My Milestone Moment at Marvin Academy

Back in May I was honored by the invitation to read my book at Marvin Academy Christian School as a visiting guest reader. The opportunity was in huge thanks to the love and support from my very dear friend Emily, a teacher assistant at the school. When she reached out to me about the idea, I accepted without a second thought. I had only just received the first order of physical books a week prior, and suddenly here was the first chance to introduce the final product to the world— to a crowd of adorable kids no less!

Emily welcomed me when I arrived, and together we entered the gym to settle on a spot for the students to sit around me for the reading time. I decided I didn’t want to sit in a chair that would prop me up too high above the little ones, so trying to be selective I looked around the gym at the random collection of chairs scattered against the wall. And if you know me, you’ll know I believe it was no coincidence that right there on the upper track platform above the court, was a wooden stool painted the exact same color as my teal shirt… a marvelous display of God’s provision and attention to detail! We laughed at how perfect it was, and I felt a glowing anticipation that God would be over the time together with the students.

The first group of students to gather around was the kindergarten through fifth graders. Before even reading, my cheeks were sore from smiling as I watched all their sweet faces wander in and sit in front of me. I briefly introduced myself and the book, and began to nervously flip through the pages, wishing I had practiced doing so beforehand. Thankfully the words of this story are so engrained in my memory, I was able to extend the book towards the little listeners for a good look at the pictures as I read. Many of them were truly attentive, and I could tell that the cadence of the words made them curious. And no matter what anyone says, kids are an intimidating audience; so timing the silent pauses in between pages took more courage than I expected. But I eventually relaxed into a rhythm and enjoyed sharing quiet smiles with many of them as I went.

Once story time was over, The teachers kindly prompted the group to ask questions-- something I didn’t expect to become my favorite part of the visit. The kindergarteners asked simple little questions that just melted my heart, and the older students asked questions that actually made me think. Now knowing they likely learned to ask such good questions with help from their teachers and times with previous visiting authors, I’m very grateful they were my first audience and helped me think about my work in a more professional way. And the cherry on top: the few fourth and fifth graders who stayed back with scrap paper and pencil in hand to ask for my autograph!

I’ll admit it was harder to gauge whether the middle school group whom I read to lastly were as interested in the story, as we also held a time for questions at the end. But the teachers later assured me that many of them left inspired and encouraged by hearing my experience, and I was truly touched. I still am. Thank you teachers and students at Marvin Academy for welcoming me and creating a lasting memory at the start of my journey.

Thank you Parker Robinson for being my photographer and capturing this day with me!