Joy Comes in the Morning

I don't really know where to begin with this week! It probably has been one of the most difficult in my life. There hasn't been one day that I have left school thinking that it has been easy, but this week I left feeling like I was going to cry each day.

The week started so wonderful. Last Sunday evening Laura and I got together with all of the other teachers and some pastors from this area. We were able to share our experiences so far and to really encourage one another in the Lord. We prayed fervently, and for the first time I was able to see the big picture of why the Lord had brought each of us to this school district. It was such an encouraging time, and I left so excited to begin the week!

Then Monday came... As I mentioned in my previous post, the state department was at our school all week, so everyone was under a lot of stress and extra pressure. I felt like there were so many things that I needed to get done on top of my already survival teaching mode. So, each night my roommate and I were up till around 12 or 1...if you are a teacher you know that is way past bedtime! Anyways, on top of just feeling exhausted, my students were more than I could handle.

So many things have happened this week...too many to mention. It is hard to believe but four of my students were suspended by the principal for their behavior and one is probably going to join that number. 2nd and 3rd grade! WHAT? Yeah...behavior issues here are not the same. Talking to my mom the other day I was saying how I should be worrying about coming up with creative lesson plans and how to reach my kids different learning styles...the exciting work of a teacher. Instead, I don't even feel like I have been able to teach because I have been too busy trying to stop the constant chaos. On top of all of that, I found out that two of my students have serious mental issues. Basically, all of this threw me over the top this week.

I know that this post has seemed really negative so far. Sorry. :( I'm not writing so that you feel sorry for me...I hope that you don't. I still know that this is where I am supposed to be. I would just ask that you please pray for me. It seems that the Lord thinks I am much stronger than I do! There are certain promises that I am clinging to during this time. One is that He is faithful and that His love never fails. Another one is that He works everything for good to those that love Him. Finally, I keep reminding myself that His mercies are new every morning. I have to keep telling myself this daily. A huge blessing was that Friday was my favorite day so far....however, I had 8 absent! haha! It was the very first time that I was able to remember what it was like to be excited about TEACHING again and to have students actively engaged and excited. I am praying that next week is half as good as Friday! Thank you to those of you who have been praying and who been an encouragement to me. I truly appreciate it!

On a really positive note, this weekend has been really great so far. I just got back tonight from a staff retreat which was 2 hours away. It was in a beautiful lodge in the mountains...AMAZING beauty!! 3 deer were waiting for me as I woke up this morning. I am so thankful that I was able to enjoy God's creation as it was so refreshing. Also, there was a chance for me to share my faith with the whole staff by being picked to read my writing during a workshop. God is working, and I'm excited about that! :)

Now I am going to enjoy some Gilmore Girls with my roommate. :)

Here is a picture of me in front of the beautiful lake that Laura and I hiked to on our lunch break!

Prayer Changes Things

So this week has been really really difficult and tiring. The state department has been in and out of our school and will be observing our teaching tomorrow. I feel like this week has shown me how far away I am from a functional classroom...so I have been really overwhelmed. I keep reminding myself that ALL things are possible through God. I know that I CANNOT do this on my own strength...not possible. I have to continuously hand this over to God. I can elaborate more on this week later, but I must work on lesson plans now for a few hours. Please if you can just say a prayer tonight and tomorrow especially about the state. However, please keep praying for me to have the strength needed to pour into these kids even when my flesh is weak and weary.

Signs that I Live in a Small Town

So another week in! Praise the Lord! This week was a four day week since WV has off for Veteran's Day! Honestly, this was a MUCH needed day! I thought that the beginning of the week went fairly well, but Thursday was by far the hardest day with my kids. They were out of control!!! I am learning quickly about behavior management and discipline...probably more than I ever had hoped for. Unfortunately, these kids lack structure and discipline so much. So, I know that it is what they need...I just HATE it!! I sometimes wish that I could just be that sweet Miss Marshall always with a smile! :)

I am sure that you are dying to know how I spent my day off on Wednesday! Well...Tuesday night my roommate and I went out with our new friend, Dan...another teacher...and had some great Mexican food and remembered that we were in our early twenties again. It was so nice to stay up late and not have to worry about the next morning! After dinner, we came back to our house and played some cards and laughed about our new lives! So...Wednesday I slept in till 11:30! AMAZING!!! Laura asked me if I was in the mood for some biscuits and gravy for breakfast. If you know me...that answer is always yes! However, we realized that we didn't have the right ingredients to make our own. After much contemplation, we decided to drive 20 minutes to the nearest McDonald's for breakfast. We stayed in our PJs since we would only be going through the drive through. Well....on the way we soon realized that we would miss breakfast...so we stopped at a convenient store that had a restaurant in the middle of it. We were slightly embarrassed by our attire, but strangely enough, no one even seemed to think we looked funny. May I just add that I was wearing pink slipper boots with fake fur on them?!?! Also, our hair was not combed and makeup was nowhere to be found. Get the picture?!?! :) So we check out the menu and see biscuits and gravy! yes! Well, then we are told that they are out of gravy. fabulous! So, we settled for another breakfast choice that was still probably better than McDonald's. I guess I was not meant to have biscuits and gravy that day. I stayed in my PJs the WHOLE day and watched several episodes of Gilmore Girls...which I am now hooked on....and then finally did some school work. It was basically a wonderful day!! :)

To celebrate the weekend being here, Laura and I met up with Dan again to have dinner at Wendy's...a luxury these days! Then, we went to the movie theatre there....which is actually super nice...and saw 2012. I really enjoyed it; however, there were so many over dramatized parts that made me laugh. I don't agree that the world is going to come to an end in 2012...although it could...but that is for the Lord to choose. He says that NO MAN will know the day or the hour. Also, the movie was three hours...and you could feel it. Besides that, I think overall it was a good movie, and I'm glad I got to see it!

Oh...and tonight when I was driving Laura and I home, we saw a possum in the middle of the road just chewing away on some roadkill. lovely! Really glad it wasn't a deer! ;)



Going with recent tradition, I will leave you with a new list:

SIGNS THAT I LIVE IN A SMALL TOWN:
-There is a Street Sweeper...seriously seems like Disney World...without the magic!
-People at the bank know me by name after the second visit
-There's only one post office man--Ira. War would be lost if he got sick!
-every one knows where you live....for example...when I lost my ipod last Saturday, it was found by a lady I've never seen before and given to my landlord. Then, she knew that I had the white car. Wow!
-Before I pump gas, I have to ask the cashier to turn on the gas.
-Restaurants are literally inside other stores such pharmacies or convenient stores

As much as I think that these things are really funny...I must say that I really am enjoying the Southern hospitality!

Well, I best be heading to bed now. Sleeping in tomorrow and trying to get LOTS of school work done!! I hope that I am as productive as I hope!!

My First Week of Teaching and All the Emotions that Come Along...

That first week that I have always dreamed about it over. Kinda strange. It is really hard for me to believe that I am in the position that I am. Sometimes it makes me laugh to myself when I use my key to open up my door and think...oh this is my room!! To some this probably doesn't make sense. However, to a girl who has waited for this almost 18 years...this is exciting! Seeing my students' desks in the morning is a humbling thing. I try to remember each day to remind myself that I may be the only love that they see and receive that day. I must admit that it is not always easy. This first week has been every emotion possible. But after one week, I know that I am where I am supposed to be and that these kids have already stolen my heart.

Since I love lists, I figured I would make a high's and low's of the week list.

HIGH'S:

-Getting to become Miss Marshall

-Knowing that the Lord is with me and that HE brought me here

-Coming home to a roommate

-Planning a "West Virginia Christmas" party with my roommate and laughing till we cried about our Hillbilly ideas...ex. Pin the tooth on the hillbilly....more to come!

-Donna...also a new teacher that is right next door to my classroom. She is a Christian and so sweet! We eat lunch together and help each other through the day!

-Skype dates and phone calls from family and friends

-Seeing that progress with my students is being made in just one week

LOW'S:

-Hitting a deer in the middle of a dark mountain and realizing that Gigi (my car) was damaged

-Missing my family and Lexie

-Hearing Dylan laugh and babble in the background and knowing I can't be there to squeeze him or to see his little smile or to have his first overnighter with my family

-Scrapping my windows already and having my hands and lips be chapped

-Not knowing what to do in many areas of teaching

-Almost crying in the middle of my math lesson because the kids wouldn't settle down and it failed miserably.

-Sending my first kid to the office

-Thinking my life as a waitress may not have been a bad idea

Ok so now onto the list of phrases from 8-10 year olds...

-"Miss Marshall, why do you wear those cloth thingys?" referring to my scarves

-"Miss Marshall, are those your real teeth or are those dentures?"

-After learning about rural, suburban, and urban communities, I asked, "Which community is War?" The kids all thought "CITY!"....poor things!

-"Miss Marshall are you high class or do you like to get dirty?"

-From outside the boys bathroom, I hear..."Miss Marshall, I can't get my underwear on!"

-The first day I met the kids one of their questions was, "Miss Marshall, are you from the beach?"

-"Miss Marshall, have you ever been in a movie? I think I've seen you before."

-"Miss Marshall, do you got any babies? Why not? Any husbands?"....these are asked almost daily.

Finally, a list of some things you may want to know:

-Maw Maw means grandma
-"I've gota use it" means I have to use the restroom
-the water in the school shuts off everyday during certain hours. I was upset at my kids washing their hands in the drinking fountain before I realized that that was the only source of water.

-All of the teachers carry a bottle of soap with them since the school doesn't provide it in the bathrooms.

-Copying a piece of paper at the school is like getting a tooth pulled

And I've saved the best for last....

I am on lunch duty every day, and I have found the most interesting (used broadly) part of the school...sharing food. Most schools...ok all schools...I have been to have a rule not to share food. Well, here the motto is, "Get me some." As the teachers walk around, students raise their hands and say, "Can you get me some ____fill in the blank___". Then, the teacher goes around and looks for that item from another kid that isn't eating it and gives it to the first kid. So my first day when I was asked, "Miss Marshall, can you get me some green beans?" I didn't know what to do. I think I probably said something like, "I don't know if they will sell you just green beans." After little faces with confused looks, I was told about the sharing process and that I would now be a scout! This more than anything cracks me up!

Well, that is enough updating for now. YAY for the weekend!!!!! :)

Here is a picture of my roommate and I at our school's high school football game

Miss Marshall

So I now have three days of teaching in. In my last post, I wasn't sure when I would begin; however, I got a call the following morning to come in. Meeting my students wasn't as I expected since I didn't welcome them into the classroom first thing. However, I was still really nervous and excited at the same time. My students have had a retired sub for the past two months and from what I've heard, are way behind. They all clapped for me when the sub introduced me as their new teacher. I know that God heard my prayers about attachment issues...there were none!!! I think that they are all just so excited that someone is there for them. I have been asked several times, "Miss Marshall, are you coming back tomorrow." I am so glad that I can say YES!!!

Even though I am THRILLED to have my own classroom and to be working with these students...it has been three rough and long days. I am exhausted....however, not enough to go to bed quite yet! ;) I have two students with special needs...one who is pulled out for a few hours during the morning. However, both of them are very disruptive and hard to handle. In my student teaching, I never dealt with these issues, so I am learning LOTS!!!! Please pray for me as I try to help these students as well as teach all of the others. I know that I am not doing well at that yet. As far as the other students, the girls all try really hard and try to pay attention. The boys...not so much. They are for sure trying to see what I am made of. I am remembering my professors saying over and over....be tough at the beginning or you will lose control. This is so hard for me, but the Lord is giving me the strength to get through this rough time. The past two days I have seen a small improvement already...it is enough to make me encouraged and know that with consistency, structure, and LOVE, I can reach these kids!

Most of my students come from broken homes. When we say broken homes, it doesn't mean the same thing. Several have parents on drugs. And several are in prison. Some students have already told me about their situation. My heart breaks for these kids. Hearing these stories makes me know that I am here for a purpose. These kids need love and hope. Those are two things that I am confident that I can give them...no matter how much school work they learn.

Well, I will leave with a few pictures:

My first night seeing my classroom...moving in



Where I teach

My very girly bedroom :)

I Just May Live in a Holler

Tonight my roommate. Laura (another Laura), were discussing that people consider where we live a holler. This for some reason really entertained us. Seriously, we live in the middle of nowhere.

Some things I have noticed so far....
-I can say "I'm going to War" almost everyday since that is where I teach/live
-After I say one word, people know I am not from "around here"
-Everyone says hi
-Things are much slower....even when it comes to professional jobs (ex. 1 school board taking forever to get my paperwork done in order for me to begin teaching. Ex. 2 the manager of the bank wanting to spend an hour with me)
-I feel like I live in Cheers with an accent...the place where everybody knows your name.
-The closest fast food is down the mountain...20 minutes away.
-y'all is the word(s) I hear most
-My cell phone never even recognizes a signal on this mountain.


So....those are just a few of the many everyday things I am experiencing. As far as the scenery...it is absolutely beautiful! I am overwhelmed at God's creation and thankful that I get to see it so abundantly. Never would I have thought that I would be driving these winding roads with guardrails and mountains everyday.

I guess I can fill you in on a little of what has happened so far to get you up to date. My parents and I came down on Saturday. Due to the winding roads, mom got car sick. So, we stayed at the bottom of the mountain in a motel that is indescribable...let's just say we were the majority of their guests! On Sunday, we moved me into my little house with Laura. I am really thankful that I have a roommate...especially one who loves the Lord and has similar interests and life callings. From painting to nailing pictures up to organizing to Wal-Mart runs an hour away....we put in a full day. I had to fill out paper work down the mountain on Monday, so I met Mom and Dad at the motel. We had some brunch at McDonald's (taking advantage of the fast food...never thought I would say that!). In the afternoon Mom, Dad, and I went to the school to see my classroom and move some of my things in. Half the stuff I brought with me is teaching things since I have been saving for so many years. I cannot wait to finally be able to use these things and have students use them, too! My classroom is really nice but really messy/overcrowded. After moving things in, it was time for Mom and Dad to get on the road. Saying goodbye was difficult knowing that is really happening...reality set in quick. As sad as I was to know that I can't be with my family till breaks and summer, I am so excited to teach and know that this is where I am supposed to be at this point.

Feeling really overwhelmed with so much to do Monday night, I asked God to just give me something encouraging. I read that days passage out of "My Utmost For His Highest," and it was just what I needed. It was titled, "What is a missionary?" Basically it said how it is obeying God's call and allowing Him to work things together. Many times we set the picture up ourselves and do what we think God wants for us instead of allowing Him total control and organization. When He calls us, He is behind everything. I am certain that this is the case with me being here. The timing, my roommate, the school, and so many other things are confirmation that the Lord wants me here. For that I am overjoyed!

So, I tried hard to get things done last night, and then got a call later in the evening from the board of education. The state didn't send the approval in yet, so they said I couldn't start today (Tuesday). This was actually a blessing I believe since I had so much to do before meeting the kids. So all day today I worked on things for my classroom. Tonight I went in for a few hours to set up some more things. I'm sure the kids think that they have an invisible teacher. Please pray for my students! They have had a hard year, too, with subs and probably feeling like they don't belong since they are a split class as well. I want it to be a family environment and for them to be able accept me quickly. Also, please pray that I will catch on to all the things that they are doing academically. With 2nd and 3rd grade in one, I have double of every subject. So, there is a ton to learn....and NO time!! However, the Lord is faithful! I am so excited that He has chosen me to be these children's teacher!

The newest news...I am not starting tomorrow morning either. I got another call from the board and again no news from the state. There is a possibility that it will come early tomorrow. If so, I may be in the classroom in the afternoon. crazy. Thankfully, this summer has taught me to live for today and not worry about tomorrow. The Lord is in control!

I am going to head to bed now. Thanks so much for reading this and being a part of my life. As I mentioned, I have no cell reception. However, I have internet, so I can email or skype. And I have a local phone which means that you can call me. Please do one of these because I would love to talk! :) Let me know if you need that info! Also, I will put some pictures up of my life here soon!

Much love,
the country girl

So the newest update....West Virginia here I come!

So you may be thinking, WhAt?!?!? I honestly have been hesitant to post this. If you have been following my journey through the past few months...you know why. It seems like things change at the last minute. Well, I think that this time is the real thing.

I guess I need to go back to the beginning of the summer. Sometime at the end of May, I talked with Paul (youth pastor at my church) and he told me about something called "Operation West Virginia." Basically there is a Christian and Missionary Alliance (CMA) pastor down in West Virginia who is looking for young, mission minded people to teach in a public school and to help with church planting on the side. Since my heart is to combine the two...I thought this sounded perfect. However, all summer I have been looking but no jobs for elementary. Well, about a month or so ago TONS of spots opened. I ended up applying for NINE!

Since the last time I wrote, I decided that I better start looking for employment elsewhere since teaching didn't seem to be an option. So, I got hired at Cracker Barrel a few weeks ago. My second day of training, I finally got a call from West Virginia after weeks of waiting. So a week and a half ago, dad and I drove 6 hours each way to the mountains of West Virginia for an interview. Just being down there was so encouraging to me. Let me tell you, this is a mission field of its own. God has already brought so many things together....like my roommate and house! There are two other people that are doing what I will be doing, Dan and Laura. They both started at the beginning of the school year. Well, out of all the schools in the district, like 6 or 7 elementaries....I got called to interview at Southside which is a k-8 school. Turns out that Laura teaches middle school english there. That is the only school that we would have been able to be in the same building with two different ages of kids. And...she rents a house 3 miles from the school....and she wants a roommate! God is so good! So, when Dad and I were down there, we got to have dinner with Ken (CMA pastor), Dan, and Laura. Also, I got to take a peek at Laura's house...aka my new house! The whole time down there, I just felt a peace.

On Tuesday I got the call offering me the job. Even though I was excited, I was hesitant to let anyone but family know since all the craziness of the summer. However, I have already filled out the paper work and think everything is ready for me to go! I'm aware that there are going to be some hard times ahead. For one, my students have been used to a sub for two months now, and I don't have a clue where they are academically. And besides meeting my roommate for a few hours, I don't know anyone down there. Oh, and I have NO cell reception....this will be really hard for me!! I know that it won't be easy and that I'm sure there will be lonely nights....but I am SOOO excited!!!

I remember a friend telling me earlier this summer that maybe God had something special for me that would be better than just teaching. I think that this is it! Talk about the eleventh hour! He is so faithful, and I am soooo thankful that I get to begin doing what I have always dreamed of....teaching! I know that God has been with me each step of this journey and that there is a reason that all of this has happened and a reason that I am going to War, West Virginia. I have learned so much through this process. One thing has been to be thankful for today and not to worry about tomorrow. I truly am so thankful that I have been able to spend so much time with my family these past few months. I love them so much! And I have been able to hold my little nephew and treasure thousands of baby smiles and hugs. I am so blessed!

So plan now...run like crazy to pack everything I own, finish waitressing at Cracker Barrel, get lots of family time in, go through my collection of teaching items and plan for my classroom and students, oh....and get a car...

Please pray for me this week that I would be productive and that God would start to prepare the hearts of the little ones that I get to meet SO SOON!!!! :)