What are your goals?

I've been putting off writing this for five months now. Partly because I wasn't sure what to write, but also because I wanted it to be perfect...perfectly funny, yet serious; perfectly coherent and meaningful; even perfectly spelled. Then I realized how stupid that was. All I can do is be me, which means this will be anything but perfect.

I took Will to the Mayborn Museum in Waco this summer for his birthday. While we were there we got to have lunch with an old friend I rarely get to see. It was great to catch up and do a little reminiscing.

In a "let's get vulnerable" kind of moment he asked me "What are your goals?" My goals?!? What kind of goals? I had no response. I realized I hadn't thought much past graduation and finding a job. So there I sat, wondering if I was living a life of aim, or if I was on the verge of aimless living. And it's been something I've been thinking about ever since.

I wrote this right after I graduated from college and after stumbling across it a couple weeks ago, I think I'm a little closer to figuring it out.

I learned a lot from both my classes and experiences at Baylor; probably more about myself than teaching. I walked across the stage with more knowledge and (hopefully) more wisdom, but ironically, I feel a bit more lost as to my purpose. I am excited to open my eyes to the world, and be reminded of it all...

So, in putting it all together I've decided my goals stem from my purpose and my purpose stems from Christ; to know Him and make Him known. My goals...to be the best daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and teacher I can be. To go to Africa; to love on kids who don't have anyone to love them; to be Jesus in skin for them. My goal is not to save the world, Someone has already come to do that, but rather help people see that He still comes when we call to Him.

Beautiful People

Two years ago I had the opportunity to go to Thailand for a couple of weeks. This was my first trip out of the country and I was terrified. I had no idea what to expect, but I knew it would be an experience I would never forget. I remember preparing for the trip and praying that the people we met would see something different in us. I went expecting to make a difference, even if it was just for one person, but what I hadn’t expected was the difference it would make in me. I left feeling like I had not given nearly as much as I had received.

The people were beautiful. And not in a super model way, but in an every wrinkle tells a story kind of way. They were beautiful and they were desperate. Their desperation was something I hadn’t had in a long time. Watching them kneel down before a pile of plaster was both heart breaking and eye opening. These people knew there had to be something more and they pursued it with no hesitation.

I came back with a few souvenirs, some email addresses, and promises to keep in touch. And we did keep in touch for a while...a very short while. But to this day I am often reminded to pray for the girls I met when I see the now tattered bracelet that is almost always on my wrist. And when I pray for these girls, I am reminded of their desperation; reminded that I need to be desperate in my pursuit of the Lord.

On a slightly more "Crazy...or Jesus" note...I got a new student five weeks into school. He's the cutest little reminded that God has a sense of humor. He's from Thailand and had only been in the U.S. for two weeks when he joined our class. He's constantly cracking me up with the things he says or does, but more than that, he's a reminder, like my fraying bracelet, that I need to pursue the One who continually pursues me.

Time Flies...

...when you're having fun...or too busy to notice.

The past couple of months have been full of ordinary as well as completely extrodinary events. School started in August and we slowly worked into a groove. I have a great (but chatty) group of kids this year that keep me on my toes. They are smart, funny, and completely silly. I can't believe it's already November. It seems like I was doing all the last minute things to get ready for school just a couple of weeks ago. The most surprising thing about this year has been that I miss my kiddos from last year. A lot. As difficult as they often were, I really did enjoy them. Seeing their excited faces when they spot me across the cafeteria and wave eargerly is definitely one of the highlights of my day.

Stephanie got married! It was an absolutely perfect wedding and everything was beautiful. It has been so funny to hear all the hilarious stories of married life...my favorites being the complaints of living with a boy. I'm so thankful Ryan was too stubborn to give up pursuing Stephanie after so many years. AND, now Ryan and I are officially BFFILS!

It's Almost Here!

My best friend is getting married. It seems like we have been talking about wedding details forever...ok, so it's just been a year, but still. I am so excited for Steph and Ryan. It's one of those "it's about time they got married" situations, so I've always known it was coming, but now it's actually happening. So, in 23 days my best friend gets married and I get a BFFIL (BFF-in-law.) It's going to be great!

I think I'm Ready

Summer vacation is coming to an end quickly. I have enjoyed the last 2 months more than I thought I would. It has been great being able to do what I want when I want. I finally got to do some projects I never had time for during the school year.

And although I love having everyday "off," I think I am about ready to go back to school. It's good timing considering I have to go back August 15th anyway. I have lots to do in my classroom and am anxious to get in there next week.

I'm getting really excited about a new bunch of kids and seeing my students from last year. That's the great thing about teaching...not matter what did or didn't happen last year, I get to start all over every August. Hopefully, it will just keep getting better and better. At least I'll have a better idea of what I'm doing. :)

My Favorite Nephew

A couple of weeks ago my nephew, Will, turned three. He told me he wanted a cake, a piggy bank, and some pennies. I decided to venture from the list and take Will on a little birthday trip. I've been wanting to take him to the Mayborn Musuem at Baylor for awhile and this seemed like it would be a perfect opportunity. Last Thursday Will and I went down to Waco for the day. He was so excited and talked about going to the museum all the way down there. We had a great time and I got some great pictures. I am so lucky to be a part of this little boy's life and can't wait to see what crazy cute things he will do and say in the next year.

Churning some butter.

He loved the Little Tykes cars.

Let the Blogging Begin

I've been avoiding the whole blog world for some time now. I do, however, love reading other people's blogs but didn't think I had anything to say. I still don't think I have much to say that is worthy of other people reading but this isn't for other people, it's for me. I guess if I'm going to do this there are a few things you should know about me. I graduated from Baylor (Sic 'em Bears!) and now teach third grade. I have the BEST family and the greatest friends. My heart wants to go to Africa...to share The Father's love with the fatherless. I am one of only a handful of people who like infomercials and will admit it. I love sleeping in, but hate making my bed...so much so that I sleep on top of my comforter so my bed is always made. I love jelly beans and hate peas. I think pancakes are the greatest thing since sliced bread, but feel soggy bread is, well, gross. I guess that's all for now. I don't have any plans for this blog, so don't get your hopes up.