felt like he was saying whichever I chose He would bless and bring great things out of it for me. So, I took the job. Dang this was a hard job.
I loveee high schoolers, but they can be hard to work with..and in a lot of ways I was their parent. Thankfully there were two other girl leaders, and three guy leaders to help with running students to doctors appointments, staying on top of the students grades, making sure we know where everyone is at, keeping up on daily chores and making sure they aren't being tardy to classes and that they come on time to dinner and study halls. And what if a student doesn't want to listen..? We have to find ways to discipline them, but we love them and don't want it to affect our friendship. Wow. I learned a lot.
I fell in love with all the girls, but there was one that I learned a lot about being her friend and the importance of still having boundaries. This girl touched my heart in a very special way. I will never forget the trials and things she had to over come by leaving her So Cal home to live in a small 2a country schools dormitory. I loved doing life with her and the other girls. I was able to help with coaching the Middle School soccer team, and help assist JV girls basketball where I also learned SO much. Its crazy what you can learn from being on the other end of things. Parenting is hard. Coaching is hard. I was forced to make decisions that don't just affect me but others as well. Talk about dying to yourself.
I was forced to also be still. I couldn't run off with friends when something fun came up, I was committed to the dorm. There was a lot of time when the students were doing their own thing, and I was alone. Again, I was forced to find rest. I felt oppressed at times, and was in a dry place spiritually, not feeling Gods presence like I like to. But again, God showed His faithfulness and taught me to look for HIm in other ways. Through nature, through His Scripture, through others, and through serving.
He sure did bless my decision to take the job at the dorm. I would give anything to hug my girls tonight. To tell them again how much I love them, and how much the decisions they make now in High School could possibly affect the rest of their life.
Thank you girls for being such a blessing to me!
