2009 Books!

We will read 2009 books by June 2009!

This is my classes' reading goal for the year! Together, myself and 40 students will read a combined 2009 books by the end of the school year. The schoolhouse below is how we're tracking our progress. Each square on the house represents 10 books, and the 9 boxes on top represent 1 book. We're already at 20 books! : ) The 2009 number breaks down to each of us reading 1-2 books a week. I think we can do it!




I have a morning class, which I call my "Peace Makers." They each put the peace symbol on their papers and assignments. These students are my ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages), ESE (students who have special ed needs), and Gifted (above grade level).

I have an afternoon class, which I call my "Superstars". They put a star on their work. These students are the 2nd Tier Retainees (meaning they have been retained a school grade)

The peace and star symbol are how I organize all of the paper work and supplies for each class. : ) It's keeping me sane this year.

Well, the honeymoon period is definitely over in my classroom. Today finalized the end. Please read your email if you want to hear more about what happened...or, if you want to be on my email list, leave a comment.

Lots of prayer needed for my students. They are very low and in need of a lot of love and teaching this year. I cannot do it on my own this year.

Lyrics I'm Humming:

INDEPENDENT-Do you know what that means?

First Day is Done!

Woah.... the storm has passed! School was canceled yesterday to the somewhat lame Fay. Although, I have to say that I am very glad that the storm was not damaging as I don't know how Miami would handle a tropical disaster.

Today was my first day with my new students, and I am ready. I think. : ) The kids are very unique, special individuals, and I need to definitely tighten up my plans.

Well, for many reasons, that's all I can say about my students. : ) I would love an email/call if you want more info!

But for now, I have 40 new students who are hopefully ready to learn!

Lyrics I'm Humming:

"August" (a song one of my students wrote and sang. very funny)

The Storm's Coming

So much about the opening of this school feels different from last year.

I am teaching 3rd Grade Reading, Writing, Language Arts to the Special Ed Students, the English as a Second Language Students, the Gifted Students, and the Retainee Students. I am working at Lenora B Smith (the same school I started at last year), and I am very anxious.

I feel more prepared, but I know that a storm is coming. It's just a matter of if I am prepared enough for it!

I feel much calmer, and I am finding humor in the situations that stressed me out like crazy last year!

Tomorrow is the first day of school; HOWEVER, a real storm... Hurricane Fay is on a path toward Miami, so school is canceled. Tuesday will be the first day...hopefully.


I'll keep you posted!

Lyrics I'm Humming:

You Go Banging On by The Go

Barnabus' Joy

The Good News of Luke tells shows us the life of Jesus.

And, while at the Lakota Tribe's Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota,

I saw Luke in a new light.

Each summer, the Valley Church High School Ministry takes a short trek out to Parmelee, South Dakota to serve on a Native American reservation. Over 70% of Parmelee residents live in poverty, and while there, our students are opened to some of the disgusting stuggles in our time. The oppression and injustices placed upon our ancestors and history are unbelievable. Together, in Parmelee, we spend our time loving the town through its beautiful children.

I may be a tad bias, but I can not help but see Jesus in the face of every child in Parmelee.

What is it about a child's face that makes me feel so loved?

Luke challenges us to spend time with people. For me, it is a book of slowing down and remembering how Jesus treated his neighbors.

God didn't indend for individualistic, "American" work.

Travel in pairs, Jesus tells us.

Be in community, his close disciples echo.

Support and encourage one another, the first Christians say.

Luke 10:4 struck me this week. Luke tells us to make small talk with people. Interact with others. The Kingdom is meant for people, for hearts, for souls...take time to form, maintain and invest in relationships. Prioritize people. Prioritize the people in my path.

Stop. Slow down....in order, not to loiter or be lazy, but in order to love people.

Wednesday night, as we were leaving the church to play a softball game, I felt a heavy feeling on my heart. I felt as if we had not prioritized Pastor George and his wife Violet. George oversees the church and its ministry throughout the year, and we come to help for a few days at his church. George is a humble man and a hard-worker. His thoughts on faith and his people's history are wonderfully honest.

So, I went back with another lady (Lori) to the George's home to talk with him. George, Violet, Lori and I sat outside their house talking for at least an hour. I have so much to learn from a couple like George and Violet.

George and Violet welcomed us, and would have let us stay for hours and hours just talking with them. We talked about George and Violet's history, the church's growth, stuggles in Parmelee, Native American challenges, and the pure hope that George and Violet carry daily.



Luke is the poor man's gospel. It is the Good News for the most lowly and materially poor people.

The poor know the importance of relationships, people, and making time to love on neighbors better than suburbanites.

While in Parmelee, I was reminded of my love for community development. I was also reminded of my love for encouraging others. I love seeing strengths in other people and helping them see how wonderful God wired them. I love watching others shine and see how God works in them.

For that, I was Barnabus. I related well with Barnabus this past week. Not getting credit as the leader, nor as the follower. I tried to pour into different people, encouraging them to continue with their serving hearts.

Parmelee, you continue in my heart. I pray that I never come to a day where I forget the struggles of the Native American people.


Lyrics I'm Humming:

Five Iron Frenzy's The Day We Killed

Shifting

Brennan Manning in his wonderful book, The Ragamuffin Gospel hit me in the gut when he said "shift from my badness to His goodness."

I've been so focused on my sins, shortcomings, and faults... I'm becoming so preoccupied with myself and my sins. My focus has been on what I'm not doing and how I've failed rather than how beautiful and how graceful God is.

I just had a revelation full of tears tonight in my apartment while remembering why I am a Christian. I follow Christ because I believe in His Love with all of my being. I don't know why I've let that slip away.

Grazie, Signore, for Your lips twisted in love to accommodate my sinful self; for judging me not by my shabby good deeds but by Your love that is Your gift to me; for Your unbearable forgiveness and infinite patience with me; for other people who have greater gifts than mine; and for the honesty to acknowledge that I am a ragamuffin. When the final curtain falls and You summon me home, may my last whispered word on earth be the wholehearted cry, "Grazie, Signore."
-Salieri's song in Amadeus (which I haven't seen or read)

Oh Lord, thank you for your grace. I love you.

Lyrics I'm Humming:
Bebo Norman "My Eyes Have Seen Holy"