An End: Summer 2012 has drawn to a close; my classes at ODU start this week, and I must say goodbye to summer. Overall, despite some setbacks, it was a good summer filled with memories including my trip to Rancho 3M and our family vacation in the mountains.
A Beginning: This is the beginning of a new semester at ODU. New classes, new homework assignments, new schedule, etc. I do not know yet all that this next school year will hold. I think I know some of it, but it is always possible that God could have completely different plans.
A Beginning of an End: This is my last semester of classes for my Master's Degree in Elementary Education, and I have already submitted my application for student teaching in the Spring semester. If all goes according to plan, I will be FINISHED with my degree by May 2013. I am ready to be done with school, but at the same time the question of "what next?" and having to enter "real adult life" somewhat scares me, haha.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Mountain House
This past weekend our family (minus Alexandra who had to work) was able to go to the mountains in North Caroline for a short vacation. We rented a beautiful house with a beautiful view. We referred to it as the "mountain house" to Sarah and Joel. After driving over six hours (including rest stops and a dinner break) we arrived
While there we visited Grandfather Mountain, Linville Falls, Blowing Rock, the original Mast General Store, and more. We were able to do lots of hiking, even some climbing, and sight seeing. I love it in the mountains. It is so beautiful and peaceful there, and I would not mind living there.
Time went by all too quickly, Sunday morning rolled around and we had to leave. However, on our way home we were able to stop at Mt. Airy, NC which is the town that inspired the town of Mayberry in the Andy Griffith Show! Even though it was raining, it was till kinda cool to walk around the the old town a little bit, and drive by some sights.
It was a great vacation, and I hope that we can go back to the mountains (even if in a different area) soon. If you would like to see more pictures then check out my Facebook page.
While there we visited Grandfather Mountain, Linville Falls, Blowing Rock, the original Mast General Store, and more. We were able to do lots of hiking, even some climbing, and sight seeing. I love it in the mountains. It is so beautiful and peaceful there, and I would not mind living there.
Time went by all too quickly, Sunday morning rolled around and we had to leave. However, on our way home we were able to stop at Mt. Airy, NC which is the town that inspired the town of Mayberry in the Andy Griffith Show! Even though it was raining, it was till kinda cool to walk around the the old town a little bit, and drive by some sights.
It was a great vacation, and I hope that we can go back to the mountains (even if in a different area) soon. If you would like to see more pictures then check out my Facebook page.
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Rancho 3M 2012
My week at Rancho 3M with the kids, staff, and the rest of the E-team was one of the best, if not the best, week of 2012 so far. Excitement built as we drew closer and closer to the ranch and especially when we pulled in the gate, and the children surrounded us with welcome, hugs, smiles, Spanish chatter, and begs for pushes on the swing.
One of the things that Dean (the director of Rancho 3M) had told us that the kids really needed was love and attention. With the danger in Mexico in the past several years the teams have been fewer, smaller, and more focused on work leaving the people on the teams too tired to play much with the kids. This week at Rancho 3M we were able to spend a lot of time interacting with the children. Melissa had brought enough crafts to have an activity for them every day. We also spent a day where Alicia gave the girls fabulous haircuts, other ladies on our team styled the girls' hair, and we even painted fingernails. Other members of the team involved the kids in various sports including soccer, volleyball, and baseball.
Other work was also completed. Garden beds were moved and planted, swamp coolers received maintenance, the rooms of the house of one of the families on staff were painted, and some of us organized and sorted clothing in a storage area. All these, and more projects, were completed while still allowing for plenty of time playing and loving on the children which was wonderful.
Sunday we were all able to go the church in Juarez. It was a neat experience being in a Spanish church and singing worship songs in Spanish. A small taste of the biblical reference to "every tribe, and language, and people, and nation" (Rev 5:9). I could understand the sermon very well because Eric preached (with a Spanish interpreter).
Monday we all woke up around 5 AM or earlier and by 5:30 we were outside to begin the goodbyes. Many of the staff and most of the kids had woken up at this early hour in order to say goodbye. It was a long time getting back home, I was exhausted. It was good to be home, but I miss Rancho 3M and those children. I think that this trip has firmed up my thoughts that I want to do something missional with at least part of the years of my life. I do not yet know for sure when or where (though something long-term with Rancho 3M is a possibility), but I want to do something. If you think of it, please be praying that God's leading would be clear to me, and that He would provide for all the needs for whatever He calls me to do.
Below are some pictures from the trip. I have even more posted on my facebook page if you would like to see them!
One of the things that Dean (the director of Rancho 3M) had told us that the kids really needed was love and attention. With the danger in Mexico in the past several years the teams have been fewer, smaller, and more focused on work leaving the people on the teams too tired to play much with the kids. This week at Rancho 3M we were able to spend a lot of time interacting with the children. Melissa had brought enough crafts to have an activity for them every day. We also spent a day where Alicia gave the girls fabulous haircuts, other ladies on our team styled the girls' hair, and we even painted fingernails. Other members of the team involved the kids in various sports including soccer, volleyball, and baseball.
Other work was also completed. Garden beds were moved and planted, swamp coolers received maintenance, the rooms of the house of one of the families on staff were painted, and some of us organized and sorted clothing in a storage area. All these, and more projects, were completed while still allowing for plenty of time playing and loving on the children which was wonderful.
Sunday we were all able to go the church in Juarez. It was a neat experience being in a Spanish church and singing worship songs in Spanish. A small taste of the biblical reference to "every tribe, and language, and people, and nation" (Rev 5:9). I could understand the sermon very well because Eric preached (with a Spanish interpreter).
Monday we all woke up around 5 AM or earlier and by 5:30 we were outside to begin the goodbyes. Many of the staff and most of the kids had woken up at this early hour in order to say goodbye. It was a long time getting back home, I was exhausted. It was good to be home, but I miss Rancho 3M and those children. I think that this trip has firmed up my thoughts that I want to do something missional with at least part of the years of my life. I do not yet know for sure when or where (though something long-term with Rancho 3M is a possibility), but I want to do something. If you think of it, please be praying that God's leading would be clear to me, and that He would provide for all the needs for whatever He calls me to do.
Below are some pictures from the trip. I have even more posted on my facebook page if you would like to see them!
Santos has one of the cutest smiles around
The dirt was so dry and dusty we all had to wear face masks!
Hairdos!
The skies there were so beautiful
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