Spring is in the Air...

I know it's a strange concept for those of you who are just experiencing the beginnings of fall in the Northern Hemisphere, but for us the days are getting warmer, the birds are chirping louder, and the trees are growing fresh green leaves and beginning to blossom. It is still chilly (as it will be all year), but even a few degrees makes a big difference to this Florida girl! The other day, I was excited to comfortably wear a t-shirt and jeans into the evening. As it is now, the days are beautiful. Sunshine dominates the sky here. The cool air and the warm sunshine create a perfect combination. In the words of Goldilocks, it's "not too hot, not too cold...it's just right!" I have been enjoying some (short) afternoon runs through my neighborhood and the surrounding areas. It's not as pretty as running in Tallahassee, and I am constantly watching for taxis, trufis, and stray dogs when I jog across uneven cobblestone roads. The other day, I was slightly embarrassed when I tripped (twice!) while running along the main road. Thankfully I did not fall flat on my face, but I was close to it. I typically try not to draw extra attention to myself here...I'm sure my clumsiness did not help me to blend into the crowds.

I cannot believe another week has already passed since my last entry here. The week passed quickly and smoothly. It seemed that my science classes were more "bored" with the lessons this week, possibly because we were taking true notes for part of the week leading up to an experiment (our first official lab!) on Friday. I can't remember if I mentioned the first lab incident we had the previous week, but in case I didn't, during our first "lab" activity, one of my students was so closely observing a lit candle that his hair nearly caught on fire! Thankfully, it was only singed and even his parents found the story amusing. Nevertheless, I chose a lab that I deemed to be pretty risk free following that incident. So...on Friday, my 7th grade scientists examined the mystery of solubility using colored sugar mixed with oil, water, and rubbing alcohol. It went really well, and I think the class really enjoyed it. (They've asked me LITERALLY every day, "Miss, are we doing a lab today?!" It was fun to finally say, "Yes!")

On the math side of things, my 8th graders have been learning about exponents and scientific notation this week, and my 6th and 7th graders have both been working with integer operations For 6th grade this is new, but for 7th grade this should be a review. Unfortunately, my classes are really struggling with the concept of adding and subtracting integers, and I am running out of ways to reinforce and re-explain it. We've spent longer here than I intended, but I am hopeful that the extra practice and extra time will help my students to understand this more clearly in the long run.

Outside of school, we had some fun eating and chatting at our girl's Bible study on Wednesday night and on Friday, we celebrated a birthday with desserts and games. I found a store in the Megacenter that reminds me of a Pottery Barn meets Pier One, and I couldn't resist buying a few new towels for our kitchen and a cute change purse to carry around all of the coins I use to travel around town (I've been using a plastic bag up to this point, so the change purse is a major improvement.).

My weekend has been incredibly relaxing, due largely to the fact that today I did not leave my house and tomorrow...there is no school! Today was an official "Pedestrian's Day" in La Paz, which meant that all vehicles were supposed to be off the roads. We heard rumors that some taxis and trufis were going to head to the streets anyway...Anyway, the lack of public transportation meant that Jess and I had the option of 1) walking several miles up a mountain to church which may or may not have been held this morning, or 2) staying home in our pajamas and listening to sermons. #2 won out this time. :) Yesterday, we had a fun afternoon of dinner and grocery shopping, which also included "groceries" such as picture frames and a mirror for Jess. It was fun to buy a few things to decorate our little casita and when we got home, I put pictures into frames, dug out some of the few decorations I brought along, and made my room feel a little more like home.

Afterwards, I spent the evening drawing, which is something I haven't done since I've been here (unless it was school related.). The combination of these simple joys has been really refreshing, and I am so thankful we have had just a little extra time this weekend.

I've also been really refreshed in my time with God this weekend. I've spent a lot of time with him, and have been remembering and experiencing the peace and happiness intimacy with him brings. I have a lot of reasons to praise him, and I've been enjoying learning from him this weekend. Although I don't know what it will always look like, I know that God has brought me here to refine me and to serve him. I hope to be faithful to his calling for me here each day.
Which reminds me of a verse I am memorizing with a good friend: "Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms." (1 Peter 4:10) God has also been reminding me of the importance, the challenge, and the beauty of surrendering all of our lives to him. Please pray that I will listen and obey as God teaches me and that I will continually trust God without fear as I hold out my life before him. God is a good and faithful Father who provides us with all we need and more. Now...if only I could remember that every day. :)

Please pray for wisdom as I plan lessons this week and for my students to understand the concepts we are working on in class. More importantly though, please pray that my students are convinced of God's love for them and that those who have a relationship with Jesus have confidence in their salvation. Pray that our middle schoolers see the worthiness of a life surrendered to our Lord and Savior, and that they are not caught up in chasing after temporary things that the world has to offer.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in his wonderful face,

and the things of earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of his Glory and Grace.