Happiness in 6 Things

I was trying to think of a good encompassing title for this blog. As I reviewed, I realized that all was in some way expressing things in which I find happiness. I've kept track for you by numbering each one. :)

(1)Not much is new around these parts...except that my dearly beloved sister is engaged!
(2)Since I know I haven't mentioned much about Rene, let it go on the record that I am thrilled to be able to share the Nigerian experience with her. This mushy sentiment came to the surface on April 21 and the weeks following when my scheming with Andrew finally came to fruition. He, Dana, and I sorted out all the details of his travels from Guinea (where he serves in the Peace Corps) to Rene. At that point, she was at camp in a different state. With every mention of their engagement, my dopey smile grew and my heart swelled with inexplicable joy and satisfaction.

(3)That weekend (April 24-26) was exciting for me too because I was anxious to hang out with Andrew again also. In my mind, he had already reached the family level. So I was ready to join the group going to Yankari, the National wildlife reserve. There, we swam in the hot springs, camped out in tents, and went on a safari. We saw several waterbuck and other over-sized deer-like animals, a huge lizard, and a warthog. The group that went right after us, however, saw a huge herd of elephants! (4)Once again, nothing beats a getaway with a group of great people!

Since then, my attention has been consumed with school, which is expected--especially at the end of the year. If I haven't said it enough: I absolutely love working with the other teachers and administrators her at Hillcrest and the students are great too. I am truly thankful to be here. I've read my last post about Solomon building the temple of God and been refreshed with the reminder that God is my enabling force. As I continue to read in 2 Chronicles, I am reminded of other truths like God's strict hatred of pride. Perhaps my difficult lessons, days, and weeks are really His way of giving me grace. Maybe He is using them to protect me and keep me humble, lest I think that I can make it on my own.

(5)Although I've felt like I was on the verge of disaster in the classroom all week, I am compelled to praise the Lord for His faithfully sustaining hand. He enabled, strengthened, and encouraged me all week in just the right ways. If those kids have learned ANYTHING in English this year, all glory to God! ha ha


(two of my 7th grade students reading to Dana's first grade class)

(6)That said, I only have 2 more weeks of teaching and then a week of exams. Graduation is on May 28th and then my first year of teaching will be over! Wow. I can say that this year can be summed up in four words, "Oh God, HELP me!"

"All that I see teaches me to trust the creator for all I have not seen." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson