ahora

School starts this coming Tuesday - yes, in just 2 short days.

If you don't already know, I am starting my first job (out of college) as a high school teacher at a local Christian school. I will be teaching mostly juniors and seniors among three sections of Spanish II, two sections of Spanish III, and one section of Family Psychology (and no, I do not have any degree in Psychology...one of the results, I think, of teaching in a small Christian school :). Part of me feels honored because the principal chose me to teach that class because he thought I would do a good job with it (I hope I do!). But the other part of me is a little nervous because I am by no means an expert in the area of Psychology (I do have a lot of various family experiences - both good and painful - which have attributed to who I am today and, I know, will definitely help with the teaching of this class). I don't want to let him (or the students) down. All I can say is that I am working really hard to understand the curriculum for the class and to make it as much of an enriching experience as I can: personally, mentally and spiritually! And that goes for my Spanish classes, too - I am working and will continue to work diligently in these content areas so that my students will walk away with a bigger understanding of who God is, what his created world looks like, how to live in community with those around us - both like and unlike us, and so they will walk away with a better idea of who they are and who they want to be in this world as citizens and as people made in the image of God.

I ask for and covet your prayers for this school year, but for this week in particular. Pray:
- that I will be able to be an example of Christ to students, faculty and staff through my words, actions and curriculum
- that I will have the wisdom to choose appropriate curriculum materials, topics, assessment tools, etc and execute them creatively and effectively in my classroom
- for my students as they enter my classroom (and other classrooms, too!); that they may (hopefully!) be open-minded and ready/eager to learn
- for all new staff members, that we may find our "nitch" in the school community and will be able to support each other as well as the current staff
- for current staff, that they may be able to support the new staff and students in edifying ways
- for parents of the students, that they may fully support their children and their education this year and know how to talk and interact tactfully and constructively with the teachers and other staff if there are any concerns (and vice versa with the teachers being able to talk and interact tactfully and constructively with the parents)
-that this year will be God-glorifying and God-honoring

Thank you in advance for you love, concern and prayers.

Welp, Kent and I both made it safely out West to our new home in Washington. We have been very busy the last few days moving in all of our stuff, unpacking it, washing it, putting it in its proper place, and starting to use it, too! We are very blessed with all the gifts we received from our wedding (thank you, everyone!) and are enjoying using these gifts to make our house into a home. We have been taking pictures along the way that I will try to post within the week.

I have also been busy getting ready for the school year (which starts for me this coming Monday and for the students the week after that)! There is so much preparation that needs to be done, which can be daunting at times, but, for the most part, I am excited to start the year, meet my students, and see how God uses this year in my life.

It was extremely hard for me to leave my family last week...but it is amazing how gracious God has been to me in my first week living away from them. God is good! A few days ago I prayed that God would give me little reminders every day leading up to the school year of why I am where I am, doing what I'm doing. Every day God has answered my prayers, encouraging me more and more and affirming Kent's and my decision to move out West for this job.

I have no doubts that this will be a challenging year in many ways: a new state, a new home, a new marriage, a new job...but I also have no doubts that it will be a year filled with many blessings along the way!

I've finally made it home after being in Guatemala for about 6 weeks...and now I'm leaving again for Washington tomorrow morning. Lots of packing to do...goodbyes to be said...preparations to be made...

I am really NOT a fan of major transition...