Greater Glory

We have a new Apple store in the mall closest to our apartment. So, instead of having to drive 45 minutes to the Woodlands, Andrew was able to go in after dinner last night and have his faulty ipod Touch looked at.  For a little while now, the headphone jack was malfunctioning so that you couldn’t always hear the music/audio when the headphones were plugged in. As you can imagine, this was highly annoying at times.

So, Andrew went in and told them about the problem. They duplicated it, but the problem couldn’t be repaired in-store.  So, they gave Andrew a brand new Touch.  But they were out of stock of 16G models, so they gave him a 32G model free of charge.  Once before a couple of years ago, Andrew was having a problem with his ipod Shuffle.  He took it in just before the year’s warranty expired, and they gave him a brand new one.  But in this case, the upgrade is what I find most impressive. I’m sold on Apple’s customer service!

I am so excited that I am now an aunt! I have been expecting Josh and Abigaile’s baby so eagerly that I bought his Christmas presents before he was born! I wish very much that I could have been in Tennessee with the rest of my family to welcome little Stephen Elijah into the world. Julie sent me pictures and I’ve texted Josh, but it’s not the same. I know that God has called Andrew and me to be in Texas right now, but I sure hated missing out on this special day. I love my life with my husband, and I have so many things to be thankful for here in Houston. I have developed some friendships among the ladies that I have Bible study with and that I teach with. I have the privilege of listening to Beth Moore speak every week. She is an amazing teacher! I have the opportunity to talk with my sister-in-law occasionally and minister to her. I am happy here in Houston, but sometimes I miss my family, and days like yesterday (when Stephen was born) certainly make me miss them more. I know I will get to see the new little one at Christmas, but he’ll be two months old then! God’s ways are best, though, and I know that what He is accomplishing in and through me must be of enough eternal significance to make the distance from my nephew worthwhile in the long run. I am jealous of the two aunts who are close enough to develop a special relationship with him, though!

In other news, I am surviving in school. About a month ago, I made a decision that this job was not going to kill me and that what didn’t get done in a decent amount of time, didn’t get done. I’ve been making an effort to sleep more, so even though I’m still battling headaches and sinus infections, I’m feeling much better about life. I do not always feel as if I have enough time with Andrew, but I make sure to take at least 24 hours of rest on the weekends.

Last week was Spirit Week, so it was a busy week and largely unproductive in the classroom. The kids were so focused on their costumes and special activities that they weren’t able to concentrate well. As 9th grade class sponsor, I spent about 2 hours every day after school helping to decorate a hallway for a competition that we didn’t win, even though I’m convinced we were the best (not that I’m biased or anything). As a result, I got behind in the grading. I had extra work, but I was still going to sleep at night. So, this week has been very stressful. I’m largely caught up in about half my classes and woefully behind in the others. In addition, I still have some projects that need to be graded as soon as possible. I think that the weekend will be the earliest that I can get those done, though, so it will be a long weekend. It will be worth it, though, if I can get caught up and have an easier week next week.

I’ve made progress in building relationships with several students and several classes, but there are others that continue to try my patience. Keep praying for wisdom for me and that God will give me his love for these students. I have missed writing this blog, but in my efforts to manage my time, this is one thing that has slipped. I’d like to make it a habit to do both my school work and my personal life–this blog, fixing dinner for my husband, cleaning house–well.

Andrew and I have put down a deposit on another apartment. We plan to move over Thanksgiving break when I have a week off. The complex is brand new; we’re excited about being the first tenants. We’re also quite excited about the large closets and the large kitchen. We will likely still have to use a storage facility for things like Christmas decorations and some travel souvenirs, but it will be nice to have more space in those areas that impact our daily lives the most.

Andrew is still planning to start school again in the spring. Pray for him to have time to apply as well as wisdom as he begins to balance work with his studies.

Thanks for all of your prayers and friendship across the miles!

So far this weekend, my primary activity has been sleeping.  I guess that my many late nights over the past few weeks have finally caught up with me. I have been getting an average of 3-5 hours of sleep per night during the school week. I desperately try to get more sleep, but there always seems to be some urgent planning or grading to be done.

My weeks are pretty busy, with Bible studies on both Monday and Tuesday nights. I enjoy both and would really like to continue attending, but it does make my life difficult. We’ll see how everything plays out over the next few weeks.  I’m hoping that I can adjust and have more time to sleep and be with my husband. I know that second semester when I don’t have as many classes to prepare for that it will be easier, but I’m hoping for some relief before then.

I have not been able to get as much done on the weekends as I would like.   I do spend at least 24 hours resting (I believe in the Sabbath…God gave us the injunction to rest for a reason. As our creator, He does know what’s best for us. I work more efficiently if I only work 6 days a week), but because of that, I never seem to get enough school work done. Today I was able to get the laundry done and part of the housework, but not enough to make myself feel entirely comfortable.   I did have the “distraction” of a youth workers’ fellowship tonight (Andrew is helping with the church youth group), so I could have gotten some school work done then if not for that commitment. It looks like it will be another long day/night tomorrow.

I covet your prayers for good time management. I feel that I am doing the best that I can, but I am not resting much, so there must be something more that I can do. I’m really hoping that I do not have to give up my Bible studies. I do need my time for fellowship and spiritual renewal as well as time for work.

This past week was better than most, but I still didn’t rest as much as I would like.  I hope that I can be really productive tomorrow so that I can rest a bit on Monday night.  On a positive note, most of my classes are going well.  There are some days that my 9th and 10th graders are particularly challenging, but there are enough positive moments so that it’s not entirely overwhelming.  My 6th graders almost always give me a headache from their energy, but at least they’re mostly sweet tempered and are having fun learning drama.  I am looking forward to second semester when I don’t have to teach them, though!

We had Parent-Teacher Conferences yesterday. After some of my negative experiences with parents in the Philippines, I was very nervous about this, but it was a largely positive experience. I only had one mother who was very critical of me, and at least my meeting with her was right before lunch so that the tears and anger could be vented before another meeting.  Most of the parents weren’t enthusiastic, but a few were. Overall, I did feel a lot of encouragement and respect from them.  I’m sure that I will continue to have meetings with parents as I adjust to the workload and students here, but at least so far most issues have been resolved with good spirits on both sides.

So, despite the length of time since my last post, life here is going fairly well. I am looking forward to my week off for Thanksgiving break in November, though!  With this school calendar, there aren’t many breaks during the school year.  I’m definitely going to need God’s strength to make it through.  Thanks for all of your prayers!

Andrew and I enjoyed a wonderful day at Schlitterbahn, Galveston Island yesterday.  We had originally planned to go to the original park in New Braunfels for our anniversary in July, but the rain prevented that.  So, Andrew took me to the park about an hour from here on the other side of Houston as a birthday present and a way for me to relax this holiday weekend.  I very much enjoyed the water slides, but my favorite part was the lazy river. I enjoyed just floating and relaxing. Andrew and I were also able to talk while we were floating. It was a lot of fun, and I left feeling very relaxed, albeit tired and sunburned.

I was able to get a good night’s sleep last night, and although I’m planning to do some grading today, I also plan to take a nap.  The extra day in the weekend will make it possible for me to enjoy rest as well as get some work done.

Thank you, Lord, for providing breaks when we most need them!

I have heard from my mother-in-law, and they have arrived safely in Manila. They had a rough check-in here in Houston, so they were concerned about the Seattle-Kyoto leg of the trip, but things went smoothly. They had an exceptionally easy immigration experience, so that is a matter for praise!

She is having a hard time adjusting to being in the Philippines without either of her children, and after two years in the States, she is also experiencing some culture shock. That is made worse by the fact that they used to live in Davao and are now living in Manila for the first time in years. So, pray that the adjustment will be smooth, particularly that they will find a good house at a reasonable price.

I have cried several times because I will miss them very much, but I am excited that God has blessed me by allowing me to marry into such a wonderful family. I am looking forward to seeing my own mother at Christmas, though. I am happy in my life with Andrew, but sometimes a girl needs a mother, and now both of mine are far away. At least Mama and I can reasonably talk on the telephone together!

PS–Julie, Am I doing a better job of keeping my titles and entries upbeat?

This weekend I am much more positive than I have been on the other Friday nights of this school year. I have begun to see some progress in a couple of my English classes and small baby steps in my Bible class. I have at least a few students eager to see more of the amazing truths of the Old Testament. At this rate, though, it’s going to take us forever to get to the Bible study skills portion of the course. One of my objectives is to make sure they know key themes, people, and events of the Bible, though, so that’s what I’m teaching them! Keep praying for my students and me, though, to quickly settle into an effective routine. The Bible class is still pushing the limits of acceptable behavior, and one English class is truly trying my patience. The sixth graders are also difficult to manage, but at least they’re usually respectful, something I can’t say of my 10th graders. And at least they’re having fun in drama!

I have a lot of work to do this weekend, but just knowing that I have three days instead of two makes it a little better. Andrew and I are planning to spend some time together at a water park tomorrow. This is somewhat of a belated birthday present for me and somewhat of a you-need-to-relax-so-I’m-getting-you-out-of-the-house-to-do-something-fun gift from Andrew. We were able to celebrate my birthday Monday night only briefly with a dinner at TGI Friday’s. (He also gave me a gift–MacGyver Season 1 on DVD. I love Stargate SG-1 and Richard Dean Anderson’s role in it, so he thought I’d appreciate this earlier show that made his career. So far, I’ve only seen the pilot. I liked it, though.) So, tomorrow I’m taking the day off from work because I need it and because it’s sort of my birthday. I’ll probably work Sunday afternoon and most of Monday, though. As long as I get some time to relax with my husband, read a book, and watch MacGyver on Saturday, I won’t mind the work so much. I’m also hoping to get the laundry and some housework done.

Thanks to Andrew, there’s not much work left to do. He hasn’t had much work this week, so when he got home early on Thursday, he cleaned up the random piles on the floor, washed the dishes and cleaned the kitchen, vacuumed the floors, and fixed me dinner. The difference was amazing! He is such an amazing husband. Due to my school work, it’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve been able to clean the house. That “small” gift spoke volumes to me of his love and care for me.

Even though I will spend many hours working, the extra 24 hours before I have to return to school should help me bring some balance to my life. I am ready for at least a small life outside CCS. Andrew has been wonderful to put up with me this far. I hope to find a manageable routine soon so that I can start doing things like fixing dinner for my husband again.

Although I haven’t heard from them yet, my in-laws should have arrived in the Philippines by now. It was an emotional time Wednesday night and Thursday morning, but I survived. I will miss them much, but I am grateful to have my husband here with me. He has been a rock for me during this emotional, stressful week. I am looking forward to spending some time with just him this weekend! I pray you all also have blessed, restful, productive times with friends and family.

Well, tonight was probably the last time that I’ll get to spend time with my in-laws for the next two years.  We went to dinner as a family along with the Richardsons, who are taking David and Doris to the airport tomorrow.  We hung out for an hour or so at the Richardsons’ house, and then said goodbye. Naturally, I cried. Andrew is fine, and they’re his parents, but I bawled like a baby on my way home.  Oh well, such is life as a “feeler.”  Sometimes I think life might be easier as a “thinker,” but I know it has its downsides, too.

On the bright side, Andrew and I are now a two car family again.  We have purchased a minivan from the Nichols.   Right now, it’s not really a necessity, but it helps them out, and we have the option for the future if Andrew doesn’t always have access to a company truck.

School is still requiring most of my time and effort, but there have been a few bright moments.  Yesterday two of my tenth grade football players were the best they’ve ever been, but they backslid today.  But today, my ninth grade Bible class was the best that they’ve ever been. If ever it can just happen all on the same day!  Today I had a sixth grade drama student actually throw something at another student who was onstage.  I couldn’t believe it.  I can’t even imagine teaching in a public school.

Still, I do occasionally see a light in a student’s eyes, and I’ll know that I’ve made a connection with them.  That’s what I love.  I do wish that it happened more often, though.  I am trying to be positive, though, since my sister lovingly reminded me that the titles of my posts were sounding the same–depressing.  I do have a long road ahead of me, a fight to establish my authority in the classroom, but I am happy to be where I truly believe God has lead me to be, even if I am overwhelmed most nights.  I love the prospect of a three day weekend!

Continue to pray for me and my students, and pray that my in-laws have safe travel to the Philippines!

When I started this blog, I was aiming to write twice a week during the school year. So far, I’m thinking that once a week is a good goal!  This has been the first full week of classes, so I’ve been giving more “real” homework assignments.  So, now I have lots of grading to do in addition to lots of planning.  I’m thinking about the weekend and wondering how to get it all done.

At least this weekend, though, I don’t have school commitments every night.  My husband’s been away tonight for meetings regarding his new involvement in the youth ministry at our church (praise God for this opportunity for him!), so I’ve enjoyed an evening at home, emailing friends and taking care of various household chores that get pushed aside during the week.  I was hoping to get some grading done, but it’s nice to feel like I have a life outside of CCS.

I feel as if I’ve done nothing but school work for two weeks now, and there’s no sign of it slowing in the near future.  I’ve been exhausted almost every night. I even managed to sleep through the start of school on Tuesday! I had two alarms set, but somehow managed to sleep through both.  One of my responsible students went to the office and had them call me, and I was able to get there only a half hour late.  Still, it was embarrassing, and set quite the wrong tone for the day. When my mom and sister heard this story, they both threatened to by me a new alarm clock for my birthday.  As I didn’t actually turn off the alarms Tuesday morning, I’m not sure how this will help. The thought does entertain them, though.

In addition to being especially tired these days, I’m also emotionally drained from trying to establish discipline in my classroom. I’ve established my rules and procedures, but so far the 10th grade English students and the 9th grade Bible students are testing my limits. I know that I can “train” them to behave, but it is difficult for me to do.  Sadly, I do not have a great, authoritative “teacher voice” that some are blessed with.   So, those two classes in particular are a concern for prayer.

On a positive note regarding those classes, I have sensed some improvements in the 9th grade class. At first, there were several students who were defiant towards me and  towards the Word. A friend and I have been praying for them, and since we both have a free period just before I teach that class, today we were able to pray just before I had to teach them.  Today there was a softening of spirit, and I can see intense interest in the eyes of a few.  Sadly, most of them continue to talk incessantly, making it impossible for me to teach those few.  I am instituting a new policy that ties their behavior to their grade on Monday.  Pray that I have the wisdom and strength to enforce it.

Today they did learn that my birthday is on Monday.  A few of them have started a campaign to give me a class that doesn’t misbehave as a present.  I told them that there’s nothing I’d like more.  I’m not optimistic, but I suppose anything is possible by God’s grace!

From this, I am hoping to learn how to daily live out Philippians 4:13.   I’m also challenged to pray for my individual students on a regular basis.  I’ve never had this as a discipline in my life, but I am convinced that prayer is one of the few things that can make this year a success.  First of all, it will help me maintain a loving attitude towards students who continue to frustrate me.  Second, perhaps my prayers will be one of the means that God uses to soften their hearts and draw them to Himself. I am convinced that not all of them are believers, which is prompting some of the struggles in the classroom.

But the Word of God is living and active and will not return void, so I pray that as I speak Truth, they will hear.  Keep praying with me. The friendship and prayers of friends and family across the distance are very encouraging to me. I don’t have time to reply often, but I do appreciate encouraging notes, and I do write back eventually, so I’d love to hear from some of you (if there’s actually still anyone reading this blog).

Well, after the first week of classes (albeit a short one), I’m wondering just why I got involved with teaching again. The work load is immense, and I am already struggling to maintain discipline in at least one of my classes. I wanted very much to be able to get everything done yesterday so that I could truly have a day of rest today, but it just wasn’t possible. My husband has been very encouraging, but I am still exhausted and the new week hasn’t begun yet!

On a positive note, I can see how God is going to use this experience to teach me to rely on Him daily and to refine my character. On Friday night, I cried quite a while at memories of the past painful experiences from dealing with the parents of my students. I am going to have to face that pain again, learn to forgive, and be ready to open myself up to hurt again in order to bring healing. All in all, I should be a more mature believer when this experience is over. That is an exciting thought, despite the frustration now!

Keep me in your prayers!

Well, I made it through the “first” week. Although I’m sure that it will be even more challenging and draining when students return, I am certainly exhausted after this week’s four days of meetings and work in the classroom. My classroom still isn’t decorated as I’d like it to be, but I do have desks now, so at least I could start school!  This weekend my focus is going to be on getting a plan for the year and lesson plans for the first two weeks.  At some point I have to figure out how to use the school’s online grading system, but I will save that for next week.

I had a meeting with the English department today, and it was a mixture of encouragement and discouragement. I didn’t get any specific direction regarding some of my questions, but I did receive a general blessing to just push forward with my own personal style and preferences.  So, I will just plan and teach as best I can.  If there is something major that’s lacking, then I guess they will let me know!  I also had a brief meeting with the secondary principal. I am very encouraged by some of his words to me.  At least he has confidence in me!

A small answer to prayer concerns my schedule. It looks like one of the sections of speech will be moved to second semester, giving me only 6 classes to teach during the school day.  It’s possible that they’ll fill this time with something like supervising a study hall, and there’s always the possibility that they’ll have to move the speech back, but it may be that God in His grace has provided me with a little extra planning time–an incredible blessing!

I still covet your prayers for wise time management and good rest, though.  I also don’t want to lose track of my priority of being a godly wife. Andrew is back in town for the weekend, so I want to be sure to spend some time with him, despite my need and desire to get some schoolwork done.  As I’ve said before, the Lord has called me here, so He will sustain me by His grace.