I've been reading In the Gripe of Grace by Max Lucado lately. It's the book in my purse, so I read on the bus and the subway. Today, I had the chance to see if I had learned anything from what I am reading. For whatever reason the students have been a little crazy today. I took Hercules out to go to the bathroom and Laura Ann is out with my class scolding them. The class had ran out to go to the bathroom, and she didn't tell them they could go, they all just ran out. She told them that she was giving them all minus 2 when they got back in the classroom. When I walked in the room everybody had minus points. I'm pretty sure minus 2 was the lowest. I talk with my students, I tell them I am not happy and this isn't good. That they need to behave. At the end of 4th period, I give them stickes or take stickers away based on their points. So the time comes, and nobody really earns stickes, I should be taking stickers away from everybody. So do I show these students whatever I've learned about reading these past few weeks or do I take the stickers? The teacher in me says take those stickers, how will they learn to be good if they aren't disciplined? I look at their small little faces and I just can't do it. I tell them, everybody should lose stickers, but today, I'm not taking them. Today, I'm just going to earse all the red, and forget about that I should take stickers. Tomorrow will be a better day.
Now did any of this show them grace of God? I'm not sure it might have gone over the 5 year old heads. They probably don't understand that I can give them grace because I accept grace from someone much greater. The art of grace was probably lost on them. Hopefully, years down the road, the seed of grace I just planted, will be watered. Hopefully, somebody will come along and take care of these seeds, I've planted. Then there is the matter of Naomi. My Korean teacher was sitting in the room, I know that she understood what was going on. When I did she reponsed with "Ahh, Wow!" Hopefully, I've planted a seed there too, and if a seed is already planted I know that I did some watering. So there's just a little bit of what I've learned.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Some Interesting Title that gets your attention and make you want to read it.
So I made it through the first week of the new school year. I also made it through a very long week. The first week was kinda of rough. It was long. I lead morning circle. I have 11 students in my class. I was very helpful and running around helping all the new teachers the best that I could. I have used up a lot of me. On Tuesday (3/3), the teachers went out for dinner and then singing. On Friday (3/7), I was pretty sure there wasn't anymore of me left. I Honestly, thought about going home and crying instead of going to the base for bible study. I had cooking class and we made cookies. I had spent all just giving over and over again. It seemed like there was nothing left. On Thursday, I had looked at Erik and couldn't remember what class I had to go and teach. He made a comment about the way I looked and the confusion of which day it was really just shows. So come Friday, anybody would can understand the hole, is there any Michelle left? I was pretty sure there was no more. Christine approaches me and ask if I will do morning circle just on Monday. I told her no I won't, but I will find a song ready for whoever is going to do it. Christine didn't like this answer and we sort of had a confrontation. Bill ( a new teacher) told that just went over like a fart in church, but that I was in the right. After that I get on train and head for Yongsan. Mary Beth lost her id, so she couldn't sign me into the base, so I had to wait for Eric (another soldier) to come and let me on. I waited a good long time. I made it there. They were all pretty welcoming. It did me a lot of good to sit around an talk about God. I also got to talk about James and how wonderful he is. After bible study, Eric bought a burger and some apple juice for dinner. The small things that keep you happy. Afterward, I went to the Turners'. Gayle was still up, so I talked with her. I told her about James. Then I went to bed. It still feels like home and life is pretty good.
Saturday (3/7), I had singles. I cooked mac and cheese again. I called my parents in the morning and talked with. I got to hear how things aren't really improving over there. The Az goverment cut spending in education, which never really makes sense to. Things aren't going well, so let's spend less money on it. That will fix things. After singles, Mary Beth, Amber and I went over to Tama, Tama, a bar, and watch some of the army band play. It was nice. Anita (from church) was there. Stephen and Brad (soldiers) were also there. It was relexing evening. Amber and I went back to the Turners'. It was a quite night with just the two of us. I think I like it best when it is just the two of us. Don't get me wrong, I love the people in singles, but sometimes, I just want it to be simple and quite and get that when it is just Amber and I.
Sunday (3/8), I had church. We went out to lunch and then Anita and went to the bookstores. I had another India meeting. Then I meet Jason and went to get DVDs and have dinner.
Had another pretty normal week of school. Things are going well and like my students. It's nice to only have to teach phonics to three class, instead of having two classes of phonics and then having math and language arts to teach my class. It would be great if they were in the same book, but two classes are in one book, and my class is another. It's pretty easy though. Tuesay, the teachers went to say good-bye to VIncent. He has quit. Wednesday, I meet up with Mary Beth. We had dinner and a bible study.
Friday (3/13), Bill had a party at his place for the teachers. I went and hung out. I realized that these new teachers aren't really my crowd of people. There was more of focused on drinking. I prefer the people. It doesn't really matter where my drink is and what it is. It matters to me who I am with more.
Saturday (3/14) I called James. I meet up with Steven (new teacher). He and I went looking for a thrift store, that has either moved or isn't there anymore. We parted ways. I went looking for my bookstore off the 5 line and then meet up with Jason and April for dinner at Dus Tacos. Then we went to Rainbow and sat and talked. It was a nice night.
Sunday (3/15) I went to church. I brought Cathy (new teacher) with me. For lunch, I went over to the Stones. They are this family from SIBC, they open up their home to us and feed us lunch. I played with Faith, the youngest of three. She is very cute and sweet. They are starting to feel like family to me.
That's life the past couple of weeks. Nothing to big, nothing exciting. Anyways, I miss you guys, and I love that you are there for me even though there is an ocean between us.
Saturday (3/7), I had singles. I cooked mac and cheese again. I called my parents in the morning and talked with. I got to hear how things aren't really improving over there. The Az goverment cut spending in education, which never really makes sense to. Things aren't going well, so let's spend less money on it. That will fix things. After singles, Mary Beth, Amber and I went over to Tama, Tama, a bar, and watch some of the army band play. It was nice. Anita (from church) was there. Stephen and Brad (soldiers) were also there. It was relexing evening. Amber and I went back to the Turners'. It was a quite night with just the two of us. I think I like it best when it is just the two of us. Don't get me wrong, I love the people in singles, but sometimes, I just want it to be simple and quite and get that when it is just Amber and I.
Sunday (3/8), I had church. We went out to lunch and then Anita and went to the bookstores. I had another India meeting. Then I meet Jason and went to get DVDs and have dinner.
Had another pretty normal week of school. Things are going well and like my students. It's nice to only have to teach phonics to three class, instead of having two classes of phonics and then having math and language arts to teach my class. It would be great if they were in the same book, but two classes are in one book, and my class is another. It's pretty easy though. Tuesay, the teachers went to say good-bye to VIncent. He has quit. Wednesday, I meet up with Mary Beth. We had dinner and a bible study.
Friday (3/13), Bill had a party at his place for the teachers. I went and hung out. I realized that these new teachers aren't really my crowd of people. There was more of focused on drinking. I prefer the people. It doesn't really matter where my drink is and what it is. It matters to me who I am with more.
Saturday (3/14) I called James. I meet up with Steven (new teacher). He and I went looking for a thrift store, that has either moved or isn't there anymore. We parted ways. I went looking for my bookstore off the 5 line and then meet up with Jason and April for dinner at Dus Tacos. Then we went to Rainbow and sat and talked. It was a nice night.
Sunday (3/15) I went to church. I brought Cathy (new teacher) with me. For lunch, I went over to the Stones. They are this family from SIBC, they open up their home to us and feed us lunch. I played with Faith, the youngest of three. She is very cute and sweet. They are starting to feel like family to me.
That's life the past couple of weeks. Nothing to big, nothing exciting. Anyways, I miss you guys, and I love that you are there for me even though there is an ocean between us.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Right, God, I do need to be refocused.
I've been having a little bit of a rough couple of weeks. Things just keep piling on me. It's all at work, and only at work. As soon as I leave work, the life and happiness returns and I have drive again, but lately when Friday comes, I just want to go home and cry. I don't. After a really rough day, Hymie ask me how am I, and just let all unload. I go teach my class. I prep for tomorrow, and now what is one to do. There is a party at Bill's (a new teacher), and I've told Steve and Kathy (new teachers) I go with them. They don't get done until 5:30. I guess, I could go home and come back, but I don't. I sit down at my desk and grab Chronicles of the Cross by Max Lucado. I'm in the middle of And the Angels Were Silent. See God is trying to make a point and I want to share. People are powerful and they are important. They impact our lives and they have to power to build up and the power to demolish. However, you have the choose, do you let them. Those that build you up, do you let them build you? Those that demolish, do you let them? It is all on where you focus. Just try it.
Name the ten wealthiest men in the world. (I can't name one.)
Name the last ten Heisman trophy winners. (I don't even know what sport it goes with.)
Name the last ten winners of the Miss America contest. (The last time I watched Miss America I was 7 which was almost 20 years ago and I don't even remember who then.)
Name eight people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize. (Ummm.)
How about the last ten Academy Award winners for best picture. (Nothing is coming to mind.)
The last decade's worth of World Series winners. (Daddy, if you read this don't get mad, but I can't think of any, I know the Braves, Red Socks, Yankees are in there.)
Did you do any better than me? That would be hard. Now let's try the next set of question.
Think of three people you enjoy spending time with. (James, Mary Beth, Jackie Fry, Kerry, Jason, Cathy, Steven, Amber, the Turners, the Burns. I just went over three opps.)
Name ten people who taught you something worthwhile. ( Jackie Fry, Hilda, James, Angle, Jeff, my father, Richard (yes my old principal), Pamela, my second Kinder class, Mayla.)
Name five friends who have helped you in a difficult time. (Angle, Kerry, Ashlee, Sam, Jason and Amber)
List a few teachers who have aided your journey through school. (Mrs Boyer, Fenton, Rex, Emily, Corrie)
Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you. (Now, this is hard for me, I can't seem to remember any.)
Now, this is where Max and I differ on the lesson to be learned here. He says, "The people who make a difference are not the ones with the credentials, but the ones with the concern. " I've been focus on the people who are concerned. I have people in my life who are concerned for me and care about my well being. I also have people out there who don't care about me. I'm just another person, nobody special. I need to stop looking at these people, I need to stop focusing on them. I need to focus on those that love and care about me. So yes, Kelly, you can show me all the disrespect in the world. Yes Meriel, you can be mean to me and upset. I, however, don't care. I don't care because when I check my e-mail there will be something from James saying how he loves me, and is glad that we have each other, and even if there isn't anything from him, I've saved the e-mails. I will see Mary Beth, Amber, and Jason and they will make my heart happy. I will feel good around them. There will be word from Jackie, and Christie, and the other ladies at church about how they are glad I am here, and that they love me. If that isn't enough. I have letters from Tammy and Hilda filled with love. Yes, Kelly and Meriel, it doesn't really matter how you treat me. I'm not focusing on that anymore. I am focus on the ones that matter. Then ones God has sent me as love letter from Him. That is what you are to me, a love letter from God. I will read them over and over again, just like I do with the e-mails from James.
Name the ten wealthiest men in the world. (I can't name one.)
Name the last ten Heisman trophy winners. (I don't even know what sport it goes with.)
Name the last ten winners of the Miss America contest. (The last time I watched Miss America I was 7 which was almost 20 years ago and I don't even remember who then.)
Name eight people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer prize. (Ummm.)
How about the last ten Academy Award winners for best picture. (Nothing is coming to mind.)
The last decade's worth of World Series winners. (Daddy, if you read this don't get mad, but I can't think of any, I know the Braves, Red Socks, Yankees are in there.)
Did you do any better than me? That would be hard. Now let's try the next set of question.
Think of three people you enjoy spending time with. (James, Mary Beth, Jackie Fry, Kerry, Jason, Cathy, Steven, Amber, the Turners, the Burns. I just went over three opps.)
Name ten people who taught you something worthwhile. ( Jackie Fry, Hilda, James, Angle, Jeff, my father, Richard (yes my old principal), Pamela, my second Kinder class, Mayla.)
Name five friends who have helped you in a difficult time. (Angle, Kerry, Ashlee, Sam, Jason and Amber)
List a few teachers who have aided your journey through school. (Mrs Boyer, Fenton, Rex, Emily, Corrie)
Name half a dozen heroes whose stories have inspired you. (Now, this is hard for me, I can't seem to remember any.)
Now, this is where Max and I differ on the lesson to be learned here. He says, "The people who make a difference are not the ones with the credentials, but the ones with the concern. " I've been focus on the people who are concerned. I have people in my life who are concerned for me and care about my well being. I also have people out there who don't care about me. I'm just another person, nobody special. I need to stop looking at these people, I need to stop focusing on them. I need to focus on those that love and care about me. So yes, Kelly, you can show me all the disrespect in the world. Yes Meriel, you can be mean to me and upset. I, however, don't care. I don't care because when I check my e-mail there will be something from James saying how he loves me, and is glad that we have each other, and even if there isn't anything from him, I've saved the e-mails. I will see Mary Beth, Amber, and Jason and they will make my heart happy. I will feel good around them. There will be word from Jackie, and Christie, and the other ladies at church about how they are glad I am here, and that they love me. If that isn't enough. I have letters from Tammy and Hilda filled with love. Yes, Kelly and Meriel, it doesn't really matter how you treat me. I'm not focusing on that anymore. I am focus on the ones that matter. Then ones God has sent me as love letter from Him. That is what you are to me, a love letter from God. I will read them over and over again, just like I do with the e-mails from James.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Time keeps on passing
So it's been a while since the last blog. Sorry about that. I did warn you back in the Sept this might happen. I got so much going on it's hard to sit down and type about my happenings. Anyways life if good and I am fairly happy. Things are on the up swing right now, I've been taking in all the happiness I've been given.
2/20, It was graduation. My kids did a great job. In fact all the classes did well. It was a good day. Friday after work. I went up to Oijeongbu. That is where Camp Red Cloud is, James was stationed there. I had dinner with him. We played darts and pool. I spent the whole weekend in the area because it is long train from Anyang.
2/21 We went over to Camp Casey. We had breakfast and hung out around there. We played cards and bowling. We watched the band in a parade. We went to the movies and say He's Just Not that into You. We had dinner.
2/22 We went to church. We had lunch at Pita Time with the SIBC group. Then we went to Starbucks and sat and talked. I had a meeting at church about India, so James waited downstairs. After that we went to the tower. We had dinner at Outback.
The rest of the week there was no kinder to teach, but I had afternoon classes. I went to work and we played games on the net. We went out for lunch every day. It was kinda nice. I had my afternoon class still. I gave test. I had report cards to do and test to grade. We also had orientation for kinder one day, we just sang songs.
2/27 James came down, and we celebrated Mike's last day. Erik, Mike, James and I went to Garten Beer and sat waited until Gina got off. Then we meet up with Gina, Christine and Sarah and had dinner at Red Station. Then James and I went up to Oijeongbu.
2/28 James and I got breakfast. We walked over to see what movies were playing. Nothing good was playing. We walked around and looked in the stores windows. We went back on base and over to the CAC, we went online for awhile, played pool and cards. We went to dinner.
2/29 I went to church. I was glad to see that Sonya made it back. She was getting settled, so she didn't want to go for lunch. I was invited over to the Stones. They had order pizza for lunch. They got the pizza from Pizza Hut on base. We just sat around and talked. It was great group. It's kinda like what Pastor and Gayle do, but without the bible study. They do more of a fellowship. After that Mary Beth took me on base. I played rock band with Stephen. Then I hung out a little with Mary Beth.
Today was the first day of school. Most of the new teacher arrived over the weekend or that morning. Things went pretty well. I wasn't handed anything until this morning. That's ok. I took two of the girls around showed them where the E mart and post office was. It was fun for me. They are sweet girls. I told them I had plans of going on base for a bible study and they were both excited. I told them, I've got a great church and I attend two bible studies. They are welcome to join me. So life is good.
So, now I guess I should give the 411 on James. James is 22. He is the army band. He plays the trumpet. I think he is just the most amazing thing out there. I feel so lucky that I got to meet him. He is everything I could ask for in guy. Right now he is Cali visiting his family. After that he is off to AL, he's next station is Fort Rucker. We are going to try this long distance thing. If things work out, I'll visit after Europe before going home, and we see how things work. I can't discribe him. The words that come to mind aren't good enough. We both fell head over heels in love with the other which is hard to believe. A few weeks before meeting each other, we both decided that there wasn't anyone out there, and we would be alone for the rest of our lives. That first day, I was spending him mix massages. I really didn't want to fall in love, but he had my attention, and I was interested. He plays poker and is really good at reading people. He got the message that I was interested in him, but he also saw that I wanted to keep him at arms lenght. He didn't allow that though, and so now we are just wating hoping the next 8 months go quickly.
2/20, It was graduation. My kids did a great job. In fact all the classes did well. It was a good day. Friday after work. I went up to Oijeongbu. That is where Camp Red Cloud is, James was stationed there. I had dinner with him. We played darts and pool. I spent the whole weekend in the area because it is long train from Anyang.
2/21 We went over to Camp Casey. We had breakfast and hung out around there. We played cards and bowling. We watched the band in a parade. We went to the movies and say He's Just Not that into You. We had dinner.
2/22 We went to church. We had lunch at Pita Time with the SIBC group. Then we went to Starbucks and sat and talked. I had a meeting at church about India, so James waited downstairs. After that we went to the tower. We had dinner at Outback.
The rest of the week there was no kinder to teach, but I had afternoon classes. I went to work and we played games on the net. We went out for lunch every day. It was kinda nice. I had my afternoon class still. I gave test. I had report cards to do and test to grade. We also had orientation for kinder one day, we just sang songs.
2/27 James came down, and we celebrated Mike's last day. Erik, Mike, James and I went to Garten Beer and sat waited until Gina got off. Then we meet up with Gina, Christine and Sarah and had dinner at Red Station. Then James and I went up to Oijeongbu.
2/28 James and I got breakfast. We walked over to see what movies were playing. Nothing good was playing. We walked around and looked in the stores windows. We went back on base and over to the CAC, we went online for awhile, played pool and cards. We went to dinner.
2/29 I went to church. I was glad to see that Sonya made it back. She was getting settled, so she didn't want to go for lunch. I was invited over to the Stones. They had order pizza for lunch. They got the pizza from Pizza Hut on base. We just sat around and talked. It was great group. It's kinda like what Pastor and Gayle do, but without the bible study. They do more of a fellowship. After that Mary Beth took me on base. I played rock band with Stephen. Then I hung out a little with Mary Beth.
Today was the first day of school. Most of the new teacher arrived over the weekend or that morning. Things went pretty well. I wasn't handed anything until this morning. That's ok. I took two of the girls around showed them where the E mart and post office was. It was fun for me. They are sweet girls. I told them I had plans of going on base for a bible study and they were both excited. I told them, I've got a great church and I attend two bible studies. They are welcome to join me. So life is good.
So, now I guess I should give the 411 on James. James is 22. He is the army band. He plays the trumpet. I think he is just the most amazing thing out there. I feel so lucky that I got to meet him. He is everything I could ask for in guy. Right now he is Cali visiting his family. After that he is off to AL, he's next station is Fort Rucker. We are going to try this long distance thing. If things work out, I'll visit after Europe before going home, and we see how things work. I can't discribe him. The words that come to mind aren't good enough. We both fell head over heels in love with the other which is hard to believe. A few weeks before meeting each other, we both decided that there wasn't anyone out there, and we would be alone for the rest of our lives. That first day, I was spending him mix massages. I really didn't want to fall in love, but he had my attention, and I was interested. He plays poker and is really good at reading people. He got the message that I was interested in him, but he also saw that I wanted to keep him at arms lenght. He didn't allow that though, and so now we are just wating hoping the next 8 months go quickly.
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