Page 23 of To the Moon and Back
Just hearing them say the name of the Old Testament Bible story brought a rush of joy. None of the other teachers had thought she could do it. Get the principal to approve Noah’s Ark for the reading project this month. But Jenna had done her homework.
The story of Noah and the Ark was listed as approved literature in the Ohio State Board of Education guidelines. Jenna assumed it was an oversight, but nevertheless, the title remained among other classics. Jenna was thrilled for the chance to tell kids the story, to introduce them to the truth. Because even children didn’t have all the time in the world.
As Jenna knew all too well.
So when she sought permission to share the story with her class there wasn’t really any discussion. Reluctantly, her principal agreed. A few of the parents had expressed shock that they were studying Noah’s Ark in a public school. Most of them were thrilled but a few seemed on the fence about the idea. One or two were even upset. Jenna had just smiled and shrugged. “It’s classic literature according to the state.”
Jenna had used her own money to purchase every student a copy of the children’s version of the story. Each afternoon they would read a section of the book out loud, and answer the questions on the handout.
They had already talked about the people being wicked, and how God had asked Noah to build an ark even before it started to rain. Today they were reading about the animals coming two by two.
From the beginning the kids’ questions were hysterical.
“Miss Jenna, why didn’t Noah just leave the spiders and ants behind?”
“Do you think the bear was the scariest animal on the ark?”
“Was there an indoor play yard for the animals to run around?”
Jenna did her best to answer. Spiders and ants must’ve been part of God’s plan. The bear was probably tied with the lion for most scary. And an indoor track would’ve been a good idea. “I’ll bet they had one,” she told the child who asked. “They needed some way to get their exercise.”
Today’s discussion was good. Especially the last question of the day. One little girl raised her hand. “Miss Jenna, do you think the story of Noah and the Ark is real?”
“Absolutely.” Jenna smiled and sat on the edge of her desk. “I believe God created the world, and I believe He sent the flood. Because people had turned against Him.”
“And only God could do something like that, right?” The child grinned.
“Exactly.” Jenna checked the clock on the wall. “Okay, boys and girls. That’s it for today!”
Jenna could hardly wait to talk about the rainbow tomorrow. She walked her students outside to the front of the school and waited as every child boarded a bus or was picked up by a parent.
Andy Collins was last to leave. His grandparents had custody of him and most days his grandpa was late. Jenna didn’t mind waiting. Andy struggled more than all the kids in her class. His parents were convicted drug dealers, so the hurt from that spilled into his time at school.
“How was your day, Andy?” Jenna often had this conversation with the boy while they waited for his grandfather.
Andy shrugged and looked away. “Not good.”
Jenna studied him. “I’m sorry.” She put her hand on his shoulder. “What happened?”
For half a minute Andy didn’t say anything. Finally the boy looked at her again. “It was those same ones. The boys who always pick on me.”
“Oh, no.” Jenna knew the kids. They were mean to lots of the younger students. Andy was quiet and shy, often standing off by himself during lunch and recess, which didn’t help.
Andy looked at her. “They pushed me down and kicked me. A lot of times.”
“What?” Anger shot adrenaline through Jenna’s body. “That’s terrible.” She worked to keep her cool. “I’m sorry, Andy. That never should’ve happened. I’ll talk to the principal. We’ll figure this out.”
Andy pressed the heel of his shoe against a crack in the sidewalk. He looked at her, hope in his eyes for the first time that afternoon. “Really?”
A quiet sigh drifted up from her aching heart. “You know why they pick on you, right?” Jenna took both his hands in hers, still at eye level with him.
“Because they’re mean.” Andy looked so little. He was still so young, like all her students. They needed much love and care.
“Yes.” Jenna waited for Andy to find her eyes again. “But the reason is because they’re unhappy. Very unhappy.”
Andy tilted his head, like he hadn’t actually considered that. He managed the slightest smile. “It’s okay, Miss Jenna.” Andy let go of her hands and stood a little taller. “I have you. That’s all I need.”
“Okay, then.” She smiled. God, don’t let him see my broken heart. Andy didn’t need sympathy. He needed people to believe in him. She kept her tone upbeat. “Tomorrow we’ll read my favorite book.”
