I started working at the Neighborhood Center in Camden this past Monday. Needless to say, it has been extremely difficult. Not only are the kids in general difficult to work with (as inner-city kids typically are), but I have been placed in charge of a group of 7-8 year olds. I do not have experience working with this age group and I didn't exactly want to start now. The first day, I had 12 kids. Each day they've given me two more kids, making today 16 kids total. What makes things a little bit more difficult is the fact that there is another classroom of 7-8 year olds with the same amount of kids but with an additional teacher. That class has slightly more kids enrolled, but the same amount come. On top of everything, I've been feeling sick all week and I've only been getting worse. My cough sounded terrible today, and I don't know why the medicine isn't working. It's just making me miserable. So, again, needless to say, things have been difficult. But something happened at the end of the day that make everything worth it: The last of my kids were heading out for the day, and a boy named Rafael came up to me and motioned for me to bend down so he could ask me something. This boy, along with several others, was a little difficult to deal with and so I was relieved to get them out of my hair. I bent down and he asked me if I was going to be back tomorrow. "Yes," I said, "I'll be here all summer." He replied, "OK, then I'll see you tomorrow," and then gave me a hug and walked away. I stood there for a second a little confused but a little amazed. He may or may not have thought much about what he did, but it seemed to show that he was appreciative and respectful. And it touched me in a way that uplifted my spirits immensely. Although I'm tired and sore and sick (and it's only the third day), I think I can deal with it. I just need to keep focused on where my strength truly comes from. Now it's time for bed before I get up at 6 am and start the process all over again. P.S.- I just got an iPod and it kicks butt! Go get one right now if you don't already have one; it's worth the money. | 
