2009 Here I Come... Year in Review 2008

I was thinking back over my first full year in England and all the things I've LEARNED this year... here goes...

In January, I learned to be in love and to wait. I gave up seeing Grayson (after 7 months) so he could go to his sister's wedding.

In February, I learned to explore in sunny Portugal... castles, beaches, cliffs... sunsets... complete with paralyzing weeverfish and the best grilled salmon I've ever had. I saw a real palace... I learned what it was to deal with anger from a loved one that didn't come from you. I learned it wasn't me. It was the last time I heard from him.

In March, I went to Ireland for St. Patrick's Day... Martha and I had a Bailey's shake every day of March hitherto and I learned my boundaries. (Nothing says boundaries like outdrinking an Irish guy St. Patrick's Day weekend). I learned to diffuse situations with humor and classic movies (the Goonies). I learned the value of good equipment as my camera broke.

In April, I learned the value of good friends. Britt, Jodi and I took a road trip to Daytona Beach and camped on the ground in the rain and relaxed... I learned I could do things, I could relax, I was tough... I was a survivor. I enjoyed nature; I was happy for others even though I was still broken inside. I learned the value and pride of family watching Adam graduate and the sore muscles that come with transition as I switched rooms with him in my parent's house. Lol.

In May, I learned the value of community, and joined a homegroup at my church. The girls I've been connected with are my prayer partners and those that spur me on as I spend time here in London. They are my church family.

In June, I celebrated AND learned that I'm not invincible... breaking my toe playing soccer the DAY BEFORE my birthday. And yes, I still hiked in Hyde Park and played frisbee... fortified by the sangria we took to the park to enjoy the sunny summer afternoon. Nothing says Happy Birthday like fruitfilled sangria and chocolate.

In July I learned the exhaustion of hard work and the value of organization. School was finally over. I learned that I don't always have to rush... to slow down, pace myself as things end.

In August, I learned to rest. I learned not to worry, but that people love me. I enjoyed my house, pool, and the sun, and let people come to me,... cause they will, because they love me. (I never really knew that before.)

In September, I learned the value of returning, the fulfillment of helping others whose shoes you were once in as I mentored the new American teachers at school.

In October, I learned the freedom of giving, the pang of losing friendships (friend at work), and the amazing gift of a God who speaks to His people. I learned that some people like to lie... and how to recognize it (met a patheological liar in Scotland... ). I learned to enjoy beauty in architecture, art, the shapes of leaves in a park... the colors of autumn in a garden... even in the lines of the letters of an old cemetry... Edinbugh is amazing. I will take anyone around the city.

In November, I learned to train my mind and body... not to just give into my impulses and desires... but as Plato wrote, to use my logic to tame my passions and natural impulses. I learned that humans' and God's standards are not the same, and that as humans we have to negotiate our human ones to God's (I failed a lesson observation, because I was focusing on my other job requirements, but I got to redo it and passed!). (Anyone who really the old me would know that I DON'T fail things... so... I've REALLY changed... and I was ok with it... didn't freak out or cry, even though I wanted to)

In December, I learned that I'm human... I got a really bad chest infection (which you read about) and felt the fear of not being able to care for myself... of needing others, missing my friends and family, and seeing God provide care for me. I learned that others won't always agree with you, even when you feel what you hear is from God. I learned teenager defiance, lack of confidence, and negotiating motives... my year 11 students have been a fun challenge... I learned that I have to be sensitive to where someone is... I often see what they can be, and get so excited... but may not be as gentle as I need to be in spurring them on... Grace and Truth. I learned that I have something to offer... and the blessing of being able to bless others. I learned that I am weak... and that's how God made me... and it's ok. I don't need to be strong and hard in some things... it's not always God's way.

I know I have so much more to learn... Confucius said true knowledge is knowing the extent of one's ignorance.... to paraphrase. It's been a long year, and it's been an interesting start to this one, but I hope I learn as much and always keep moving forward.

I start my graduate course tomorrow... Ethnic Minority Achievement and Diversity Education. What a mouthful. Today, we had an inset day... and FROZE because the heat was broken in school. They finally got it working at the end of the day... It SNOWED in London this morning... a whole dusty inch covered the ground as I walked to the bus stop... it flurried throughout the day and I couldn't help but smile and smile. I know I'm going to be so tired by the end of the week. I know I'm going to be exhausted from the frenzy of school, from the cold weather, from trekking around a big city... but I feel happy and content. I know where I'm meant to be. I feel like I have purpose and know what it is and am working it out. I don't always feel this way, I don't always feel successful and happy. I don't even always like the city. But I feel refreshed now. Six weeks till half term... and it's going to be a long battle till then. Prayers and good thoughts are appreciated.

I miss you all.

Big love,

Jenny