Curly Hair

So... Over the last few weeks my hair's been nice to me. Which means that I've been able to wear it loose. And I'm actually starting to enjoy the curls that have somehow come from somewhere over the last little sometime. To think that my hair used to be dead straight. Anyways, here's some photos of me, all grown up, taken this afternoon. I was a bit bored, and decided that I might as well use the opportunity of a good hair day. Photo credit to Arlene :)

Kids are Awesome

Kids are awesome. Did you know that?

They do what you say at the drop of the hat.

Most of the time (I should watch what I say),

You never know when trouble's heading your way!

But that makes it fun, you never know what

Is happening next, it's made up on the spot.

Play a game, jump around, or sing a song

Open a book, talk 'bout anything, all day long.

Take a drink break, or sleep on the floor,

Catch all the flies, or escape out the door.

Tell favourite jokes, or stories, or rhymes,

That's what we do at the best of class times.

Get a snack, cry bout a bruise or a scratch,

Go to the toilet, have a loud soccer match.

Plant a seed, trap a mouse, shred all the paper,

Make noises in armpits, or cause quite a caper.

Dance in the rain, play follow-the-leader,

Simon Says, Scarecrow, 'Time Wolfie fed her'. 

Mow the grass with our fingers and toes,

Vacuum the carpet with, well, who knows?

Squawk like a parrot, bark like a dog,

Stamp like an elephant, or roll like a hog.

Use pens as rockets, or paper as planes,

Watch the class goldfish swim down the drain.

Go out to the oval, the library, the gym

Tiptoe past the office, don't disturb him...

Or it's back to classroom with a big shout-

Never like to admit that we got caught out!

Well, actually, that's what we think we can do

But really there's always school work to get through.

Textbooks go flying, pens write till they're dry,

Heads and hands down, mouths closed shut, eyebrows high.

Okay, so my work isn't always this way,

In fact, not very close, it's always a day,

Full of very hard work, adding and taking,

Cleaning up all the mess we are making.

Doing our geography, history, and grammar,

Science, maths, music, all with some drama.

It's never boring, together it's fun,

Even with laughter, work always gets done.

I'm a teacher, I can say stuff like this;

My students are lovely, even call me Miss.

On the odd occasion, I'm even a Mrs...

I'll take lots of hugs, just please no more kisses.

I'll do my great job with pride and with fashion,

Cause it's my joy, my hobby, my passion.

Kids are awesome! I thank God for His plan,

For me, as I teach (sorry, this line just won't rhyme)

His covenant children, day in and day out,

And pray that my love for them never runs out.

As I care for and educate those placed in my care,

May my faith in Him be the treasure I share. 

Inspired.

On Monday we could listen to Rev Wildeboer's presentation on the mission work done in PNG. I was touched by his presentation, so much so that I shed a few small tears. We are incredibly privileged to live in a country like Australia, and to compare our lifestyle to what some people go through in PNG is incredibly eye-opening and humbling. Mission needs a lot of support, both prayerfully and financially, and I have been inspired, not only by Rev W's eloquence, but also by what God has given me, to set aside prayer time and money for this important work. 

Monday was also my birthday, a day of celebration and reflection. It is with thankfulness to God that I could celebrate 21 years of healthy, exuberant life. To be able to spend a day like this in my dream job, with my favourite (minus a few) people, and to celebrate it with them is truly special. I am ever thankful to God for granting me so many blessings in life, including family, friends, and colleagues. Thanks to everyone who contributed to my birthday being such a special day!

I also just mentioned my dream job: That dream is even closer now! I have been teaching one day a week, but the past two weeks, it's been at least two days. And, I found out that next year my full-time position will be at Byford John Calvin School! So happy and excited!

Yesterday was Sports Day, and apart from a red nose, and now suffering from a bit of exhaustion, it was a fantastic day- I loved spending more time with kids, enjoying sport with them all, encouraging them to do their best, and helping them to use the bodies they've been given to God's glory. One of the highlights of my day was seeing one girl beat her personal best score in the 400m run by 25 seconds! It was a special moment for her, and to see children excel is one of my favourite pastimes. Yesterday was one of those days where I'm so thankful for God's guidance in leading me to teaching as a career, and for being able to have the opportunity to teach, support, and encourage, His children.

This past Wednesday was also Reformation Day. Tomorrow I have the privilege of starting to play piano in the Byford Church services, and my main piece for before the service is Luther's well-known hymn 'A Mighty Fortress'. Remembering Reformation Day as a turning point in the church's history, serving God through music, and acknowledging His hand throughout all ages (especially in His church) are more inspirational reflections this week has brought. 

And so, I've been inspired. To remember how blessed I am. To always be thankful for my blessings. To continue to trust in a God who is always there, leading me on the path of life, towards a more glorious day. 

Holidays

The longest time it’s taken me to get down to Albany? Current count: Just under five days (woahw!). But it was a great trip! The purpose was to take photos along the South West coast, and that’s what we did. A lot of absolutely amazing views, and many photos! Actually, the photo count is over 1000. And when I went to condense the photo count to show Oma the other day, even that came out to 99. So, how to put the photos on my blog? Seeing as I’m now an expert in using iMovie, I decided to put the photos into a slideshow, add some music, write a couple of captions and ta-da!! Blog post complete J

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8Trh6uBlGM&feature=youtu.be

P.S. Sorry about the quality of the photos, it's better to watch on small screen, and I had to condense the video otherwise it wouldn't upload. Enjoy anyway.

Crossing the Finish Line

There’s something satisfying about completing. Getting to the end is a wonderful feeling. Often it doesn’t really matter how big or long or high the task is- finishing it makes you feel good. But sometimes, just sometimes, the massive task is so time-consuming and energy-draining that completing it is more than just a good feeling- it becomes a memorable milestone.

Along life’s journey, I’ve just completed another mile. A mile that I probably won’t forget. The one that has taken 4 years to travel… that has taken many days and probably just as many late nights… that has taken countless hours of driving and train travel… that has seen me staring at a computer screen for what is longer (I’m sure) than is healthy… that has gone over many bumps and through many valleys… but ultimately one that has also climbed mountains and made me a (qualified!) teacher.

I can’t remember my first smile, or my first step, or my first day at school. But I will always remember the day I completed my university degree.

It’s been a long time since I’ve blogged. I could think of many excuses. But the biggest reason is that, and now I draw on an experience I hope you’ve all encountered, running those last few steps drains you. Most of the journey involves coasting along at a constant speed, but putting in that final effort, using all the stored energy, and racing to the finish line is exhausting. I’ve just done it.

To be honest, I’m not sure what I feel about finishing. To me, I’ve come first. I don’t know (and I don’t really care) what everyone else thinks, but the personal growth, the confidence, the experiences and the knowledge I’ve gained along the way puts me in first place. Having such a lovely group of students for my final prac, who think I’m the ‘best awesomest teacher’ (Sorry Mr G!) was wonderful, and although they think I’m the teacher, they’ve all taught me too. The final week of my uni journey was unforgettable, mostly thanks to them.

At the same time, that feeling of finishing also means that a journey is complete. There are some video replays that play over in my mind, but there’s a different road ahead. I’m going to miss student life!

I am ever so grateful for the opportunities, the challenges, the encouragement and the support I’ve been given along the way. Some times it was rough, and sometimes I needed a bit of help or advice- but it was always there.

On the 17^th October my results are released. Some time (early next year at a guess) will be my graduation. January 1^st I’ll start being paid as a full-time teacher. It’s all pretty exciting. I’ll let you know how everything goes! J