The Red Cup of Yuletide Greetings

Sometimes living as an expat the things that are missed just seem silly. If I were back home I wouldn't miss them. In fact I would rarely even care about them. But, for some reason those "silly" things are big reminders of home.

Some silly things I miss in no order of missing: Mountain Dew (barely drink it at home), drinking fountains, window screens, parking lots (not parking garages), elementary sports(maybe not as silly) I miss seeing my students play, and american chinese food (I can see some people shaking their heads).

The other day on a friend's status update they were laughing at the fact that people get so excited about the red cups at Starbucks. I to would be one of those people laughing at how funny that is, especially because I could care less about Starbucks in Oregon. The only reason I ever went there was when friends were working (right Heide?).  But here when they say that those holiday drinks are coming, with the possibility of that red cup, many of us get excited. We get excited because we can have that piece of home across the ocean. At the moment we may not get to be with our family, but we can warm our hands (not much warming needed) and warm our hearts as we recall those memories God has given us.

So as you get your Starbucks red cup, or better yet a red, blue, or green Dutch Bros cup think about how silly it is that people get excited about them. Then think of your friends that are somewhere overseas and drop them a message.

Here are some fun things that I have gotten to do the last few weeks:

Fun graph projects

The kids came up with their own question
 and ways to collect data.

Its great to have a great friend
for friendly rivalry.

Technology PD, obviously the focus was not on
 "How to take good non-blurry selfies"

Mr. Randall and Captain Zeb

Friends came to visit

Prayers: 

My parents are in the Philippines at the time, but in 5 weeks they get to come and visit for Christmas, pray for safety and health as they share the Gospel.

Pray for my church as we continue to search for a worship/associate pastor

Leaving Grade 1

As I prepare for the end of another year, I am sad but excited.

There are a few reasons to be sad but excited:

People moving- means not seeing them on a daily or weekly basis, but God has new great things in store.

Moving students up- they are no longer my kids, but they get an opportunity to learn in new ways.

Although those two are big in being a teacher in an international setting, they are not what weighs heaviest.

The item that weighs heaviest is moving grade levels. Those people who have never done this may not understand. Maybe this chart will help you understand.

Sad... No longer helping to tie shoes. No longer pretending I can do hair. No longer looking like superman. No longer teaching basic math. No longer having a co-teacher.

Excited... I no longer have to tie shoes! My shaky hands won’t fumble with hair clips I won’t have to move the desks alone! I get to relearn harder things! Getting to have my own class back!

The dependence that 1^st grade students have is something to be cherished. This age I am sad to leave. Those toothless grins cannot be replaced. Those comments from the passing Kindy students about how loud I am will not be forgotten.

I look forward to the 4^th grade independence. I look forward to the conversations that go beyond the student. I look forward to seeing old students up in their new hall.

So yes I am sad to leave the primary grades, but I am excited to see what is in store.

Kids are still kids no matter the age. They will still have quirks. They will still need some help. They will still need a teacher that shows them God’s love everyday.

I may have six weeks this summer, but I sure have a lot to prepare for.
Please pray for:
safe travels
preparation for the new year and grade
rest

As always I apologize for the non-fluidity of this, and spelling/grammar mistakes.

Who wouldn't miss these kids?