“Let There Be Light!”
Dear Teacher,
Doubtless, you've seen footage of the aftermath Hurricane Helene left in its wake on Appalachia. Having moved here two years ago, my family and I live in the heart of the devastation, merely 45 minutes from Asheville, North Carolina. Although there's many stories I could share with you about what the past two weeks have been like for my family, our community, and the region, here's just one:
Our home, like millions of others in the area, was without electricity for a week. Being that we're in a rural, mountain-top location, we are dependent on our well for water. Without electricity, we were not just without lights, chargers, refrigerator, and freezer, we were without running water, as it is brought by an electric pump! No light and water made life very primitive for us. Our entire existence became focused around supplying needs for our family. Days were spent hauling water from a nearby lake to flush toilets, waiting in line for hours to get gas for our small generator, and fighting crowds for basics like bread and bottled water.
Not only were we forced to be resourceful, but we were creative, as well. We strung our solar powered lights in the living room at night to read by and enable easy navigation through the dark. We learned that a milk jug over a candle emanates light throughout a room. We pilfered batteries from electronics to keep our few flashlights in working order.
...And all of this, we did in gratitude, knowing that we were safe and healthy, unlike thousands in Western North Carolina that lost their homes and loved ones.
After a week of darkness, last Thursday night, our light suddenly blinked back on! Our daughters, ages 10 and 13, screamed with delight, racing around the house and flipping light switches. It had been the darkest week for our state, but there was suddenly hope, as we basked in the restored light.
And you, Teacher, there in your classroom, are picking up the pieces of destruction within your students. They come to you with trauma and without necessities of stable home-lives and nurtured upbringings. With such life upheaval, they've not had their educational needs met, and are likely behind grade level in subjects and skills. And, above all, they lack the fundamental knowledge of Jesus' love and provision.
So, what do you do? You become resourceful, searching for the right teaching tactic, delivery modality, or behavioral strategy that can be their breakthrough. You string interventions throughout their day, hoping it will shed light. You radiate with warmth and positivity, encouraging your student to keep trying. And you emanate the love of Jesus through your daily devotionals, Encounter curriculum, and God-centered classroom. It may feel that the darkness is long, but there will come a time when, suddenly, you and your student can bask in the light of breakthrough! As NC Duke Energy lineman said last week, "Never in my career have I seen anything like this. This has been a challenging process, but we're making headway, and will hopefully get power to them soon!"
Shining light with you,
Mindy
Christian Educator & School Counselor