Monday, April 23, 2012

On your marks, get set, GO! (again?)

By now, on the downward slope of this journey, you would expect our schedules to be routine by now, the faces familiar, expectations known. Basically, I should feel comfortable with day to day life.....WRONG.

I had become comfortable.  The faces were familiar. My schedule routine.  I knew what was expected of me.  Then, I got the exciting news that I was moving up to year 4 during afternoons until further notice.  Not a huge deal, except I was bummed that I had to miss topic work (which so happens to be chocolate right now..how cool!).  And then....today I was told that not only was I to be in year 4 all day now, but it is going to be until the end of the year.  To be honest, I'm a bit bummed that I have to just leave MY kids, that I had been with ALL year, and I wasn't likely to be working with them anymore!

It's kind-of like the saying, taking two steps forward, one step back.  I was finally starting to really enjoy myself in year 3!  But here I am, learning names all over again.  Learning a new routine.  Getting acquainted with new teachers.  Going through all the awkward stages of being a newbie..but on a smaller scale than 7 months ago. (:

Year 4 has so far been enjoyable though.  So don't think I'm just grumping around about this new situation.  I've decided to be open-minded and optimistic about it!  Already I'm beginning to really enjoy my year 4 students!  And!...My year 4 teacher gave me a gift today!  Because...did you know? ...today is World Book Night 2012!  If you are a book-lover like I am, and haven't heard of it, look it up!  I had never heard of it until today, and already I think it is WAY cool!  The books on the list are all pretty stellar too (from the ones I've read at least).

So yes, I had some bad news, but I'm still in good, happy spirits.  Maybe I'm just becoming a happier person.  Maybe it has a wee bit to do with the fact I have some visitors coming soon(;  Who knows?  Who cares?  Not I! (:


Also before I forget..It is someone's birthday this next week!  So as I close yet another blog post, I would like to send some love to my Grandpa.  Love you with alllll my heart!  Stay cheerful(;   And I miss you like crazy!  



All my love

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Dear Grandma

Dear Grandma,

Today, I made your cake.  It wasn't nearly as scrumptious as yours, but it was a sweet reminder of all the times we have it at your house.  All the Christmases, Easters, Thanksgivings, Birthdays, and family get-togethers.  All the times rushing to get an inner piece.  All the love and laughter shared during those times together.  The cake just happens to be an accessory of course, it's the people who make these times the great memories they are.

But in short, it reminded me of you...and how much I love you!

Sending all my love, along with hugs and kisses, until I can hug you again, in real life!

Kaihle
        xx

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Just Because

Trust Me, and don't be afraid.  Many things feel out of control.  Your routines are not running smoothly.  You tend to feel more secure when your life is predictable.  Let Me lead you to the rock that is higher than you and your circumstances.  Take refuge in the shelter of My wings, where you are absolutely secure.


When you are shaken out of your comfortable routines, grip My hand tightly and look for growth opportunities.  Instead of bemoaning the loss of your comfort, accept the challenge of something new.  I lead you on from glory to glory, making you fit for My kingdom.  Say yes to the ways I work in your life.  Trust Me, and don't be afraid.     - Jesus Calling, by Sarah Young


Today, I was the happy little camper who got a package!  It was a book of devotions from my step-mom.  I opened it up to today's date, and this was the reading, along with some scriptures.  I found it quite fitting to be the first one I read.  My routine this year isn't anything new or surprising, but looking back, there were definitely times at the beginning where it wasn't exactly 'smooth.' It also fits when looking to the upcoming transition us Radical Journey-ers have when going back home, readjusting, and either heading off to school a few short weeks later, or heading to a job, or whatever.  Kinda scary!  This was just a nice reminder of where we can ALWAYS find comfort when life throws us a curveball.... Also, I'd like to point out that I actually prefer when my life is a bit unpredictable, but that's besides the point. (:


All my love!

Friday, April 6, 2012

Miz' Independent

You will all be thoroughly happy to learn that over the course of this past year, I have become more independent!  ..Not that I wasn't already independent.  I like to be a big kid and do things by myself, who doesn't?!  But.  My newly found independence is a bit different.  This year, I have found myself...shopping by myself, getting coffee by myself, and, as of tonight, going to the movies by myself!

Usually, if I find myself the sole person wanting to go see a movie, I'll either beg and plead, or just wait for it to come out on dvd...orr watch it online(;  But!  This was TITANIC!  And seeing as I've already seen it a couple hundred or so times already, I absolutely had to see it!  -yes, I was that person who could not survive without seeing Titanic on the bigscreen, because I'm that much of a nerd/fan(:

So, is it that big of feat becoming a teensey bit more independent?  No, probably not.. but its a small something. And it's at least food for thought(:



PS - This is the 2nd day in a row I've posted a blog.. Do I get an award or something?



All my love!

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Drumroll please!

Spring is finally here!...at least it was.  The other week we had beauuutiful weather, and we spent a lot of our afternoons outside on the trampoline.  Which was amazing!  But as of last night, we now have snow again, which is a bit of a bummer.

But anyways...wayyyy back in February, Darrell, our American director came to visit us!  The week he spent here was filled with talking, eating, and laughing.  He challenged us to take some time and think of what we want out of the rest of our time here, and in what ways we can become more involved in the community.  We were also able to talk to him about how things were going for us, in the workplace, community, home, etc.  He was able to provide an outsiders point of view, which was interesting to hear.  We were able to share some of our frustrations with him, and one of the ways he responded was that it's about the story you tell.  I took this and applied it to my work in the school.  I've always tried to be patient and appreciate my time in the school.  But since he's been here, I've tried to go in each and every day with a good, positive attitude.  I've been able to enjoy school a lot more since!  --Although, I would be lying if I said there weren't days when I still get beyond frustrated.

Darrell's visit also brought laughter.  We played countless hours of Rummey (sp?), as well as a good amount of Monopoly.  We took him to Prashads, he took us to London.  We cooked delicious food.  We joked back and forth, and had an all around good time together.  It was also nice just to see a familiar, American, face.


I have also recently made my college decision!  (insert sigh of relief)  My decision is.....GOSHEN!  I am really looking forward to starting my college experience here.  After making this decision final, I feel that it is definitely the right choice....for now(:  

Just a few other odds and ends...my hair is no longer blonde.  We are on a two week Easter holiday!  Next week we travel to Italy for our team retreat!  And in just over 3 weeks I will be reunited with two of my best friends!



It hardly seems possible that we have around 3 months left on this journey.  My feelings are constantly in battle between excitement - to be reunited with friends and family. to be home. to start school; fear - going back to reality after this dream; sadness - leaving my friends and family in England.  leaving this new home of mine.  But the journey isn't over yet, so I'll just wait to ponder those thoughts more until it's time.


All my love!