Tale of a 5th Grade Teacher...

To teach is to learn twice.

-- Joseph Joubert

Five years ago, if you were to tell me that I would be finishing up my first year teaching, I would have laughed--literally. I would be the first one to tell you that teaching is not in my bones--but God has a way of changing us to what He has called us to do. My good friend Kim says that God is just showing off, and boy did He ever in this unthinkable ministry He has placed me in.

Yes, I said ministry. You see, I have strived to live my life as God calls me to live it. I am not perfect and yes sometimes I don't want to do it, but I know that when I do, I am always blessed beyond measure. This is where I am, blessed.

BLESSED to be able to impart something positive in these kids.

BLESSED to be able to see these kids with "real" and "spiritual" eyes.

BLESSED that I have been given a greater love for those that need it.

BLESSED to know that God placed me where I am at.

BLESSED by those friendships that have been cultivated and deepened during this journey.

BLESSED by the never ending prayers and support from my family and friends.

I LOVE what I do, I LOVE the passion that I still have in these final days of the year. Yes, it is HARD. One of the hardest things I have ever done--I have wept for the lives of my students. I have wept feeling unworthy and discouraged. This was not meant to be easy--is it worth it? YES.

This class of students will always be special to me--they will have a special place in my heart. Why? Because they are my first. They make me laugh, they make me want to pull my hair out, and they have made me cry. I love them for it.

For "My Hermanas"

In Spanish, the definition of "Hermana" means sister. To me, it means so much more than that. I am blessed to have a group of women in my life who are not just family members, but women that I love, admire and trust.

For the past two years, we have gathered together at Grandma's house and have sleepovers. They are so much fun and really loud! We bring our daughters, the "Hermanitas", and reconnect with each other. What a wonderful and blessed time it is!

This post is dedicated to each and every one of you--

Grandma: The strongest woman I know! I am so blessed to be your granddaughter--you have shown me what it is like to be the best mother, wife, and friend I can be. Your love for our family is made evident and I hope I give back to you what you have given to me. Thank you for your encouragement and most of all prayers. What a blessing it is to have such a mighty prayer warrior for our family. Te amo mucho...

Mom: Another prayer warrior who is always there. Thank you for your daily example of loyalty and service. The older I get, the more I see you in me. I love that! I am thankful that out of your love for me, you found the perfect person for you that was also the perfect father for me. I love you so much!

Aunt Emma: ¿Cómo me encanta tu corazón! Estoy agradecido de que te tomas tu tiempo para venir a nuestras reuniones traer sus regalos de punto! Lo que una hermana maravillosa que está mi abuelo y abuela.

Aunt Blanca: I love you more than you know and am so thankful that I spent so much time with you when I was a girl. I will never forget it. I will also never forget your sons, my cousins, calling me "Big Head." Good times! :)

Kristen: The only one that is really my "Hermana". Thank you for understanding me and loving me anyway. I love that we have the same taste in movies--no one else besides Mom can sit through a "Chop Suey" rendition or watch "Anne" for the millionth time! I don't always say things the right way but know that I love you so much!

Aunt Kathy, Michelle and Denise: The 3 women who know EVERYONE! Thank you for bringing your cameras and documenting all our family events. Without you three we'd have no pics to reminisce. Seriously, I love ya'll and Michelle please tell me how you have time to do all that you do! Superwoman!

Jessica and Candice: You two just make me smile! I admire your devotion to your families and wish I lived closer to spend more time with you. Can't wait to see ya again!

Andrea: I am so happy you choose to come to our sleepovers. Even though you have lived away from all of us for so long, it is like we see you all the time when you are here. I pray blessings on you and your husband--love you!

Jennifer: I wish I knew you better--I admire your love for your daughter. You have a bond with her that no one else has. Cherish that and build her up to be a beautiful young lady.

"Hermanitas": Take note! You all have a gift--these wonderful women in your life to look up to. Allow them to speak blessings into your lives. Tori--thank you for being a "role model" to the younger Hermanitas. I know Isa looks up to you already. I am enjoying how wonderful you are growing up to be.

There are so many more, those that were not here but I still cherish. Aunt Charlotte in Georgia, Anna in North Dakota, April in Dallas, Allee, Mia, Alivia and Anna in Kyle and Shae in Granbury. I love you too!

Until Easter....

Yes Lord, Yes Lord, Yes Yes Lord!

Today at church, we watched a video of a ministry taking place in a park in Plano. What an incredible witness of how God used one man and how he has openly allowed God to work in his life and to spread the Word of God to others in need. People who have been hurt by friends and family--those in dire need of LOVE.

I have certain things that I know God has called me to and some seem unattainable; but I am trusting that God will allow those to come to fruition. I have to say YES without any doubt to the call he has given me. Saying yes can be scary and it will be with some distractions and turmoil. But, if this man who used to work in a welding shop say YES and be a Barbarian in my backyard, then I can too!