Something caught my eye today- one of our students had a huge note on her binder. It said, "32 days left of school!"

WOW

32 Days!

I'm off to bake cookies with my small group (teen gals) tonight. Hoping to slip our of worship team practice so I can maximize my time with them.

Hopefully- before the weekend is out, I can update all my loyal readers.

Enjoy the weekend!

The Long Stretch begins-

There are 12 hours remaining in my Spring Break- not like I'm counting...

This definitely did not turn out to be the break I expected- but it still has been a good break. Now begins the long stretch through June (May is a killer)- but the finish line is coming! The year has really flown and I'm enjoying it. Praise the LORD- (I had too many days of not enjoying school in the past....I'm so glad that I enjoy what I"m doing now).

Our HOPE meeting went well. We got a lot accomplished and were able to make a number of decisions. Pray we have wisdom in the coming months as we plan our summer work team.

I went back to the doctor on Friday and he was pleased with my improvements. I will see him again in 6 weeks- until then I continue with my medication and inhalers.

Saturday was Teens Involved- the teens did very well on their presentations. They have been working so hard- it was good to see it all come together.

On the way home- my dad's van broke down- always an adventure! Thankfully- the guys looked it over and pronounced that it could not go anywhere. So- we sorted the teens out and the crew went on home (we were in Mass). Maria stayed with me and waited for the tow truck and then we headed home. In the end, it was good because I was tired and really was ready for the day to be done. I came home and after talking with my parents for a bit (unloading), I decided to pop a movie in to take my mind off things. Within 5 minutes I was asleep. Sleep is always a good remedy for stress. After a good night's rest, I'm far more coherent and thinking clearly.

On my way home from church (and after a fun phone call from Erica- catching up and planning our California trip)- I went to Walmart. On my way out- a small plane crashed across the street (there is a landing strip there). As I drove by-it looked like the plane had nose-dived into a grove of trees and the surrounding trees/ground were on fire. Scary.

Well- I'm going to take full advantage of my last remaining moments of Freedom.
Enjoy the evening~

Home Again

It was a good drive down to Virginia. Having a van is great- we each took turns driving and catching a nap in the back. I was able to sleep off and on through the night and drove the final leg through Maryland, Delaware and Virginia. We had lunch with my cousin Patsy and then went over to the funeral home. They had a separate room for family- so we were able to visit a bit there before the service. All my cousins were there minus two. Most did not bring their spouses or children.

The service was really nice- there was a clear gospel presentation which was great! After a brief graveside service, we went back to my Uncle's house to visit as a family. It was nice to catch up with each of my cousins. Because my parent's had children late in life, all my cousins are well into their 40's and almost 60. Needless to say, we've had an unusual relationship. We are not extremely close due to distance but also generational gaps. Funny, for being the youngest cousin, I was the one who was trying to engage the most conversation. I caught up on all their children etc... It was nice to see that many of my cousins are walking with the Lord- but again, I saw the hardness of some hearts. There was a lot of laughter and stories shared- and I learned more about my family (I guess banana pudding was always a favorite treat at family gatherings...never knew). These events are odd because I know everyone but yet I don't really know them. They all grew up together- visited,played saw each other on holidays. And we- being so much younger and living further away- only saw them 1x a year for a day and lately its been 5 or 6 years in between visits. Oh well- that's how it is I guess. I hope that when I have a family, that I'll be able to create good memories and bonds for my children.

After, we went back to my cousin Patsy's house and visited. It was nice to get to know her husband better- they are a lovely couple. They had dated off and on over the years but did not get married until they were in their 50's. Man, I hope I don' t have to wait that long (he was a little slow on the uptake, I guess). But- they are enjoying life and serving the Lord together as christian school teachers. They have been a tremendous help to my uncle and his children.

We left early Wednesday morning. Again- I was able to rest a lot and read another great book from Rebecca (she knows how to choose them!). We made it back to Canterbury at 4:30. The coffee house went off without a hitch (except I forgot to make arrangements for two kids to have rides- so we had to send someone to get them...oops!). My friend's youth group came- and we had over 37 teens and over 25 adults. There was plenty of food and activities and everyone seemed to have a good time. We look forward to doing more with this youth group in the future. We are so blessed to have such an awesome facility for our teens. They all did a nice job with their presentations too.

Today- I'm relaxing. Just watched this week's LOST. It has been so good in recent weeks. Tonight I have a HOPE Board meeting. Pray we have wisdom and guidance. Tomorrow- I head back to the doctor's regarding my lungs. Saturday is Teens Involved- it will be a long day but I'm looking forward to it.

Well- spring break has not turned out how I expected but His ways are higher than mine!
Have a great day!

Headin' South

So- we'll be heading to Norfolk, VA at midnight Monday. We'll attend the 2pm service, visit with family for a bit, stay at my cousin's and then head home very early Wednesday. Pray we arrive home without incident- my dad and I both have commitments at 6pm on Wednesday.

My mother's family is an unique crowd. We are not overly close- the distance has grown as people have aged, died and moved further away. Some are believers- but many are nominal Christians or have no interest. Pray that we are a testimony to our family. Pray for my mom too. The trip will be difficult for her- emotionally and physically.

Thankfully- I got a lot of items checked off the to-do list today. Since we aren't leaving until late, I'll be able to wrap a number of things up tomorrow as well. I'm especially thankful that I am on spring break this week and can go along with my parents and help with the driving. God's timing is always good.

Appreciate your prayers!

Change of Plans

Strange how plans can change in the matter of a few hours.
My Aunt Pat passed away this morning. She was my mother's remaining sibling. Throughout the last few years her health had been failing and she was having severe issues with her heart. She had been in the hospital recently, and once she got home she really just lost the will to live. She passed peacefully early this morning. My mom is doing alright- needless to say she is upset. We don't have the details yet- but we will head to Virginia in the next day or so.

I'm thankful that my Aunt was a women who loved the Lord. My heart breaks for her husband Clyde- one of the kindest and most gentle men I know. He will be so lost. Pray especially for her two sons, Clyde LeRoy and Stephen- I'm not sure where they are spiritually. Pray this draws them closer to Christ.

The other major issue is that I had a number of commitments this week- between Youth Group and HOPE (coffee house, HOPE Board Meeting, T.I practices and T.I. on Saturday). As soon as I know the arrangements I'll be able to decide what to do with these commitments and who can fill my shoes. Pray that all runs smoothly and comes together. God is in control of ALL things- and He doesn't need me to accomplish His plans.

Thanks for your prayers and I'll keep you posted on my schedule.
Love to you all~

Spring Break!

It felt like it would never get here! VACATION!
We missed having a February break due to the construction at school (but it does mean we get out early and go back later to give the crews time to finish the building)- so it's been a unusually long stretch. (I know I'm not going to get much sympathy considering teachers do get a lot to time off- summers anyone? But- I earn every minute of it!)

My first order of business was to sleep in. And I did just that.
Then- I lounged around and watched a ridiculous movie. I won't go into all the details- but I will say- Why in the world is Keanu Reeves still acting? EVERY role is the same- flat, unemotional verbiage. Granted, he is nice to look at but his characters are so one dimensional (though- I did enjoy the Matrix and he has done some good stuff- so I am generalizing a bit).

This evening I went to the Partners with Haiti dinner in MA. Always a good time. I was able to reconnect with some gals I had met on previous teams and it was good to hear how they were doing. I saw my good friends from Westgate- whom I always enjoy catching up with. They are headed back in August for trip. I just might join them. It works perfectly with my vacation and there is no other team I'd rather go with. I have to look at my finances and pray about it- but it may just work.

Check out my friends Stephanie's video. It will give you an idea of what I do in Haiti. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPSMOxVY2mk
I was on a team that dug the foundation to this church- it is exciting to see how far it has come! The haitians you see pictured are among some of my greatest friends! What an amazing group of people!

So- my plans for spring break. While I won't be jetting off to Florida or some tropical location (though it did cross my mind to take off to Haiti- especially after seeing the video presentations tonight- my heart aches).

I hope to get a lot of planning done over break, print/mail the HOPE newsletter, IEP paperwork for work, Finalize coffee house and teens involved "stuff". I'm also looking forward to reading- and catching up on my movie queue. And- if I get to it, I hope to try to sell something on eBay. If it works- maybe I can earn some extra moo la and use it towards a trip to Haiti. That would be v. nice.

Hmm... I think I'll get to the first thing on my to-do list. SLEEP!

A moment of Praise....

1. Received my statement from the health insurance company- Praise: they are paying for my entire hospital stay (minus my co-pay)! Very exciting!

2. Received a letter today from an old-friend. We met back when I was in 7th grade. Her family was home on furlough from Mexico and they stayed in our Church's' mission house. We've kept in touch over the years and it was so good to hear all that God is doing in her life. I'm thankful that despite time and distance, it is a friendship that continues. (I've been thinking about that a lot lately, how friendships change. I don't like change. And yet time, distance and growth cause friendships to change. Sometimes it is good- sometimes it hurts. I guess it is always important to remember what you had and celebrate that and recognize that all relationships have seasons too.)

3. Three more days until vacation- hallelujah!

5. All my kids passed 3rd Quarter!! Huge sigh of relief!

6. A student who I had to sent to the office yesterday for mouthing off to me, came back today and apologized. Amazing! How often do 14 year old boys admit they were wrong?

7. All my annuals are scheduled minus one!

8. HOPE's new printer is working well- (despite having to spend an hour on the phone with customer service to figure out the duplexing error!). The print quality is great and will be a huge help in getting info out efficiently and professionally.

10. My observation went well- and I received good feedback from my director. Only two more to go (math and science).

11. My friend's husband has agreed to teach the teen Bible study for 5 more weeks. HUGE PRAISE!

12. I'm being reminded to love others- "they'll know we are Christians by our love". Not always easy to put into practice when working with hormonal teenagers but I'm given many opportunities to "work that out".

13. I'm still enjoying my John Mayer cd!

14. Praise and Worship went well Sunday- my lungs worked! And I didn't have too much trouble afterwards.

"My heart is confident in you,

O God; my heart is confident.

No wonder I can sing your praises!"

Psalm 57:7

I pray you sense God's presence working in and around you- and are confident that God is orchestrating HIS best for you.
Love to you all~

New Shoes and New CD = One GREAT Day!

Beautiful Day Today!

Enjoyed shopping with Bek- our shopping = a marathon, not a sprint! Found fabulous shoes- though they are far to practical for Bek (and look exactly like the ones I had previously- but I like them, their comfy and go with anything! So I'm happy!). Maybe someday I'll have reason to break into heals. Found some other good deals- so I think I'm pretty much set for spring and summer. Trying to not add too much to my wardrobe.

Got home- and discovered my new John Mayer CD had arrived. Oh my goodness. It is so good! I'm enjoying him while I organize my room. John Mayer always brings back memories of the spring of 2003- living in my old apartment. I worked part-time then- so I'd get home in the early afternoon, open the patio door, feel the warm breeze, nestle into the couch to work on my Master's while listening to John. Good Times. You have got to hear this CD!

Tomorrow is an early day with the Easter Breakfast (I forgo the Sunrise Service- this year I have a medical excuse- how convenient!). Praise Team is singing for the Worship Service and then I'll enjoy the day at home with the family. This will be my first time singing in church since my "incident"- pray that my voice/lungs are strong. Practice this week really knocked me out and I had two tough days afterwards.

Up and coming adventures! Saturday is the Partners with Haiti Banquet in Weston. I LOVE this dinner every year. It is a great time to reconnect with past teammates. I especially love the people at Westgate and can't wait to see them. Phenomenal people! A few of our friends from the DR and Haiti will be there- so it will be good to see them as well.

Well- I must get back to work- I'd like to set up my new printer tonight (well, HOPE's new printer) but first must clear a space for it on my desk. God was so good to provide this for us- it will enable us to do our mailings more efficiently. Expect one soon (if you don't receive them and would like to- just let me know!).

Happy Resurrection!
Love to you all~

It IS a Good Friday

Last night was a whirlwind working with the teens- they are doing so well on their puppets, vocals and skits. I'm really proud of them. They have come a long way- in confidence, ability and in working together! Being with the teens opens those doors for good conversations and challenge. Last night had a few of them- I'm praying that God uses all things to grow them to be more like HIM.

My friend Nat is home- and it was nice to catch up with him for a bit at breakfast. He is doing so well overseas! It was also good to hear some positive impressions he had from visiting youth group Wednesday night. That was encouraging.



After breakfast- I went to get a haircut (short and chunky for spring). I really liked the place I went today and the gal did a fantastic job on my eyebrows- it made my day (okay...enough posting about vanity-moving on)



Then- I went back to the pulmonologist. He was pleased that my lung capacity is up to 70% now. I'm being weaned off the steroids but he did add another inhaler. I still get winded when I over-exert or talk in one big breath. But- I'm doing better. I go back in 2 weeks to see him again.



Tonight is the Good Friday service- I've just wrapped up Coffee House Bulletin inserts for Sunday- so I'll venture down to church early to get those copied and stuffed.


Wishing you all a reflective Good Friday and a very Special Easter Holiday!
Love you you all~

Goldfish will have to do

Of all the nights for Walmart to be running low on Teddy Grahams- tonight had to be the night. There were only TWO BOXES in the entire store. Doesn't God have a sense of humor? So- plan B. Goldfish. We're going to using multiple varieties (including buffalo, pizza, x-tra cheddar etc...). I've counted out 1,033 individual goldfish and divided them amongst 18 bags. Why you asked? I wanted to make sure I had the exact count so I could figure out all the math in advance and not look like a complete idiot in front of the class (and in front of my boss). It was probably pointless to do- but it is done. My lesson is planned, I have all the materials- now I just have to pray the students behave, are engaged and that I am able to explain it all correctly. We'll see how it goes.

Tomorrow night is youth group- I'll be teaching the lesson to the gals again. This time, answering questions about the lessons we covered the last four weeks and then talking about assurance of salvation. One of our quieter girls has really been blossoming over the last few weeks. I got to spend some time with her last night- for a seventh grader, she is on target! Pray that those who have questions won't be afraid to ask them.

Love to you all~

It's been a long day- and I'm beat. But, before I turn in.... I just have to mention what a great weekend I had.

Since I had to take a 1/2 day off work on Friday to see the doctor, I decided I was going to live up the gorgeous day! Rebecca met me and we perused my favorite antique store. I don't go often- and the one thing I allowed myself to splurge on were old photographs. I love collecting them. It fascinates me to look at the clothing, the expressions (or lack thereof), and the interactions within the pictures. It is always extra special to find sets of pictures- a family, or a person over the years. And- I especially love it when I find ones with dates/transcriptions. On Friday, I found a few good finds. A couple photos from the late 1800's- 1892 I think. And- the coolest was an old "scrapbook" from 1908. The pictures weren't the greatest, but the captions were so awesome. I was in my glory- and all my treasures only cost me a mere $27.

Then we met Bethany for dinner at my favorite restaurant- The Courthouse. Dinner was delicious and there was much laughter! Saturday, after a restful morning, I ventured down for my friend Josh's "pre-wedding" reception. It was lovely! After, the old gang went out for Japanese. Again, the food was great and the company even greater. I miss having Josh around- and it was nice to catch up with him. His fiance Sarah is lovely and the are so well suited. I am happy for him. He seems so content and relaxed. His happiness is so deserved. Two people so finely crafted and suited for each other- as the pastor said, "created for each other"- and that couldn't be more true. We had a great time together- I miss those days.

Sunday, after church, we took the teens to the nursing home to lead the service. They did a good job singing (though I did find it funny that the girl who is not working to full lung capacity could still sing over them.....my big mouth I guess). Ricky gave a testimony and two girls did readings. At the second home, one of the ladies from our church came. She is such a dear- and I know she is so frustrated to not be able to come to church. She cried through most of the service and told us later that "we brought joy to her heart". I hope the teens grasp the importance of not forgetting the elderly and that even the simplest act of service can bring them great comfort.

I had a few hours to kill after that and before worship team practice- so Bek met me and we went to Apple Valley to shop. I found some excellent bargains and even treated myself to a new skirt- I love it!!! Couldn't pass on the great deal. The evening was rounded out by worship team- which was good as we're preparing for Easter service. But, my lungs are really struggling today because of all the singing. Pray they will be rested for Sunday- since there are only three of us singing, I need to be in decent shape.

The week looks pretty routine- I have a math observation on Wed. I'm hoping it goes well. The class I will be working with can be a challenge- I observed in there today and they were good- I hope it continues. I plan to have them work with Teddy Grahams (creating pie charts of the different varieties the class will have)- hopefully knowing they can eat them when they are done will satiate their desire to eat me alive. I don't have any PPT's this week (can I get an Amen???). My favorite boy went home sick today- he did not look or sound good (while I was talking to him this morning, I kept trying to eye where the wastebasket was in case he needed it quick). Hopefully he gets better- making up assignments it not an easy task for him.

Oh- I started practicing tonight with our drama crew. They are preparing a skit for the coffee house 4/18. They did a good job for being the first night. Pray that they are able to memorize their lines- I'm hoping this will be the gospel presentation for the event. Also, pray we have a good response to the coffee house. I've invited 7 youth groups to come (I'm almost afraid that they all will come and we'll be maxed out). Our teens are preparing presentations- and I'm hoping for 2 guitarists to come and play some interlude music. I really have to sit down and wrap up the plans.

Hmmm- Friday we have off. Can't wait! The weekend is full with Good Friday and Easter activities. One more week and then April Vacation! (double amen).

Alright- enough rambling. I'm headed to bed.

Love to you all~