Here are my 3 biggest "take-aways" from the days in New Orleans:
1. We visited several high achieving urban schools (charter schools). We, essentially, were told by one of the principals that charter schools are the "only" way we are going to solve the problems of urban education. We were, also, told by another school's principal that people who want to teach in urban traditional public schools typically have a hero mentality. For a brief moment, I was discouraged by their analysis. But here is the good news: The fact that we were told it is impossible for us (MTR and other organizations like us) to make a large scale impact on urban, traditional public schools, only sets the stage on a greater level for God to break through and do miracles. This statement only allows for WHEN change comes to urban, traditional public schools, that God gets ALL glory and recognition. Then secondly, in regards to a "hero mentality" for those of us who teach/will teach in urban, traditional public schools. Yes, I say we have a hero mentality. Not one where I get to be the hero (because in my own strength and skills, I will never be a hero), but one where I say with full confidence that Jesus gets to/will be the hero. So, yes, I will walk into my school and classroom with a hero mentality - walking in confident that Jesus will be the strength, wisdom, and love that I need in order to be a fully effective urban educator.
2. Saturday morning we visited the World War II museum in New Orleans which is worth the visit if you are ever in New Orleans. The movie that is offered to view at the beginning of the museum experience is by far the best movie experience I have had and tells the story of the war very well. We were able to converse with veterans from the war and hear their stories (incredible!). The whole experience made me miss my grandfather (who fought in the war) and made me wish I had asked him more about his story before he died.
It was reiterated during the movie that the United States did not think they would enter the war, and they didn't want to. However, as time proceeded, there was no option to not be involved. They knew they had to. They knew it was the right thing to do. Urban education is not something that as a young girl I dreamed I would be involved in. It is not something that 8 years ago I would have wanted to be involved in. However, when faced with the injustice of what is going on in our country for urban children, there was no choice for me. This is what God has called me to because it is the right thing to do.
While walking through the museum, I was overwhelmed with just how the country as a whole pulled together during this time; how the women started working in professions that they would never have dreamed of. I just kept thinking, "If I had lived during this time in history, what would i have done? Would I have worked in a lumber mill? Built planes? Been a nurse? What would I have done to help with the war effort?" I have often thought I would have liked to live during the 40s. However, I clearly felt the Holy Spirit whispering to me while walking through the museum, "This isn't your fight. This isn't the fight I have made you for. You were made to live today and fight for justice for urban children who desperately need someone to fight for them."
3. I know I am exactly where God wants me to be. I love my MTR family and the vision for the present and what's to come. Memphis is home.
