Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Being Carried

"If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!" (Ecclesiastes 4:10)

Remember the feeling of being piggy-backed by a friend or parent? They did all the hard work of lifting and carrying, and you merely climbed up and hung on?

That's the closest way that I can described what I experienced today. My friends and family did the heavy lifting, carrying me along. I received emails and phone calls encouraging me, a wonderful dinner last night to ease my stress, and a ton of prayers. It humbles me that people interceded on my behalf and prayed me through today. And because of their efforts, I survived!

I have no recollection of what I said the first ten minutes of class. Words flew out of my mouth before I turned the floor over to the students to hear why they have chosen this career path. My voice survived the rest of the class by alternating between speaking and giving writing assignments; the writing assignments allowed my faltering vocal chords to recharge. And before I knew it, the dismissal time of 5:20 had arrived.

In the coming weeks, hopefully my vocal chords will gain their strength, and my ability to teach writing and speaking skills will increase as well. At least now the big first class is behind me. I rest in that tonight.

Father God, thank You for surrounding me with praying friends and family who encourage me and take time to pray for me in the midst of their busy lives.

8 comments:

Momma Bean said...

I am glad to hear that things went well today. Thinking of you.

TJ Wilson said...

Bits - wow! you are amazing! Actually, God is amazing.
So proud of you, and so thrilled these students have YOU.

Renae said...

Congratulations, Alyssa! I knew you could do it! I know your students are going to love you. Give it a couple of weeks, and filling up 2 hours will be a piece of cake.

I am so proud of you, my friend!

Anonymous said...

I'm sure you were a huge success. So glad to hear it went well. Can't wait to hear all the details next week.

Alyssa said...

MB, TJ, R, T - I'm so glad I have your support. You all are such an encouragement to me!

Britta Coleman said...

So glad to hear it went well, but I am not at all surprised. Here's to a wonderful semester.

michelle said...

Congrats on your first day. All the rest come easier with that one under your belt. Hope tomorrow goes well.

Sars said...

Way to go, Alyssa! I'm sure it was great. And your vocal chords will get stronger, it just takes a while to build up your "talking tolerance".