Being a teacher in the 21st century is awesome! There's a ton of technology at my fingertips. I can use Google for finding already-made lessons or lesson supplements, and for all the images I need for teaching vocabulary. It's really excellent, and Google makes my life a zillion times easier.
There are, of course, downsides to all this modern technology. We are dealing with students who not only have shorter attention spans--because they expect to be constantly entertained--but also have an obsessive compulsion to be on their phone while watching a movie and listening to music, so why can't they be texting their best friend, updating Instagram, and learning in my classroom, all simultaneously? I mean, really, multi-tasking at it's finest, right?
And while that's frustrating, I can deal with that. I can take away phones after too many warnings. I can try to come up with exciting games to review material and video clips or songs to aide in the learning process. I can incorporate as much technology as possible. What I can't do is help what they do at home. I'm not talking about cyber-bullying, although that does break my heart. I'm talking about how my students have decided they need to know every detail of my personal life and some make it their mission to find out every detail. In a world of modern technology, anonymity is no longer an easy thing. I'm pretty open with my students. I'll tell them how many siblings I have, where I'm from, where I went to school, and how old I am. But I have to draw the line somewhere. But when I try to draw the line, they take that as a personal challenge to find me on every social media site online. It makes me want to delete all of my social media accounts--but then we're back to that age-old argument for so many different topics: They shouldn't control my life! When it comes to online profiles, whatever the site, I'm pretty safe and set all my privacy settings pretty high. I leave it public enough where real friends/family can find me, but try to make it private enough where the unwanted can't find me. But these kids are smart. They know their technology and know how to search for whatever they're looking for. I know how to, too, but I never thought I'd spend an afternoon googling myself and searching for all the places they might find me that I've forgotten about (like the Twitter account I had that I thought I'd deleted long ago, but of course, they promptly found it at the beginning of the year.)
Again, I'm okay with sharing basic information with them, as long as they ask me personally, but things get creepy and uncomfortable, when they come into class retorting that they found something of me online or they discovered my family members online. I can't protect my family from their creepiness, nor should I have too, right? I'm not a wild person or someone with a bad past, so there's nothing damaging to find on me, but it's just an extremely unwelcome violation of privacy. And I can't do anything about it. I can't take their home computers or cell phones when they aren't in my classroom. I hope that telling them I would contact their parents if it continued deterred the behavior for now...I guess I know I'm not cut out for the life of a celebrity.
On the bright side: Ten school days left!
Monday, May 19, 2014
Monday, May 5, 2014
Part of Your World
Wow, it's already been two weeks since Spring Break! Although this year has flown by, boy was I ready for it. After 10 weeks of no breaks, thanks to snow day make-up days, both teachers and students were itching for one.
And after discovering that I had the same spring break as my best friend, who is teaching in Honduras, I figured it was probably one of the only (if not the only) chance I'd have to go to Honduras, especially with someone who knew what she was doing, spoke the language, and knew the place more like a local than a tourist. So, I booked my tickets and counted down the days until I left.
On Sunday, April 13, I woke up at 3am so I could get to the airport in Charlotte, NC by 5. Everyone who has ever had to deal with me in the mornings knows that this was not something I was looking forward to. But the excitement of seeing my best friend and traveling (my how that itch needed to be scratched) overrode that, so it really didn't feel so terrible. Don't get me wrong, no part of me wanted to get out bed when the alarm went off all too soon, but it wasn't nearly as painful as I'd imagined ;-)
I made it to the airport by about 5:15, and breezed through checking my luggage, security, and my transfer in Atlanta. Even though my transfer time was less than an hour, and Atlanta is an enormous airport, I still made it to my gate before boarding even started. Easy peasy!
Then, I got to Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The landing strip in Tegus is the 2nd shortest in the world, and to top it off, you have to fly extremely close to the mountains and buildings on the mountains to make it to the incredibly short landing strip. Luckily I found this out after we had landed, so it wasn't so scary, but boy am I impressed with those pilots now! Once I got off the airport and through customs (again, easy!), I looked for my bag. I didn't see it, so I tried asking a worker who was pulling bags to my fellow plane-mates if there were any more coming. He didn't really understand English, so he took my luggage tag and started looking. After a woman interpreted his question of what color my bag was, he continued looking and determined it was not there (which I already figured, since I didn't see it), so I joined the short but slow-moving line to find my luggage. Eventually they informed me that by bag was still in Atlanta--excellent--and would arrive the next day. Stupidly, I didn't pack any extra clothes in my carry-on, but I was able to borrow a few things from my bestie and we bought some of the necessities.
My luggage came just in time for me to pack another bag for our planned trip (within a trip?) to Copán.
So, we set out on Tuesday morning to Copan. We took a bus to San Pedro Sula (think Coach bus) and another bus (think run-down Coach bus) to Copán. We had to get up early, but with the time difference, it felt like getting up for school, so that was okay. The buses (especially the second) were slow, so we napped, read, listened to music, and played games on our iPhones/iPads. In San Pedro Sula we found out that the buses weren't going to be running on Friday, because of Holy Week. This was confirmed by an English-speaking Hotel owner we met on the 2nd bus, but he further informed us that the buses don't run on Thursday OR Friday. I was scheduled to leave on Saturday to go back to the States, so taking a bus after Friday was not an option. Which meant, that we spent only 20ish hours in Copán. It could have been frustrating or disappointing, except that I went into the trip with no expectations--I only wanted to see my best friend and see her life there. So, once we got to Copán, we laughed it off after a while and found some food for dinner before crashing for the evening. The next day, we saw the Mayan Ruins, which would have been disappointing if we had been unable to see them. They were intricate and ancient, full of questions that I don't know have answers. It's pretty cool to see and walk around in and ON such ancient things! Here are some pictures:
And after discovering that I had the same spring break as my best friend, who is teaching in Honduras, I figured it was probably one of the only (if not the only) chance I'd have to go to Honduras, especially with someone who knew what she was doing, spoke the language, and knew the place more like a local than a tourist. So, I booked my tickets and counted down the days until I left.
On Sunday, April 13, I woke up at 3am so I could get to the airport in Charlotte, NC by 5. Everyone who has ever had to deal with me in the mornings knows that this was not something I was looking forward to. But the excitement of seeing my best friend and traveling (my how that itch needed to be scratched) overrode that, so it really didn't feel so terrible. Don't get me wrong, no part of me wanted to get out bed when the alarm went off all too soon, but it wasn't nearly as painful as I'd imagined ;-)
I made it to the airport by about 5:15, and breezed through checking my luggage, security, and my transfer in Atlanta. Even though my transfer time was less than an hour, and Atlanta is an enormous airport, I still made it to my gate before boarding even started. Easy peasy!
Then, I got to Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The landing strip in Tegus is the 2nd shortest in the world, and to top it off, you have to fly extremely close to the mountains and buildings on the mountains to make it to the incredibly short landing strip. Luckily I found this out after we had landed, so it wasn't so scary, but boy am I impressed with those pilots now! Once I got off the airport and through customs (again, easy!), I looked for my bag. I didn't see it, so I tried asking a worker who was pulling bags to my fellow plane-mates if there were any more coming. He didn't really understand English, so he took my luggage tag and started looking. After a woman interpreted his question of what color my bag was, he continued looking and determined it was not there (which I already figured, since I didn't see it), so I joined the short but slow-moving line to find my luggage. Eventually they informed me that by bag was still in Atlanta--excellent--and would arrive the next day. Stupidly, I didn't pack any extra clothes in my carry-on, but I was able to borrow a few things from my bestie and we bought some of the necessities.
My luggage came just in time for me to pack another bag for our planned trip (within a trip?) to Copán.
So, we set out on Tuesday morning to Copan. We took a bus to San Pedro Sula (think Coach bus) and another bus (think run-down Coach bus) to Copán. We had to get up early, but with the time difference, it felt like getting up for school, so that was okay. The buses (especially the second) were slow, so we napped, read, listened to music, and played games on our iPhones/iPads. In San Pedro Sula we found out that the buses weren't going to be running on Friday, because of Holy Week. This was confirmed by an English-speaking Hotel owner we met on the 2nd bus, but he further informed us that the buses don't run on Thursday OR Friday. I was scheduled to leave on Saturday to go back to the States, so taking a bus after Friday was not an option. Which meant, that we spent only 20ish hours in Copán. It could have been frustrating or disappointing, except that I went into the trip with no expectations--I only wanted to see my best friend and see her life there. So, once we got to Copán, we laughed it off after a while and found some food for dinner before crashing for the evening. The next day, we saw the Mayan Ruins, which would have been disappointing if we had been unable to see them. They were intricate and ancient, full of questions that I don't know have answers. It's pretty cool to see and walk around in and ON such ancient things! Here are some pictures:
After the ruins, we went back to the hotel room, gathered our things, and headed to the bus station to go back to Tegucigalpa.
Once back in Tegucigalpa, we went did things in and around the city. We went out to eat and went to a cute little town with lots of shopping and some restaurants. I had a papusa, which is like a Central-American grilled cheese, and later probably the yummiest fruit popsicle ever. She showed me her school and classroom. We also hung out at her house and played games on the Wii and Zumba-ed. We read books and listened to music and relaxed. It was really just nice to be. No school to worry about, nothing we HAD to do. We just got to spend time together. And that's all I really wanted in the first place: to hang out with my best friend and see her Honduran life. Check! :-)
Monday, April 7, 2014
Can I just leave this one untitled?
My, how this year has disappeared before my eyes. I don't know how the time between posts flies by so fast. Life certainly has been busy, though. The school year quarters just keep zipping by, and now we're nearly halfway done with the last quarter.
Last week, we had more standardized testing--this time, a test that all students have to pass in order to graduate--and I had to monitor. Unlike the PSATs, I was allowed to do grading and such while the students were testing. No electronic devices were allowed, but I'm okay with that. I got SO much grading done, and I even read a book (The Help, which I would highly recommend!) It was a relaxing start to the morning, but the afternoons were crammed with all four classes that we normally have and crazy, rambunctious students. Only the 10th graders take the test, so my freshman and juniors were hyper from sleeping in and going out to eat for sugary breakfasts. Relaxing morning + chaotic afternoon = just as tiring as normal days!
Last Thursday, we also had the first annual Faculty Follies. This was kind of like a talent show, but the intent was to be as ridiculous as possible. So, the other Frau and I helped in a dance number (Evolution of Dance of Class of 2014--dances to a handful of popular songs while they have been in high school) and we participated in the 12 Days of School (a parody of the 12 days of Christmas). It was a good time, and we raised money for the PTSO as a result.
This past Saturday was prom, and a bunch of the teachers dressed up and went to the prom. It was fun, but also strange! A few of us had Door Duty for a while, directing the students entering the prom, and then we just wandered around and got our picture taken together. It was fun to see the students all dressed up, but it was certainly strange being on the other side of it. I don't quite feel old enough to be on the other side...
This is the last week of school before spring break, and I'm headed to Honduras for a week to visit my best friend. I couldn't be more excited! I will write a post when I get back to share everything.
Last week, we had more standardized testing--this time, a test that all students have to pass in order to graduate--and I had to monitor. Unlike the PSATs, I was allowed to do grading and such while the students were testing. No electronic devices were allowed, but I'm okay with that. I got SO much grading done, and I even read a book (The Help, which I would highly recommend!) It was a relaxing start to the morning, but the afternoons were crammed with all four classes that we normally have and crazy, rambunctious students. Only the 10th graders take the test, so my freshman and juniors were hyper from sleeping in and going out to eat for sugary breakfasts. Relaxing morning + chaotic afternoon = just as tiring as normal days!
Last Thursday, we also had the first annual Faculty Follies. This was kind of like a talent show, but the intent was to be as ridiculous as possible. So, the other Frau and I helped in a dance number (Evolution of Dance of Class of 2014--dances to a handful of popular songs while they have been in high school) and we participated in the 12 Days of School (a parody of the 12 days of Christmas). It was a good time, and we raised money for the PTSO as a result.
This past Saturday was prom, and a bunch of the teachers dressed up and went to the prom. It was fun, but also strange! A few of us had Door Duty for a while, directing the students entering the prom, and then we just wandered around and got our picture taken together. It was fun to see the students all dressed up, but it was certainly strange being on the other side of it. I don't quite feel old enough to be on the other side...
This is the last week of school before spring break, and I'm headed to Honduras for a week to visit my best friend. I couldn't be more excited! I will write a post when I get back to share everything.
Saturday, March 8, 2014
Being the mean teacher for a day
This week was a long week, let me tell you.
Without getting into all the long details (if you want them, feel free to email me privately), on Thursday, I was helping out with a school activity (and thus not present for first block) that resulted in some chaos and my usually awesome students making some very stupid choices. I was furious at them. I could not stop thinking about it the whole day. I could feel the angry adrenaline rushing through my veins whenever I thought of it and whenever I retold the story. (Don't worry, that side-effect has passed).
I knew I needed to talk to my class about it, but I didn't want to waste more class time or get into arguments. So instead, I began class like I usually do--greeting them at the door with a handshake and the bellwork was on the board for them to start with. The only difference was that I did not smile. I was very quiet and very stone-faced. My students knew I was very upset with them. They quietly did the bellwork (normally there's chatter and phones are out until I ask them to put their phones away--but not today) and then I went over the bellwork with them--still stone-faced.
We talked about what would be on the upcoming exam. Then I asked them to take out a piece of paper. I reminded them that I'm not here to teach myself German, because I already know it; and that I'm not in this job for the money, because by now, we all know that teachers don't make that much. So, they shouldn't apologize to me, but instead to themselves. I asked them to write a letter to themselves to apologize for wasting their own time to review for the exam. (Thanks to my mentor teacher for that suggestion). Then I stood there with my arms folded and my face stern while they wrote. Some of the responses were full of regret and some of the responses were full of the expected teenage "it's-not-my-fault" mantra. But I hope I got them thinking.
We worked for the rest of the block in silence. When the students had questions, I walked to their desks and responded quietly, still without my usual smile. It wasn't easy. I mean, it was easy to look angry because I was! But it wasn't easy to be a mean teacher. That's just not my style and I don't like it. My next two classes that day were abnormally lighthearted and silly--productive, but silly. And I definitely needed that after my angry morning.
There's a "rule" in teaching that they say often, especially to new teachers--No Smile Til Thanksgiving (some even say Christmas)--because that apparently shows the kids who's boss. I just can't do that. I have to get to know them and show them I care, and I do so by talking with them and smiling and laughing. Not smiling doesn't have to mean that you're being a mean teacher, but for me that's how it feels. Every teacher is different, and I'm not saying either is better, but it's just not my personal style. Maybe my classroom management would be better if I tried to follow that rule better, but at least for now, I think I'm doing okay.
Although I think they absolutely deserved the lesson and my "wrath" (that almost feels too strong of a word), I'm looking forward to resuming class on Monday with my usual smile and laughter.
Without getting into all the long details (if you want them, feel free to email me privately), on Thursday, I was helping out with a school activity (and thus not present for first block) that resulted in some chaos and my usually awesome students making some very stupid choices. I was furious at them. I could not stop thinking about it the whole day. I could feel the angry adrenaline rushing through my veins whenever I thought of it and whenever I retold the story. (Don't worry, that side-effect has passed).
I knew I needed to talk to my class about it, but I didn't want to waste more class time or get into arguments. So instead, I began class like I usually do--greeting them at the door with a handshake and the bellwork was on the board for them to start with. The only difference was that I did not smile. I was very quiet and very stone-faced. My students knew I was very upset with them. They quietly did the bellwork (normally there's chatter and phones are out until I ask them to put their phones away--but not today) and then I went over the bellwork with them--still stone-faced.
We talked about what would be on the upcoming exam. Then I asked them to take out a piece of paper. I reminded them that I'm not here to teach myself German, because I already know it; and that I'm not in this job for the money, because by now, we all know that teachers don't make that much. So, they shouldn't apologize to me, but instead to themselves. I asked them to write a letter to themselves to apologize for wasting their own time to review for the exam. (Thanks to my mentor teacher for that suggestion). Then I stood there with my arms folded and my face stern while they wrote. Some of the responses were full of regret and some of the responses were full of the expected teenage "it's-not-my-fault" mantra. But I hope I got them thinking.
We worked for the rest of the block in silence. When the students had questions, I walked to their desks and responded quietly, still without my usual smile. It wasn't easy. I mean, it was easy to look angry because I was! But it wasn't easy to be a mean teacher. That's just not my style and I don't like it. My next two classes that day were abnormally lighthearted and silly--productive, but silly. And I definitely needed that after my angry morning.
There's a "rule" in teaching that they say often, especially to new teachers--No Smile Til Thanksgiving (some even say Christmas)--because that apparently shows the kids who's boss. I just can't do that. I have to get to know them and show them I care, and I do so by talking with them and smiling and laughing. Not smiling doesn't have to mean that you're being a mean teacher, but for me that's how it feels. Every teacher is different, and I'm not saying either is better, but it's just not my personal style. Maybe my classroom management would be better if I tried to follow that rule better, but at least for now, I think I'm doing okay.
Although I think they absolutely deserved the lesson and my "wrath" (that almost feels too strong of a word), I'm looking forward to resuming class on Monday with my usual smile and laughter.
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Weekend Update
Well, school is chugging right along. Time sure flies and we're somehow already wrapping up the end of our third quarter. I don't know how I'm already three-fourths of the way through this year!
It's been good. Everyone says the first year is the hardest, and if that's the case, I think I'll be just fine.
I went into this year expecting it to be rough. I expected long nights at work, late nights continuing working at home, weekends filled with schoolwork, and to be tired all the time. And it has been exactly that, but it's been good. I am often at school until 6pm, although I've been trying harder later to just go home. I quickly get behind on grading and spend weekends and planning periods trying to catch up. I'm tired more often than I'm not and the best part of my week is crawling into bed on Friday night and turning off my alarm. That feeling is pure joy ;-) And I think about school all the time. But I try really hard not to, and I try really hard not to talk about it all the time. Not because it's bad to talk about it or think about it, but because I need to have other things in my life and other conversations in my life, otherwise the likelihood of a burnout is higher. I also expected the classes to be rough and students not to listen. But teaching as the teacher is a whole lot different than teaching as the student teacher or intern. I still have days where they don't listen, and I'm by no means a pro at classroom management, but it's a whole lot better than anticipated.
This whole year has been significantly better than initially expected. Maybe I mentally over-prepared myself for the worst, which I'd say is better than expecting perfection. And I can only hope that next year will be even better.
Of course, I already look back on things I've done--lessons I planned, activities I designed, and tests I wrote--and wondered what I was thinking. I kind of can't wait for five or ten years down the road. I'm so curious what things I will think were absolutely ridiculous or stupid, and what things I'll have kept the same.
And on the non-school side of things, I've joined two small groups through church, which definitely helps from keeping me a home-body ;-) One is on Tuesday, which forces me to leave school at a decent hour and socialize/praise God instead of stay at school until far too late and go home to a hungry cat and my bed. The other is on Saturday and starts this weekend, so I don't know much about it yet, but it'll also get me out of the house and socializing/praising God. I'm excited for these groups and to see what God will do in my life through them!
My mom and brother are coming down to visit in a week and a half, and I am SO excited! I have no idea what we'll do, but I have no doubt we'll have a fun time. I foresee board games and movies and forced cuddling with my brother (me forcing him, obviously. He pretends to hate it) and lots of hugs from my mom.
And in a month and a half, I'll be flying down to Honduras to visit my best friend, where she's been teaching for the past two years. We're going to do a little traveling, I think to the beach, but mostly I'm just really excited and ready for some best-friend time. And also for a vacation ;-)
Hasta luego (that's me, practicing my Spanish for Honduras, ha)
It's been good. Everyone says the first year is the hardest, and if that's the case, I think I'll be just fine.
I went into this year expecting it to be rough. I expected long nights at work, late nights continuing working at home, weekends filled with schoolwork, and to be tired all the time. And it has been exactly that, but it's been good. I am often at school until 6pm, although I've been trying harder later to just go home. I quickly get behind on grading and spend weekends and planning periods trying to catch up. I'm tired more often than I'm not and the best part of my week is crawling into bed on Friday night and turning off my alarm. That feeling is pure joy ;-) And I think about school all the time. But I try really hard not to, and I try really hard not to talk about it all the time. Not because it's bad to talk about it or think about it, but because I need to have other things in my life and other conversations in my life, otherwise the likelihood of a burnout is higher. I also expected the classes to be rough and students not to listen. But teaching as the teacher is a whole lot different than teaching as the student teacher or intern. I still have days where they don't listen, and I'm by no means a pro at classroom management, but it's a whole lot better than anticipated.
This whole year has been significantly better than initially expected. Maybe I mentally over-prepared myself for the worst, which I'd say is better than expecting perfection. And I can only hope that next year will be even better.
Of course, I already look back on things I've done--lessons I planned, activities I designed, and tests I wrote--and wondered what I was thinking. I kind of can't wait for five or ten years down the road. I'm so curious what things I will think were absolutely ridiculous or stupid, and what things I'll have kept the same.
And on the non-school side of things, I've joined two small groups through church, which definitely helps from keeping me a home-body ;-) One is on Tuesday, which forces me to leave school at a decent hour and socialize/praise God instead of stay at school until far too late and go home to a hungry cat and my bed. The other is on Saturday and starts this weekend, so I don't know much about it yet, but it'll also get me out of the house and socializing/praising God. I'm excited for these groups and to see what God will do in my life through them!
My mom and brother are coming down to visit in a week and a half, and I am SO excited! I have no idea what we'll do, but I have no doubt we'll have a fun time. I foresee board games and movies and forced cuddling with my brother (me forcing him, obviously. He pretends to hate it) and lots of hugs from my mom.
And in a month and a half, I'll be flying down to Honduras to visit my best friend, where she's been teaching for the past two years. We're going to do a little traveling, I think to the beach, but mostly I'm just really excited and ready for some best-friend time. And also for a vacation ;-)
Hasta luego (that's me, practicing my Spanish for Honduras, ha)
Monday, February 3, 2014
Chosen 2014
This past weekend (well, really it was Thursday evening and Friday) I was able to attend the Chosen Women's conference, which is through my church (Seacoast). I went with a fellow teacher/Seacoaster and we drove together to Charleston after school on Thursday. The conference was packed with amazing Christian women speaking about various topics, all on the main theme "For Such a Time as This".
Generally, I try to stay away from a detailed dissection of things I do, because it's generally not interesting to read (or write, for that matter); however, there was SO much good stuff packed into this 24-hour conference that I can't help myself. It's a good way for me to debrief, and a good way to fill you in on what went down (and maybe secondhand-inspire!).
So, here's the play-by-play and breakdown of what I took away from it all:
Thursday evening started with an amazing intro of music and a message to get us excited (see it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8cjdgzbBRc). Seriously, just watching it again on YouTube gives me chills and makes me want to go back.
Pastor Greg, the senior and founding pastor of Seacoast, delivered an inspiring message about Esther (specifically Esther 4:12-14), since the theme was "For Such a Time as This." He reminded us that God has a time for each of us, for whatever it is we were made for, and that even if we don't feel strong in His plan, He'll step in with His strength at just the right time. It was definitely something I needed to hear, and reminded me of the Jahreslosung (Bible Verse of the year) for 2012, which was "Mein Kraft ist in den Schwachen mächtig" (My power is made perfect in weakness). God uses us for things we don't feel capable of, because without Him we would be incapable. But everything is possible with Him.
Then came Mercy Lokulutu, a woman originally from Nigeria, who can be described in two words: passionate and strong. She was incredibly passionate, which was infectious! Her message furthered the idea of being here for a reason and at this time for a reason. She encouraged us to be tenacious in living the Word of God.
After that, we went to our hotel room to check in and then my friend showed me around Charleston, since she used to live there. She showed me the downtown area and some landmarks, and told me some stories about different places and the history behind others. Afterwards we got some yummy ice cream before heading back and calling it a night.
The next morning, the conference started again at about 9am. Jen Hatmaker, a woman who started a church in Austin, TX with her husband, delivered a funny and motivating message. She talked about how we should "desire to desire" to feel broken and hurt for those we're "desiring to desire" to help. There are so many broken things in the world, but they won't get fixed by us sitting around. We shouldn't feel ashamed or proud of the things we are blessed to have, but instead use them to help others. Just as Jesus "desired to desire" to die for us in order to save us, so should we "desire to desire" to help those around us.
After that, we had lunch and two breakout sessions. There were several to choose from, and I was lucky enough to go to Jen Hatmaker's and Mercy Lokulutu's sessions. Jen's was a heartbreakingly honest and raw session about "Embracing Honesty and Transparency." In order to walk in the light with the Lord, we need to be honest about our sins and whatever we feel shame/guilt/regret for. And "walking in the light" doesn't mean we are then always good and never doing anything wrong, but rather that we are always honest about the things we have done. She opened up the floor for us to share anything we felt we needed to be honest about, and some incredibly brave and inspiring women were audacious enough to share some really really deep and personal things. I'm pretty sure no one left with a dry eye. In Mercy's session, she encouraged us to pray God's Word powerfully and live it! It is so clear from listening to her twice how passionate she is about the Word and living it. She gave some tips and encouragement on diving in and soaking up everything He has to offer--because it's not what He once spoke; He's still speaking through it now!
Between the breakout sessions and the final group rally, we had a break for a few hours, where several of us from our church campus went out for coffee and got to know each other better. It was a great few hours, full of laughs and good conversation!
Finally, the conference concluded with Christine Caine. If you don't know her or haven't heard her speak, I encourage you to find anything you can from her on Youtube or iTunes! She was a pastor at the Hillsong Church in Australia for 21 years and started the A21 campaign to stop human sex trafficking! She is an amazing woman and a truly amazing speaker. She speaks really fast, so it can be hard to keep up to take notes (we need a pause button!), but she really knows how to work up a crowd in the best way! She spoke a lot about how life is risky and we only have this one shot, so we might as well take the risks in life to live it to the fullest, for Him and in all ways, instead of staying safe at home in a little box.
Throughout the whole conference, the theme of being here for a reason really resonated with me. Everyone is so different from one another and we each have our own reasons for being here. We may not know what they are, but God knows, and He's got big plans for us. We were all created for "such a time as this," and it's exciting to see what those times are, for myself and for those around me.
I feel so blessed to have been able to go to the conference and really hope to go back next year! Praise the Lord for an extra day off school and an amazing, spiritually-filling, refreshing conference ;-)
Generally, I try to stay away from a detailed dissection of things I do, because it's generally not interesting to read (or write, for that matter); however, there was SO much good stuff packed into this 24-hour conference that I can't help myself. It's a good way for me to debrief, and a good way to fill you in on what went down (and maybe secondhand-inspire!).
So, here's the play-by-play and breakdown of what I took away from it all:
Thursday evening started with an amazing intro of music and a message to get us excited (see it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8cjdgzbBRc). Seriously, just watching it again on YouTube gives me chills and makes me want to go back.
Pastor Greg, the senior and founding pastor of Seacoast, delivered an inspiring message about Esther (specifically Esther 4:12-14), since the theme was "For Such a Time as This." He reminded us that God has a time for each of us, for whatever it is we were made for, and that even if we don't feel strong in His plan, He'll step in with His strength at just the right time. It was definitely something I needed to hear, and reminded me of the Jahreslosung (Bible Verse of the year) for 2012, which was "Mein Kraft ist in den Schwachen mächtig" (My power is made perfect in weakness). God uses us for things we don't feel capable of, because without Him we would be incapable. But everything is possible with Him.
Then came Mercy Lokulutu, a woman originally from Nigeria, who can be described in two words: passionate and strong. She was incredibly passionate, which was infectious! Her message furthered the idea of being here for a reason and at this time for a reason. She encouraged us to be tenacious in living the Word of God.
After that, we went to our hotel room to check in and then my friend showed me around Charleston, since she used to live there. She showed me the downtown area and some landmarks, and told me some stories about different places and the history behind others. Afterwards we got some yummy ice cream before heading back and calling it a night.
The next morning, the conference started again at about 9am. Jen Hatmaker, a woman who started a church in Austin, TX with her husband, delivered a funny and motivating message. She talked about how we should "desire to desire" to feel broken and hurt for those we're "desiring to desire" to help. There are so many broken things in the world, but they won't get fixed by us sitting around. We shouldn't feel ashamed or proud of the things we are blessed to have, but instead use them to help others. Just as Jesus "desired to desire" to die for us in order to save us, so should we "desire to desire" to help those around us.
After that, we had lunch and two breakout sessions. There were several to choose from, and I was lucky enough to go to Jen Hatmaker's and Mercy Lokulutu's sessions. Jen's was a heartbreakingly honest and raw session about "Embracing Honesty and Transparency." In order to walk in the light with the Lord, we need to be honest about our sins and whatever we feel shame/guilt/regret for. And "walking in the light" doesn't mean we are then always good and never doing anything wrong, but rather that we are always honest about the things we have done. She opened up the floor for us to share anything we felt we needed to be honest about, and some incredibly brave and inspiring women were audacious enough to share some really really deep and personal things. I'm pretty sure no one left with a dry eye. In Mercy's session, she encouraged us to pray God's Word powerfully and live it! It is so clear from listening to her twice how passionate she is about the Word and living it. She gave some tips and encouragement on diving in and soaking up everything He has to offer--because it's not what He once spoke; He's still speaking through it now!
Between the breakout sessions and the final group rally, we had a break for a few hours, where several of us from our church campus went out for coffee and got to know each other better. It was a great few hours, full of laughs and good conversation!
Finally, the conference concluded with Christine Caine. If you don't know her or haven't heard her speak, I encourage you to find anything you can from her on Youtube or iTunes! She was a pastor at the Hillsong Church in Australia for 21 years and started the A21 campaign to stop human sex trafficking! She is an amazing woman and a truly amazing speaker. She speaks really fast, so it can be hard to keep up to take notes (we need a pause button!), but she really knows how to work up a crowd in the best way! She spoke a lot about how life is risky and we only have this one shot, so we might as well take the risks in life to live it to the fullest, for Him and in all ways, instead of staying safe at home in a little box.
Throughout the whole conference, the theme of being here for a reason really resonated with me. Everyone is so different from one another and we each have our own reasons for being here. We may not know what they are, but God knows, and He's got big plans for us. We were all created for "such a time as this," and it's exciting to see what those times are, for myself and for those around me.
I feel so blessed to have been able to go to the conference and really hope to go back next year! Praise the Lord for an extra day off school and an amazing, spiritually-filling, refreshing conference ;-)
Monday, January 13, 2014
Happy.
Oops. It's been a long time since I last wrote. Since my last post, all I've found out is that they're reconsidering the German major budget cut idea, which is excellent, but we're still not 100% in the clear.
Since I last updated, here's what's been going on:
I spent Thanksgiving with my Grandma and Grandpa in sunny Sanibel Island, Florida, which was extremely relaxing and just the break I needed after such a long stretch between Labor Day and Thanksgiving. I met some really interesting and fun friends of my grandparents and enjoyed being with my grandparents, since I hadn't seen them in about two years!
The three weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas break went by extremely fast. I drove home the first Saturday of Christmas break and spent the next two weeks at home. I didn't plan my time super well to see friends and family, but I managed to see a lot of people. I did a lot of relaxing and sleeping in and knitting and enjoying my family...and SNOW. I missed the ridiculous snow storm by about 6 or 12 hours, but I still enjoyed a white Christmas and real winter temperatures.
And now I'm back in SC, a week after the break and charging full speed ahead as usual. Last week I felt extremely unprepared all week, even though things were prepared...I think it was just trying to get back into the swing of things. This past weekend was really fulfilling--a Saturday of nothing (just how I love to spend my Saturdays!) and a perfectly timed message at church about finances, followed by a walk around my neighborhood on a perfect and sunny afternoon.
It's no secret that I'm buried under a mountain of student loan debt (the subject generally makes me want to crawl under my bed and hide for a long time) and while I was home for Christmas, my mom helped me figure out loan consolidation and my monthly budget (I swear, she's a wizard with finances!). It's tight, but I know it's not forever, and thanks to the generosity of family and friends and the grace of God, I'm getting by fine with my head still above water.
After the message at church, I was feeling very uplifted and happy, so I emailed the senior pastor, who had given the message that day, about how much I appreciated the message and how well it connected to my life. He wrote a short email back saying thank you for the email and promising to pray for me, which in and of itself was unexpected and sweet. I wasn't even sure he'd get the email, let alone respond on a Sunday evening. And then this afternoon, right as I was about to start the last bit of grade entering for this quarter, I got an email from his executive assistant saying that Pastor Greg wanted to give me two tickets for the upcoming women's conference (one for me and a friend!) AND pay for my hotel room. I was overwhelmed (in the best way) to the point of tears and am truly feeling God's blessings in my life right now.
So, that's where my life is at the moment. Teaching is still dominating my life, but things are good and I'm feeling good and happy. And today I can't stop smiling, which is probably the best feeling.
Since I last updated, here's what's been going on:
I spent Thanksgiving with my Grandma and Grandpa in sunny Sanibel Island, Florida, which was extremely relaxing and just the break I needed after such a long stretch between Labor Day and Thanksgiving. I met some really interesting and fun friends of my grandparents and enjoyed being with my grandparents, since I hadn't seen them in about two years!
The three weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas break went by extremely fast. I drove home the first Saturday of Christmas break and spent the next two weeks at home. I didn't plan my time super well to see friends and family, but I managed to see a lot of people. I did a lot of relaxing and sleeping in and knitting and enjoying my family...and SNOW. I missed the ridiculous snow storm by about 6 or 12 hours, but I still enjoyed a white Christmas and real winter temperatures.
And now I'm back in SC, a week after the break and charging full speed ahead as usual. Last week I felt extremely unprepared all week, even though things were prepared...I think it was just trying to get back into the swing of things. This past weekend was really fulfilling--a Saturday of nothing (just how I love to spend my Saturdays!) and a perfectly timed message at church about finances, followed by a walk around my neighborhood on a perfect and sunny afternoon.
It's no secret that I'm buried under a mountain of student loan debt (the subject generally makes me want to crawl under my bed and hide for a long time) and while I was home for Christmas, my mom helped me figure out loan consolidation and my monthly budget (I swear, she's a wizard with finances!). It's tight, but I know it's not forever, and thanks to the generosity of family and friends and the grace of God, I'm getting by fine with my head still above water.
After the message at church, I was feeling very uplifted and happy, so I emailed the senior pastor, who had given the message that day, about how much I appreciated the message and how well it connected to my life. He wrote a short email back saying thank you for the email and promising to pray for me, which in and of itself was unexpected and sweet. I wasn't even sure he'd get the email, let alone respond on a Sunday evening. And then this afternoon, right as I was about to start the last bit of grade entering for this quarter, I got an email from his executive assistant saying that Pastor Greg wanted to give me two tickets for the upcoming women's conference (one for me and a friend!) AND pay for my hotel room. I was overwhelmed (in the best way) to the point of tears and am truly feeling God's blessings in my life right now.
So, that's where my life is at the moment. Teaching is still dominating my life, but things are good and I'm feeling good and happy. And today I can't stop smiling, which is probably the best feeling.
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