My First Six Months in Wolf Point - Sarah Larkin

Always sharing joyful evenings with the Tikkun Olam family in Wolf Point!

Moving from Wichita, Kansas, to Wolf Point, Montana, six months ago was definitely an adventure with many ups and downs along the way. When I arrived in Wolf Point in July, I didn’t know anyone. I was scared of the unknown and if I was going to fit in. I spent my first month focusing on a course I was taking to finish my Special Education endorsement. During that time, I had a lot of quiet solitude with the Lord while also starting to build relationships with others within Tikkun Olam. When August came, a multitude of obstacles arose including not being able to get into my classroom, sorting through a room full of outdated materials and then organizing my classroom with only a week before school would begin. With the help of Anna and Abby, we threw stuff out, reorganized, and were prepared for the school year ahead. It all came together just in time.

My incredible class of kindergarten students, eager to learn and play games!

Despite teaching throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and having limited staff since August, it’s been a great year for me. That being said, there have been many challenges including the parents who do not take their children to school! Some days I’ve had only one child in class! I’ve also experienced parents not picking up their kids until an hour or more after their school day has ended, and the students who are virtual learners don’t always get their homework packets turned in. Since the Kindergarten classes meet either in the morning or the afternoon, I have only a half an hour each for teaching math and reading and that’s just not enough time. One last challenge I've faced is learning how to deal with disruptive behaviors happening in the classrooms, and lets just say I've offered up a lot of prayers!

Through these challenges, joy has been my constant. The staff at Southside is supportive and encouraging. I have built great relationships with other teachers and staff members there. Everyone comes to work with a smile on their face and works hard every day. I love my students and watching them grow every day; they have come so far this year and I’m incredibly proud of them. I joined a great church here in Wolf Point, Gospel Fellowship, and began helping with the Children's Bible study every other Wednesday night. I’ve enjoyed working with youth ages 8-13, getting to know older kids in the community, and helping them grow their relationship with Christ. I have made great friendships within the church, Tikkun Olam, and in the community and look forward to what the rest of the school year will bring.

Never a wrong time for cookie decorating!

Over the last 6 months, the Lord has continued to open my heart to the needs of the community in which I live. Brokenness is evident here in Wolf Point; all I have to do is drive around town and look out the window to see the struggles many families face, and what they endure to try and provide for their children. Nevertheless, there are great people here, who love with all their heart and are making a big difference in this community. I am so fortunate to be a part of this ever growing team of devoted people, both community members and Tikkun Olam staff, who intentionally invest their hearts, their time and their talents for the sake of the youth and families in Wolf Point. Moving to Wolf Point has been a blessing in my life and one of best decisions I have ever made

With sincere gratitude, 

Sarah Larkin

Kindergarten Teacher