It's been awhile...
I don't think I've ever had a busier first quarter at school. This is a year full of change and I'm having to adjust to new students, staff and procedures. Somethings are going very well- others, still need lots of work. Time management is always crucial. I am enjoying each day- feel like I've made some great gains with some kids and have been very surprised by those who seek me out. All in all, it has been a great year so far and I truly (and I really mean this) LOVE what I do. It is nice to be able to say that and mean it.
I've also signed on to co-advise the yearbook- wow, this is a lot of work. But I know in the end it will be awesome. We're trying some new things and the kids are excited.
Youth group has been going well- it always takes a bit to get in the swing of things, but we're getting there. We've had challenges and I know Satan is attempting to distract and discourage. We had a great outreach weekend with STORM and a coffee house. Last weekend we packed christmas boxes for kids and participated in the church talent show. We are really focusing the kids this year on daily disciplines and ministry outreach (outside of our walls). I'm really excited that in December we will go to a local food kitchen and host a children's christmas party. That will be awesome. My hope is to take the kids on some sort of outreach trip next summer.
My family plans to go to Colombia in February to see where Bill was born. That is pretty cool- I've always wanted to do that, but Bill wasn't interested. Now he is, and I'm so excited to share it with him.
I plan to go to Haiti sometime this year- probably over the summer. It's been over a year- too long. And, I'll go to Germany again next July to teach at the youth camp. Loved that and can't wait!
The holidays are coming- I'm really trying to reduce stress and stay focused on things that matter. This year- reducing purchasing- so outside of my family, donations to charities is what it will be. I hope to host a spa day in January for my friends which is a great gift of fellowship and pampering.
I've been really convicted lately about how I haven't been "around" for some friends that really need me right now. Specifically in the form of prayer but also in checking up on them etc... I'm working to change that and hope that it will be a blessing. It is hard to hear/know that people you love are hurting- though I can't fix it, I can pray and love them.
This weekend is Superbowl- another event that reminds me that I'm getting older (30 this year) and can't stay up like I used too. Been pulling out more gray hairs lately. It's so wrong!
Love to you all
Elisabeth