Fall

It's not an understatement to say that I have a slight obsession with fall. That obsession is probably worse this year since I am living on an island where of course leaves don't change color and the temperature doesn't become "crisp." There aren't hayrides or visits to the pumkin patches. I am missing fall so much more, knowing I cannot experience it. Except in ways that I can bring fall to the island.

So, I have been frantically been searching for fall scents to add to my apartment and classrooms. I am planning to host a fall party later in October so that all those here can bring their own fall recipes and traditions. I've even added a few decorations to my classroom. More will be added before long.

My favorite thing so far is my students' reactions to fall. I haven't failed in communicating  how much I love the season. I've been reading books about fall this week, and their faces are priceless when they see they red, yellow, and orange trees. They've never seen this in person before, so it's as if they are seeing a magical land of pretty trees. I wish that I had a pile of leaves for them to jump into. Maybe with a year's time I can figure out how to make that happen for next year's kindergarteners. They will be decorating their own leaves tomorrow to hang in my classroom, and I can't wait to see their reaction when they come in the room on Friday and see the leaves above their seats. It amazes me how even though I've lived through 24 falls, they have never experienced it before. Yet we are celebrating together with almost equal excitement. Makes me wonder how they will react when I teach them about winter and snow!

Carrying Burdens

It's pretty late (for a school night). For the second night in a row, I cannot sleep. Last night it was because I bought my plane ticket to go home for Christmas, and the excitement kept me from sleeping. Tonight it is a much different reason.

Ever have one of those days or weeks when you realize that while everything is going great for you personally, those around you are in pain and there's nothing that can be done? What do you do when a friend tells you news that is causing them and their family so much pain, and there are no words? Sometimes there truly just are not words. Especially if it is a situation that we have no personal experience with.  Maybe that is where the whole "carry each others' burdens" thing comes to play. Perhaps that doesn't translate to "Say encouraging things and look up Scripture to help them feel better or see things the correct way." Let's just be honest, how many times have you had something horrible happen and all you get is cheesy cliched quotes that make you feel everything but relieved or encouraged. Maybe I'm saying this because it is a pet peeve of mine, but it's also honest.

Possibly to carry another person's burden means something more along the lines of keeping my mouth shut, even in trying to find the right words for prayer. Perhaps it means to feel their sorrow also; to experience their pain, to cry for them. Or to have that horrible sinking feeling in the bottom of your heart and offer that to God instead of words. Especially if their sorrow and pain is so great that they cannot bring themselves to go to Him themselves. When there is a lack of knowing what to say in response to their news, many of us say "I'm praying for you." Maybe it should be "I'm crying for you" or "I'm hurting for you" instead. Turning to God and seeking his Greatness means more than just saying words.

Rainy Days = Crazy Students!

     The past couple of weeks have been incredibly busy and exhausting. While the workload hasn't been greater necessarily, I haven't been feeling very well. This appears to be the sick season in Puerto Rico. Many of my students have been out sick and many of the staff at the school are getting sick as well. While most of them have been experiencing more obvious symptoms, I've just been feeling very exhausted each day. This was most evident last weekend through earlier this week, however the last couple of days I've been feeling much better. Please pray for the staff and students here at school though as many are not feeling well. I even students who have missed multiple days of school because of this.
   
     The Toa Baja Christian Church has officially begun their new transformation into a child-centered church. The first two weeks were quite a blessing with several children from the school and neighborhood in attendance, as well as their parents. Everyone seems to really enjoy the morning as well as the curriculum. In September our theme is "faith." I have been working with the 5th and 6th graders who I enjoy very much. The first week went well, but I felt that last week everyone was more relaxed and ready to have fun. This is a ministry that I am stoked about. Please continue to pray for Toa Baja church, our leaders and the children that we will be serving as this ministry unfolds. I will try to upload some photos on here when they come available.

     As I finish up this blog, I would like to share with you some encouraging words that I heard today. As I have kindergartners, my days are pretty hectic. I have been in a constant struggle of how to control them as I am getting used to this new school and its curriculum in addition to everything else I am learning to adapt to. This week has been rainy so the kids have not had recess and have been extra antsy and rambunctious, so my stress level has been a bit higher. Any teacher, parent, or anyone who has worked with children can understand this feeling. At the staff meeting today a second grade teacher shared this in her devotion, paraphrased of course: Keep in mind that it is not you who chose your students. God allowed you to have them. And he knows what each of those students needs, and YOU are the perfect teacher for each of your students this year.

     Needless to say, that definitely has got me thinking today...

Birthday Surprise!

It has been a very busy week. Last Saturday my parents surprised me with a visit that they've had planned since before I moved here! It was wonderful to have them here all week to join in on my life in Puerto Rico. They decorated my bedroom in my apartment, and it is beautiful.  It's uplifiting to have a bit of their creativity in my daily life! They were also able to visit my classroom, do a lot of sightseeing around the island, and celebrate my birthday with me. The rainforest has been closed due to hurricane damage, unfortunately, however there were still plenty of places to visit, including Old San Juan, the forts of San Juan, and an island owned by Puerto Rico called Culebra. Check out my Facebook page for photographs!!! Needless to say their surprise visit was such a great birthday present!

Yesterday was such an exciting day at the Toa Baja Christian Church. We had our Children's Service Kick-Off day. From now on our church's focus will turn to children's ministry in hopes to reach children and their parents in Levittown. We will begin each service with fun worship songs for the kids followed by a message. After this the kids split into small groups according to their grade. I am a leader for the 5th and 6th grade group with a college student named Marisol. The curriculum that we are using has a different theme for each month, and the month of September is about faith. Please Continue to pray for the TBCC ministry and the changes we are undergoing. We are encouraged after yesterday's kick-off, as all children and their parents seemed to enjoy the morning very much!