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| So, it's been awhile and I just realized I hadn't written recently as I was reading my little bro's site, who is now in the Dominican Republic...yea, I haven't seen him in a long time, but he's getting to do the traveling I wish I could do :)
School has started up again, almost 4 weeks ago now. I'm teaching 7th grade math and science again with the same teaching partner. Life is good. I'm enjoying the break from having to recreate a new curriculum again, it's so nice to use materials from last year and make things better. My kids seem like good kids and I'm learning to have fun with them. Since I had some of my kids for the last two years (due to moving up to 7th grade with them), I'm still going through withdrawal from them, but it's ok.
This past weekend I took 19 kids with 3 other leaders to SpringHill camp for the weekend retreat. It was great trip, lots of fun with the kids, especially my girls from small group. Besides that life is full but good.
Justin came to visit!
Labor Day Fireworks! Sarah and me
Fred, Megan and me
Jr. High Retreat to SpringHill
Intense game of Z-ball- Overtime!
My girls and me :)
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| I was able to visit home for a couple days this week. Although short, it could be described as very successful and really fun. Wednesday my dad and I worked on my car which, although taking longer than expected, was a great experience. I can now say I know how to change the brakes of my car...I can even change the calipers too! Definitely an exciting moment in my life. :) Thursday my best friend, Trisha, finally arrived back in the States and I was able to spend some time with her and her family. Most of our time was spent shopping with her sister Topaz...Trisha is great at spending other people's money :)
Then, of course, Friday was the 4th. Although wanting to leave from Wheaton early enough to make it to Carmel's parade...it did not happen. Instead I sadly drove the streets of Wheaton as festive people began to line them in anticipation of the upcoming parade. I wished I was staying to celebrate too but I drove home to Carmel alone, without even patriotic music to serenade me. The evening improved my spirits as I spent time with friends from church, wandering around CarmelFest, counting the number of students I saw (I counted 30!). The fireworks were great, my favorites are the white ones that cascade down.
All that to say, here are a few pictures of the last few days :)
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| So I found this link on a photographer's I like website and watched this video. It's awesome! Enjoy 
Best Wedding Toast Ever!
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| Today I was grading papers- science labs to be exact. As I was reaching my point of saturation, I came across this answer and just couldn't stop laughing. Hopefully it'll bring a smile to your face.
Rock Lab
Task: Identify rocks according to their special features
Answer for identifying one of these rocks (Gypsum).
Correct answer: [Gypsum] Cleaves in flat sheets (meaning it will break in flat sheets)
Given answer: Cleavage like none other
Definitely different meanings...
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| It's been three weeks since I returned from Nicaragua and I still find myself reflecting on the trip often, especially as I look at my pictures. I know it's hard to believe that I'd enjoy looking at pictures, but it's true :) The trip was a good one, definitely different than any trip I'd been on before, mainly because I was a leader this time. Instead of experiencing all of the adventures available, I more often worked so the students could have those experiences instead. I didn't get to have as much direct contact with the Nicaraguans except for a little on the job site, at the orphanage, and at church. That little bit of interaction still impacted me though. So quickly was I reminded how important people are. While getting the job done was important, it was never the main focus nor was it ever put above getting to know people, investing in relationships. I loved the slower pace of our evenings in Nicaragua. After a long day of work we would always have some time to spend on the back porch, filled with rocking chairs and a hammock. A perfect place for relationships to grow and develop.
It was in those moments on the porch where I learned the most. The most about myself and the most about others. I was able to slow down enough to ask good questions and listen well. Each person has such a unique story to tell- both the story they tell verbally but also the one they tell without words- through their actions and through what they don't say. Cecil Campbell, who was our host down in Nicaragua, taught me a lot about listening to those things as he listened to me. His opened ended questions challenged and intrigued. He made you think about life, yourself, and others in ways you'd never thought of. What a blessing.
In the weeks that have followed my trip, many things have occurred, a few of which I will mention here. My teaching partner, Liana, had her baby: Belle Madeleine (see pictures below). I gained a new teaching partner and became the new team leader of our academic team. I went to Chicago with friends to see Annie Calhoun in her most recent play, The Giver, based on Lois Lowry's book. I've seen Joel throw javelin at the NCCAA national track meet. I've been able to spend time with people. Today we don't have school and it's been so wonderful. Grading is getting caught up, other things are getting done and the weather is beautiful- I'm even sporting a sunburn from yesterdays escapades outside ;) Overall, I feel like I'm learning a little bit how to slow down, at least for the moment. I know as summer approaches it will still be easier, with so much less on my schedule, but the schedule always fills up quickly as school starts again and I will need to work to slow my pace, at least for moments.
In these slower moments, I hope you enjoy these few pictures from the last month of life. :)
Nicaragua 2008
The girls at the fort
At Lake Catarin
At Volcan Masaya
The team working on the cement floor
Out whole team
Preparing for a day of work!
Belle Madeleine
Belle and me
Becca and Becca at the Bean :)
Fun with friends (and family) in Chicago! | | |
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