A Wonderful Experience
By Margot Plamondon, MCV
St. Francis Elementary School, Lumberton, NM


My experience working as an MCV in Lumberton, New Mexico has been truly wonderful. Since August I have been teaching 15 second and third graders. When I first arrived to the mission site with my sister, I was very intimidated. The teacher house, our home for the next 10 months, was not very welcoming or home-like; but after a few weeks of adjusting to the new environment I began to recognize all the blessings this place offers.


Margot (right) with 2nd and 3rd Graders from St. Francis School


           Even though we are far from shopping malls or movie theatres, the surrounding countryside is peaceful and the sky is always blue. Each morning as I walk across the street to the school, I see the sun shining behind a mountain and I thank God for this opportunity and another beautiful morning. Also, the experience of living with five other girls with similar interests has been a gift. We have created many memories together in and out of school, including long car rides just to get away on the weekends and explore the West.

            My relationship with my students was difficult in the beginning. It took time for me to understand their abilities and their home lives. Many of my students come from broken homes or have learning disabilities. My main goal is to show my students how to love and show them God’s love. When I began teaching here I was told, “Love them and they will learn.” This saying has gotten me through many tough times. I remain patient and remember this saying when I feel like giving up and when I think my students will never understand a concept or how to treat each other. My students have come a long way and each day I see improvements and realize my purpose in Lumberton.

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