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
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