Seriously Shocked

Well I have great news....and no I'm not pregnant (seriously...that's the automatic response when I say “guess what” --um what does that say about society...haha)

My disbelief continued throughout the week after I found out on Tuesday that I received a scholarship. Scholarship for what you ask?

About a month or so ago our school director forwarded the staff an email. It said that Walden University was going to be offering a scholarship to teachers who work in international schools. The catch was that your school had to be apart of one of five organizations/association (or group of schools). Our school is apart of ASSAA (Association of American Schools in South America). The university would give out one scholarship per association—so five scholarships total.

Walden University is a school that offers predominately online classes. I actually had looked into this school when I was in NYC because I received mail about their school. When I saw this opportunity, I thought—what the heck, I might as well apply.

The process wasn't too intense—I needed to send in my resume, two recommendation letters and of course an essay touching on four different areas where you have used your education and how you will you use your further education (areas were technology, global education, and so on). With the help of Clinton's fine editing skills, I finished my essay and sent in all the papers.

One week later I received an email with the title “Walden University –Congratulations”

um my reaction? Well I thought “this can't be” --I opened the email, did a quick read and headed down to my friend's classroom (I didn't know where Clinton was at the time). I entered her classroom and shakily said “I'm hyper-ventilating” “why?” she replied “I think I got the scholarship” cheers from her but also “you think?” “Well I don't know—I rushed through the email...but I'm in shock”

After some more hugging and cheering, my friend (Yari) told me to go read the email again (=

Well I did—and yes, I was right. I have received a full scholarship to pursue my PhD which will be in Education with a specialization in Instruction, Curriculum, and Assessment.

Later that night, after going out to eat for a celebration, I said to Clinton “what is God doing?”

He laughed and look at me quizzically... “you just got a full scholarship, what kind of question is that?”

I merely responded that I was so sure that it wasn't going to happen that it made me think how really I'm not the one in control of my life. Of course, I have the ability to make choices and to plan...but God is there to walk me through it and to throw me a curve ball ever so often! I'm extremely in awe of his blessings.

I ask that you pray for me as I start this amazing adventure. I am excited and yet of course, this will add new stress and time to my already busy life. I am hoping to take it a day at a time and to trust God. He has already given me an amazing support group –Clinton and my family of course, my friends at home, but even more so the friendships I've made here—their love and support!!

Busyness and Blessings

I wanted to write about last weekend...but I also wanted to write about this week. Instead of doing two separate blog posts...I figured I'd put it all in one...hence my title busyness (mostly last weekend, but really all the time) and blessings (also not just limited to this week—but really blessed this week!)

Last weekend the varsity basketball team (that Clinton coaches) had a tournament for the American schools in Ecuador. Excitingly enough our school hosted this tournament that lasted Friday and Saturday. Our school day was bustling on Friday because while we had school, many classes were attending the basketball and girls soccer games which were also a part of the tournament. It was a day filled with school spirit and intense games. Our team did really well on Friday and Saturday's last game ended up being between us and our biggest rival team, Cotopaxi.

The game was so enjoyable to watch because the teams were neck and neck the whole game. Not only that, but our bleachers were filled and so the spirit was high. I have to say that my back was extremely tense by the end of the game because I was sitting at the end of the bench the whole game. Our team came in first in the tournament! The season ended this weekend with another tournament. Unfortunately, it was not as successful...but the team still finished strong --winning first place in another division earlier this week.

This week was our second Spiritual Emphasis Week of the year for the middle and high school. It's hard for me to describe how and in what way, but I truly felt blessed this week by worship and by the speaker. The speaker was a parent from the school as well as a missionary (his parents were CMA missionaries and started some of the large CMA churches within Quito!). He was dynamic, entertaining, and switched back and forth from English to Spanish as he shared his week long message. The focus of the week was on loving the Lord with your heart, mind, soul and strength. Beyond the messages and worship—the truly touching part of the week were cardboard testimonies. Each day during the last song of worship, students (and some teachers) came on stage and shared a short sentence testimony. Every day, I held back tears from not only because of the vulnerability and courage it took for these students to come up, but also at how God was working in their lives. Examples were: “I thought I had to be perfect—I am perfect in God's eyes” “I foolishly spent my dad's money—God was with me through the consequences” “ My dad was shot at 6 times—no bullets hit his body, God protected him” “My home is 2000 miles away—God gave me all of you” “

Also, there were others who shared of suicide attempts, broken homes, being made fun of, death in the family, and other intense struggles. Something said in such a simple way and yet SO moving. I know that God was using the courage of these students to impact their peers. It was a little glimpse of pain and confession but more so how they recognized God's presence. I don't feel like my words can really share the impact—but I praise God for his love, grace, and presence!

“eres todo poderoso...eres grande y majestuoso...eres fuerte, invensible y no hay nadie como tu”

Looking at the mountains....

On the Soccer field

It was a beautiful sunny day in Quito this Saturday when our school hosted a “turkey bowl” or flag football tournament (traditionally it goes on during Thanksgiving –hence the name). Clinton participated with a team of other faculty and staff members of the school and they played against students and other teams formed by missionaries.

Clinton getting his "flags"

Sitting with friends on the field

Most of my day consisted of watching the games, relaxing and catching up with friends. (I also went to get an hour, $25 massage. Yes...jaw dropping...and I've heard there are places I can go that are even cheaper!) The coolest thing about our soccerfield is that if you look out over the field in one direction, you are also staring right at the mountains. It's a breathtaking sight and I always feel in awe when I see it.

I finished my first week of the new semester successfully. With the addition two new classes, my stress level has increased yet again. My goal, however, is to find a routine like I did for the first semester...and I believe this time around I'll be able to fall into that fairly soon. February is here and it already feels like it is moving fast.

I continue to feel at home here as my friendships grow and I feel comfortable where I am. I love knowing that new friendships turn into life long ones –especially when the connection is so strong. I truly feel loved by the few close friends I've made. The greatest thing I long for is to be with my niece. She's turning one in March and I never realized how sad it makes me feel to know that I will be missing her birthday! (10 days before mine and fifteen days before my sister –March girls!) I am thankful for the ability to view pictures and chat on skype. It at least gives me a “live” glance into what I'm missing.

Here's Mikayla with teeth! When we left after Christmas, her teeth were just peeking through! This picture is on my sisters blog (=

I feel like I've missed snow history of the century. I've been amazed at facebook friends all around constantly posting news about being snowed-in....crazy! Ever since we got back from cChristmas break, the weather here has been a bit warmer than before Christmas. While we have rain occassionally, it isn't that frequent anymore. Most days have been in the 70s for most afternoons...it's been beautiful!

That's it for now....

Much love!

I love how this picture's background came out with the clouds and mountains!