Victory in Jesus

A dear friend, mentor, and mom-figure for me during college passed away last week. I'm very thankful I was able to go to the funeral, and say goodbye. Thank you Mrs. Joyce Garland for the love and encouragement you gave me for all those years. I thank the Lord for the blessing you were to me.

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Psalms 23

centres

After attending a teachers' convention in Myrtle Beach last week, I'm full of ideas and projects to put to use in my classroom. It's pretty exciting around my room. We are playing more games, and trying to make better use of time. The big difference that I'm working towards is incorporating learning centres into my regular scheduled day. Instead of a lot of busy-work that doesn't do much, I'm trying to create interactive/enjoyable centres or activities that my kids can do once they've completed the seatwork assigned. I have already cut their seatwork total in half, and am trying to get them used to accomplishing it in a better block of time since they will only have half an hour to get it done as compared to the 45-60 minutes they've been getting. In rotation, my kids will do 30 minutes of seatwork, 30 minutes with me (reading), and 30 minutes at centres. We'll see how it goes. Yes, I know I'm using the Canadian way to spell centers/ centres. I like the spelling better, and hey, I need to get out my Canadianisms somehow since I'm in Dixie now. Back to grading papers... :)

ups and downs

Seven and a half weeks into my first year of teaching. It seems incredible that the Lord has allowed me to teach, and be the sole leader for a classroom. It still strikes me at odd moments. I'm in charge, for better or for worse. The ten kiddos are learning from my example/good and bad.

Very humbling... Oh that I would be wearing my armor as I should (Eph. 6) and seeking the Lord as I should to be in the right spirit day by day.

open house

Hi,

Tonight was open house for my new school. I'm so thankful for how the Lord has provided me a job, and an opportunity to serve Him- and do what I love. I'm really excited about this school year. The staff has been having an incredible in-service week with a focus on Who God is, and the important thing for teachers is that we need to know God before we can live Him- for our students and their families.

I'm overwhelmed by the wonders He bestows. I don't praise Him enough, talk to Him, or seek His face for direction. But He is still faithful, and continues to bless me and show me that He is in control.

What an awesome God! :)

No news is good news (July 7th... ish)

Hello dear friends and family,

I have so much to tell, but not much time or space to tell it. Since my long ago note just before graduation I've worked many odd jobs including painting the walls of the pharmacy where my Mom works, put away items from two pharmacy orders, paint two store signs, babysat, garden, clean offices, tend counter at "Everthing Scottish" gift shop, and several other things that I'm not remembering. :)

I took one of our church girls (Megan) to the WILDs Christian Camp last week. We went for the day just to see what it was like. I'd had never gone, but I knew that it was a wonderful place for many people and I wanted to provide Megan with a way of growing and learning about our Lord.

Another reason I took Megan to the WILDS was because I've accepted a teaching job, and I knew that I wouldn't have much time left with Megan. She is like a little sister, so I didn't want to leave her without doing something special.

Jobs: Some of you may have read from my blog (the link should be at the bottom of this page) I haven't updated it often, but I have posted my job situation. Cornerstone Christian Academy in Fayetteville, NC (about 5 hours from my parents') has given me a position to teach 2nd grade in their elementary school. I'm really excited about working with this school. I found their website through the American Association of Christian Schools, and was impressed, so I sent an email with my resume attached during a time when I was sending out many resumes. The principal replied and wanted to find a time to meet. I appreciated the welcome, and the warmth of the people right away. Their philosophy and ministry focus was very refreshing.

During my school searching I got an email about a possibility to teach overseas in 2011. I hoped that by then my braces would be close to coming off, so I'd be free to help in a international ministry. I responded to an email and met with the principal for Condell Park Christian School in Sydney, Australia. They were looking for a teacher to come for July 2011 to teach a combined 5th and 6th grade class.

About a month after graduation, I got a call one early morning from Sydney asking me to come. I was shocked. I never expected to be the one chosen. It took some time, but I'm thankful for how the Lord did give me peace about this and is providing me with a way to get experience not too far from home this fall, then next summer go to Sydney and take this opportunity of a lifetime to learn and teach in an overseas setting. Cornerstone is understanding and willing to let me teach only a year. I think they'd prefer longer term, as would I, but my prayer is to give them my best, and learn this first year of teaching, then be ready for the next hurdle/learning opportunity as it comes.

Cornerstone classes start early August so right now I'm juggling a fews days of work, the rest is spent with family, and helping where I can. It will be a bit of a challenge to get back into teaching mode after my few months off. I really appreciate how so many of you have expressed interest, and encouraged me before and during my college years, and now as I go out to serve. I do have some struggles, the continual fight I have with trusting God, and getting used to the idea of living on my own. I'm packing away a lot of stuff, or trying to find people/places that can use a lot of the things that I've accumulated over time.

I will try to send updates. Please let me know how I can pray for you. I don't have many good ways to keep informed, and I do want to know how to pray for you.
in Christ,
Beth:)

Best laid plans

It has been too long. Oh, well. I'm learning I can't please everybody, or accomplish everything I want to. I can't fix the world's problems, and need to narrow my goals. (In other words, so I can say "no" once in a while, and make lists of things that need to be done...to prioritize.)

Job front, I've accepted a teaching position at Cornerstone Christian Academy in Fayetteville, NC. School starts August 11th. I never thought it would go through, but I also got a call to teach at a school in Sydney Australia, start date for June/July 2011. As far as I know, I'm going to leave mid June for Sydney next year.

Something I learned during college is that the Lord has his own plan. I'm not fearful about this (which is my emotional way of showing a lack of faith) so unless the Lord changes things it looks like close to this time next year I'll be down-under. :) I would rather wait to be sure about Sydney, but the school there needed an answer for their recruiting purposes. I know the Lord will help me keep my word.

I also need the Lord to help me focus on the tasks at hand, and help me be 100% in Fayetteville this school year. I've been able to visit twice and love the people. They are very kind. The more I meet my brothers and sisters in Christ the more overwhelming I realize that I long for the time when I'll never have to say good bye.

Ps. 63 to see thy power and thy glory...

I'm a bit confused, but thankful for what I have. There's a wonderful school that I'm pursuing, and since I haven't heard from the other interests lately, that's what I going for right now. Lord please have me following you with the right spirit... All of this is quite scarry!

Learning new things and meeting new people

Mom is very patient with me this week, she has come along with me on a prospective school visit. The people are wonderful, and have made me feel right at home. The area and town will take some getting used to. A comfort for me it that I could see the Big Dipper from the hotel parking lot just a few minutes ago. That is a relief that the city lights don't outshine the stars.
Please Lord, guide me and show me your perfect plan for my life. I'm really terrified about leaving home, but you know where you want me to serve and you will be my strength and my fortress.

Maman

My mom is really special. She can create a delicious meal out of leftovers, and odds and ends. She has a gift for making delightful meals and her bread is amazing. My mom has listened to me chatter away about different theories and methods I've been learning in teaching, and she has put in her two cents with philosophy, and ways children learn. Even if the house may have some dust in it, or things don't always get put away, we have much to be thankful for, and my mom is tops.

Gratitated, or Grown up, whichever you prefer

The deed is done. I have a diploma... Praise goes to my God, then thanks goes to my family, parents and sister who were very supportive, sacrificial, and encouraging. Then thanks to friends, and people that are like family, teachers and employers. There have been hundreds of people down through the years who have helped me along the way. I have to say without them I don't think I would have made it.

Birthday, and graduation all rolled into one. Whew! I'm so thankful for what the Lord has done.

Happy Wednesday, or Hump Day

The Lord is Great! L'amour de Dieu, est si merveilleux, l'amour de Dieu, est si merveilleux, l'amour de Dieu, est si merveilleux, O, quelle amour ! This is a song I learned in Africa over eight years ago. It states that the love of God is wonderful. The chorus is the best part where is says that God's love is so high you can't go over it, so low you can't fathom it, and so wide you can't encircle it, oh what Love. I'm in awe at how He guides and provides. No job advances, but I have enjoyed learning about several ministries.

Not really any developments on the job front... new possibility, but I won't say where yet. It is for school in another country. (You'll have to wait for more details...) This is my last week of school... and then I will have a B.S. degree, and not too sure what to do with myself. So far, it looks like I'll help paint a pharmacy, nanny for a week-end, visit a cousin in Florida, a wedding in PA, another in Maine, and possibly visit a few schools in NC, TN, and VA... it's been hard to keep up with all the places I've applied with, but the Lord knows, and I'm excited to see how He will guide and direct. The biggest blessing is that He has given me the strength so far not to panic.

This whole semester- I'm normally in tears whenever I'm in a tight spot, and the Lord (it's all Him) has kept me from it- during the struggles with my kids, their insults, slapping, manipulating, or whatever. I really have to say that I've learned a lot, and as terrified as I was coming into student teaching, I'm still terrified, but in different ways. My biggest fear now is that I won't plan well enough as I start the year- that my procedures/routines be something that will work the entire year... that I'd be the role model of Christ that I should be, and that I can make a difference. Math is also a fear- but with all there others, I know the Lord will continue to give grace as he has been doing.

I loved Charleston! Here is one of our girls with the presenter for Gullah heritage in South Carolina. Gullah, a people, gullah and nation. What an experience for the kids to learn about the way of slaves, and SC plantations. There was a beautiful fountain at a waterside park. Much more to see, maybe someday I'll be able to explore more. If you ever go, check out the slave market, and ask a guide to see the truck eating tree! :)

Here are four of my kiddos. Each of these boys has a story to tell, sad, hard, rough lives, and they are nine and ten years old. Each has behavior problems, and each needs love. All four are in one class together. (Watch out fifth grade, here they come!) I love 'em, but at times I don't want them near me! Second from the right has promised to bring me a tadpole, maybe he will. I've tried to get ways to relate to them besides making them sit, study/work, and be quiet. Working a Bible club in a gated community for three years really prepared me for this bunch.

Hi,

This week was quite interesting with teaching a few lessons (with some lessons everything came out horrible!) and our field trip to Charleston, SC. That was amazing to be able to watch the planning, go along, and be a back-up chaperone. I didn't really have kids to keep track of, so I wandered with the different groups. We had one chaperone (mom or dad) with two or three kids each. We had 84 people I think.

What a trip. We left at 7 am Thursday, and explored Boone Hall, downtown Charleston (carriage ride, walk through the market, and "ghost history walk...") and today we went to the Aquarium. Visits to restaurants and the hotel were interesting, but no one got hurt or lost (for long.) :) The trip down and back showed no problems since the kids kept occupied with playing video games while keeping an eye on the proceedings of the various movies they played on the bus.

This trip helped me get to know some of the kids better, and some parents too. We made a rest area stop going and coming. on our stop today two of our moms were able to help an elderly lady who had fallen. The lady's daughter told me they were traveling all the way back to Caribou, Maine. I hope they make it okay. The lady noticed my school of education badge from Bob Jones (student teacher badge), and seemed to know about the school. I wasn't able to talk much more with her about it though. It was nice to get to know our tour guide too. He is a retired pastor, now likes to travel some with groups or golf. :)

I was able to wander the Aquarium with one girl who was so curious and we had a lot of fun reading the plaques and info cards on the fish and other wildlife. It reminded me of the Biodome in Montreal. It was organized into habitats, and there were a lot of really neat fish and creatures to see. (no salmon though... too far south) I'm glad the rattler, copperheads, shark, and alligators were on the other side of the glass.

The kids were very energetic leading up to the trip, so hopefully they will be ready to work this coming week.

I'll teach a few more lessons next week, and then observe several teachers. It's been a blessing to learn from the other teachers with interacting with them in the lunchroom, and playground.

I'm looking forward to graduation, but not to leaving my kids. My sister has been very kind to reserve the second Pavillion on BJU campus after graduation on Saturday May 8th from 2-3. If you can stop by and say hi, I'd love to see you. We will have cookies and a bit of time to visit before everyone leaves.

The job search is going okay... sent an application to one school, and have contacted several more. The Lord knows where he wants me.

Thanks for your interest. Please let me know how I can pray for you.
Beth:)

Yeah, tomorrow we head out on a field trip to Charleston. I'm excited about seeing the old city... Here are some of the kids coming along... three of my 44 darlings. :)

Week Eleven

Week eleven

This week was crammed with my final major directed teaching project and two full days of teaching. I had my last observations as well. My kids with behavior problems varied, but nothing too major. Things are coming to a close, but I feel like I just started! There are some improvements, but so much more to work on!

At school we have been overwhelmed with a huge craze over Sillybandz. They are little silicon rubber band thingies that come in lots of different shapes and colors. We have a few girls coming in with over fifty on each arm, in little ziplock bags or plastic containers. We gave warnings that the bands can not be out during lessons. Confiscation has occurred a few times. Some students have given me some, so I own a turtle, kangaroo, apple, hippopotamus, pig, teddy bear, and Scotty dog. I’m not too sure what to do with them, but when I wear them to school the kids trade with me. I really like my turtle. It’s very interesting to see how they can be used as rewards. They are a distraction at times, but overall the kids contain their play.

I heard a story one time, and my sister told me that a speaker in chapel mentioned this story of a turtle. There was a man who passed the same way each day. He noticed a turtle on top of a fence post. Each day the turtle was there. He realized one day that someone had to help/put that turtle on top of the fence. The same goes for us, we can’t get anywhere without being lifted up to the fence. We’re nothing without God. Just thought that was a great reminder for me, that really God is able to help me get to every fence I need to reach.

Friday evening was our school festival, there were fun games, rides, cookie decorating, face painting and a cake walk. All the events cost 2-4 tickets and were purchased at the entrance of the playground. I sold tickets for a while, and wandered the area for a bit. Mustang Madness was quite crazy. The Mitchell Road elementary school (my school) mascot is mustangs so thus the name for the festival. What shocked me the most was the “turkey bowling”. They had two frozen turkeys that people could roll down a path and try to knock over a set of pins. It was hilarious to watch the frozen poultry tumble across the gym floor.

For other happenings, I got to go to a baby shower last week, and a bridal shower today. It was fun to catch up with a few people, and get out for a bit. I have gotten little graduation announcements, and will try to be sending those out soon. I met with two different school administrators this week. Both were very positive, so I’m excited that I have a few opportunities to pursue for next fall. So far I’ve planned to go home for the summer. May is sneaking up fast.

Our entire fourth grade is taking an overnight field trip to Charleston this coming Thursday and Friday. I’m looking forward to it. I only hope I don’t lose anybody. We will be taking a carriage ride, visiting the Aquarium, Boone Hall, and the market… In preparation for the trip we will be doing centers for learning about the Civil War, and Charleston. So Monday-Wednesday will be a bit hectic to get the normal week events crammed in.

In Christ,

Beth:)

Silently now I wait for Thee, ready my God thy will to see. Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit Divine. This is the refrain of a Soundforth song. And this is really what I’m experiencing right now.

Since my last email about four weeks have passed. This is already week ten. We have had a lot going on at school as well as finishing my required ten full days of teaching, a project in assessing student progress, attended evening services during Bible Conference, called several schools about openings, and just got back from the Greenville County Schools Spring Break.

For those who have asked, the certification test (Praxis 2) went okay. It was really hard to know how to study for it- so I didn’t. There was about 18 multiple choice questions that could be from psychology, curriculum, child development, government standards or many other possible aspects in education. The other part was in four sections. We were given a case study- teacher and class situation. Then we were to write short answer essays in response to the case study. That was interesting!

I got to go to the opera of Samson et Delila with a good friend. It was very convicting that sin is easy fall into in our present world. It was a rather sad performance, but I enjoyed the company.

Back to school my troubled kid (N.) has been through a lot these last few weeks. He got suspended for two days after all his behavior choices came to a breaking point one day- the day after my last update. He has since gotten worse, then better. Our Principal explained to him that he was hurting those that care about him. We bend over backwards for him, and that he is ungrateful with these hateful responses he’s giving us. The week before Spring break was awful with the entire class because of the excitement of getting a week off, but since we’ve been back- yesterday and today, N. has been very good for us. We actually got a lot done in class today, I had trouble with others, but not him. Once he has a task- he can work on it. Whenever he has down time, or had to make a transition-he struggles.

Another incident occurred a few weeks ago when I took a folded paper away from a girl after I asked for it three times. She got mad, so she slapped me. (It didn’t hurt) I wanted to laugh because she was suddenly ashamed and shocked at herself. The entire class was shocked as well, and several students asked if I was okay. (I was a bit shocked myself, but okay.) She got a referral (incident report put on her school record) and was punished with silent lunch/no recess for a few days. But I have had a lot less trouble from her, and she’s been very helpful. She has hit several teachers in the past so I guess that is what it took to initiate me into being a teacher perhaps?

I’ve contacted several schools, heard back from a few. The two openings I know of so far are for K-4 positions. I’ll tell you frankly that even though I teach a toddler Sunday School class, kindergarten is not my comfort zone- or at least my field of training. Please pray with me as I seek wisdom in regards to searching for a position.

We haven’t had any more fire drills or such craziness. The day before our Spring Break (March 26) we had a Fine Arts Day. That was fun. I entered the food art competition my own version of the cover from the children’s book Madeline. I had pineapple rings as hats with an Eiffel Tower over green icing. I got “Best International Entry.” The kids were pretty good considering moving around the school from event to event. That was a nice day to begin the break.

Bible Conference was a blessing, but also draining with several late nights working on a project between evening services and lesson prep. I got to sit with my sister and brother-in-law, and several friends.

I went home for Spring Break tired and a bit discouraged because of I was struggling completing a project. I did get it turned in. Rest, and some soul searching and a chance to get away for a bit were really a blessing. I got to visit with friends from New York came through while I was home, helped move a freezer, do housework with mom, go on a youth activity, get our church cleaned and decorated for Easter, filed patient files in a Doctor’s Office, cleaned a Dentist Office, and worked a day in the Scottish Store. It was really warm last week so it was nice for the mountains to finally be free of snow. Even though I had a lot going on, I did get rest! J

I’m looking forward to observing other teachers around the school, and teaching my kids a lot more. We have a field trip, and Mustang Madness- (school festival) in a few weeks. I’m also going to be calling a lot more schools as I look for possibilities for ministry in teaching.

It is crazy that five years of the Lord's leading is coming to a close, with graduating from college in a few weeks. I was told that the days go fast, and I can now say that they do.

Beth

Tis the gift to be simple, tis the gift to be free... I love this song, because the simple Truth is that God loves us, and we are free to live for Him. He has bought us with a price, and when we are willing to give our lives to Him- we are free from the sins and terrors of this world.

Here I am, in my sixth week of student teaching at Mitchell Road ES... what an amazing experience. Where to next? The skies the limit!