On this day, it was pouring rain, and Granny decided to make a "hat" out of a plastic bag to go over her head! :)
I've also had time to enjoy God's workmanship in the sunsets...
And the rain...
I spent four days with my sister Carrie and her family in Kansas...and I got to meet Parker, my step-nephew. He is an adorable four year old that will steal your heart if you meet him too!
Lately I've been "thinking in pictures..." Well - not really thinking in pictures, I guess, but seeing things that stand out to me as potential pictures. I love spending time with my camera, exploring new and old places and finding things to take pictures of!
Like Salina, Kansas and its scenery...
And I've enjoyed sweet times of fellowship with new friends from church...and yes, a milkshake or two!
God has been making Himself SO apparent to me over the past couple of months.
I've written some about my job situation, but here's a short recap...
*April - the board voted to close my school at the end of the year but promised us all jobs (such a blessing!)
*April-May - Still waiting to hear where I would be placed (no music openings, but a guaranteed job) Lots of prayer, trust, faith, and patience...praying I would be an example of joy and peace to those who saw me waiting
*May - Job offer that I was NOT expecting! 1/2 day 3rd grade music at an off-post elementary school (so excited about this!) and 1/2 day high school guitar (Uh, Lord....really?...Are you SURE you got the right person?...) I had never really played guitar (other than a one-quarter elective class in jr. high) and have never really worked with high schoolers as a teacher. So...
*Last week - the HR coordinator called me and visited about my real opinion of the high school position. I figured since he was asking, it was my opportunity to be honest - a little stressed. Ok, maybe a lot stressed.
*Wednesday of last week - another phone call...a new offer. K-6 music full-time at an elementary school on-post. That teacher would like to go to the high school and has guitar experience. Wow. Thank you, Lord. I love my kids so much.
If I had been offered or assigned this job in the Spring, I don't think I would have felt very excited. I was a little burnt out and ready for a change. I wasn't feeling like an effective teacher, and felt frustrated that I wasn't enjoying what I was doing. I loved my kids SO much, but hated that I wasn't a "good" teacher. But, as time went on, and I thought about not having my own room next year, learning guitar over the summer well enough to teach it (No, thank you! ha), teaching high schoolers, losing my Smart Board (that I wrote a grant to receive), and missing my kids from Pick....I realized that maybe I was an okay teacher. And that if I had the chance...I'd like to try again. So now, God has given me that chance. And even though adding sixth grade makes me nervous, it is nothing compared to high school. And He is good. He will give me the strength...if I ask! I will have all the things I talked about missing, plus another chance at a new year. And if I should happen to go overseas after next year, I think I'll feel more like I had the chance to "finish" or leave on a good note...(no pun intended! lol). I'm excited that I'll have more opportunities to take pictures like this one....
And maybe I'll even get more notes like this one...
God knows best. I have to keep telling myself that, even though I know it. And I have to choose to trust Him....with everything!
Yea! I'm excited for you!
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