May has been full of work and activity. It’s my last chance to get a paycheck for three months—subbing hiatus is upon us.
I do like the freedom and flexibility of being a substitute teacher, especially in my old age.
I will not deny that it can be super stressful, but most days are okay. I love the kids. They fill up my need for human interaction, love, and affirmation—most days!
Sometimes having a connection with the most troubled souls is sweetness itself. My heart burns for these young ones. They have challenges most people never dream of. I know, because they share things with me, details sometimes, of their difficult lives.
Yesterday was a strange experience, as the documentary I was supposed to show each hour involved witchcraft and star gazing. It was quite the experience to see some demonic activity manifest in two of the six hours.
I announced at the beginning of the hour that this documentary was religious in nature and that the students should treat it as such. One can study religions and all sorts of things as subject matter—I follow the plan. I add my two cents whenever possible, and yesterday I did. Of course.
Still I had to deal with spiritual stuff, and that happens from time to time. It’s weird.
Remember, this is a public school. Building trust with the students is my goal. I have no contract to appease the system. I step in and add my influence as a believer in Jesus whenever I can.
Another topic of the week was vulgarity and profanity. I take the opportunity to educate kids on the difference, and it usually makes a difference in the atmosphere when I do. I don’t hear either after that. Unfortunately I hear it too much to begin with. Salt and Light—that is what I’m trying to be.
As we watch our world slide towards the Beast System we can expect decay before our eyes. I see it.
My friend called me last Sunday and announced that she’d been given two free tickets to hear Andrea Bocelli in Minneapolis that evening. It was 5pm when she called, concert was slated for 7:30.
YES! I’m in!!
I have to say that it was more than I anticipated! He really does have an amazing voice, huge repertoire, masterful ability, and the show was heart wrenching, i.e. “Time to Say Good Bye”–
He sang all the famous tenor arias from Italian opera. What a performance!
I’ll never forget it.
Tomorrow I drive my “daughter” from Africa to camp. She’s been here since college dorms closed for the summer, and she is working at a camp there for the summer months.
Tonight I plan to put flowers on Brian’s grave at Fort Snelling. Going on Monday is problematic, since traffic is insane at the National Cemetery.
Our local cemetery has a wonderful service on Memorial Day, and Brian’s name will be read out loud at roll call. I hope to visit my dad’s grave as well. My friend Dean will be the speaker there. My old high school band plays each year too. It’s very meaningful.
I made some major decisions these past few weeks about the future. I’ve been quietly praying and listening for advice and direction. God gave. Nothing is truly peacefully happy about my issues, but there is resolution.
It’s gorgeous outside. Lilacs are in full bloom, honeysuckle, bleeding heart. Daisies are beginning to bloom. Tulips are done.
It’s starting to be hot. Tomatoes and cucumbers, dill and basil are planted. Thyme and parsley, lettuce are all popping up volunteer. It’s fun to have my Kitchen Garden.
I need to go and get an eggplant.
Dolmates, Biber, patlican,,,,—a Turkish song goes through my head each time I think of eggplant.
I brush up on my Turkish. 🙂
My Chinese is coming along nicely. It’s fun to actually understand some conversation, and respond a bit too!
Still learning characters. What a challenge.
School will be out in a couple of weeks. I hope to have more to write about then.
Until then…