This school year has been extremely difficult for me. Teaching is often stressful, and over the past seven years I have come to accept this. But this year brought new challenges. Previously, two things have always helped me cope: my connections to the students and the enthusiasm and encouragement from my coworkers. Yet I started from scratch in both areas, and I was surprisingly unprepared for the toll it would take on me emotionally and physically. But, God is consistently showing me my connection to HIM is the most important and with it comes enthusiasm for life and encouragement to overcome.
I feel truly grateful to have a job. And I feel even more hope as I finish the last sixteen research papers over Memorial Day weekend when I remember that very soon I will experience freedom from some of the chaos.
Every summer I look forward to being able to embark on day trips with the kids. This year young Cole is bursting with ideas and our list is becoming quite lengthy. Talking with his Mom Mom about the possibilities brought a sparkle to his eyes, and his excitement was contagious.
On our list this year:
- Dutch Wonderland (hoping K. K. will be able to help us with a discount for season passes)
- The Maryland Zoo
- The Whitaker Center
- Lake Tobias
- Mt. Gretna
- Codorus
- Bounce Party n Play in Cockeysville
- Thousand Islands, NY
- and perhaps an overnight beach trip
Noticeably absent this year are 2-3 hour trips and places with pricey admission fees. The Jacksons are going to have a blast on a budget and one tank of gas!
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| Cole--VA Beach '09 |
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| Pop and Jules--TIP '09 |
We are going to have fun this summer ;) we will have to start planning our day trips very soon. Grammy is looking forward to a summer filled with grand babies!
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