Giving Thanks

At MS morning devotions this Tuesday, my friend Ted shared that we should be thankful for the Lord’s work in our lives, especially after prayers are answered. Sitting in the office listening the thanks of my colleagues, I thought of a few “thanks” of my own.

Call it a poem or sentences strung together by a common theme. I hope you enjoy.

THANKS

I am thankful for a family that supports me but misses me when I’m gone.

I am thankful for old friends and the promise of new relationships.

I am thankful for students who want to learn and those that challenge me.

I am thankful for phila-fams and those who step in when yours is gone.

I am thankful for food, especially when it’s not cooked by me.

I am thankful for volleyball and the excitement of a new skill learned.

I am thankful for openness but grateful for silence.

I am thankful for roles filled and being able to help randomly.

I am thankful for tears and the exhausted sleep that follows.

I am thankful air conditioning and turning it off because you’re cold.

I am thankful for mentors and their unquestioned belief in your potential.

I am thankful for cars, especially the horn.

I am thankful for Facebook, Skype and any other modern-day time suck.

I am thankful for music and it’s ability to drown out life.

I am thankful that God has a plan because I sure don’t.

Back in the Saddle Again!

“The 2011-2012 school year has officially begun,” Superintendent Tom Hardeman’s voice range over the PC system in Cadd Auditorium this morning after the traditional flag raising ceremony.

It’s good to be back in the classroom welcoming a new year and fresh group of smiling, energetic students. WOW the summer flew by. A whirlwind tour of the western half of the US visiting family and friends, followed by one of the greatest PEP retreats ever, then back to the Philippines, nursing a severe case of jet lag and a minor cold but loving life.

PEP (a retreat for our returning missionaries to get the much needed R&R and debriefing) was amazing. In the beginning, it was tense. Our MK staff was a little light and the kids were energetic and demanded a lot of time. Once we got into debriefing, God really made his presence known and the kids were able to share openly and candidly in a safe environment. It was a blessed 10 days and no one wanted to leave.

First days of class went smoothly. I am really excited about the students I have. It’s going to a challenging but enriching year. I am particularly excited about Tiwalan and volleyball. I feel like I have a hand on how I want things to go in Tiwalan and I think I have a good group. Volleyball is going to be downright fun. The JV squad (which I coach) looks great and I am stoked to watch how the varsity is going to evolve with some new talent.

Seeing friends again is so much fun. We just slid right back into our brand of humor and shenanigans. Also, there are new friends to be made, something we had hoped. I can’t help miss those in the states and the UK. It’s an adjustment not seeing their faces everyday. This summer at PEP we talked a lot about goodbyes. As we drove away from the camp, my sister and I were crying and I said “being an MK sucks,” which is true and not at the same time. Goodbyes are hard to for everyone, but MKs experience them more often. But we also get a lot more "hellos" and new best friends. I know and love people on every continent – except Antarctica – and only a exclusive group of people can say the same.

Well, I’m here again, missing home, glad to be here again and looking toward the year ahead. Talk about mixed emotions! Thanks for reading, more to come soon (I hope :)).

*Photo by Don MacKay