Creative Writing

Kids have such creative minds. Today, my students completed part 1 of their standardized writing exam which called for them to write a mystery story. I looked over the detailed grading rubric while they tested, and took up the stack of stories when the time was up. I was pleasantly surprised with the detailed writing, mysterious moods and interesting plots! I actually ENJOYED GRADING! For all you teachers, you know that's a rare occurrence. It took three hours because I wrote comments on each one.

After school, I walked to town on my own to get my currency exchanged to rupees (I do this every couple of weeks). After going to the grocery store, it was jazzercise time! I feel a lot better today physically, and jazz was so fun. It's one of those things that keep me in good spirits here. Well, that and the kids.

Esther and Justin invited me over to have baked potatoes and egg omelets for dinner. It was so good! Those are things I haven't eaten in over 2 months! I am so blessed. Thanks be to God!

My time in the campus hospital

Hey everybody, I haven't written in awhile because I've been sick. On Monday and Tuesday, I taught while I felt nauseous, leaving the room every once in a while to get sick in the bathroom. I became extremely dehydrated, because my body wasn't holding in anything I was eating. All I was eating was broth, fruit and toast. On Tuesday afternoon, I threw up and realized the illness I had was a bad stomach virus. Because I couldn't stand with out blacking out, a nurse helped me walk from my dorm room to the campus hospital. I was in there 3 days, spending the night, and taking in fluids through an IV. The IV needle was scary for me, and it was in me for 2 full days. I prayed a lot, and tried not to think about it.

I slept at night, getting sick to my stomach every couple hours. I cried a lot. Humility (or humiliation?) covered me, as I had to ring a bell for the nurse to come, every time I needed to go to the bathroom. There were spiders and other bugs around my room, but I was too weak to take care of them. I didn't even have the strength to throw my kleenex and empty juice boxes in the trash, so I had to leave it all on my bedside table which really bothered me because I hate being messy.

I was extremely blessed in the hospital. My supervising teacher, Andrew, came by to give me DVD's, a television set, and a few comforts from my dorm room. I was able to lay in bed and watch British DVD's (which I love!). I watched the first and second season of the British TV show called "Outnumbered," a cute comedy about a family of 3 kids, most of which is improvised. Visitors came to pray for me and encourage me. My students came during their lunch break on Wednesday to give me 20 "Get well soon" cards. That made my day! I set them up on the bed table, reading their kind words over and over. One of my students, Lauren, came to visit me every lunch time to talk with me and cheer me up. One of the doctors, Revathi, checked on me every day and prayed for me continually. Her sympathy and care were so encouraging. She even gave me a sandwich-toaster so I could make my own sandwiches instead of eating in the cafeteria. After the third day, I started eating toast and bananas, and getting up by myself. My strength was regaining. I was "released" from the hospital on Friday afternoon and went back to my dorm. I watched "Where The Heart Is." I relaxed, and read some of my current novel, "Echo in the Darkness" by Francine Rivers. I've lost 11 pounds in the past month from being sick and not eating.

Saturday, I hiked up with Amy and Esther to a spot above the school in the beautiful Ooty mountains. It was good to finally be outdoors. I read my novel while they painted the scene. They're talented artists!

I decided I'm not going to eat in the cafeteria or in the restaurants here a couple of weeks ago at the suggestion of one of the nurses. I've been making my own food with groceries in my dorm room. I haven't had vegetables or meat for 3 weeks. My body is exhausted and my emotions are worn out. I woke up Sunday morning and got sick to my stomach again. Honestly, I'm beginning to feel my hope waning. The days I've been sick here outnumber the days I've been well by far. I'm planning on starting back up with my teaching tomorrow morning, and I hope I have the strength to do so.

Jazzercise!

Since my second bought of being sick to my stomach from the spicy food, I've decided to cook my own food more often. So I went to the store and stocked up on fruit, pasta, sauce, cereal, crackers and things like that. I have a stove top in my dorm room, and here is a picture of my cooking my pasta and marinara for lunch yesterday! Yummy :-) Tonight, The Ketchum family has invited me over for Mexican food!

Teaching has been quite a rollercoaster of emotions lately. It's so very different being a student teacher here than it was in America. It's a real challenge. My students are amazing, though. They're learning so much, and I'm very happy with the argumentative essays they wrote this week.

I've been going to jazzercise in town with a bunch of girlfriends. It's so much fun for me to exercise and dance...It's good for my soul. If you know me, or you love dancing, you know what I mean. I was also invited to the girls dorm's impromptu "dance party," so I danced with my own students! They're so cute, and so much fun to be with.

I leave three weeks from today. I'm looking forward to coming home, at this point.

Trying to Stay Positive

I don't know what I'm doing! Teaching is very hard for me here. I'm now teaching math, english and geography-everything but science, which I start on Monday. The British curriculum is so different than the American. The units I'm given to prepare aren't as structured as I'm used to. I have dozens of textbooks and websites to sort through, and pull the best things to help me deliver the information to the students. Planning lessons are so frustrating...I have a good cry daily because I'm so overwhelmed with all the things I have to learn, create lessons for, and teach.

This is really hard. On top of that, I'm sick for the second round of stomach problems, from the food here on campus. Following Dr.'s orders, I haven't eaten anything but broth soup and toast for 3 days. Last time I had a sick stomach here, it lasted for 7 days, so I hope I get better before that. It gets in the way of everything. I'm weak from lack of nutrients, I don't have much energy to plan lessons, and I have to leave the classroom to run to the bathroom.

This is all so humbling. I can't believe I'll be here 5 more weeks. I just want to go home. I'm praying that I will glorify Him in everything that I do. The staff here is so emotionally supportive and encouraging, and I hope that I can be a blessing to the staff and students here as well.

T.G.I.F.

Thank God it's Friday! It was a hard couple of days. I became really overwhelmed and wanted to throw the towel in. It has been really dark, emotionally and spiritually. Today, my master teacher, Mark asked, "You need a stiff drink?" He was joking with me of course, and it made me laugh :-)

I am struggling with the British curriculum, preparing classwork and homework, and trying to meet people's expectations. Today, things started looking up. I've been receiving such truthful encouragements, emails, text messages from many people. One of my friends here, Stefanie, has been such a blessing to me. Mark has also been giving me so much support and resources to help me teach efficiently. I thank ALL OF YOU for the bottom of my heart.

I was asked to help out on staff with a junior high girls' dorm event tomorrow. We are going to a beautiful place called Jungle Retreat for the day! I've heard that there is a swimming pool, great food and amazing scenery. I'm so excited to get away and have some fun with the girls! God is giving me all that I need. I'm so grateful.

Back in the classroom after Easter Break!

I was glad to get back to teaching after the long ten-day break. It was a good break and all, but I got a bit bored. Toward the end, I got sick of shopping, swimming and watching movies. All those things I can do at home. I'm here to teach, and that's what I wanted to get back to!

On Sunday, I went to church and the preaching was on Romans 5:1-11. The service, worship and people reminded me of EV Free, so I felt like I was at home!I love the grace, peace and hope we have because Christ died for us while we were still sinners. He loves us so much that He sacrificed everything for us, so that we may be saved (vs. 9). I want my life to be all worship to God, for His glory. HE is the reason I'm here, and He is the reason we should live.

Monday was a great full day of teaching Writing, Reading and Math. I was a bit nervous about going back into the classroom after such a long break. I wondered, will I remember all the kids' names? Will I use the wrong terminology? Can I get all the British vocabulary straight again? Well, it went very well! Thank you for all your prayers. I got 4 heartwarming emails from people praying for me on Monday morning. It was encouraging also to hear from my master teacher that I did a good job. Constructive criticism is helpful (I get that a lot), but reflective encouragement from people in authority over me is so good! It's all such a blessing.

This morning, I led the Tuesday morning Bible study for the high schoolers and staff. It went so well! I spoke on the power of the Holy Spirit, telling some things about my experiences in Calcutta and reading a passage frtom 2 Cor. 1. It's a passage about how Paul visits the Corinthians under God's will. The Holy Spirit is the one who enables him to say "Yes" to visiting people. It's a reminder that whenever we do good things, it is because the Spirit is working through us and giving us strength. Its a good reminder for me too!

Easter Break!

I'm getting good at killing spiders, moths and silverfish. Bugs are the most difficult thing for me to get accustomed to here, and they are the things that make me the most homesick. My high school core group girls know how much I hate spiders (I had sort of a melt-down at a sleepover once). So, finding at least 4 bugs a day in my room is difficult to get used to! They're big and startling! I don't like to spend much time in my dorm room, so I spend a lot of time outside....There are less bugs out there.

The girls here are so friendly and AWESOME! The ones around my age have invited me to travel and shop with them during this Easter Break. We went to church on Sunday, and lunch with at the pastor's. Following, Amy and I went swimming and read books by the pool on the beautiful sunny day. It feels a bit like Lake Arrowhead here, with the nice weather and lush, gorgeous trees.

On Monday, we braved the 3+ hour trek to Coimbatore. I went with Louise, Wendy and Amy. I love cultural differences between us, and the fact that we all connect so well. These godly women are an Irish math teacher, an Australian music teacher, and an English art teacher.

On Tuesday, I went swimming with Amy, then to dinner at a good Chinese restaurant. I had my first garlic naan! Yumm!

Since then, Amy and I traveled to the Ooty Library, Ooty museum, and a great French restaurant. I'm enjoying my break, even though I feel homesick :-)

My emotional rollercoaster: The bads and the goods

With this mixture of my 4th day of being sick to my stomach, and still being new here, I've had a mix of emotions. Having to forego meals and be confined to my bed makes me feel very alone.

Fear
Anger
Tears
Illness
Pain
Loneliness
Homesickness
Weakness
Laughter
Mercy (Recipient)
Stomach Ache
Faint-Spells
Low Energy
Joyful
Happiness
Humor
Boredom
Exhaustion
Interested in conversation
Nervous
Blessed
Connected
Joyful
Thankful
Content

God graciously gave me some joyful surprises throughout the day, like a laugh with Aaron, a talk with Ruthie, a good movie, and dinner with Amy, Chris and Fiona. Thank you Lord!

My little prayer warriors

Today was my day of illness and nostalgia. I ate something that made me get sick to my stomach. For the last 48 hours, I've been either in bed, in the bathroom, or in the campus hospital. I haven't eaten anything but broth and toast. Tonight I was diagnosed with dehydration and low blood pressure, so I stayed in the hospital bed for the evening. Being tired, sick and bored made me miss my family so much. There is something about a mother and father's care, and a sister's kiss on the cheek when I'm feeling under the weather. I get to talk with them here on video chat, and I'm so thankful for that, but it's just not the same.

I've been resting and reading a lot. I watched The Time Traveler's Wife, and it just made me miss Aaron more. Sometimes, I go out to the garden just to get some fresh air and sit on the bench. Seeing the kids walk by make me smile. They laugh, play and climb trees. Most of them know I'm sick because this is such a small school. One 4-year-old, Ashley, said in her cute British accent, "I hope you feel better soon, Miss Winter!" One 9-year-old girl, Anna, said to me tonight, "The elementary school prayed for you today. We hope you're feeling better," as I was walking to the campus hospital. What a blessing these beautiful children are. I can't help but smile and thank them. I thank God for the ways he is bringing people as substitutes for my family and Aaron while I'm missing them. Pray for my healing!

Weekend #1

Good weekend. Really, really good weekend.

On Saturday, I woke up to the sound of the little boys in my dorm complex playing and having fun. I'm honestly thankful I'm in the 3rd-5th grade boy dorm because they are so cute! They always have so much fun and they are crazy! I want one....sometime :-)

Soon after waking, I spoke with my parents and grandparents on video chat. I love them! They are so encouraging and affirming. After, I went to have some time with God in the large botanical gardens a few minute's walk away, where hundreds of tourists occupy. It was beautiful, and I got to meet lots of locals and tourists. I forgot how unusual and white I look compared to the locals here. I then headed up to Andrew and Joy's flat to have a homemade British lunch with their family. Joy made toasted ham and cheese sandwiches, and for dessert-chocolate and cream profiteroles! Look at my facebook album for pics.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=68603825&aid=2087949&s=0&hash=2059cd115aa42c1bf519194c6e046694

That night, the school's student council put on a 60's event called "Purple Haze," complete with costumes, performances and tons of food. I bought a bunch of things to support their fundraising. A couple of the songs really reminded me of home- "Need You Know" by Lady Antebellum and "Beer on the Table" by Josh Thompson. The kids' fake American accent is really funny, especially when they're attempting the country twang.

On Sunday, I went to church with Stef and Amy at Tamil Baptist, a church who preaches in the local language, Tamil, and has it translated into English. It was a beautiful Easter service and I was really glad we sang "Christ the Lord is Risen Today." The pastor and his wife had us over for a delicious Indian lunch. It was so nice and I was blessed to get to know them!

The parents of the boarding school kids are in town for the biannual parents week where the kids get to show their parents around their school, and temporary "home." Tonight, it's 6:30 pm and I'm heading out to the Chapel for a service at which a bunch of missionary parents are sharing their testimonies and their ministries. I'm so excited to hear from the missionaries!

Me, Stefanie, Amy and Elly

These girls are so great :-)

God's gift of friends

I got my luggage! It's been quite an experience of which I'm grateful to be forced to go out with my luggage for these 6 days. I've been loaned 4 salwars from my new friend, Katie, and 3 of them from Dr. Revanthi. Stefanie, a teacher from Oregon, went shopping with me to get toiletries, a power surge protector, sandals and a salwar. God has shown His faithfulness and provision as I've been with out my familiar things packed in my 2 checked suitcases. Getting them late last night was a surprising blessing!

It's been a relaxing Friday. At 6 a.m., I woke up and decided to watch Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs in bed. At 9, I went to the school's Good Friday service, then video chatted with my Dad, Grandad, Grandma and Aaron online. Seeing my loved ones, from across the world, every once in a while is a really neat thing. Mom, I want to video chat with you again soon!

I watched 17 Dresses this afternoon to unwind and relax. You'll notice in the photo I've cut my own bangs...I got a bit bored and wanted a little change of appearance. Later, I went to visit Amy's flat; she's pictured the 3rd girl, between Stafanie and Elly (far right). She made us some tea and we chatted about love lives. It turns out a lot of the single women here have attachments overseas as I do. She met me in the places where I miss Aaron. It's alright, though. I believe this distance is a good thing for both of us to go through. Later, a bunch of the staff went out to eat at an Indian hotel. I had a strawberry milkshake, cheese dolsa (like a crepe), and finger chips (french fries)!

Hinduism and Hugs

I've been coughing and sneezing so much lately. I thought I had caught a cold yesterday, but today I realize, I'm allergic to the dust on most of the books and walls here. I found out that I'm also allergic to my sheets, so I took them off before I slept. It's much better now. I slept much better last night. 8 hours!

Sleep comes easier than I thought it would. Since I'm a light sleeper, you'd think I'd be up all night with the noises outside my walls. The 4-6th grade boys who live in my dorm complex shout, laugh and pound about like elephants. Wild dogs bark, growl and fight outside noisily from dark until about 3 a.m. A Hindu call to worship, an Indain singing voice on a loud speaker, wakes me up every morning at about 5 a.m. It sounds so eery and demonic, it disturbs me and I can't get back to sleep. I'm so thankful that our God is more powerful than any false one, and much more powerful than the evil one himself. I put my ipod in my ears to drown out the Hindu singing and pray for a few more hours of sleep until I have to get up at 7:30. I haven't been able to sleep past 6 yet, but it's ok. Birds start chirping and keep me company at about 6:30, and I enjoy getting dressed early and going out to the gardens outside.

I haven't been hugged by anyone since my parents and boyfriend hugged me goodbye. Aaron was the last person I hugged, really, the last person I touched, minus the cordial hand-shakes I've politely received. I'm very concerned about being culturally appropriate, so I know that it's not permissible to touch a man. But even with women, I'm not sure yet, is it alright to hug the women I've become friends with? Is it acceptable to ask a girl for a hug goodnight? Is it alright to hug a student goodbye after we've had a conversation in her dorm at night? I've never gone a couple of days with out a hug, and I'm learning that even though physical touch isn't one of my main love languages, I do need it. It's one of the ways I feel love.

The British-Run Classroom

There are so many differences between the British and American curriculum, and even the everyday vocabulary used. I'm able to laugh at myself, so that when the people here laugh, it's "with" me and not "at" me!

Here are some of the dozens of things I'm keeping in mind as I converse with people and teach.

Trousers=Pants

Prep=Homework

Register=Attendance/Role

Half 3=3:30

30 March=March 30th

Standard Six=5th Grade

The lou=Bathroom

Lift=Elevator

Uni=University/College

Computer Suite=Computer Lab

Home/Flat=Dorm

Original Home=Home

Bonnet/Boot=Front/Back of a car

Morning Play=Recess

Religious Education=Bible Class

Maths=Math

(Bobblehead movement)=Yes

Tamil=Local Language

Holiday=Break/Vacation

Lovely=Cool

Speech marks=Quotation Marks

Full Stop=Period (This one is hard to remember to say!)

Learning Intention=Teaching Standard/Learning Goal

Rubbish Bin=Trash Can

I love my students!

It's beautiful here! I love my kids, and the teachers. praise him!

This school is much more overtly faith-based than i thought! They have a morning assembly each day, in which there is a devotional. We pray, and the kids pray out loud too. They are very mature kids, especially for 10 year olds. They welcomed me and introduced me in the assembly, and one of the girls prayed for me. It was so powerful and encouraging.

My luggage got lost in Singapore, and I still don't have it. I might get it on Thursday, but there's no guarantee. One of the things I miss, that I packed in my checked luggage, is my American snacks. I'm learning a lot about myself...All of the "stuff" I use, and consume, to get me through each day. The Father is gracious in revealing things to me. Even though i dont have the familiarity of the food I packed, my stomach is doing OK with the spicy food. I like it so far.

I observed my class today for the first time! It turns out that Standard 6 is equivalent to 5th Grade, which is my favorite age! It was a total surprise to get 10 and 11 year olds! I love lvoe love love them already. i have 22 kids from all over the world. Most speak 2 or 3 languages. It's amazing! One of them lived in Calcutta for 10 years, so i want to talk with her about that city soon. And the American kids in my class feel really excited about me being there. There are only 2 of us, on staff, from America, so they told me I'm a piece of "home" for them. It's awesome!

I got to play the piano for a bunch of them during our hour-and-fifteen minute lunch break (really long break!). I played a few faith based songs from the piano books the school owns. Connecting with them through song, while they sang along with me, was so good for my soul. I'm falling in love with these kids so much and its only my first day with them! It was so fun!

Botanical Gardens

From my dorm room, I have a view of the botanical gardens in Ooty. This is the bench right outside my window :-)

Beautiful Hebron School

I'm here in Ooty safe and sound! When I arrived at the Coimbatore airport at 12 a.m., I waited by the conveyor belt until it was completely empty. I was notified by a smiling Indian staff member, "Your bags aren't here." I have nothing but airplane-soiled clothes, an ipod and some books. WHAT?! WHEN WILL THEY BE HERE? "Your bags won't be coming until maybe Thursday morning," he said with the obnoxious smile still on his face. For those of you who have been to India before, you know what I mean. It's a face-saving mechanism. As he took down all my info and phone number, I remembered that things won't always go as planned, and it's OK!

Andrew, my mentor, picked me up and we talked in the taxi until we arrived at Hebron School at 3:30 a.m. Ooty is a honeymoon destination, among other traveling people. It was so beautiful, I could tell even in the darkness. He gave me a quick tour of the cafeteria, dorms and then gave me my key. My dorm room is so cute! There is a bed, some chairs around a small table, and a desk and chair to do work at. My closet will be put to use when my bags get here (IF my bags get here.) It's all decorated so cute! I have my own bathroom too. I was too excited to sleep, so I journaled.

All this reminds me of my past trips to Calcutta. The humid night air as I walked out of the airport, the cement floors inside simple homes (dorms), the smells (that's right, I'm quite fond of them), the Indian accents and foreign language that is music to my ears. God has done so much through me and within me in this amazing country, and I trust He will do more for His glory in this trip.

It was a shock for me to think about surviving with out my luggage....No toothpaste, no clean underwear or clothing, no shower supplies, no food, no salwars. I worried about offending the locals here by coming outside my dorm with out taking a shower, and in American clothes. I had to really trust God to provide or give everyone understanding. During a quick phone call with my parents, my sister's advice was that I wouldn't leave my dorm room so culturally inappropriate! Hahaha thanks Amy that helps :-/

I met a teacher from America named Stefanie, and she brought me to meet my master teacher, Mark and my 6th Grade class. They were rehearsing for a Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat performance, and when I walked into the auditorium, they all pointed at me and gave me such a warm, excited greeting. "Hi Miss Winter!" was all I could hear. They are so cute!

I bought necessary supplies at the market, which Andrew walked me to in the rain, and I finally got to take a shower. The food is so great here! After dinner, a sweet girl named Elly from the UK invited me over to her flat for tea. Our prayers for a good friend are already answered, as she offered me her clothing and food, as well as her precious time to just talk with me.

I have so much information in my head right now, and dozens of names! I'm loving every minute of it, and God is walking so close to me in all of it. I'm excited to observe in my classroom tomorrow!

Technologically Challenged

...At least I can spell it, right?
I thought there was a problem with my power adapter, but it turns out I just wasn't using it right! Big surprise, huh. The nice lady at the electronic store explained it to me. You'd think I'd remember, after using adapters 4 times. Oh well.

It's been a good layover. I worked out for an hour, slept in my hotel room, talked with Aaron online and read my book. When I woke up in my hotel room, I thought I was in my bed at home. I reached over for my cell phone and realized I was in Singapore! A big smile spread across my face. I'm so excited to be in Asia!

When I finally had an appetite (after 24 hours of not eating) I ate a bowl of soup and a starbucks latte. I wanted to buy my mom a Singapore starbucks gift card, but they are only redeemable in Singapore. I got a pedicure next, per mom's suggestion. The women working at the airport here are nice, and fun to have conversations with.

I'm here at my gate, 2 hours early. It was so easy to find because it was directly beneath my hotel!

Singapore Airport

The "goodbyes" with my mom, dad and Aaron in LAX were really hard, sad and tearful. I love them so much.

The flight was good! I felt so blessed because I had a couple of nice women by me, and one of them offered me her aisle seat.

I watched some good movies: Couple's Retreat, An Education and Everything's Fine, which had an amazing plot at great message about honesty and communication. After that 12 hour flight, I had a layover in Japan. On my 7 hour flight from Japan to Singapore, no one was sitting next to me, so I took a sleeping pill and laid down on the next chair. It was so comfortable I slept the whole flight! So now, I'm in Singapore airport. I checked into my hotel room and read The Voice in the Wind in there for a while. I don't feel sleepy so I checked my emails and worked out at the gym. I have 16 more hours of this layover...It's pretty boring by myself but it's alright. God is keeping me in good spirits. It's about 5 am here, Singapore time. My internal clock is already really off! But I'm planning on pushing through the time change when I get to India.

Thanks for all your encouragements and prayers. A good friend of mine gave me a note to open on the plane, and that warmed my heart. She reminded me to be where I'm at, all the time. The Father has me at these places for a reason, and I want to experience it deeply with Him.

Travel Time!

I'm leaving for India tomorrow morning. I'm so excited! My plane takes off at 2:10 p.m., and thus starts my 48 hour travel time. I fly about 19 hours to Singapore, then layover for 22 hours, sleep in a hotel, and fly 7 hours to India. My supervisor will pick me up at the airport, and drive me 3 hours up a windy mountain side up to the town of Ooty. The flight, layovers and travel time make me nervous. In the past, I've never fallen asleep on a plane, except when I could use Aaron's shoulder. I'm preparing myself for a cramped couple of days. A Voice in the Wind and some Henri Nouwen books are in my carry-on bag. Singapore Airlines has hundreds of movies, songs and TV Shows to watch, too.

I'm so excited to meet everyone at the International School in India. I talked to my supervisor in India on Monday night, and he was so kind. It was encouraging to hear that he's been praying for me, and he assured me I'll have some good female friends there. I'm excited to meet the people in the dorm complex I'll be living in. I'm ready to make new friendships and get to know people on the other side of the world!

3 weeks out

The trip is getting closer, and I'm feeling so much regarding it. Each day I feel different toward it- Sometimes scared, unprepared, or too tired to go, and sometimes happy, excited, and deeply thankful to have the opportunity and support.

Am I ready?

Fear creeps in often. I'm scared of traveling alone, with no one who is familiar to me. I'm scared of finding my way through international airports, and catching planes on time (I'm directionally challenged). I have a weak immune system, I realize, as I sit here, taking a sick day, sick with an infection I caught from my students. Will I get sick in India, I wonder? I'm exhausted. I don't know if I have the strength to do this. But I do know that God in me does.

I am going to send in my passport for my VISA today. I finally got all the things together in order to send it. I've been to the doctors for some much needed sleep medication. There's a lot of anxiety rising up in me because of student teaching, preparing to leave for India and keeping up with the dozens of other commitments I have in my life right now.

Dr. Marla Campbell, my favorite teacher from Biola, met with me and treated me for coffee. She imparted some wisdom about going overseas and teaching there. It was so great for me to process my thoughts and worries with her. God is going with me on quite an adventure, she reminded me. This is an opportunity of a lifetime that will probably go by so quickly. I am going to learn things and go through experiences I could never have gone through here. Thank the Lord, I'm excited about that!

I'm going to miss someone really special to me. My best friend, my boyfriend. He brings me to truth, points me toward God and loves me unconditionally. I'm thankful I have a Father who will show me those things especially while I'm away from everyone familiar to me. My best friend, Ruthie will also be truly missed. She meets me right where I'm at, speaks wisdom to me and comforts me in the toughest times. I'll be feeling the lack of these two loved ones. I pray that while I'm gone they will find in God a source of true joy, a refuge in times of trouble and worry.

What am I excited about? Adventure. Teaching. Meeting children from all over the world. Interacting with a British staff, and discovering ways that we relate. Making friends with fellow teachers. Spreading God's love to people in the ways He allows me to. I feel peace about it all, God is bringing me on this trip!

Ash Wednesday

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent which last for 46 days. Ending on Easter Day, Lent is a tradition with the themes of repentence, worship and self sacrifice practiced in the Roman Catholic and some Christian churches. Catholics traditionally observe Ash Wednesday by going to a liturgical service and putting ashes on their foreheads, in the shape of a cross. This symbolizes repentence for sins, and remembers Christ's sacrificial death on the cross. Similarly, Christians can also receive ashes on their foreheads if they are saved and baptized. From this day on until Easter Sunday, people observe Lent by giving up something they enjoy, whether it be a pleasure or a sin. For Christians, this is optional, and it is my first time observing Lent.

Lent is not meant to be a time where religious people show their own willpower by using their own strength to give up something. It is a time to notice something that has become pervasive, or overabundant in your life, and sacrifice your indulgence in that thing in worship to God. This has a lot to do with humility, in fact. Instead of the pride that many people associate with Lent, thinking "I can do with out this, I'm so good. Look at me," I believe God's heart in this time is to teach us more about dependence on Him and His strength in our hearts.

I decided with God last night to give up red meat for Lent, during this 46 day time-span. You see, steak is my favorite food, in fact, I've eaten a steak dinner 3 times in the last week. I eat red meat approximately every other day, and I notice it has become a staple in my mealtimes. With the motive of worshipping God, I am going to forego all red meat (burgers, pot roast, steak, pork...) for the next 46 days. When I crave my meat that I enjoy so much, I will intentionally turn my heart toward God in humility, worship and admiration. He is really all I need. My deep joy comes from Him alone. I look forward to this journey with God.

Hello Blogosphere

Yeah, I used the term. I actually googled it to make sure I used the right spelling...My boyfriend's geekiness might be rubbing off on me.

I am new to this.

I asked Aaron to help me make this blog, for one main reason. I want to blog when I go to India. Exactly six weeks from today, I'll be arriving in Ooty, a town in Southern India, to teach a 6-grade class there. Some of my experiences, discoveries and thoughts that I want to share with friends and family will be posted from now on.

This decision to go to India all by myself for 6 weeks is one of the most sure, God-led decisions I've ever made. Biola University offers the opportunity to complete the last 9 weeks of the student teaching semester overseas, anywhere. It's not a well-promoted program, so I heard about it through one classmate who, in passing, mentioned she was going to China last Fall. I said I'd be interested in going to India and finding out more about it, and she looked doubtful. "Tomorrow is the last day to apply for overseas student teaching in the Spring." I thought, and prayed, then turned in my completed application with a sure heart and steady soul.

I was accepted, and with in a month, given the name of a school in the country I requested: Beautiful India. I'll be teaching 6th grade in a boarding school that is Christian, not by name, but by ownership. I'm flying (in the air for about 23 hours both ways) alone, and living in India for 2 months with people I have not yet met. Teaching 6th grade for the first time is a scary thought, but also utterly exciting.

Preparing for this trip has been bringing up so many things within me so far. God is sifting through my heart with me, growing me in certain ways, and developing in me a deep desire for adventure with Him. Having gone 3 times in the past, I have a heart for this country. The photo above portrays a bit of my love for India, and I know my love for those precious children there will continue to grow over time.