This weekend Caleb had a baseball tournament in Indy, which was fun. Megs came with us and we got to spend the night at Kate's for one night. It was so good to catch up. I also really enjoyed the time with my mom, Emma, Caleb, and Megs. Everyone else had other obligations for the weekend.
So, I decided to outline my summer plans/goals:
FAMILY
I only have four months to spend at home, so I'm really excited about being home and being able to spend some time with ma familia, especially since I know my time with them is limited. I love them a lot.
YOUTH GROUP
I'm so excited about helping out with the junior high youth group at New Life Baptist this summer. I went to youth group for the first time last Wednesday and had a great time. I'm particularly looking forward to youth camp. Already, I feel quite at home at New Life.
STARBUCKS/MEIJER
Although this is not exactly the summer job I had envisioned, I am already learning a lot. The good news is, I am going to get the hours I want and my boss is pretty flexible with availability. She said it would be no problem for me to go to youth camp. I think working at McDonalds last summer in VA Beach was good preparation for this. Already there is a lot of spiritual stuff that I've noticed that I am praying about. Your prayers would be appreciated... and visits are always welcomed! :)
TESOL/Prep. for South Korea
I'm planning to take a 100 hr. online TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) course to give me some preparation for teaching English in South Korea in the fall. There are also several arrangements that need to be made for South Korea (paperwork, reading, etc.). I'm excited about all of this. I just finished reading a book today called Teaching More than English - an excellent resource which I plan to spend some time processing through this next week.
I also plan to do a decent amount of reading, running, flossing (yes, this is an actual goal of mine), studying Galatians, keeping up-to-date with the New York Times Daily Headlines, eating healthy, and having random friend/catching up time... and whatever else the Lord decides to put into my summer. I think it will be good... so far it has been good.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Saturday, May 10, 2008
An Absolutely Wonderful Day...
Today was one of those making-lots-of-memories types of days. Started out with Zac and I going to visit my mom for breakfast at CFA. We hung out with her for awhile and then I went to meet my great-Uncle Joe and great-Uncle Tony for lunch. (But before I went, I had to stop and get gas at Martin's and Zac followed me in Dad's truck all the way to the pump to make sure that I didn't get stranded - a very sweet brother).
Uncle Joe and Uncle Tony took me to Roc's for lunch. We had a lovely time - catching up about my trip and talking about different life stuff. We also got to see my mom's cousin, Rocco and my Uncle Rocco (definitely Italian names). :) When we finished with lunch, I went back to Uncle Tony and Uncle Joe's house and hung out and just talked for a long time about life, lessons, and the amazing family we are both blessed to be a part of. It was one of those good heart to heart conversations that I think I'll remember for a long time.
We probably would have talked longer, but I had to leave to pick my mom up from work and Emma up from school. (Today was a special day for Emma - she was chosen out of all the fifth graders at her school to carry the Horizon Elementary Olympic Torch... quite an honor. I'm such a proud big sister.)
After dropping the ladies off at home, I went to Meijer for my Starbucks interview. Good news to report... I am officially a Starbucks employee at Meijer! I'm actually really excited about this job for the summer. My boss seems SO nice and super-sweet. I told her I didn't want to work Sundays or Wednesday nights and she said "no problem!" She also told me they would be giving me 30-40 hours each week, fitting into my hours of availability (mornings and afternoons). I'm excited about working there this summer... I met one of my coworkers and she seems very friendly. I think she's going to be training me. I start orientation on Monday afternoon...
Upon my return from Meijer, I came home to a bustling house. Everyone was helping to get ready for my small graduation party tonight. We decided to invite my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins over for a family celebration over pizza and chocolate cake with white icing (my favorite combination). It was so nice to have everyone over. The pizza was delicious. Conversations wonderful. Family amazing.
My Grandma surprised me with a "Biblical" quilt that she made for me. It is SOOO beautiful... and queen-size, which was also exciting. Each square corresponds with a Bible story/verse. I'm looking forward to learning more about it. She gave me a booklet that explains everything and we attempted to identify each square tonight corresponding with the stories. So fun. My aunt and uncle also surprised me with a Vera Bradley backpack and travel organizer. So next time I travel, I won't leave my passport in the South Bend airport (yes... I actually did that when I got home from Pac Rim - craziness, I know). I also received several cards from my family members with monetary gifts.
Yes, it's been a lovely day. I do feel so very blessed. This time that I have with my family over the next four months is so very special to me. I plan to treasure it as much as possible.
Overwhelmed once again by the amazingness of our Lord,
~Holly Nicole
Uncle Joe and Uncle Tony took me to Roc's for lunch. We had a lovely time - catching up about my trip and talking about different life stuff. We also got to see my mom's cousin, Rocco and my Uncle Rocco (definitely Italian names). :) When we finished with lunch, I went back to Uncle Tony and Uncle Joe's house and hung out and just talked for a long time about life, lessons, and the amazing family we are both blessed to be a part of. It was one of those good heart to heart conversations that I think I'll remember for a long time.
We probably would have talked longer, but I had to leave to pick my mom up from work and Emma up from school. (Today was a special day for Emma - she was chosen out of all the fifth graders at her school to carry the Horizon Elementary Olympic Torch... quite an honor. I'm such a proud big sister.)
After dropping the ladies off at home, I went to Meijer for my Starbucks interview. Good news to report... I am officially a Starbucks employee at Meijer! I'm actually really excited about this job for the summer. My boss seems SO nice and super-sweet. I told her I didn't want to work Sundays or Wednesday nights and she said "no problem!" She also told me they would be giving me 30-40 hours each week, fitting into my hours of availability (mornings and afternoons). I'm excited about working there this summer... I met one of my coworkers and she seems very friendly. I think she's going to be training me. I start orientation on Monday afternoon...
Upon my return from Meijer, I came home to a bustling house. Everyone was helping to get ready for my small graduation party tonight. We decided to invite my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins over for a family celebration over pizza and chocolate cake with white icing (my favorite combination). It was so nice to have everyone over. The pizza was delicious. Conversations wonderful. Family amazing.
My Grandma surprised me with a "Biblical" quilt that she made for me. It is SOOO beautiful... and queen-size, which was also exciting. Each square corresponds with a Bible story/verse. I'm looking forward to learning more about it. She gave me a booklet that explains everything and we attempted to identify each square tonight corresponding with the stories. So fun. My aunt and uncle also surprised me with a Vera Bradley backpack and travel organizer. So next time I travel, I won't leave my passport in the South Bend airport (yes... I actually did that when I got home from Pac Rim - craziness, I know). I also received several cards from my family members with monetary gifts.
Yes, it's been a lovely day. I do feel so very blessed. This time that I have with my family over the next four months is so very special to me. I plan to treasure it as much as possible.
Overwhelmed once again by the amazingness of our Lord,
~Holly Nicole
Friday, May 9, 2008
Substituting, Seoul, and Starbucks
I'm very tired, so this may be a short post... but I've been composing a blog post in my head over the last day or two (I find myself doing that often, isn't that kind of silly?).
So, substitute teaching for elementary students is very fun and very tiring. I had my first day of substituting yesterday and absolutely loved it... then came home and crashed on the couch, completely exhausted. I had a wonderful 3rd grade classroom at Horizon Elementary. The teachers and staff were all so welcoming and friendly toward me. I also lucked out... it was Teacher Appreciation Week, so we got free breakfast (and coffee) and free lunch. It was definitely a lovely day... and kind of confirmed even more in my heart that teaching is what I'm supposed to be doing - at least for the next year or two. I realize that teaching in a very American suburban middle-class elementary school is quite different from teaching English to a bunch of Korean-speaking high school students in a huge city like Seoul. However... I think the experiences I have had up to this point are experiences that God is using to prepare me for teaching in Seoul.
Speaking of Seoul... I had another phone interview on Tuesday night with the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (SMOE). Note: Usually Seoul does not hire teachers without a TESOL certification or education degree. However, they seem to think that I have enough extracurricular experience to do just fine in the classroom. Once again, I am amazed by the opportunities the Lord has provided to me... even in the past year to prepare me for this! He is so good. On Wednesday night, I received a phone call informing me that the SMOE decided to offer me a contract! So, it is official... and will be really official when I sign the contract, fax it in, and start tackling a long list of paperwork requirements. I'm excited about it though!
Tomorrow afternoon, I will be having an interview at Starbucks for a summer job. I'm excited... I think that job will fit me well for the summer. I'll let you all know how it goes...
By the way, I've been continuing with my running since I've been back in the States (although I've not been quite as faithful as I was in Beijing). I am both shocked and happy to report that I ran for a total of 45 minutes this morning! It was at my slow pace, but towards the end, I was able to push myself a little more, which was good. David Crowder definitely has some good songs that help motivate me...
I really am loving this season of being home with my family... last night my mom, Megs and I went grocery shopping. We were out for almost two hours, but just had a lot of fun. I've had a lot more opportunities to be "domestic" since I've been home, which I've enjoyed more than I thought I would.
Good night.
So, substitute teaching for elementary students is very fun and very tiring. I had my first day of substituting yesterday and absolutely loved it... then came home and crashed on the couch, completely exhausted. I had a wonderful 3rd grade classroom at Horizon Elementary. The teachers and staff were all so welcoming and friendly toward me. I also lucked out... it was Teacher Appreciation Week, so we got free breakfast (and coffee) and free lunch. It was definitely a lovely day... and kind of confirmed even more in my heart that teaching is what I'm supposed to be doing - at least for the next year or two. I realize that teaching in a very American suburban middle-class elementary school is quite different from teaching English to a bunch of Korean-speaking high school students in a huge city like Seoul. However... I think the experiences I have had up to this point are experiences that God is using to prepare me for teaching in Seoul.
Speaking of Seoul... I had another phone interview on Tuesday night with the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (SMOE). Note: Usually Seoul does not hire teachers without a TESOL certification or education degree. However, they seem to think that I have enough extracurricular experience to do just fine in the classroom. Once again, I am amazed by the opportunities the Lord has provided to me... even in the past year to prepare me for this! He is so good. On Wednesday night, I received a phone call informing me that the SMOE decided to offer me a contract! So, it is official... and will be really official when I sign the contract, fax it in, and start tackling a long list of paperwork requirements. I'm excited about it though!
Tomorrow afternoon, I will be having an interview at Starbucks for a summer job. I'm excited... I think that job will fit me well for the summer. I'll let you all know how it goes...
By the way, I've been continuing with my running since I've been back in the States (although I've not been quite as faithful as I was in Beijing). I am both shocked and happy to report that I ran for a total of 45 minutes this morning! It was at my slow pace, but towards the end, I was able to push myself a little more, which was good. David Crowder definitely has some good songs that help motivate me...
I really am loving this season of being home with my family... last night my mom, Megs and I went grocery shopping. We were out for almost two hours, but just had a lot of fun. I've had a lot more opportunities to be "domestic" since I've been home, which I've enjoyed more than I thought I would.
Good night.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Girls & Clothes
Last night, I attended the Mother/Daughter Banquet with my mom (surprise, surprise...), Emma, my Grandma, Aunt Michelle, and my Nana. It was a lovely girls night. Mom, Emma and I have been having some sweet times together. I'm excited about spending the summer at home with them. I realized a couple of weeks ago that this will actually be the first summer I've spent at home since high school. That's kind of hard to believe.
Since I'm back at home for the summer, I've been putting together my own little room in the basement. Even though it is unfinished, I think it will end up turning out kind of fun. My Dad did the framing several months ago, but hasn't had a whole lot of time to put up drywall, insulation, and light fixtures. But, he did bring down a piece of carpet from one of our old houses and put a rod in my closet for clothes. My brothers brought down the furniture I will need for the summer, which was very helpful. So now, I'm just unpacking, organizing and hanging up blankets to serve as walls. It's definitely a unique project, but I've really been enjoying it. It's nice just to have a place of my own. Maybe I will come up with a name for my little creative corner in the basement....
As I've been unpacking boxes and putting things away, I've been realizing that I have a ridiculous surplus of clothing. I think I have unpacked five boxes since I've been home! After spending an entire semester with only enough clothes to last 1-2 weeks, I feel like a glutton. So, I'm trying to purge my wardrobe. I still have way too many clothes I think, but have managed to fill up at least two boxes with things to get rid of. Some of my sweaters that were packed away will go back into storage. As I'm preparing for South Korea, it's a little easier to let go of some of the clothes I've been holding onto for years, thinking I'll maybe wear them sometime. I know that I'll have a limited wardrobe when I go abroad again, so I'm trying to keep that in mind as I sort through things. :)
I actually have a substitute job tomorrow morning and a Starbucks interview in the afternoon... so I should probably get to bed.
Since I'm back at home for the summer, I've been putting together my own little room in the basement. Even though it is unfinished, I think it will end up turning out kind of fun. My Dad did the framing several months ago, but hasn't had a whole lot of time to put up drywall, insulation, and light fixtures. But, he did bring down a piece of carpet from one of our old houses and put a rod in my closet for clothes. My brothers brought down the furniture I will need for the summer, which was very helpful. So now, I'm just unpacking, organizing and hanging up blankets to serve as walls. It's definitely a unique project, but I've really been enjoying it. It's nice just to have a place of my own. Maybe I will come up with a name for my little creative corner in the basement....
As I've been unpacking boxes and putting things away, I've been realizing that I have a ridiculous surplus of clothing. I think I have unpacked five boxes since I've been home! After spending an entire semester with only enough clothes to last 1-2 weeks, I feel like a glutton. So, I'm trying to purge my wardrobe. I still have way too many clothes I think, but have managed to fill up at least two boxes with things to get rid of. Some of my sweaters that were packed away will go back into storage. As I'm preparing for South Korea, it's a little easier to let go of some of the clothes I've been holding onto for years, thinking I'll maybe wear them sometime. I know that I'll have a limited wardrobe when I go abroad again, so I'm trying to keep that in mind as I sort through things. :)
I actually have a substitute job tomorrow morning and a Starbucks interview in the afternoon... so I should probably get to bed.
Monday, May 5, 2008
Graduation Day
I hardly know where to begin. I've had a wonderful semester.... a wonderful past couple of weeks with friends and family... a wonderful Bethel College experience... and a wonderful day. I am overwhelmed with the goodness of the Lord.
It's hard to believe that I'm actually finished with college now. A college graduate. I really do feel like I just graduated high school. I'm not sure where the time goes, but it sure does go fast. (I apologize for the terrible cliches...).
It's been another great season of learning and living. Transition seems to be a theme in my life... for the next four months, I will be living at home. I'm really looking forward to the time I will have with my family before I go to South Korea.
After graduation today, we went to Carabba's for a wonderful Italian meal (something I've been looking forward to for months...). It is great to have everyone home right now, even if it is a little crazy. My amazing family helped me move to the basement. I am making my own temporary room downstairs for the summer and I think it will be fun. Lots of improvising, but fun, I think.
Perhaps the best way to sum up my thoughts/feelings with the following song "He's Always Been Faithful to Me" by Sara Groves:
It's hard to believe that I'm actually finished with college now. A college graduate. I really do feel like I just graduated high school. I'm not sure where the time goes, but it sure does go fast. (I apologize for the terrible cliches...).
It's been another great season of learning and living. Transition seems to be a theme in my life... for the next four months, I will be living at home. I'm really looking forward to the time I will have with my family before I go to South Korea.
After graduation today, we went to Carabba's for a wonderful Italian meal (something I've been looking forward to for months...). It is great to have everyone home right now, even if it is a little crazy. My amazing family helped me move to the basement. I am making my own temporary room downstairs for the summer and I think it will be fun. Lots of improvising, but fun, I think.
Perhaps the best way to sum up my thoughts/feelings with the following song "He's Always Been Faithful to Me" by Sara Groves:
Morning by morning I wake up to find
the power and comfort of God's hand in mine.
Season by season I watch him amazed, in
awe of the mystery of his perfect ways
All I have need of his hand will provide.
He's always been faithful to me
I can't remember a trial or a pain he did
not recycle to bring me gain. I can't
remember one single regret in serving
God only and trusting his hand
All I have need of his hand will provide.
He's always been faithful to me
This is my anthem, this is my song, the
theme of the stories I've heard for so long.
God has been faithful, he will be again.
His loving compassion, it knows no end.
All I have need of his hand will provide.
He's always been faithful to me
He's always been faithful to me
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)