About eight months ago I officially started working as a music teacher at my former job. Why former job you ask? It's not really important but I'll explain that later. My main focus at this job was to teach these pre-k and kindergarten kids songs for our upcoming spring musical. Although it was months away, I was told that it was very important that this show was to be perfect in every single way. So with that being said, I took this job very seriously.

As the weeks went by (which soon turned to months) I started to get nervous. Were the kids going to know all the songs by the time we started rehearsals? Were all my characters going to know their lines? Would I be able to make all of their costumes on time? All these things and more popped into my head, consuming all my thoughts, each and everyday. Although I had a lot of people helping me, there was still so much pressure on me. This was the school district's pride and joy, their bread and butter and I didn't want to screw it up.

A lot of hours were put in, whether it was staying late to make the costumes, decorating the school, transforming it into a jungle, or going over lines with the kids over and over again. There were days when I would just come home and cry because it was just too much. It was as if I was brainwashed into believing "This show is for the district and making the district look good." But by the time the week of the show came around I realized that statement wasn't true. It was about the kids, it was all about the kids. And they proved that the day of the show.

These kids blew me and everyone who came, out of the water! They sang at the top of their lungs (They didn't scream though. They sounded amazing!) All of the kids who played characters knew their lines. Not one of them had to look to me for help. There was even a kid who had to stand in for another child at the last minute and he said each and every line perfectly! All of this coming from 3-6 year olds. It was amazing! They were amazing.

These beautiful kids taught me so much in those few months.

I learned how to be very patient. Trust me, going over lines with 5 year olds will teach you patience for sure.
They showed me that their little minds absorb so much. They learned those songs so fast! It was amazing to hear them sing those songs, together, on key, with bright smiles on their faces.
They showed me that the innocence of a child is a beautiful thing. I can't recall all of the simple yet wise things these kids said to me on a daily basis. They don't worry like us adults do. They see the world in a much better light than we do and that is so admirable. After working with these kids, I understand now why Jesus said He wants us to look & receive the Kingdom of God with a child-like heart. "I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it." -Luke 18:17
Most of all, these kids showed me love! I can't tell you how many times I heard "Miss Iquo!!!!" walking down the halls, walking in the gym, even walking to my car in the parking lot. I can't tell you how many times I almost got knocked down because I had kids piling on top of me trying to all give me a hug....at the same time! These kids showed me so much love, it was overwhelming in the best way possible. I knew it was God showing me through them that love has no limits or boundaries, that it is pure and that it originates from Him.

With all that being said, the day of the show was a great day. The time I spent with those kids was amazing and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Even though I went through difficult times getting everything together, it was all worth it in the end. Those kids were a part of something that I hope they never forget and it was them who made that show come to life.

In the beginning of this post I said this was my former job. The reason why I no longer work there is because as rewarding as this job was, it required a lot of work, effort and time. I need time to work on my music and if I kept this job I would not have time to work on my music projects. So I decided to not return in the fall. It was a tough decision but I know there's a reason why I was there when I was there. I was so grateful to all of the people who helped me there whether they were on the staff or whether they were parents and family members helping out. Those kids made a great impact in my life and I hope I made an great impact in their lives too.

The show was basically a jungle version of Aesop's Fable "The Lion & The Mouse" The story was told by a lion and a mouse with their friends the hippo, giraffe, monkey and the elephant. There were also storytellers who told the story. The entire school sang songs in between the story. It was the cutest thing ever.

I wanted to share pictures I took of the kids who participated in the show. We had a lot of fun and they had tons of fun taking pictures. We had an a.m and p.m show so some of the kids have the same type of costumes on.

I really miss these kids but I'm thankful for the time I got to spend with them.

Until next time,

xoxo Iquo