Sometimes

Some neighbors and I meet with elementary kids one afternoon a week for a homework club. We meet on their territory, where they live, at a local apartment complex.

It’s not glitzy.  It can get crowded. It certainly gets noisy. 

Sometimes the kids need help to do their homework.  Sometimes they need help to stay on track.  Sometimes they just need someone to be a friend.  Sometimes they listen.

Sometimes I don’t know how to do the homework problem or I learned it a different way.  Sometimes I ask another kid how to do it or to teach the kid that is having a problem.  Sometimes I pull out my smart phone.  We learn together.

Sometimes the kids want to learn.  Sometimes it feels like I am dragging them through quicksand just to get their papers out.  Sometimes I see success.  Sometimes I have to ask God to show me one good reason I should stay. 

One time, after pouring myself into Felicia* week after week, seemingly with no results, she pulled out her homework.

“Miss Annie.”

“Yep?”

“Look what my teacher wrote in the back of my book. ‘You are improving so much!  Is someone helping you?’” 

“Wow!”

“But the kids in my class think that I am cheating.” 

“Why?”

“I am not failing anymore.”

“What did you tell them?”

“That I am getting some help.”

“How do you feel?”

“Really good."

That was two years ago. 

Last week we had a movie day because it was the day before spring break and we thought any attempt at doing homework would be futile.   Felicia walked in.

           “Can I do my homework instead?”
           “If you sit at the back table.”
            Afterwards, Felicia came up to me beaming, “Miss Annie, I finished all my homework!”
           “Really? Before spring break even starts?”
           “Yes. It’s the first time ever!”

Sometimes God gives us a glimpse of how we've made a difference.  I'm glad I stayed. 

*Name has been changed.