Settling In To Said "New Routine"

I started my new job at Faith Fellowship Daycare on Monday. First impression: "Wow this is overwhelming." I was there for the afternoon shift, so there is a lot going on: Kids coming in from Faith Fellowship Christian School next door, toddlers waking up but still needed to be quiet for those blessed few who sleep longer, snack being prepared, diapers being changed, staff being switched... whoosh! I was outside with the older kids (1st graders) and the toddlers who had gotten up from nap already. To be short: A group of toddlers are easier than the two of the 1st graders. But all in all, it wasn't that bad being my first day there, it was natural to feel overwhelmed as it was all new to me. I got to know names and faces and met some of their parents and experienced the fast pace of an afternoon shift, which I will have two of. (Mondays and Tuesdays)


Tuesday, was my second day, and my first scheduled day to be on my own. As Monday left me a little overwhelmed, Becky Elliott (my boss) was thoughtful enough to start the shift with me and the another worker, making sure all was going smoothly before she headed out. Tuesday was also filled with getting to know new names and remembering those from Monday, meeting more parents, and of course dirty diapers. There was some friend drama going on that I got to counsel one on God being our friend no matter how other people treat us and that He is very happy that she is trying to be a good friend. After Tuesday's afternoon shift, I did not feel overwhelmed like I did on Monday, I was beginning to feel comfortable. Maybe, because I was inside with the toddlers and babies, either way, it was great!


On Wednesday, I joined two people to see how a morning shift usually runs. The day brought me so much comfort and confidence, it was even better than Tuesday - by far! I had all the names down, because I had met most of them on Monday and had some of the same kids on Tuesday, so names were pretty much down. Of course, there was some hesitation at times, but over all I felt much better about speaking to each child. I got a lot of time holding baby Maddie (three months) and comforting another "crier". I watched a circle and craft time, insisted they eat their beans, or crust, or peaches or finish the rest of their milk. I washed hands and faces (a lot), forgot to wear gloves while changing diapers (one thing that will probably take the longest to get used to, they make me so clumsy), read at least three stories, and felt very comfortable! Wednesday was an answer to prayers, no doubt!!

Today, Thursday, I worked my scheduled shift without Becky joining me. I am the opener so I was there at 6:25 A.M. got a few things ready before the first baby arrived at 6:35. With a 1st grader as my second to arrive, I had to feed her breakfast before she went to school, not bad since I only had two others, one whom was sweetly sleeping. Just as the other person I work with walked in at 7:45, so did the 4th and 5th child of the day! Tuesdays and Thursdays are "baby" days, over half of the kids we have are under 2! Thankfully, this week there is an added staff member to the midday schedule, just to make things run a little smoother! Being there alone was a first, and meeting a few parents I hadn't met yet was a little unfortunate, but the day was super! I'm certainly getting the hang of things and I'm looking forward to getting to know the kids even more!

After my fourth day of working in a row, my impression went from "Wow this is overwhelming..." to "This is perfect for me and I absolutely love it!"

Did I mention that God is so Good!?
...Because He is!