This is our newest roommate, Steve. He's kind of lazy and never helps with the bills. Unless "chewing up" is helping....
Monday, September 15, 2008
oh and steve.
This is our newest roommate, Steve. He's kind of lazy and never helps with the bills. Unless "chewing up" is helping....
reflections by request.
Happy Anniversary! I've been in Las Vegas and teaching for just over a year. I've never really cared about the January 1st new year--as long as I can remember, I've only cared about the academic new year. It's at these points that I resolve to do things differently and reflect on the past year's changes and accomplishments. This year I have a lot to share. Especially since I've filled up my latest journal and received requests to blog.
I've been incredibly and inexplicably blessed this year. It never ceases to amaze me how the Lord provides. In thinking about the past year my mind immediately jumps to the ways that I have been provided for. I have a job that allows me to live extremely comfortably as is evident by my latest trip to Whole Foods, my sweet ride, cute and spacious apartment, this wireless internet I'm typing on, my upcoming trip to Minnesota! and a whole list of other things. I just feel so fortunate that I can have these things that I usually refer to as needs, but really they're the icing on the cake.
Even beyond the material comforts in life, I've realized that I have a huge support system. I recently was reminded of this during an episode of House. There was a patient who was on death's door and without any friends or family to comfort her or be near her; she said her favorite people were five (she was a kindergarten teacher) and therefore couldn't come to visit. Thankfully, I don't have to feel that alone--if I were to go to the hospital, I would have more people than I would know what to do with. A friend recently reminded me about how God blesses us with people as she realized that although she doesn't have a boyfriend, if she needed a man to help or comfort her, she has a long list to choose from. As do I.
It's strange that when I think of my blessings, I quickly recall material things, but the most invaluable--the people who remind me who I am and comfort my pain, those who allow me to see God more closely and fully--seem to take a few moments to make it on the list. Like Paul, I pray that you are well and deeply rooted in the truth today, that this blog finds you in good spirits.
One of the people that I am blessed to have in my life, for I am sure that God put her at my school for me, is the librarian (her name is Ann, I kid not). She's 73 and looks about 55. She always tells it like it is and shares her immense wit and wisdom with me. The other day she pulled me aside and inquired about my year so far and my health. Surprisingly, she noticed the fatigue on my face (I sometimes forget that I'm an open book of emotion) and admittedly the weariness of my soul and called me out on in. Taken aback I gave some "adjusting to the school year" excuse which she immediately redefined as the weight and oppression of the others on me. Truly, I've noticed a change in my attitude from last year to this year--in and out of school. I plan more, I like to be in control, I feel a sense of failure when plans don't come to fruition and I don't care for disorganization. I used to think that I was between a J and P in Meyers-Briggs coding, but now I know I'm a full-on J. Move over engineers, teachers will rock your logical-organizational butts. I'm professionally rewarded for this, but existentially put off. I never wanted anything to have control over my identity without my permission and I unknowningly let it. At that point in the conversation, I once again felt compelled to gather my things and head for the hills to shake off the complications and oppressiveness of living this life.
This is all to say I am frustrated by these changes which have their benefits and faults. Or rather, I'm bothered that I won't remain a stagnant being. In my lifelong quest for list making and learning, I would like to check of "understanding self" from life's "To Do" list and I'm now realizing that I don't think I will be able to and what is more frustrating, I won't be able to do the same with the other significant people in my life. I want to know everything and I'm thinking that might not be as easy as I anticipated. So this year I am continuing my journey of self and trying to figure out what and where my next step will be. Inside of the hills, which I don't think have any coffee, I have created a list of other places to move to and for those of you making lists and keeping track at home, my options include:
I am slowly learning that while I try to plan for life and be prepared for all of life's incedentals, I can't anticipate everything and that just steals the opportunities for God to demonstrate his omnipotence and love for me and my loved ones. I am apt to make a list of the ways that God has shown himself to me this year, but that would just be anal and quantitative of our benevolent Creator. So I'll just leave this post as enough of a record.
But really, I'm interested in hearing about the ways that you've been blessed this year. Drop me a line!
Blessings,
A
P.S. Tune in next time (tomorrow?) for my thoughts on how Las Vegas and Israel are similar!
I've been incredibly and inexplicably blessed this year. It never ceases to amaze me how the Lord provides. In thinking about the past year my mind immediately jumps to the ways that I have been provided for. I have a job that allows me to live extremely comfortably as is evident by my latest trip to Whole Foods, my sweet ride, cute and spacious apartment, this wireless internet I'm typing on, my upcoming trip to Minnesota! and a whole list of other things. I just feel so fortunate that I can have these things that I usually refer to as needs, but really they're the icing on the cake.
Even beyond the material comforts in life, I've realized that I have a huge support system. I recently was reminded of this during an episode of House. There was a patient who was on death's door and without any friends or family to comfort her or be near her; she said her favorite people were five (she was a kindergarten teacher) and therefore couldn't come to visit. Thankfully, I don't have to feel that alone--if I were to go to the hospital, I would have more people than I would know what to do with. A friend recently reminded me about how God blesses us with people as she realized that although she doesn't have a boyfriend, if she needed a man to help or comfort her, she has a long list to choose from. As do I.
It's strange that when I think of my blessings, I quickly recall material things, but the most invaluable--the people who remind me who I am and comfort my pain, those who allow me to see God more closely and fully--seem to take a few moments to make it on the list. Like Paul, I pray that you are well and deeply rooted in the truth today, that this blog finds you in good spirits.
One of the people that I am blessed to have in my life, for I am sure that God put her at my school for me, is the librarian (her name is Ann, I kid not). She's 73 and looks about 55. She always tells it like it is and shares her immense wit and wisdom with me. The other day she pulled me aside and inquired about my year so far and my health. Surprisingly, she noticed the fatigue on my face (I sometimes forget that I'm an open book of emotion) and admittedly the weariness of my soul and called me out on in. Taken aback I gave some "adjusting to the school year" excuse which she immediately redefined as the weight and oppression of the others on me. Truly, I've noticed a change in my attitude from last year to this year--in and out of school. I plan more, I like to be in control, I feel a sense of failure when plans don't come to fruition and I don't care for disorganization. I used to think that I was between a J and P in Meyers-Briggs coding, but now I know I'm a full-on J. Move over engineers, teachers will rock your logical-organizational butts. I'm professionally rewarded for this, but existentially put off. I never wanted anything to have control over my identity without my permission and I unknowningly let it. At that point in the conversation, I once again felt compelled to gather my things and head for the hills to shake off the complications and oppressiveness of living this life.
This is all to say I am frustrated by these changes which have their benefits and faults. Or rather, I'm bothered that I won't remain a stagnant being. In my lifelong quest for list making and learning, I would like to check of "understanding self" from life's "To Do" list and I'm now realizing that I don't think I will be able to and what is more frustrating, I won't be able to do the same with the other significant people in my life. I want to know everything and I'm thinking that might not be as easy as I anticipated. So this year I am continuing my journey of self and trying to figure out what and where my next step will be. Inside of the hills, which I don't think have any coffee, I have created a list of other places to move to and for those of you making lists and keeping track at home, my options include:
- Back to school for a degree in Children's Literature and Library Science (Boston or UofI)
- Teaching in a different school district (like Chicago, Twin Cities, Boston)
- Going to Africa for a year to tutor missionary kiddos
- whatever God has planned that I don't know about
I am slowly learning that while I try to plan for life and be prepared for all of life's incedentals, I can't anticipate everything and that just steals the opportunities for God to demonstrate his omnipotence and love for me and my loved ones. I am apt to make a list of the ways that God has shown himself to me this year, but that would just be anal and quantitative of our benevolent Creator. So I'll just leave this post as enough of a record.
But really, I'm interested in hearing about the ways that you've been blessed this year. Drop me a line!
Blessings,
A
P.S. Tune in next time (tomorrow?) for my thoughts on how Las Vegas and Israel are similar!
Saturday, June 7, 2008
learning on the road.
Learning
I’ve begun my cross-country trek (well, cross-central time zone) during my break from school. It’s so strange this year round school—I’m never completely separate from my students. This is one of the chief complaints from teachers at year round schools. Nevertheless, I think it increases the bonds that I have with my students. For better or worse we are connected for the entirety of a year. I feel like I’ve been able to get to know them a more than if I were at a nine-month school, especially now as we enter the exciting world of 11 year-old hormones.
I just finished writing postcards to them all. By the way, 22 consecutive postcards provide a fierce hand cramp.
It is my goal to learn something about myself and about God at each of my destinations during my journeys. I loved my time with the Fay family—Sam is more precious than words. I do think I would like to model my own children after him.
Living with missionaries (more specifically Bible translators/linguists), for a few days was insightful. I was stuck by the sense of community that exists at Cara and Kory’s apartment complex. The physical closeness of the apartments created college dorm closeness especially in contrast to
Learning Valpo
It’s not often in life that you are able to go back in time. Without a flux capacitor I think it’s impossible. However, my time in Valpo allowed me to go back to a time, a time of scholarly and spiritual pursuits. I really can’t summarize the sense of belonging and peace that I felt while in Valpo. Who knew that I’d ever want to be back in northwest
Best week ever!
Learning Minnesota
I have yet to figure out if it is due to my age or my length of time away or some hybrid thereof, but each visit home becomes increasingly challenging. Not in the relationship with my family (although it continually evolves, mostly for the better), but rather in my perception of what home means and how I fit in. I've concluded, at long length, that I have multiple homes. I use a variety of descriptors for them as well. There's the place where my clothes live (Las Vegas), the place where my parents live (Bloomington), the place where I know how to get anywhere (Minnesota), and the place where I truly feel free (nature). I am home in so many places that I've started to wonder if I will ever settle anywhere.
This leaves my heart feeling torn--living in the dichotomy never having one place that I belong to while feeling pulled to a place I have never been. But as Christians, I guess that's what we've been called to. There's a passage in 1 Peter that reminds me that we are sojourners in this life, we belong in the presence of God, but there is too much to do still.
I have many stories from the classroom to tell, but they will have to wait until later.
A
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Noted.
I think that blogging is a difficult thing for me. It often defeats me. How can I summarize this new life--"learning Las Vegas". I guess I need to check my expectations. I cannot make you understand what it is to live my life day in and out, but I can inform you of the major happenings in the balmy southwest.
My classroom has changed significantly since losing a student over my track break. I never thought that I would be a person who joyfully signs withdrawal papers, but apparently I make exceptions. EN leaving was still melancholy. I don't know what will happen with him, I hope that one day he will be able to forgive his mother, understand what his father is and build a life on his intelligence and charisma. At this point that is all that I can give him. Sometimes, I feel like that's all I can do for my students, merely hope for the best. Teaching can be rewarding--whenever I see my students finally understand a concept--but I have found a great portion of it to be unsatisfying. There is nothing tangible at the end of a days work. I can hold a collection of worksheets, but in the end what do those really represent? Oh! to be a surgeon or carpenter or engineer.
If pressed I would say that progress is being made. Since EN left AS has decided to mellow out, mildly, but all the same he is trying. I just wish that I could do more for these kids. Unapologetically, I realize I am writing in circles. If nothing else I am discovering my present limits in my ability which, of course, drives me nuts to have to tell myself that I can't accomplish something. I'll show me?
I think this season of my life is all about learning my person limitations and not getting frustrated by what I can't do, but finding what I can do. What is it that God has for me, truly? Let me know if you've found a shortcut to that answer.
a
Oh, yeah. Happy Valentine's Day.
My classroom has changed significantly since losing a student over my track break. I never thought that I would be a person who joyfully signs withdrawal papers, but apparently I make exceptions. EN leaving was still melancholy. I don't know what will happen with him, I hope that one day he will be able to forgive his mother, understand what his father is and build a life on his intelligence and charisma. At this point that is all that I can give him. Sometimes, I feel like that's all I can do for my students, merely hope for the best. Teaching can be rewarding--whenever I see my students finally understand a concept--but I have found a great portion of it to be unsatisfying. There is nothing tangible at the end of a days work. I can hold a collection of worksheets, but in the end what do those really represent? Oh! to be a surgeon or carpenter or engineer.
If pressed I would say that progress is being made. Since EN left AS has decided to mellow out, mildly, but all the same he is trying. I just wish that I could do more for these kids. Unapologetically, I realize I am writing in circles. If nothing else I am discovering my present limits in my ability which, of course, drives me nuts to have to tell myself that I can't accomplish something. I'll show me?
I think this season of my life is all about learning my person limitations and not getting frustrated by what I can't do, but finding what I can do. What is it that God has for me, truly? Let me know if you've found a shortcut to that answer.
a
Oh, yeah. Happy Valentine's Day.
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