| | So it's been awhile since I've been on here. There are many reasons for this.
- TIME--This past semester was incredibly busy as I began the first part of my student teaching.
- ACCESS--We don't have internet at our apartment, so when I'm relaxed and feel like blogging, I have no way to do so.
- AUDIENCE--Most of my past xanga buds have moved on to facebook, which I DO do. But facebook isn't everything, though it tries to be with its million of applications. However, realizing that few even read this anymore hardly motivates me.
Despite reasons 1-3, I am making at least a small attempt to resurrect this thing.
This past semester consisted of what is called "blocking," which simply means that I went through the more observational stage of student teaching, only going into the classroom twice a week. For the first half of the semester, I was in an 8th grade English class, which I LOVED! I was constantly pulling the kids of the walls and desperately trying to maintain their attention, but I really dug the challenge and that age group really suits my more domineering personality. The teacher was super innovative, doing things like Fairy Tale Trials and podcasts instead of the more traditional methods. I came to learn the names, backgrounds, and interests of all 96 of my students, which was the best part of the deal.
The second half of the semester I was in an 11th grade English classroom with a more traditional teacher. It took me awhile to acclimate to this age level, mostly because I was missing my 8th graders, but once I got to teach, I liked the different challenges of this class as well. Though the teacher was more traditional, he was able to build incredible rapport with the students--there were virtually zero discipline issues because they respected and loved him so much. So both of my placements were useful to my future teaching.
Despite this, my semester was EXHAUSTING! I had SIX classes on top of observing and teaching lessons, so every minute was assigned a specific purpose. However, Andrew and I still had plenty of time together, as he is INCREDIBLE at balancing his busy med school schedule with maintaining and growing our marriage.
Marriage. It's pure bliss. It really is. We haven't had the stereotypical adjustments and first-year fights that we were so often warned of during engagement. The transition has been so easy that it almost worries me---is the storm merely over the horizon? If so, I have yet to see even a hint of grey or a draft of moisture in the air. Andrew is simply a sacrificial person. That's really what it comes down to. He has so detached himself from promoting his own desires and needs that I literally have to FORCE him sometimes to put his own needs forward. His every action is geared into being a godly husband to me, literally laying down his life on a daily basis for me, for needs I haven't even voiced, for desires I have yet to fully realize. He knows me so well already---it's incredible to think of what it will be in the years to come. And so, in this way, Andrew is a beautiful and convicting picture of Christ to me. I feel like each day is a step down Calvary's path of sacrificial love and forbearance. God has blessed us so much--though I tend to think I got the sweeter side of the blessing!
This semester I begin my student teaching, all day every day in the same classroom. Still don't know my placement yet, but I'm not ready to find that out and end this lovely break of mine. I have been enjoying leisurely bookstore wanderings, posing as a coffee connoisseur, singing my heart out at the piano, and soaking up every minute with my dear husband.
Life is good.
But even better than that, God is good. So when life is not so good, I still know the rock upon which I stand. Thank you, Jesus, for all of these blessings!
|
| | Posted 1/13/2009 12:02 PM - 15 Views - 4 eProps - 2 comments
- recommend
  - recs0
- share
- email
 - sent0
|
