The woman you took our picture "blessed us with many children"--never been blessed like that before! Hopefully that blessing can hold off for a bit :)
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Apple Picking!
Jeff and I spent our first weekend here in South Bend (finally!). We decided to check out an apple orchard about 30 minutes away and then visit St. Joseph. The day was a bit chilly--but lots of fun! Enjoy some pictures of our adventures :)
The woman you took our picture "blessed us with many children"--never been blessed like that before! Hopefully that blessing can hold off for a bit :)
The woman you took our picture "blessed us with many children"--never been blessed like that before! Hopefully that blessing can hold off for a bit :)
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Thoughts on Life So Far....
Well the past 5 weeks have flown by since we have arrived in South Bend. Every weekend so far we have been back in Grand Rapids for some reason or another. People at church often asked when we were moving and were surprised to hear us say we already had! But finally, after weekends of business, we are staying around here which will be a welcomed change.
Anyways, on to how life HERE has been! Jeff started graduate school about 4 weeks ago and so far he has been enjoying it! The work load has not seemed overwhelming and he enjoys meeting new people. (I enjoy that he has been free to help me with my classroom with all his free time!) Jeff has been the sweetest guy, helping with dinners, cleaning, laundry, running any errands I have, and working in my classroom--all things that help ease the stress of starting a new job! I'm VERY thankful for him! :)
My new job has been....well, challenging to say the least. God truly wanted to push me through this experience! I have a group of 12 students--some who stay with me 1/2 the day, some all day, some an hour or two, and some every other day. Needless to say, my first 2 weeks (and still now) all I was doing was trying to make a feasible schedule! It was very difficult and caused many tears as to what I was supposed to do with such a crazy, dynamic schedule.
The range of abilities in my classroom has also been a challenge. I have students who don't speak, students who are about to read, students who have a lot of behavior issues, and everybody in between. Difficult--enough said.
If I haven't convinced you to switch jobs yet, let me continue. I have had kids have accidents in their pants, students who refused to come in from recess (and had to be carried in, students who honestly cannnot stop talking--no matter what--students who love to just get up and leave the whole group to go "play", and students who are ALWAYS sick! I also have many adults that come in and out of my classroom for various reasons--never easy to teach or learn with all that going on!
Admist my tears, frustrations, and stess, however, God has opened my eyes and my heart to the work he has set forth for me to do this upcoming year. Today I was greatly encouraged by the prayer meeting set up for before school with my fellow staff members. It was a powerful way to start my day--and to see other Christian believers working amongst me.
So though I have "quit" many times in the past 3 weeks (and remain to show up every morning despite...) I have also been learning these things:
1. Life, work, school is not always in my control--I must go with the flow and accept imperfections.
2. I cannot fix the world--or my students. I can only teach them the best I can and pray daily on their behalf.
3. God works in ways unknown to us and I must remember that I glorify God through my attitude at work.
4. I cannot let my work overcome my life--I have a wonderful husband at home who needs me as well.
5. Love even when it comes difficult to do....my students need that the most.
I know I wrote about a lot of frustrations in the post, but know that I truly do love my students and am ready for the work this year has to bring!
Peace and Love,
Allie
Anyways, on to how life HERE has been! Jeff started graduate school about 4 weeks ago and so far he has been enjoying it! The work load has not seemed overwhelming and he enjoys meeting new people. (I enjoy that he has been free to help me with my classroom with all his free time!) Jeff has been the sweetest guy, helping with dinners, cleaning, laundry, running any errands I have, and working in my classroom--all things that help ease the stress of starting a new job! I'm VERY thankful for him! :)
My new job has been....well, challenging to say the least. God truly wanted to push me through this experience! I have a group of 12 students--some who stay with me 1/2 the day, some all day, some an hour or two, and some every other day. Needless to say, my first 2 weeks (and still now) all I was doing was trying to make a feasible schedule! It was very difficult and caused many tears as to what I was supposed to do with such a crazy, dynamic schedule.
The range of abilities in my classroom has also been a challenge. I have students who don't speak, students who are about to read, students who have a lot of behavior issues, and everybody in between. Difficult--enough said.
If I haven't convinced you to switch jobs yet, let me continue. I have had kids have accidents in their pants, students who refused to come in from recess (and had to be carried in, students who honestly cannnot stop talking--no matter what--students who love to just get up and leave the whole group to go "play", and students who are ALWAYS sick! I also have many adults that come in and out of my classroom for various reasons--never easy to teach or learn with all that going on!
Admist my tears, frustrations, and stess, however, God has opened my eyes and my heart to the work he has set forth for me to do this upcoming year. Today I was greatly encouraged by the prayer meeting set up for before school with my fellow staff members. It was a powerful way to start my day--and to see other Christian believers working amongst me.
So though I have "quit" many times in the past 3 weeks (and remain to show up every morning despite...) I have also been learning these things:
1. Life, work, school is not always in my control--I must go with the flow and accept imperfections.
2. I cannot fix the world--or my students. I can only teach them the best I can and pray daily on their behalf.
3. God works in ways unknown to us and I must remember that I glorify God through my attitude at work.
4. I cannot let my work overcome my life--I have a wonderful husband at home who needs me as well.
5. Love even when it comes difficult to do....my students need that the most.
I know I wrote about a lot of frustrations in the post, but know that I truly do love my students and am ready for the work this year has to bring!
Peace and Love,
Allie
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Reeds Lake Tri 2010
Go Jeff! On Saturday, Jeff completed his first triathlon in East Grand Rapids. It was a ton of fun to watch (despite some chilly weather)--with a beautiful sunrise and lots of good company! I was a proud wife! :)
Monday, September 6, 2010
Just Around the Bend :)
Some picture of our new home. Not completely finished decorating yet...but a good start! More to come :)
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