Catching up... and checking in!

You might have noticed my regular blogging has… slowed a bit recently.  It could have something to do with the fact that I’m taking three grad classes and spending most of my time reading textbooks and writing papers!  Or that I was trying to finally get out newsletters to the general populace (you!), along with a copy of my prayer card.  (If I missed you… or if you think I just might have gotten your mailing back because you changed addresses and forgot to tell me… please help me update my info!)  Or that I’ve started subbing about once a week so I can afford to keep living in the States.  Or that I've had the chance to speak at a couple of churches and at Hope College to talk about how awesome teaching overseas really is.  

Whew.  Yeah.  I'm pretty sure, too, it's not that I no longer have anything interest to share, though I'll admit that our definitions of "interesting" might differ slightly at times...

The good news is, I have officially… 3 weeks and 1 day till my grad classes are completed.  Not that I’m counting or anything.  (Did I mention that equals 22 days)?  After a long weekend with some great family (SO thankful for the break), I’m having a bit of trouble getting focused again.  But when I see one page of assignments listed that I can check off… and when I know that more won't be added to the list for quite a while… there is hope.  

At the beginning of my third class (which I added about 3 weeks back), I found myself in a bit of a slump.  For someone who was used to being in the classroom day after day, working with kids on a regular basis, helping make a difference in little and big ways and seeing changes happening daily, I was having trouble transitioning to being a full-time student. 

But somehow, along the way, God has been there.  It’s been a crazy few weeks – and months, now that I think about it.  Taking my first-ever classes online, trying to get reconnected with families in the neighborhood, stepping into other teacher's classrooms each week without having the familiarity of my own students and classroom environment, becoming fluent in APA, trying to be responsible and yet needing some time to take a mental break from my computer… but somewhere along the line, God has given me peace.  And joy.  Kids to hang out with.  Families to spend time with.  And contentment where I’m at (though I certainly won't be disappointed when it's time for a break!).

First snow fall with one of little kiddos I babysit!  So much fun.  :)

Some of the little people that make my life great!

Evidently, we didn't take a lot of pictures at Thanksgiving. 
But here are a few of the guys, intently watching the Purdue game. 
I think Baby Levi just might fit into this family!

I'm glad he's not so focused on sports that he still has time to snuggle!

I have a few blogs that are currently waiting to be posted, and I’ll try to get them up soon.  In the meantime, I’m thoroughly enjoying experiencing the holidays with extended family in the States for the first time in three years, and am thankful for the experiences God has given me along the way!  You can be praying for more prayer and monthly financial partners as I prepare for teaching in Tanzania, and for renewed perseverance as I finish up the next three weeks!  

Hoping the beginning of this season is filled more with family, friends, laughter, and faith than pepper spray and crazy early morning mall shopping sprees!