With the end of the year upon us, the holidays in full swing, and getting ready to travel back home to see my family, I've been swamped! I'm sure you all can understand exactly what I'm talking about. (:
However, I wanted to share Christian the Lion with you all. If you haven't seen this video before, take a look. You'll probably cry- the first time I saw it, I honestly sobbed like a baby. It is so, so sweet.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Full of Thanks.
Today, and everyday, I am thankful of my many blessings. I have so much GOOD in my life.
- First and foremost, I am thankful for the relationship I am building with the Lord. I have always believed in God, but only recently have I begun to deepen the relationship I have with Him. I am so grateful to be raised in a country where I have the freedom to worship my Lord, and to do so publicly and without retaliation.
- I am thankful for my parents, who have raised me into the person I am and have supported every decision I have made. I am thankful to be confident that, when I decide to begin the adoption process, they will support me however they can. I have the best parents in the world. I could not imagine my life without them in it.
- I am thankful for my sisters. They are truly my best friends, and as we grow older, we only grow closer.
- I am thankful for my job, for a steady income, for the educational opportunities I have been given, and for having the option to go back to school at some point, if that is what I choose to do.
- I am thankful for having my basic needs met everyday, which is more than too, too many people can say.
- I am thankful for love, and the many types of love I have been blessed to know.
- I am thankful for Reece's Rainbow, and the fact that there are people in the world, good, WONDERFUL people in the world like Andrea Roberts who work so, so hard to find these little treasures loving homes.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
I have a feeling...
this little cutie is gonna go fast! :)
Put your eyes on this little bundle of absolute cuteness!
His name is Wilson, and he recently turned two years old. SINGLE MOMS ARE WELCOME! Oh, if only...
Put your eyes on this little bundle of absolute cuteness!
His name is Wilson, and he recently turned two years old. SINGLE MOMS ARE WELCOME! Oh, if only...
Sunday, November 21, 2010
I have no words.
Except I really have a LOT of words for the idiocy of what I'm about to post.
I recently learned of a couple who is allowing the Internet to decide whether or not they should abort a will-be 20 week old baby or go ahead with the pregnancy. I learned about it at Gawker, which links to the site where they are posting updates on the pregnancy and mom's health. And right next to those ultrasound pictures, some of them 3D, is a poll asking whether or not they should continue with the pregnancy or have the child aborted.
I am absolutely appalled, to say the least. I feel helpless for this child, and so, so sad. But I'm also so, SO angry! How DARE they exploit their child like this, for a bit of Internet fame? I just don't see a happy ending. Either the child is aborted at 20 weeks- 20 WEEKS- or they grow up as the child that only had the Internet fighting for his/her life, and the Internet being the only reason they are alive. And of course adoption isn't even presented as an option, though there are families that would love that baby like there's no tomorrow.
I am disgusted by the things that humanity has become capable of. And I'm so heartbroken for the people who are hurt by these actions- especially the littlest, helpless people. The vote is currently 49.8% voting to give birth, 51.1% have an abortion.
I really, really hope this proves to be an elaborate scheme. But even if it does, I'm still saddened by how many people find it appropriate to abort a child, let alone one who has reached 20 weeks gestation. That, in my eyes, is simply murder. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.
Are you aware that about 90% of parents who are given a Down syndrome diagnosis for their unborn child choose to abort? That is madness. I pray that eyes are opened to what a gift these little ones are, these special children who were given an extra copy of chromosome 21.
I'm out of words. I'm just astonished... and sad.
I recently learned of a couple who is allowing the Internet to decide whether or not they should abort a will-be 20 week old baby or go ahead with the pregnancy. I learned about it at Gawker, which links to the site where they are posting updates on the pregnancy and mom's health. And right next to those ultrasound pictures, some of them 3D, is a poll asking whether or not they should continue with the pregnancy or have the child aborted.
I am absolutely appalled, to say the least. I feel helpless for this child, and so, so sad. But I'm also so, SO angry! How DARE they exploit their child like this, for a bit of Internet fame? I just don't see a happy ending. Either the child is aborted at 20 weeks- 20 WEEKS- or they grow up as the child that only had the Internet fighting for his/her life, and the Internet being the only reason they are alive. And of course adoption isn't even presented as an option, though there are families that would love that baby like there's no tomorrow.
I am disgusted by the things that humanity has become capable of. And I'm so heartbroken for the people who are hurt by these actions- especially the littlest, helpless people. The vote is currently 49.8% voting to give birth, 51.1% have an abortion.
I really, really hope this proves to be an elaborate scheme. But even if it does, I'm still saddened by how many people find it appropriate to abort a child, let alone one who has reached 20 weeks gestation. That, in my eyes, is simply murder. No ifs, ands, or buts about it.
Are you aware that about 90% of parents who are given a Down syndrome diagnosis for their unborn child choose to abort? That is madness. I pray that eyes are opened to what a gift these little ones are, these special children who were given an extra copy of chromosome 21.
I'm out of words. I'm just astonished... and sad.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Ramblings, II.
When I picture my future, I see children. That's a no-brainer. I think I've always wanted lots and lots of kids. When I was younger, I was absolutely fascinated with the McCaughey septuplets. I would make my mom buy me every Ladies' Home Journal that they were featured on, and scoured the Internet for articles and pictures about them. I thought it was so amazing that people could have so many babies at once. I've had baby fever since I was about 8 years old, and it seemed like a dream come true to have a house filled with the blissful sounds of infants.
Now, being older and a little wiser, I know better that to romanticize the risks of multiple births, though they are still fascinating to me. I would never want to put my childrens' lives in danger by having so many at once (though I also don't begrudge those who have multiples, and commend them for not choosing to reduce), but the thought of having lots of little children at once is still something I would love. Crazy? Heck yes. But seriously, the time I spend with my niece and nephew, especially in their infant days, are some of my happiest memories. I just love everything about babies.
When I picture my future, it's easy to see children. It's easy to see a house full of toys and a backyard swingset and piles of laundry and cribs and blankets. It's the husband that's difficult to see. I always wanted to be a young mom, and I feel like that dream is slipping quickly away from me. I'm nowhere near marriage. I'm hardly even casually dating! I guess, because I'm still pretty young, it's hard to find someone who is ready to settle down and start having children. Not that I look at a husband just as a means to an end, a way to have kids. I want the right man. But in this day and age, it is so hard to even know where to look. I'm so busy, and so shy- how am I even going to find someone who wants the same things as me? Who would be willing to adopt? Willing to adopt a special-needs child? Someone who shares my love for the Lord, who understands my commitments as a teacher, and who loves me just how I am? I've tried the online thing- I hate it. And I certainly don't want to go looking for the future Mr. Teacher Girl in a bar!
I guess I should also say how thankful I am that there are agencies out there who allow single mom adoption. I can't lie, I've thought about it. I'm still too young to adopt, and that's probably a very good thing, because I can't guarantee I wouldn't be working towards committing to a Reece's Rainbow child, and I know that is something I'm not ready for. I feel like God is working in my heart, getting me ready for whatever He has planned for me. But I also know that I am not ready yet. Well, in a lot of ways I am. But in some very important others, I know I need to wait, as hard as that is.
Thanks for getting this far, if you made it through my jumbled thoughts!
Now, being older and a little wiser, I know better that to romanticize the risks of multiple births, though they are still fascinating to me. I would never want to put my childrens' lives in danger by having so many at once (though I also don't begrudge those who have multiples, and commend them for not choosing to reduce), but the thought of having lots of little children at once is still something I would love. Crazy? Heck yes. But seriously, the time I spend with my niece and nephew, especially in their infant days, are some of my happiest memories. I just love everything about babies.
When I picture my future, it's easy to see children. It's easy to see a house full of toys and a backyard swingset and piles of laundry and cribs and blankets. It's the husband that's difficult to see. I always wanted to be a young mom, and I feel like that dream is slipping quickly away from me. I'm nowhere near marriage. I'm hardly even casually dating! I guess, because I'm still pretty young, it's hard to find someone who is ready to settle down and start having children. Not that I look at a husband just as a means to an end, a way to have kids. I want the right man. But in this day and age, it is so hard to even know where to look. I'm so busy, and so shy- how am I even going to find someone who wants the same things as me? Who would be willing to adopt? Willing to adopt a special-needs child? Someone who shares my love for the Lord, who understands my commitments as a teacher, and who loves me just how I am? I've tried the online thing- I hate it. And I certainly don't want to go looking for the future Mr. Teacher Girl in a bar!
I guess I should also say how thankful I am that there are agencies out there who allow single mom adoption. I can't lie, I've thought about it. I'm still too young to adopt, and that's probably a very good thing, because I can't guarantee I wouldn't be working towards committing to a Reece's Rainbow child, and I know that is something I'm not ready for. I feel like God is working in my heart, getting me ready for whatever He has planned for me. But I also know that I am not ready yet. Well, in a lot of ways I am. But in some very important others, I know I need to wait, as hard as that is.
Thanks for getting this far, if you made it through my jumbled thoughts!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Ramblings.
Sometimes I think that if I let myself get bogged down by all of the horrible things in the world, I would literally go insane. There are huge problems out there- poverty, homelessness, child abuse, animal abuse, murder, gangs- and then there are the problems sitting right on my kitchen counter, in my bedroom, in my heart. Things that, if I let myself think about too much, I start to break down.
Parts of me are broken.
The small things are small, but when they add up, they seem overwhelming. I've gone through a lot of loss and a lot of heartache. Who hasn't? It seems selfish to let myself feel sad because of the things I've gone through. I almost feel guilty about it. Yesterday I got some surprising news, and it just stopped me cold. It isn't a tragedy and it isn't even horrible, but to me it's like another little crack in my already shaky foundation.
There are times when I have to stop myself before I slip away. Away into my self-pity and guilt and general unhappiness. Because I AM a happy person. But there are things that have been done to me and things I've done to myself, little secrets I keep deep down, that sometimes try and creep up and surprise me. And sometimes they catch me off guard, and momentarily, I let them win.
But the thing is, God never leaves me. Sometimes I just have to allow myself to ask Him to take it all away, and allow myself to feel the peace that was always there, but that I didn't let myself see.
In the grand scheme of things, I feel almost whiny to even be posting this. There are things in the world, huge things, TRAGEDIES that I feel like I should spend my energy thinking about. How to get every orphan into a loving home. How to make sure the people in my sponsor child's family aren't starving. How to make sure my students aren't leaving school hungry and coming to school hungrier.
Sometimes it seems like too, too much. But I know that God never gives out more than we can handle, and that He has gone before us and knows the road we will take. Sometimes that just has to be enough.
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On a much lighter and HAPPIER note, Carson has a family!!!! I am so, so happy and thankful and cried tears of absolute joy when I read the news. I can't wait to share more! Congratulations, Carson! <3
Parts of me are broken.
The small things are small, but when they add up, they seem overwhelming. I've gone through a lot of loss and a lot of heartache. Who hasn't? It seems selfish to let myself feel sad because of the things I've gone through. I almost feel guilty about it. Yesterday I got some surprising news, and it just stopped me cold. It isn't a tragedy and it isn't even horrible, but to me it's like another little crack in my already shaky foundation.
There are times when I have to stop myself before I slip away. Away into my self-pity and guilt and general unhappiness. Because I AM a happy person. But there are things that have been done to me and things I've done to myself, little secrets I keep deep down, that sometimes try and creep up and surprise me. And sometimes they catch me off guard, and momentarily, I let them win.
But the thing is, God never leaves me. Sometimes I just have to allow myself to ask Him to take it all away, and allow myself to feel the peace that was always there, but that I didn't let myself see.
In the grand scheme of things, I feel almost whiny to even be posting this. There are things in the world, huge things, TRAGEDIES that I feel like I should spend my energy thinking about. How to get every orphan into a loving home. How to make sure the people in my sponsor child's family aren't starving. How to make sure my students aren't leaving school hungry and coming to school hungrier.
Sometimes it seems like too, too much. But I know that God never gives out more than we can handle, and that He has gone before us and knows the road we will take. Sometimes that just has to be enough.
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On a much lighter and HAPPIER note, Carson has a family!!!! I am so, so happy and thankful and cried tears of absolute joy when I read the news. I can't wait to share more! Congratulations, Carson! <3
Saturday, November 13, 2010
You can help!
Because I have to rush off this morning, this is basically copy/pasted from Crystal's blog. She found it another blog, which is linked in her post.
You CAN do something!! Please help, spread the word, post this to your blog, write letters, and help the government see how important this is!!!
Even if you don't feel the call to adopt, you can get involved in orphan care. And here's a simple way to get involved today...
By now, most of you have probably heard about the decision in Ukraine to go forward with a vote to halt international adoption until an inter-country agreement is in place. Please take a moment to write to your senators & congressmen, then encourage your friends and family to contact do the same!
Below you'll find a letter that you can use, or write your own.
To send a letter to your congressman:
To send a letter to your senator just click on the state and follow the link:
Please help us get the word out!!
________________________________________________________
Dear (name),
I am writing to you today regarding a VERY urgent situation. Many families in the US are currently in the process of adopting children from orphanages in Ukraine. Most of these children are older or disabled. American families adopting these children offer them what may be their only opportunity at a normal and productive life free of crime, prostitution, or institutionalization due to illnesses that are treatable in the United States. I personally know one of these families.
On November 3, 2010, the Ukrainian parliament voted to proceed with voting on legislation that would halt all international adoptions until inter-country adoption agreements are in place (see the State Dept. announcement at http://adoption.state.gov/news/ukraine.html) . At this point, all that is needed for this to become law is one more vote in Ukrainian parliament and a signature by the Ukrainian president. This could happen any day. If it does, many families and innocent children will be greatly affected. I personally know one of these families.
I am writing to you to urge you to act quickly on this matter by 1. Contacting your Ukrainian cohorts and requesting a consideration of revision of the law to allow adoptions to proceed while the agreement is being drafted (as was done in Russia) and 2. Work with your colleagues in congress to begin drafting this agreement so that it is ready to go in the event the law passes.
Thank you for your timely consideration of this urgent matter!
Please take the time to write these letters. Please forward this to all your friends and families. Post on facebook or twitter or wherever else people may read it and help out.
You CAN do something!! Please help, spread the word, post this to your blog, write letters, and help the government see how important this is!!!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
what I'm loving wednesday.
I found a blog that was part of a fun little link up, and decided to join in the fun. I'm terrible at keeping up with these kinda things and doing them on a weekly basis (my old blog is definite proof of that), but today just seemed like a lovin' kinda day! Go to Jamie's page if you'd like to join in.
I am loving that we are a third of the way through the school year. I am also loving that we are only 7 school days away from Thanksgiving break.
I'm loving this show:
I am loving this song and this girl (as always):
I really, really love the cooler weather.
And I especially love that I have so very much to be thankful for. Seriously, if I listed how much I am grateful for, this would be an incredibly long post. I'm thankful that I've been given so much goodness in my life and have opportunities to give back.
Lovin' this day (which is now night...)!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Big Prayers Needed!
Folks, we need to storm the Gates for this one.
There is a bill in Ukraine that is being voted on within the coming weeks. The goal of the bill, if passed, is to revamp the way adoptions are done in the country. Not necessarily a bad thing. However, the bill would cause all current adoptions to halt. For the children at Reece's Rainbow, this is absolutely life-threatening. Many of these children cannot afford to wait until adoptions are reopened- who knows when it would even be. Not only that, but much of the paperwork that families have worked to fill out may expire within that time period, leaving them to start from scratch, Meanwhile, lives will hang in the balance.
Please, please pray that they think of the children whom this will effect, should the bill pass. Children who have been waiting their whole lives for families who can fulfill even their basic needs, many of them medical needs as well- they should not have to wait any longer!
Send up those prayers. I know that all of this is in God's hands, and He has gone before us. I try to remember that as I'm laying in my bed at night, thinking of these children who need so, so much.
There is a bill in Ukraine that is being voted on within the coming weeks. The goal of the bill, if passed, is to revamp the way adoptions are done in the country. Not necessarily a bad thing. However, the bill would cause all current adoptions to halt. For the children at Reece's Rainbow, this is absolutely life-threatening. Many of these children cannot afford to wait until adoptions are reopened- who knows when it would even be. Not only that, but much of the paperwork that families have worked to fill out may expire within that time period, leaving them to start from scratch, Meanwhile, lives will hang in the balance.
Please, please pray that they think of the children whom this will effect, should the bill pass. Children who have been waiting their whole lives for families who can fulfill even their basic needs, many of them medical needs as well- they should not have to wait any longer!
Send up those prayers. I know that all of this is in God's hands, and He has gone before us. I try to remember that as I'm laying in my bed at night, thinking of these children who need so, so much.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Well, darn.
It turns out that I signed up to be a Christmas Warrior too late and that all the children were all spoken for. Now, that of course is something to CELEBRATE!!! I'm just sad I don't get to be one. Oh well, there's always next year, I suppose! I still want to do something special for one of these children for the holiady season, in lieu of gifts for myself that I don't need. I'm incredibly blessed and don't need much. These children need so much, I only feel right trying to do something for them.
I'm thinking of sticking with the child I had originally signed up to Warrior for and advocate for him this holiday season. I mean, there can't be harm in raising awareness and more funds for him, right? Let me know what you all think. I don't want to step on toes!
Also, do you guys see the picture of little Carson on my sidebar? Isn't he just the most precious thing you have ever seen?! Oh, how I love him. My heart just filled up when I laid eyes on him for the first time. There is just something so special about that boy. I pray hard that he finds a family soon! He needs one, guys. Spread the word and click his adorable face to learn more and grab his button. I just wish I could bring him home myself!
That's all for now- I hope everyone is having a great start to the work week!
I'm thinking of sticking with the child I had originally signed up to Warrior for and advocate for him this holiday season. I mean, there can't be harm in raising awareness and more funds for him, right? Let me know what you all think. I don't want to step on toes!
Also, do you guys see the picture of little Carson on my sidebar? Isn't he just the most precious thing you have ever seen?! Oh, how I love him. My heart just filled up when I laid eyes on him for the first time. There is just something so special about that boy. I pray hard that he finds a family soon! He needs one, guys. Spread the word and click his adorable face to learn more and grab his button. I just wish I could bring him home myself!
That's all for now- I hope everyone is having a great start to the work week!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Day to Day.
This week, my students take their 2nd exam. It is unbelievable to me that we are already a third of the way through the school year.
I feel like I have so far to go in becoming the teacher I want to be, but at the same time, I feel like I have come so far from where I was last year. By this time last year, I was completely and utterly overwhelmed. I didn't think I could do this anymore. I wanted to quit. I wanted to walk away, work retail if I had to, move back to Ohio... anything I could do to get out of this mess I had gotten myself into. I felt like everyday was a failure, and I hated having to stare myself in the face everyday and admit that this just might not be what I'm meant to do with my life.
I feel like I have so far to go in becoming the teacher I want to be, but at the same time, I feel like I have come so far from where I was last year. By this time last year, I was completely and utterly overwhelmed. I didn't think I could do this anymore. I wanted to quit. I wanted to walk away, work retail if I had to, move back to Ohio... anything I could do to get out of this mess I had gotten myself into. I felt like everyday was a failure, and I hated having to stare myself in the face everyday and admit that this just might not be what I'm meant to do with my life.
Honestly, I felt like I was literally drowning. Things got really bad, and I hit rock bottom. At some point, I found myself throwing my hands up in the air, pleading with God to help me, and admitting to Him that I could not do this alone. I needed Him. I needed God to take the wheel and steer, because I couldn't do it anymore. And it was then that things started getting better. It was a weight off of my shoulders. I could finally begin to see clearly, and make my way through the day, focusing on one task at a time.
And somehow, I made it to summer. And somehow, I convinced myself that I wanted to go back and try it all again.
And things are not perfect- far, far from it. Teaching in an urban middle school has its own set of challenges that I never thought I would have to face. The teaching, that's easy. The classroom management and the discipline is where things get sticky. But I'm doing better. It's getting better. And someday down the road, I'm sure I'll have a handle on it. Right now, day to day is the way of life for this Teacher Girl.
And somehow, I made it to summer. And somehow, I convinced myself that I wanted to go back and try it all again.
And things are not perfect- far, far from it. Teaching in an urban middle school has its own set of challenges that I never thought I would have to face. The teaching, that's easy. The classroom management and the discipline is where things get sticky. But I'm doing better. It's getting better. And someday down the road, I'm sure I'll have a handle on it. Right now, day to day is the way of life for this Teacher Girl.
I am a Christmas Warrior.
More details to come when I know them, but I have signed up to be a Christmas Warrior for a child at Reece's Rainbow. I'm so excited to be able to reach out and help this child get the funds to find a family. However, I'm feeling a little nervous too- what if I let him/her down? I pray that I have the wisdom, strength, and creativity to fill his/her grant with $1000 or more in the next two months. Will you pray for me, friends? And while you're at it, will you say a prayer for all of the children waiting for their families?
I'm waiting to hear back about who I will be a Christmas Warrior for, and will certainly post about it when I know!
CLICK HERE to Put the Angel Tree Bubble on Your Blog! Thank you!
I'm waiting to hear back about who I will be a Christmas Warrior for, and will certainly post about it when I know!
Christmas Angel Tree Twenty-Ten
Thursday, November 4, 2010
High School Dreams.
I went tonight to a high school in my district and watched their big fall play with a co-worker of mine. The show was High School Musical, which I've seen before on the Disney channel, but this was my first live show.
I've mentioned in the past that I work in an urban district- one with many English-language learners, low socio-economic families, kids who deal with gang violence and drug addictions on a daily basis. Some of these kids weren't taught how to respect adults, each other, or themselves. Many of them want to shine, but don't know how. Some of them have great role models in their lives, and some of them do not.
But you know something? I didn't see any of that tonight. Tonight, I saw dreams. I saw hope, and joy, and I saw kids who worked really hard on something and who were proud of what they accomplished. I saw kids having the time of their lives on the stage. In fact, I felt myself wishing that I could have something like that, something so joyous, that I could be a part of. I wanted to take their place for a minute just to see how it felt. The kids did awesome. They were absolutely amazing.
One of my co-workers said something to me tonight that I felt resonate deep inside of me. She said, "how come these kids have to deal with a building that's falling apart and science equipment that's old and broken? Why do they have to get the crap-end of the stick, when kids one town over are given every opportunity and their schools are nothing but the best?"
And you know what? I want to know why. I want to know why I can't have lab equipment for my students that isn't falling apart and goggles that will actually protect their eyes. I want to know why my kids have to come everyday to a school with a ventilation system that's only getting them sick. I want to know WHY my kids have been signed off and forgotten about by society. I want to know WHY people, government, the world, takes one look at my students and decides they don't deserve better. Is it just because their parents don't make a lot of money? Is it because they were born into lives that they didn't ask for? Is it because they aren't worth it?
Because let me tell you. As stressful as my job is, as much as I want to scream at the top of my lungs sometimes, or take my students by the shoulders and shake a little sense into them, or just go home and crawl into my bed, there is one thing I know for a fact- these kids are worth it. I will not give up on them.
Tonight I saw kids do something I could never do- get on stage in front of their families, friends, total strangers, and put on a musical. I saw dreams on their faces. I could practically taste the accomplishment. I was in awe. I hope that, someday soon, the world can see it too.
I've mentioned in the past that I work in an urban district- one with many English-language learners, low socio-economic families, kids who deal with gang violence and drug addictions on a daily basis. Some of these kids weren't taught how to respect adults, each other, or themselves. Many of them want to shine, but don't know how. Some of them have great role models in their lives, and some of them do not.
But you know something? I didn't see any of that tonight. Tonight, I saw dreams. I saw hope, and joy, and I saw kids who worked really hard on something and who were proud of what they accomplished. I saw kids having the time of their lives on the stage. In fact, I felt myself wishing that I could have something like that, something so joyous, that I could be a part of. I wanted to take their place for a minute just to see how it felt. The kids did awesome. They were absolutely amazing.
One of my co-workers said something to me tonight that I felt resonate deep inside of me. She said, "how come these kids have to deal with a building that's falling apart and science equipment that's old and broken? Why do they have to get the crap-end of the stick, when kids one town over are given every opportunity and their schools are nothing but the best?"
And you know what? I want to know why. I want to know why I can't have lab equipment for my students that isn't falling apart and goggles that will actually protect their eyes. I want to know why my kids have to come everyday to a school with a ventilation system that's only getting them sick. I want to know WHY my kids have been signed off and forgotten about by society. I want to know WHY people, government, the world, takes one look at my students and decides they don't deserve better. Is it just because their parents don't make a lot of money? Is it because they were born into lives that they didn't ask for? Is it because they aren't worth it?
Because let me tell you. As stressful as my job is, as much as I want to scream at the top of my lungs sometimes, or take my students by the shoulders and shake a little sense into them, or just go home and crawl into my bed, there is one thing I know for a fact- these kids are worth it. I will not give up on them.
Tonight I saw kids do something I could never do- get on stage in front of their families, friends, total strangers, and put on a musical. I saw dreams on their faces. I could practically taste the accomplishment. I was in awe. I hope that, someday soon, the world can see it too.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Introduction.
Hello all, I just wanted to make a quick post about the intention of this blog and a little about who I am.
I am a 23 year old, second year teacher in an urban district. I'm the oldest of three girls, an aunt to three little ones, and am blessed with many wonderful people in my life. I am a God-loving Christian. I am a scrapbooker, movie-lover, cat owner, laughter-seeking girl.
This blog will serve several purposes. The two main reasons I've chosen to start a blog are:
1) To document my time as a teacher, both for personal reflection and to reach out to other teachers, especially those who are new and/or struggling
2) To share with others my interest and passion for international adoption through Reece's Rainbow to bring home children with special needs who may not otherwise have a chance.
Now, some of you may think it's odd that a 23 year old girl who has no marriage in her foreseeable future to have adoption in her heart. Well, let me just say that I have been yearning for motherhood since I was 15, and maybe even before that. Yes, I know 15 is far too young to plan having a child. And I've waited, and I will continue to. But God has begun a stirring in me to do something. What that is, I don't know yet. But I do know that the RR children rarely leave my mind. Maybe I'm meant to advocate for them. Maybe I'm meant to spread awareness, raise funds to help bring them home. Maybe I'm meant to pray for them, pray that they find mamas and papas and forever families. Who knows, maybe the Lord is calling me to drop everything, move to Eastern Europe, and care for them in an orphanage. And maybe, just maybe, the Lord is beginning to open my heart to tell me that someday I am meant to be the mother of one or more of these special children. Who's to say but Him?
For now, I'll continue to follow blogs of RR families, read and weep with joy as they bring their children home, and try to hear what God has in store for me.
I am a 23 year old, second year teacher in an urban district. I'm the oldest of three girls, an aunt to three little ones, and am blessed with many wonderful people in my life. I am a God-loving Christian. I am a scrapbooker, movie-lover, cat owner, laughter-seeking girl.
This blog will serve several purposes. The two main reasons I've chosen to start a blog are:
1) To document my time as a teacher, both for personal reflection and to reach out to other teachers, especially those who are new and/or struggling
2) To share with others my interest and passion for international adoption through Reece's Rainbow to bring home children with special needs who may not otherwise have a chance.
Now, some of you may think it's odd that a 23 year old girl who has no marriage in her foreseeable future to have adoption in her heart. Well, let me just say that I have been yearning for motherhood since I was 15, and maybe even before that. Yes, I know 15 is far too young to plan having a child. And I've waited, and I will continue to. But God has begun a stirring in me to do something. What that is, I don't know yet. But I do know that the RR children rarely leave my mind. Maybe I'm meant to advocate for them. Maybe I'm meant to spread awareness, raise funds to help bring them home. Maybe I'm meant to pray for them, pray that they find mamas and papas and forever families. Who knows, maybe the Lord is calling me to drop everything, move to Eastern Europe, and care for them in an orphanage. And maybe, just maybe, the Lord is beginning to open my heart to tell me that someday I am meant to be the mother of one or more of these special children. Who's to say but Him?
For now, I'll continue to follow blogs of RR families, read and weep with joy as they bring their children home, and try to hear what God has in store for me.
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