The first 3 weeks of teaching + no internet (and a few other things like moving, unpacking, etc.) = no Lynne.
But I am alive. And well!
God has been so kind these past few weeks, and I'm so aware of His faithfulness and nearness to me! I don't even know where to begin to recap the last couple weeks, but basically, school is going well. Last week was kind of rough- just having to realize that I need to extend grace to myself as I learn, and humbly accept my limitations (physically, mentally, emotionally!) in this season. If I am laying each day before the Lord and seeking to do my job for His glory and with all of my might, that is enough. And all the things I need to learn and grow in to be a teacher will come with time & experience. This week was much better- getting into more of a routine at school, more able to plan ahead, etc. Practice makes better. :)
I love the children! Every day is new, and I am just so blessed by them! Of course there are times when it gets crazy and patience is the last thing I want to exercise....but I really do love each of them. Quote of the week:
"Ummm...Miss Walton? May I please go out into the hallway to get my wiggles out?"
They come up with the funniest things & sometimes I can't help but laugh!
I love the atmosphere of the school. The other teachers have been incredibly supportive, especially the other 1st grade teacher. She's amazing! Could never have gotten to week 3 without her help. My principal checked in on me on Friday and will be popping into my classroom next week (now that I have a couple weeks under my belt) to see how things are going. She's been very kind and although she is very busy at the moment, has made time to talk with me when I've had questions.
Church is great! We meet at 5pm in Rosslyn (the Arlington neighborhood a few blocks from me) at a Methodist church, for right now. We sing and then the rest of the meeting varies. Sometimes we have discussion groups and sometimes Eric will give a short sermon. We've been studying what it means to be Christ's Church. It's been amazing to have a "roots up" view of the Church, and I feel like I understand God's plan for His people so much more than I ever have before. Growing up in church, I think I got a little complacent...So, I'm really excited to continue learning and to build this church with the folks at Redeemer. The girls I've met have been very welcoming and kind to include me in events and to help me get involved. 7 of them are going to be living together about 1/2 mile away, so I look forward to hanging out with them soon! Last night I went with them to see Zelos play in a Haiti benefit concert at a club here in Arlington. Oh, and now I'm facebook friends with Carolyn McCulley! But these "Sov. Grace Celebrities" are so
not celebrities =) Hah...just people.....
Oh, and my roomies! They are wonderful. It's really SUCH a joy to come home to our little flat. It's cozy, that's for sure! But we are loving it. Slowly getting ourselves organized and finding a place for everything. Tomorrow is our first "roomie meeting" to talk about our vision for this place.
So, sorry that was so much to just plop down in one post. And I don't even know who will read this :P but thanks if you do. Pictures to come soon!
