The saga continues...

Thankfully, my 2nd and 3rd PPT's went just as well as Mondays. The only bump was hacking up a lung while I was presenting and getting so red that my boss sent the principal to get me water. That was thoughtful. In the end, my boss said things went really well and that I had done a good job- though she did tell me that I'm "too honest". I've heard this before from her- she wants me to finesse a bit more. I'll have to work on that (?)

I've never been to the doctor's so much in my life until this week. Tuesday, I went to see my general doctor. She is a spitfire- and definitely a woman you want in your corner. She listened to me for a few minutes and immediately called a pulmonologist and pleaded with him to see me ASAP. He pulled up my x-rays immediately and agreed to see me the next day. I went to see him Wednesday and he told me to "SLOW DOWN!"- that I will not heal if I don't stop. So, I'm under strict orders to walk slow, not yell/sing/blow up balloons....anything that will cause my lungs to be stressed. Basically, I'm allowed to just breathe. He extended my medication and urged me to go to the ER if things remotely were troublesome. Tuesday and Wednesday were not good days- but with the specialists new prescriptions, I have seen improvement Thursday and Friday. I went back to see him today and he was pleased. He told me that I basically burnt my lungs when the medicine aspirated my lungs- the tissue is so delicate and became incredibly irritated. He also said that it has taken me longer to recover than normal, so he wonders if there is not an underlying issue. After I'm better, he will do some more tests. Which is fine, as long as it's not the long snake scope thingy he stuck down my nose on Wednesday. Talk about pain. "this will only hurt for 10 seconds". TEN SECONDS! It felt like 10 years! I was not a happy camper- and don't recommend scopes to go down the nose. I don't think God intended for objects of that width to travel down such a narrow passage. Thankfully, everything was fine and I won't have to have that done again.

So- needless to say, I'm taking it very easy. I'm learning about limits. An important lesson for me. Keep praying that my lungs heal- sounding like a severe asthmatic is not very attractive and is actually a distraction to my students (hard to teach between the heavy breathing and rounds of coughing).

Well- it's off to bed. Had a great afternoon visiting my favorite antique store with Rebecca and having Bethany join us for dinner. Tomorrow is my friend's pre-wedding reception to meet his bride-to-be. Alicia and Matt are down, so I plan to visit with them as well. Nat comes home Sunday and I can't wait to see him. I miss the lug!

Have a wonderful and restful weekend
Love to you all!

One down- two to go...

Today's PPT went splendidly! Everyone was where I needed them to be when, and it went off without a hitch. Yippee!
Tomorrow's should be just as good- it just starts at 7am. YIKES! Why did I do that??!! I'll have to be more than on time to work.
I'm slowly getting caught up at work. That is good! Still have a ton of observations to complete (Math and Science anyone?). It will all get done!
Spring is here! We opened the windows in my classroom today- ahh, the fresh air! It was glorious- and then a heavy spring rain for the ride home. I love spring!
Tomorrow I go to the Doctor regarding this whole "thang". I'm still a bit uncomfortable, but today was the best day yet! Slowly but surely. Tomorrow night is a training meeting for youth group. Wednesday is youth group- I'm teaching the girls lesson (salvation). Pray for fruit!
Love to you all~

The week ahead...

This will be a busy week.
I have a number of PPT's right in a row (Mon-Wed). I MUST start testing my two kiddos this week....augh. Finding the time!
Plus a zillion other to-dos! Pray that all that needs to get done gets done. Health wise- it was an okay day. I feel very loopy and foggy. Not so good when you're driving. Pray this whole thing winds up soon- it is hard for me to slow down, but obviously that is what God wants me to do right now.
Appreciate all your prayers and encouragement
Love to you all~

Made it through...

I was able to make it through the day on Friday at school. Most of the time I felt like I was floating through a fog. Not sure if that was the medication or what? My kids seemed happy to see me (they were glad they didn't have a scary sub). It was good to get caught up on my kids and to get some important items taken care of. I stayed way to late (7pm) but I feel pretty ready for my meetings on Monday. My supervisor gave me a lovely bouquet of flowers that smelled so good all day! They are beautiful and I am enjoying them. Last night was a hard night- I had a few hours of coughing- it just wouldn't stop. And now, this morning my chest is pretty sore. But I slept well so that is good. I think I'll take it easy today- a combination of my medicine routine and getting school/teen/HOPE work done.
Tomorrow, in the evening we are taking the teens to a youth rally. The presentation is on Evolution vs. Creation- I hope the teens come (and that I feel better because I need to drive). I'll sign off for now, I have a date with the nebulizer.
Love to you all~

An update

I had the best of intentions. Got up this morning and showered- but by the end of that I was so tired and out of breath. So, I took a breathing treatment and decided to stay home. I read a bit, slept some and then got to work on school "stuff". I felt better around 1pm so I decided to go into work for a weekly department meeting. Just walking from my car to the main door caused me to get winded. Augh. It was good to get caught up- so much has happened this week. I spent some time talking with my supervisor, prepping for my meetings as well as other items that I need to follow up on. I was also able to get some to-do's done so that I won't have them hanging over my head first thing in the morning. My intention is to go in tomorrow- I really need to touch base with my kids and wrap up my PPT agendas for Monday! As well as a million other little things.

Pray that my breathing returns to normal and the coughing subsides. Sometimes I'm okay, but then the breathing gets difficult and I sound like I'm either snoring while awake or have been smoking for 50 years. That will be lovely entertainment for my cherubs tomorrow. Otherwise, I feel fine except for occasional chest pain due to coughing. It could always be worse.

Thanks for all your well-wishes!
Love to you all~

Missions Conference and Putting it into Practice

The Missions Conference went well- minus having to cancel 3 of the activities due to an unexpected snow storm. It did allow our teens to serve dinner to the missionaries and attend the opening meeting. I was glad they were able to go and a few showed interest in some of the specific ministries that were shared.

I enjoyed meeting the other missionaries that were there and hearing about their ministries. It was inspiring and allowed for some good networking. People showed interest and we received some sizable gifts- God is good!

Steve W. spoke about being a world christian vs. a worldly christian. One thing he shared was that a world christian asks, "Lord, what are you teaching me?" when difficulty comes while a worldly christian says, "Why me?" (sounding very similar to Nancy Kerrigan upon her run-in with the iron bar!)

Monday night allowed me an opportunity to put this into action. Right before going to bed, at about 10:30pm, I took my daily dose of medicine. Somehow I choked and started to cough. Immediately my breathing became difficult and I developed horrible chest pain. I tried to lay down, drink some water, even hot tea- but nothing helped. After an hour or so, my dad took be to the ER at Day Kimble (granted- we were in the middle of another unexpected snow storm).

I arrived at midnight and checked in. I had to wait about an 1.5 hours. In the meantime, the pain got worse, my breathing got worse and I developed serious nausea (which started rounds of vomiting- I'll spare you all the details!)

Finally, I was taken into a room and seen by the nurses. Everything just takes so long- especially with so many other serious cases. They come in and do something, then you wait an hour for them to return. I was exhausted, but couldn't get comfortable to rest. I basically had to sit straight up just to be able to breath. They had me get some chest x-rays and a cat scan. Pain relievers helped a bit (made me all warm and fuzzy) but I wasn't able to keep them down. They also started various breathing treatments and steroids (just like Arnold)- which slowly but surely began to work. The doctors really weren't sure what to do with me- or what exactly was wrong- but in the end they figured that some of the medicine had aspirated my lung (meaning- got into my lung). All the pain and difficulty breathing was caused by inflammation and bronchial spasms.

During the night, my dad stayed with me. He was a good sport- I know he was tired and very uncomfortable sitting up all night. I had a variety of roommates. One was a young mother whose baby was sick. She was agonizing over whether or not to have a spinal tap done on her baby. Later, a lady named Carmella took their place. She seemed to be in a lot of pain and was wailing quite a bit. Somehow I managed to fall asleep and she was gone when I work up. There had been an accident- and the 87 year old man involved was just outside my door. He didn't know where he was and was moaning a lot. The saddest was hearing a woman have to call her family to say their mother had died. Man, reality.

I spoke with a doctor around 7am and he decided to admit me into the hospital. I was actually surprised. Funny, at one point he said, "I hear you're having trouble with nausea" At that exact moment I grabbed the bucket and vomited. Sorry, Doc.

I was taken to my room at 10 am or so. I joined a women who seemed to be having difficulty in her colon. She was pretty uncomfortable. Most of the day, I slept on and off - in between medicine and visitors. Maria and Levi came to see me, and later Rob, Bill and my parents. Rebbecca and Mama H. rounded out the evening. I was able to chat with a few people from work and they were incredibly understanding and concerned. Pastor Paul visited Wed. which was nice.

By Wednesday morning, the chest pain had subsided, though I still had labored breathing and coughing issues. The respiratory technician was pleased and my chest x-rays were clear (pneumonia is a concern when you aspirate your lung). The doctor said he would keep me if I wanted to stay but that I could continue treatment at home- so I opted to come home. After a good hot shower, fresh clothes, a delicious lunch and nebulizer treatment 101- I was discharged at 12:30. I'm on the mend- but pray that my breathing clears- when I am active, it gets more difficult. I'm planning to head back to school tomorrow as long as the pain stays at bay. Work is piling up and I need to attend to it.

So- without further adieu, I'll share the top 10 things I learned during my stay at DKH.

10. Mama always said to wear clean underwear- she never told me to make sure the legs were shaved! So embarrassed.
9. Vomiting is contagious- you hear someone wretch and it has a dominoe effect. Now together, everyone!
8. Hospitals aren't that bad- I mean you get room service, a variety of foods to choose from (they even count your calories for you), free expanded cable and telephone, the call bell (oh my the call bell- "Nurse, can you bring me some water" "Nurse, clean up in aisle 4".
7. DKH is not the place to meet men- especially when the young and available see the unshaven legs. And all the orderlies and attendants are well above the age I'm willing to go!
6. You shouldn't feel bad when you puke in the doctor's face- hey, that's why they pay him the big bucks!
5. It is NOT fun to not be able to breathe- it's actually very scary!
4. It IS fun to be carted around in a hospital bed and/or wheelchair- talk about traveling in style!

3. Hospital attire does not come in "one size fits all"- It's more like "all sizes are guaranteed to expose your derriere"
2. It's nice to know people care about you- sad it takes going to the hospital to be reminded of it.
1. I try to do too much at one time! Next time, take one pill at a time. I even bought a pill cutter today for the hefty ones. Actually, I think this is what God wanted me to learn. Slow down, take it easy, don't do too much at once. And, He always provides others to step in and cover for you (thinking in the context of school and youth group). I am replaceable.

P.S.- sorry for all the references to vomit- hope it doesn't start the dominoe effect for you!

I almost forgot...

the best part of my day yesterday!

During worship practice- my cell phone started to ring (it sounds like the Austin Powers theme actually) Caller i.d. said it was my "work cell"- which was my cell when I was nannying. The voice on the other end was not recognizable though. After a minute I realized it was my boy- whose voice is changing! I was so excited! We talked for a bit and got caught up on friends, school (lack of good grades mind you), broken bones, allergies, the dog, his family, guitar lessons, summer plans (not band camp this year), the new nanny and a few hearty chuckles reminiscing.
He is precious- and even though there were some tough days- I miss the bugger! Before I hung up I said, "I love you" and he said "I love you too"- ahh.... he may be almost 15 but he is still my bud!

It warmed my heart- and put a smile on my face!

Nature's Trick

Weather wise- this week has been wonderful! No need for those winter coats and gloves anymore, I was enjoying driving with the windows down!
Surprisingly, at 5:30 this morning the call came- Snow Day! I called the next teacher on the snow day chain and she said "We have a Snow Day- you have got to be kidding me????". The snow started around 10:00 am. It's expected to kick up a notch into the evening with freezing rain overnight and into the morning. So- they have cancelled our missions conference until tomorrow night. I feel bad because my friend Maria (and our teens) has already put a lot of time into preparing for tomorrow's luncheon. She will be disappointed. I'll miss seeing the teens- I was looking forward to them coming and hearing from the missionaries. Hopefully they'll come tomorrow night and Sunday.

In other news... I now know what a digraph is! (two letters that work together to make one sound such as "sh", "ch", "ck". ) I learned a few things during my reading training: a). I don't know how I ever learned to read. b). I don't know if I'm a good enough reader to actually teach someone else to read. c). I think I have a learning disability (really, I have no retention.... it's all becoming clear to me) d). I hate to be away from work for three days in a row- there is too much to catch up on when I return.

Actually- joking aside, the reading training was very good. I now have some direction for my reading skills classes and specifically for one boy who is a freshmen and still can not read. The task is overwhelming (props to those who are reading teachers) but I think I just have to get started.

Teen Club went well this week- we had a guest missionary in to share his testimony. In May, he is heading to Tanzania to do tribal work. We also just purchased new puppets for the group to use for Teens Involved- they are awesome. So big and life-like. The teens really like them! I would love to see a puppet team ministry develop. (we think this puppet looks like Josh- do you agree?)

Well- I really should continue to get projects done today. I've finished my mission's display for the conference, called a contentious parent regarding their child and watched Thursday's episode of LOST (love that show!)- but you know what... I'm in the mood for a movie! Yes- a really good, waste your time, wearin' my pj's, kind of movie! And maybe some hot chocolate!

Thank you LORD...

...for an extra hour of sleep this morning

...for company as I drove to my conference

...for the reminder that I've got a long way to go to become "a good teacher"

...that you can use me in spite of the fact that I don't know what a closed syllable is or a diphthong (though- it does remind me of the hot tub incident, Alicia!)

...for moments that come along which allow me to share bits of truth with my co-workers

...that spring is coming!

...that I got to do my laundry today- finally!

...that hairspray does in fact get ball point ink out of jeans (my brand-new jeans in fact!)

...that my dad always rescues me and is awesome when it comes to measuring and using box cutters

...that my para support was able to set up my PPT's!

...that YOUR Word STANDS forever! (I'm reading a great book called STAND)

Agendas, God-sightings, and Thai Food

I went into youth group Wednesday with my own agenda. Last week, behavior was at an all time low. I was pretty discouraged. Way to much chatting and having to re-direct behavior. During refreshments, I spent most of my time pulling kids aside to remind them of our expectations. I'm not sure why they were like this- they had been doing so much better in recent months.

So- this Wednesday I went in, prepared for another round. Usually we start the night off with a game or ice breaker- but we didn't have one this evening (Aha!) They settled right down and I tried to make a connection with them immediately (all schools are involved in CAPT and CMT testing right now- so I wanted them to know that I understood what they were experiencing this week). We moved into our worship time- then announcements and finally sharing. I had a plan in mind for sharing time- regarding prayer, tying into last week's lesson. Then, James (see last post), had a question about the recent "discovery" of Christ's tomb. Most had heard about it and had a lot of questions. I was able to guide a discussion focusing on the authority of God's Word and how denying the resurrection of Christ allows man to do whatever he wants. WOW- they were into it! Full of questions, comments, and good insights! They listened respectfully to each other. Later, when we went into our lesson time- the discussion provided a perfect intro. What a God-sighting! And a good reminder to not give up on my kids- God is at work. And to be open to changes to my plans- to take those "rabbit trails"! We started our four week guy/gal studies. Both groups responded well- pray there is fruit (salvation for the gals and holiness for the guys).

Usually on Fridays, I stay late at work to get caught up on projects/paperwork and to get ahead for the coming week. Next week, I'm going to a three day training in Reading, so I won't be at school until Thursday. After school, my friend Katie stopped in (she is a para at school). Katie is 21 and a strong believer. She is an incredible encouragement to me at work. We don't get to really talk often, so it was nice to visit with her for awhile- about quiet time, ministry, friends, relationships etc... She is lovely! I left work around 6pm (yikes) and had to head out to church for 7pm for Worship Team practice. Friday's are the only night we can all make it to practice- and it really cuts down on opportunities to get together with friends. But, I got home and Rob messaged me "Wanna cancel?" Gotta admit I jumped at it! (don't worry, I'm not shirking responsibility- our two instrumentalists were sick/unavailable- so it would have been tough for the rest of us to practice). Instead, Rob, Bill, Bek, Bethany and I went out for Thai. It was so good (coconut w/shrimp soup was delicious)! We laughed so much- I think we cleared the place out! This band came in- they were decent but so LOUD. That was our cue to head home. Thank you Lord for a little break from the week to visit and be refreshed with friends.

Next week is our Missions Conference- I have a few roles to play. The teens are preparing and serving the ladies luncheon on Saturday. HOPE is involved with a display (which I've gotta make tonight!) and testimony and then, I'm supposed to help lead the worship time. We're practicing today- so I should sign off and head out! Pray for next week, it will be busy! Pray people are challenged to take steps out of their comfort zone to serve the LORD and that there will be increased interest in HOPE.

Love to you all~

It only takes a spark...

We've been praying for a spark plug to arise in our youth group. We have great kids- some are further along in their spiritual journey than others- but few are willing to take a spiritual leadership role.

In the fall, James started coming to club and made a profession of faith at Superbowl. He is a great guy- respectful, friendly and God is working. He has lots of questions and is not afraid to ask them. He's not afraid to give God credit for changing his life!

This last week, during the lesson, he shared the following. "I was at school (he's in 10th grade) and I was pulling my Bible and quiet time out of my bag (!). A friend of mine saw it and said, "You believe in God?" I replied that I did." A conversation ensued between James and his friend. Even though he was ridiculed for believing in God- James stood strong and testified to the faith he has in Christ! We were so proud of him!

Could he be our spark plug? May it be

Mission Accomplished

Wednesday was D-Day!
After a blustery snow day on Monday (so needed)- I had one day left to prepare for my debut. Wednesday morning- scheduled bright and early at 7:45am were back to back meetings with two of my student's parents.

My supervisor was out sick the entire week before and so I was not able to go over my educational report with her. Thankfully, my colleague Patrick helped out. In the educational report I have to report the testing I recently conducted but also interpret the results and devise strategies to support the weaknesses. With this being my first evaluations, needless to say I was a wee bit nervous.

I spent most of Tuesday working to fine tune the reports and practice presenting the information. During a PPT, my role is to lead the meeting. I was very nervous about this. There are specific protocols and items that must be covered- and we are liable if we don't cover them.

Wednesday morning I met with my Director and went over all the data, reports and we strategized for the meetings. They went off without a hitch.

I was pleased with how the meetings went- and more importantly, my boss was pleased! So pleased that she wrote the meetings up as an observation for my file. Thank God for time, clarity and good support/colleagues who did so much to help me prepare. April and May will be full of similar meetings. The next item on my agenda is to conduct three more evaluations for students. I have 2 that must start this week to meet the deadline.

March is CAPT season which is a HUGE standardized test for 10th graders. It basically controls our school for the next three weeks. Emotions are raw and stress is running high. I'll be happy when April is here!

In other news:
Wilfrid left today for Haiti. He is traveling to Pestel to prepare for our work team this summer. We have a few people who are interested in going down to help start the foundation. There is much for him to organize while he is down there- pray all comes together according to God's timing. We plan to go to Pestel July 14th-21st. I can't wait. I'm hoping that I'll be able to make some connections with community members. The language barrier is always an issue and the previous two trips have been so busy, we have had limited time to really spend with community members. I've been able to speak to the local pastors at length- but look forward to getting to know more personally. The Lord has been blessing financially- we are speaking at Calvary's Missions Conferences March 16th-18th. I'm praying that this is a time when people catch our passion and join our support network.

On the family front: Bill was just hired as a permanent employee at Brooks Distribution Center. He likes his job and now has benefits- we are very happy! Dad and Mom are preparing for their 10th trip to the Ukraine to teach. Very exciting.

Today I spent some time with my friend Bethany. We went up to Millbury to shop- well, I shopped. This was the first time out shopping since Christmas. I need to get out more! We had a good time- good talks. I appreciate how she holds me accountable and understands so much of what I've been through (a fellow PK). Tomorrow will be busy with church (the teens are singing special music!), laundry and lunch with Bek. Then, another whirlwind week!

Love to you all