This post was written on January 2nd.
So I am writing this post while on vacation and am unable to
post seeing as I am actually without internet J But as I write this I am curled up in an
armchair with a blanket on my lap, watching the snow softly fall through the
windows. I’m sitting in the living room
of my future in-laws. Being a teacher is
great—not only do you get to work with students that you come to love, but you
also get some pretty spectacular vacation time.
Of course, not everyone gets that kind of time off, which means I am
sitting alone while Mr. Charming is at work.
But that’s okay—I’m getting lots of planning done for my classes.
Christmas vacation has gone by far too fast.
I knew that it would.
And so I thought I was prepared for this.
But apparently I’m not.
This means I am really not liking the fact that in two days
I will be back in BC trying to make another two and a half months fly by until
I get to see Mr. Charming again. My
heart is already breaking at the thought.
But enough about that.
I have been the world’s worst blogger lately. It hasn’t been for lack of interesting
adventures, trust me. I will quickly run
through some of the curious happenings that have taken place over the last two months.
1.
While doing a novel study that involved the use
of “public apologies,” my grade 10 class really latched on to that idea. We have at least one public apology issued in
every class. And usually about three or
four when I do lunchtime supervision on Wednesdays.
2.
One day, after leaving the bank to deposit my
paycheque, I was followed by a man I have never met. He stopped me, said “Excuse me, Miss? I just have to tell you something. You are very beautiful.” Then he turned around and walked away.
3.
For Christmas this year one of my History 12
students made me a card. On the front
was a picture of Chairman Mao wearing a Santa suit. The card addressed me as “The Illuminati.”
4.
While sitting on a stool discussing something
with my English 10 class, I lost my balance.
Sadly, I was wearing heels and the heels were hooked on the rung of the
stool, making putting my feet out to steady myself impossible. I fell.
And had a bruise the size of my fist on one of my knees for a
while. Instead of laughing, my students
were concerned (I take this as a very good sign).
5.
I introduced my Social Studies 8 class to the
wonder that is The Muppet Christmas Carol. They didn’t know what to make of me when they
realized I could sing along with every song.
6.
I had to go through an observation in one of my
classes (this is where the principal comes in, observes for the block, and
gives me feedback). After the
observation, and lunch, my kids returned to class, looked at me, and said,
“Miss Slykhuis, you get an A+ on your observation. Well done.”
They then proceeded to tell me their own observations of my observation.
7.
I’m currently working on how to teach Planning
10... using The Lord of the Rings.
Now this is just a snapshot of what the last two months have
held for me. But it should indicate to
you that things have not been boring!
And now it is January 2nd, 2014. I’m getting married in 197 days. I’m getting married this year. I’m almost done my first semester as a
full-fledged high school teacher. My
sister is getting married this year (29 days after me, as a matter of fact).
Last Saturday Mr. Charming and I had our first pre-marital
counselling session. One of the
things the pastor asked us about was
defining moments in our lives that have shaped who we are today (while he knows
Mr. Charming really well, he didn’t know me, so this was an opportunity for him
to figure out what makes me tick).
I tell you this because it means that this New Years’ I am
feeling somewhat reflective. I’m
thinking over all the things that God has done in my life that I never
expected. I think back to two years
ago.
Two years ago I was finishing my undergraduate degree,
unsure of where I would be completing my Education Degree and definitely not
having any idea as to where I would be teaching. Now I have my two degrees and a full-time job
that I love.
Two years ago from now I was in the midst of dealing with my
anger and grief over church issues and hurts.
I felt like I was sinking and drowning in the emotions that came with
that. Two years ago I had mentors who
stepped in to help me work through the grieving process.
Two years ago God took me through a year of discovery. He showed me how He saw me and began to
develop an identity in me that I hadn’t seen before. He took my insecurities around being single
and dealing with hurt and rejection and showed me the beauty that He sees. I still struggle with this, but when I think
back to where I was two years ago, I’m amazed at what He has done.
Two years ago I had a conversation with my cousin where she
told me about a dinner she had with a friend.
This friend had remarked to her that he thought I was hot. He had only seen me three and a half years
earlier at my cousin’s wedding. Two
years ago this friend started pursuing me and in just over six months I get to
marry him.
None of this happened the way that I planned for it to
happen.
But I am so thankful it did happen.
See, I have made plans and resolutions and all of that. And they never seem to work out the way I
intend for them to. Which is why I’m not
making a New Years’ Resolution this year.
This year I am simply going to be open to the Holy Spirit’s
direction. I’m going to keep moving
forward, keep seeking Him, and see where He leads.
