too much of a routine?

I think I'm probably finally hitting my rough spot. Usually when I am stressed, that's when I crave loved ones and the comfort of home. For these first few weeks, I have indeed been stressed. Stress at the beginning of a new school year, a new job, and life in a new country is definitely normal. I think that the stress and busyness has wholly consumed me. It has not allowed me really to stop and think about...well...life.

I'm thankful to finally feel ahead in some aspects. Naturally, I believe that my planning for school and time towards grading will continue to be heavy, however, I am starting to get into a routine which helps me have more time to take a break. I feel like I haven't really experienced life outside of the school walls since school started. While I am anxious to explore and be out, my tendency with being overwhelmed is to crave alone time, or time where I can just veg (=

So in those recent moments, where I have stopped to take a breath, I feel like yes, I'm missing home. I find my mind drifting to thoughts of my favorite time of year...fall, and how I'm missing the crisp, cool days and the smell of leaves. I also think of my niece Mikayla who I'm missing so much because I'm not seeing some of her precious moments of growing.

My goal is not to be depressing...although I feel it might come across that way (= Simply my thoughts on my heart tonight.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you....I continue to feel blessed by words of encouragement and support. Love to everyone...we miss you!!

The beginning of another school year

From the moment we got off the plane the lingering thought of beginning another year teaching was in the back of my mind. Of course, it's that time of year and while it usually is at the forefront of my mind, this year teaching is obviously going to be filled with a lot of new things. The first day of school was overwhelming and I was exhausted by the end of it. I taught my intro classes (freshman) second and third period. In the afternoon I taught my other three classes back-to-back. When I got home I spent about 40 minutes for dinner and then worked until about 30 minutes before I went to bed. Ah, it reminds me of my first year of teaching when I spent my whole life lesson planning!

This morning I read Philippians 4:4-7 to my class. I mentioned how the start of the year can be overwhelming and that this verse could be a comfort.“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

I was so blessed to have a smooth and amazing morning after reflecting on this verse. I can't say that my afternoon was as smooth (= BUT I was thankful to feel that I had a handle on something! My general feel for this year is that the main struggle will be in just getting familiar with what I need to teach. I'm already realizing that I'll need to be reading at least two books simultaneously and that I need to think of ways to make my research class exciting (seriously...I'm bored by the material and it's pretty hard to make it interesting!) However, it is refreshing to have students sit quietly and look at you. I don't think I've put more than an ounce of energy into any kind of discipline (yet). I've had a couple students slightly distracted....each one I had a talk with apologized and said they would work on it! What is that? In the city I probably spent 90% of my energy towards discipline...hence I can deal with anything...but there's nothing really to deal with!

Thank you for your prayers...don't stop! There are a lot of amazing things going on at this school. There's a real sense of a community of faith. There's an evident feel of ministry among the teachers and it's wonderful to be apart of something that God is truly working in.



My Classroom




Roses I bought for $2.50!

I know I keep saying I'm going to post pictures of our apartment AND I will! I've been painting and trying to get things a little cozier. I'm waiting for it to be somewhat complete before the big reveal (=