Honesty Pants

I hear all the time it takes a special person to work with Jr. High, but I think it takes special people to work with any age group at any time. Everyone has their niche. Mine just isn't the nursery. 

The day was filled with spontaneous dance mobs, Jr. High girls screaming over the worship leader named Lenny who had spiked hair and bulging biceps, and "kitchen on wheels" made a comeback as we had to jump start one of the vans. 

When this semester began, I prayed the Lord would bring things or people into my life that would refresh my soul. I was coming off a draining summer, both mentally and spiritually, so I was so looking forward to being back in Kansas. I knew all my tanks were running close to empty and there is something about this little Mennonite town and the wonderful people who live here that nourishes the soul. I also knew jumping straight into student teaching was going to be a feat in itself, so I got on my face and came before the Lord. 

I'm writing today to testify the Lord answers prayers, and that I have a Sunday school class of spunky 7th grade girls to show for it. He has answered that specific prayer in multiple ways, but the way I wasn't expecting was these girls. They are simply incredible and I'm obsessed with how awesome they are. 

I'm always so impressed by how mature they are - the tenderheartedness of Ellie for those less fortunate than herself, the steadfastness of Abby and how those around her look at her admiration, the loyalty of Taylor and her funny jokes about my lactose problems, the intellectual reasoning of Chloe that makes me smile wide with pride and anticipation of who she might become and the way she thinks, and the magnetic personality of Sarah and how she relates to others.

I haven't known these girls long, but I adore them more each day. 

Best/funniest conversation I had went like this:

Context: For lunch, they gave us a choice between pizza or Chick-Fila.