Happy World Teacher's Day

Today is World Teacher's Day. A holiday for teachers celebrated with extreme excitement here in Zambia.  I remember last year when this day came.  I was working in the container to organize and compile all of our donated items left from camp.  My coworker, Kathryn, and I were knee deep in school supplies when we decided to take a breath.  (It's summer in Zambia this time of the year, so being outside caused a LOT of weakness!)

I got a call from my boss who said, "Meg, there are hundreds of teachers marching down the street. You should go see them!"  It took about 2 seconds for Kathryn and I to jump up and rush to our car.  We drove straight to Showgrounds where they were marching, but only got the tail end.  There were a few clusters of teachers marching together with matching t-shirts on.  They were laughing and happily displaying their pride for being a teacher.  It excited us.  Just as we were making our way back home,we both received a text from one of our teachers.  She encouraged us tremendously.  She said something to the effect of the following:

There are extremely successful world leaders, doctors, politicians, lawyers, social workers, bankers, and business owners; men and women who change people's lives daily.  But who taught them?  Teachers are invaluable. You are shaping the next generation of children. Happy World Teacher's Day!

I'm pretty sure I cried in the car. But I remember that day like it was yesterday.  And here we are, a year later.  Today was a day of celebration for our teachers.  Our teachers were able to stand as a group, march with matching t-shirts, and proudly say that they sacrifice for the orphans and vulnerable.  THEY believe for the orphans' education when no one else will.  THEY are shaping the next generation of Zambian children.  The generation of children who will stand and fight for the Kingdom of God.  The generation of children who, I believe, will see our Lord and Savior come back.  The generation of children who make up God's army.  I'm blessed to stand beside them.

So, Happy World Teacher's Day to all the teachers I know.  You are shaping the generation of people who will stand on this earth with Jesus comes back. You are.  Believe for them. Your hard work and dedication is not unseen by the Lord.