A WIN IS A WIN!

The YLC Eagles have not had a game in some time.  Since our last game, as a coaching staff, we decided to get rid of some boys hurting the team, add other with promising potential, and start completely over with square one.  Practices have really been going much better since this change.  While this was promising, we were tested today with the first real game as a new team.  What was the outcome?  Our first victory.  Finally we feel like we are doing something right as coaches, and moving forward as a team.

While we won, it did not come easy.  

We were playing two teams on the field at once.  The real opponents, and the refs.  I have never witnessed a game so one-side by the refs in any sport at any age level.  It was absolutely ridiculous.  However, the boy

s stuck through it and pulled out with the 'W' at the end of the game.  (The picture is of myself and Mr. Samir trying to coach these guys, but obvious frustration by our body language.)

The win aside, today was a day full of mixed emotions.  The day seemed almost promising as all of my boys were finally allowed back in school except for one.  They all came with their lines full completed and ready to learn.  At first, everyone would pay attention as I just had to pull out my stack of 84 papers, completely covered with Colossians 3:20, written as their punishment, to remind them of the power I had over them.  This worked for a bit, as they would quickly get back to work not wanting to be punished again.  However, each minute seemed to get worse and worse, as they started talking back, being lazy and falling asleep in the middle of the presentation.  When they do this to me, that is one thing, but they crossed the line today.

We had guest speakers in the school today, teaching about science and a garden project we have going on at the school.  Each Wednesday, they send a few college students to come and teach a lesson to each grade.  During middle school my boys, along with the rest of the middle school showed no respect for us as their teachers, or for the guests in the room.  The talked, slept, and sat their lazily, not paying attention through the whole presentation.  They would not answer questions being asked, or even try to participate.  I never knew how bad a teacher could look during this kind of thing until you are the teacher being represented.  Right now, those college kids are telling people that Mr. Isaac and Mr. Samir have no respect from their children and are horrible teachers.  All because our kids are too disrespectful to show any courtesy to anyone in any sort of authoritative power.  Could it be a culture thing?  Possibly yes, but at what point is that put aside and actions taken place?  That answer is today!

We kept the entire middle school after 30 minutes of school, letting them have the biggest chewing of their life.  I can guarantee they heard things they have never heard someone tell them today, and been pushed to do something they haven't ever did.  I talked a bit about why I am exactly here and what I really am doing for their school.  They had no idea that I was hear to learn about their culture and relate it back to people from other cultures to help and try to connect cultures or mix them in ways they haven't been before.  When I announced to them that I understood they don't respect me because I am white, they listened.  They never thought I caught on to that, simply because I never said anything.  But it is very obvious.  

I am excited to see if anything will change from this, as I already had 2 or 3 of the students come up and apologize for their actions and want to get better.  Others have already started simply listening to what I say, knowing that I am in authority over them, regardless of my skin color.  It will be good to see what happens, and I am anxious to start seeing the changes that I know will take place in their heads and attitudes.