oh my heart

Ok, so here's a personal struggle I have had off and on in my life: I try to take personal responsibility for the actions and care of those I care about. I first discovered this fault in high school, it reoccured throughout college, and it's resurfacing again now. Even though I long ago learned that I cannot do this and cannot let myself get burdened with others' struggles, it still haunts me. Right now, I feel the need to personally try to help almost all of my students. They have some legitimate needs and it breaks my heart that I cannot personally take care of their problems. Today I was reminded that I can only truly reach a few. Thankfully, God has brought me a select few students to pour as much as I can into. I love this. It is still hard that I cannot do this for them all, but this is not what God has allowed. He knows best! I still cannot belive He would use me at all! I have nothing special to offer these kids, nothing to achieve by myself. However, He uses me more than I even know! It's really cool to find out that God has been using you more than you thought. This week I've been kinda bummed about how many needs my students have that I cannot meet, and then I got the encouragement I needed. God has always given me more encouragment than I deserve, and He did it again! Yesterday another girl asked to join my discipleship group which was really exciting, and then today four of my girls decided to honor me with gifts. They created a giant card for me complete with stickers, glitter, and lots of hearts and flowers. They also gave me some chocolate, flowers, and a necklace...they know we too well. The notes in the card are what truly almost brought me to tears. Please allow me to share. Remember though, this is not what I have accomplished, but evidence of God using little 'ol me for something bigger.

to: the most awesomest teacher who we love so much!!! Miss Jones
you are an inspiration!
we love you!
thank you!

Miss Jones, you have helped me grow close with God again! Thats with discipleship, Bible class. But honestly you are a great role model. I do look up to you Miss Jones! I see you love God and I do admire that! You are truly a blessing! Thank you very much for coming all the way to Kenya. I love u SO MUCH!! And I bet you will be happy to hear my life has changed for the better, and you helped with that. You are so EASY to talk to and give us hope and advice. I love u Miss Jones and thank you (and whether you don't know it you helped me in one of the hardest times of my teen life!!!)

You are a great blessing in my life!
Plus, you are the most awesomest teacher! And a great awesome person!! May God continue to work through you! (it changes lives!!)

Hey Miss Jones!! Thanks for teaching me more about God, I really appreciate it!! continue with the hard work!!

Hi, Mrs. Jones!, Thanks for being an awesome and understanding teacher. It's so easy to talk to you about anything! Your a really good example and mentor to me! you always have awesome advice. Thanks for being awesome! Lots of love!

Dear Miss Jones, Thank you for being awesome, and always being there for me. God bless you!

I really love these girls. Praise the Lord for using me more than I could ever imagine to touch the lives of these girls. God is SOOOO good!