As a teacher of English as a second language, I consistently meet students from all over the world. The question “Where are you from?” is very common in my classroom. I myself am frequently asked this question after people learn that I speak Spanish. In both of these cases, a one word answer of a country […]
Category: Life
the unforgiving minute
I recently read the poem “If” by Rudyard Kipling with one of my classes. Even though I taught this same poem last year, these lines caught my attention this year: “If you can fill the unforgiving minute With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run…” Any time I read the word “unforgiveness,” I feel a small twinge in my heart, […]
moments
I am reminded to be grateful for each moment… every hug from my parents, every kiss from my husband, every phone call with my brother, every laugh shared with a friend, every opportunity to encourage one of my students, every dream for the future, every chance to love someone else, every moment to live and […]
beyond cynicism
“There is a movement bubbling up that goes beyond cynicism and celebrates a new way of living, a generation that stops complaining about the church it sees and becomes the church it dreams of.” //Shane Claiborne
non-goals
I used to dislike New Year’s resolutions. I grew tired of seeing list after list of goals that people never accomplished, or didn’t even seem to care about two weeks later. While I am still wary of making unattainable goals, I now appreciate people who make bold resolutions. I admire their desire to improve and their courage to share their […]
give
My word for 2014 was follow, and throughout the year I learned the importance of pursuing God not only in the midst of change, but also when life remains constant. This year, my word is give. In the last meal Jesus shared with His disciples before he was killed, He said, “This is my body, which is for […]
giving thanks
This year, I am giving thanks… For my students, who challenge me to grow every day, For my friends, both new and old, who help me to experience and enjoy life, For my grandparents, who shower me with love, kindness, and wisdom, For my in-laws, who never fail to make me crack up laughing each […]
my mantra
when september ends
Field Adventures//Breakfast Dates//Family Time//Evening Walks//Afternoon Naps//Weekend Trips
on your marks
I lace up my spikes with unsteady hands and make my way to the starting line. Girls with uniforms of all different styles and hues repeat their rituals—jogging in place, jumping up and down, stretching their calves—as calls ring out from the announcer and echo across the stadium. At last, the time comes: “Girls, find your starting places.” I shuffle […]