Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: WORK OUT (05/20/21)
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TITLE: Better Plans | Previous Challenge Entry
By Marlene Custer
05/26/21 -
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Meeting a week later at the coffee shop with her friend Beth, Marcy lamented that someone else within the school system had gotten the job she applied for. “I just don’t understand why I seem to be passed over, except that I don’t have experience yet. How am I supposed to get experience if they don’t give me a chance?”
Marcy slid into the seat across from Beth. “Did you hear? I took a second grade position at the Christian School. The pay scale doesn’t compare, but at least I will get some experience.”
***Fast Forward Three Years:
“I have been so busy! I really need this lunch break today,” Marcy set her book bag down on the chair beside her.
A smile spread across her face as Beth inquired, “Do you have any interviews for next year?”
“No, I don’t. You probably won’t believe this, but I’m not even trying. I am finding I like where I’m at. I love teaching science, and math from a Biblical perspective. And I am finding the Christian School to be as much a mission field as the public school.”
***A Few Years Later:
Marcy wiped her brow quickly while leading the young students in a game to reinforce their English skills. A cat wandered in, but quickly scampered out as a couple of children called attention to it. A rooster could be heard through the opened windows. Here, in a Thai public school, Marcy was living her dream of experiencing another culture.
A year later she stood in front of a class made up of Missionary children. Half were from South Korea. As she crossed the courtyard to grab something for lunch, she stopped to gaze at the Manila skyline. “What an amazing experience this has been,” Marcy marveled to herself. “Riding colorful jeepneys with their bizarre horns, stopping to wait for oxen to get out of the road, seeing goats roam through the streets of our neighborhood—pictures just don’t give the Philippines justice!”
The school year was coming to a close and excitement was high in the teachers’ lounge. “I can hardly wait to teach my grandchildren tintinkling*,” Marcy gushed. “And I am pretty sure I can find the ingredients for Ice Monsters. I was watching the girl make them at the mall.”
Upon returning to the States, Marcy was the guest at her friend, Beth’s, Bible Study. When Beth invited her to share what she had been doing the last several years, Marcy had to take a deep breath and swallow hard. “Several years ago when I was seeking my first teaching job, I thought I knew best. If God had answered the way I pleaded, I would have been working here, trying to get the necessary years in for the retirement and benefits the public school system could offer. But the Private School experience provided me with the skills and desire to teach in another culture. I had the flexibility to take an early retirement. The places God has allowed me to go and be a part of have been astounding. But the beautiful places, the food, the experiences all fade in comparison to the people. I wish you could meet Malee, Somchai, Hansa, Li, Serah, and so many more. They are beautiful people with little of this world’s goods, but rich in their love and devotion to God. When I scan through my photo albums, or scroll through my Facebook page, my heart is warmed. So many memories, such precious people. I am so thankful that the plans I prayed for did not work out!”
*tintinkling—a dance popular with young Filipinos.
Based on a true story.
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In enjoyed your article.
Blessings~