Life Together

I keep meaning to sit down and write about all of the things running laps through my head, but at the end of the day I am just too exhausted.  Since it has been a week, this will probably be long, so thank you ahead of time for you patience!

Where to start...... how about with school?  This week my students' personalities have really begun to shine, and as they do I am discovering many new things about them.  I am learning who loves to talk and be social, who is more quite and reserved, and who is really going to push me to be a better teacher.  I have one student in particular that I feel God is going to use to show me how to really reach out in love and touch a life.  I know this student is going to present many challenges this year and test the boundaries of my patience.  As my pastor was preaching this morning I felt God tugging at my heart to pray for this student and my attitude towards them.  This week I am going to go the extra mile for this student.  I am looking forward to seeing how the Lord will work on my heart and reveal new ways for me to become a more effective teacher.

On Friday I felt as though I had a personal aid all day, and maybe that is because I did.  Since my sister Jenna is here visiting this week I thought it would be fun for her to come in and meet my class.  She was able to spend the entire day with me, and it made for a really special day!  Jenna read a story to the kids and answered many questions during a Q & A session.  The students loved meeting her and spending time with her.  They were fascinated by how tall and beautiful she is.  While I was teaching she was busy grading the papers I let pile up this week.  I think she saved me about two hours worth of grading.  Too bad I can't have her around everyday!

While my baby sister was here I wanted to take her wedding dress shopping.  What a fun day it was.  We started our day at a small local bridal salon called Mia's.  Trying on wedding dresses is like a real-life princess experience, and every girls dream.  We were ushered into a room full of beautiful wedding dresses to select the ones that Jenna would like to try.  Each dress made her face light up and I could tell with every dress we slipped on her she felt more and more like a princesses.  After trying on several gorgeous gowns, we may have found the dress for her.  I would describe it as well as post pictures, but Brady might be reading this, and of course the dress has to stay a surprise.  The wedding is still a ways away, so she will keep looking, but I am thrilled I was able to be a part of helping my baby sister find her dress.

Jenna and I out to lunch between wedding dress appointments!

My time this weekend with Jenna was super special, and it made me realize how much I cherish our friendship and spending girl time together.  I also came to the realization that I did not take advantage of spending enough time with her while we were living in the same town.  Sisters are special, and I feel so lucky to have one.  This weekend was a reminder from God not to take advantage of our relationship.  Even though we are family I am learning that I need to set aside time to work on continually building and strengthening my relationship my sister.

This week I am looking forward to a couple of things starting up this week.  The first is Boot Camp!  I know I might be crazy, but I love the intense workouts with fellow teachers in the outdoors.  This will also help with preparing for the half-marathon I signed myself up for in October. 

The second thing I am looking forward to starting a women's bible study on Tuesday.  Since I have moved away from my friends and family I have been searching for a way to get plugged in and meet new people.  My heart has been a little lonely for some girlfriends, and I am looking forward to meeting some new women to forge friendships with as well as diving into the Word.

All in all it should be a good week with lots of things to look forward to! I'll be back soon to let you know how it's all going.