What to write...

For the past week or so, I have opened up the window ready to blog. Then I stare at the window. I can't figure out what to write. There has been quite a bit going on in my life, I just can't find the words to adequately describe it. Today, however, during church (a song, not the sermon) I decided that I was just going to sit down and write, see what happens. Here it goes.
I have officially tested my students in every class at least once. This is pretty huge for me. It means that the school year is officially underway and that I have to work hard to help them maintain the knowledge they have and build on it for the rest of the school year. Up to the point of the first test I feel that I can safely say "well we're still figuring out 5th and 6th grade" but that is no longer true. We should have it figured out. Some of us won't ever get it figured out, and I will get to talk to those people and their parents on a regular basis. But for the most part, I think that all of them are adjusting and figuring it out. I'm still trying to teach 5th graders that whining gets them no where. That may take until May!
Speaking of school, last week I spent three days in Breckenridge with other churchworkers in the district for our annual Professional Churchworkers Conference. I think that teachers sometimes are the worst students. The idea of sitting through sectionals was enough to make me poke my eyes out! TWICE! But I did it. And I even learned something! Go figure. I think the last session I went to had the most impact on me. Craig Parrott from Lutheran High was doing a bible study on Treasuring the Difficulties in life. I have always had mixed feeling about Mr. Parrott since I had to go to a new churchworker retreat and did not have the best experience. I decided that I was being unfair (and everyone else LOVES the man) so I went to his session. Well, I was wrong about the man. He is truly a man of God who speaks the gospel and doesn't pretend to know everything. One thing that I remember him talking about is how there are positive outcomes to adversity and affliction in our lives. This isn't new, but the scriptures we read that supported the positive really stuck around in my head the rest of the weekend, and even today. We looked to Isaiah in which adversity and affliction are described as bread and water. Simple substances that we need in order to survive! And the fact that these things always point us to God, who is made perfect in our weakness. It was a fabulous session.
Breckenridge also brought the opportunity to socialize with many people that I know are in Denver, or the area, but I never see. I saw Tim Storck! from college, I haven't seen him since he left Seward, I also caught up with Amy and Mollie. Mollie and I are going to reinstate our weekly get togethers, which is exciting! As a staff we went to Bubba Gump's on Wednesday. We had a good time. It's different being up there now that Gail, Mona, and Jay-Kristal have kids. In the past it did not seem like there were that many children around, but this year they were everywhere! :)
Well, I've officially began the application process to go back to school. Right now I am leaning at going to CU Denver and getting my masters in Educational Psychology and Counseling. I would like to someday move out of the school teaching ministry and see what other areas I could be used by God. I'm not entirely sure that this masters program will allow for that, but I think it could.
And speaking of other ministry areas, it seems that Panama is officially not happening. I am very bummed by this. I've been planning on it and saving for it! I think I may try to find some sort of mission trip on my own. Part of the appeal of Panama was going with friends from Seward, but I think going anywhere with a group of people to teach would be an experience. I've been in contact with LCMS World Missions about summer service opportunities. I've also been invited by Mollie and Hannah to go to Mexico with their churches next summer. We'll see what happens there.
Well, I would end this by posting pictures from Breck, but it seems all I did was carry my camera around, and it doesn't take pictures on its own. So no pictures this time...next time!

Peace and Love!