Our Stories
The Value of School Chappies
By Carmen Pampeyan
Each day as a school chaplain is different. New challenges to face, obstacles to overcome and victories to celebrate. I LOVE to be organised, to make plans, stick to a schedule and cross items off my checklist. My plans seldom happen. I am (slowly) learning to be flexible and open to the unexpected.
Recently I walked back from the office and I noticed a student hiding underneath a staircase. I often walk fast, on a mission to complete my next task. I am grateful I was paying attention and didn’t have my usual tunnel vision. After establishing that his teacher knew where he was, I convinced him to come to my room. I reassured him that he wasn’t in trouble, I was in no hurry (I am learning) and that he was safe.
He curled his little body up into a ball on my couch and continued to cry. I asked permission to put my hand on his back and he agreed. I sat there with my hand on his back and just let him cry. We didn’t speak, we just sat. After a few minutes his crying started to soften and before I knew it he was snoring. He’d fallen asleep!
Being available, giving my time, paying attention and being a safe person of peace is what being a chaplain is all about. The student in my story went on to sleep for about an hour. And I sat there sleep trapped, afraid if I moved my hand he’d startle and wake up. I didn’t accomplish any tasks or cross off anything from my checklist that morning. What I did had far more value and importance. It’s an honour to be a school Chappy.
You can support the work of Hervey Bay Chaplaincy by donating. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Recently I walked back from the office and I noticed a student hiding underneath a staircase. I often walk fast, on a mission to complete my next task. I am grateful I was paying attention and didn’t have my usual tunnel vision. After establishing that his teacher knew where he was, I convinced him to come to my room. I reassured him that he wasn’t in trouble, I was in no hurry (I am learning) and that he was safe.
He curled his little body up into a ball on my couch and continued to cry. I asked permission to put my hand on his back and he agreed. I sat there with my hand on his back and just let him cry. We didn’t speak, we just sat. After a few minutes his crying started to soften and before I knew it he was snoring. He’d fallen asleep!
Being available, giving my time, paying attention and being a safe person of peace is what being a chaplain is all about. The student in my story went on to sleep for about an hour. And I sat there sleep trapped, afraid if I moved my hand he’d startle and wake up. I didn’t accomplish any tasks or cross off anything from my checklist that morning. What I did had far more value and importance. It’s an honour to be a school Chappy.
You can support the work of Hervey Bay Chaplaincy by donating. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
Posted in Our Stories