Life of Riss

Girls weekend....Heck yes!

2010-03-07T12:18:00.000-08:00

So Sauniers, Suse, Nicole, and I have been talking about a girls weekend for a while, well it rather turned into a girls day. However, it was quite wonderful. We started our Saturday off by enjoying a meal at the S.A.M.E. cafe. It's this place where you pay what you can to eat or donate an hour of service time. Very cool!

We then ventured out to City Park since it was a beautiful 50 degrees. We walked around for a good hour just enjoying being outside and catching up on life. Next, we proceeded to Massage Envy for hour long massages. Amazing...that is all I have to say. If you have never gotten a massage before, it's worth spending the money. After our massages, Sarah and I decided we really wanted 2 things and we wanted them together...a hot tub soak and coffee. Since we figured 24 hour fitness would not allow us in with our Starbux cups, Sauniers had the brilliant idea of bringing nalgenes and taking them in with our coffee. It was pure bliss! WONDERFUL. So, I raise my glass to girls weekends, wonderful friends, sunny weather, and massages.

Me with my coffee...

Sauniers pouring into her nalgene...mad skills, mad skills

Enjoying the hot tub and our coffee at the same time...AHHH!

And to end this lovely, long post...I decided to die my hair last night. Was just feeling something different, so here ya go:)

2 MK's and a bottle of wine...

2010-03-02T15:53:00.000-08:00

So last night, Brandon and I decided to celebrate his med-school interview from yesterday, which went amazingly well. I made herb linguini and we decided to open a bottle of wine. Well, I have issues opening wine in general, but surely had problems last night. I started by totally stripping in the cork. Then, we attempted to wedge it out using a couple knives, scissors, and other handy gadgets. Finally, we thought that if we could just get the cork down into the bottle, then at least we could pour the wine out enough to drink it. I am pushing with full force, and POP! The cork goes into the bottle, and wine literally is all over my face, my clothes, and all of our cabinets in our kitchen. Successful? Some might say no, but I get my wine...didn't I?

Updates in my life

2010-02-01T13:07:00.000-08:00

I realize it has been a while since I have posted on here. Life has surely been busy, but I am learning about boundaries in my life. A lot has gone on over the past month, and I feel very overwhelmed. It is crazy it is already February, 1/12 of 2010 is over!!! Can you believe it? Here are some of the things that have gone on over the past month.

#1. Allie got married. Enjoyable wedding, exciting times, great friends...all at the same time. All of our JBU friends got together and celebrating another "marrying off." It was a wonderful time.
#2. My grandfather is dying. It has been a very emotional roller coaster and I get updates daily. I am actually in Florida right now, enjoying time with family. This morning he looked me straight in the eye and said, "Carissa, don't forget that God loves you! He cares about you and wants the best for you. Live every day remembering that." I started tearing up and just nodded, and I realized how devoutly he has exemplified that over the years.
#3. I have added a significant other in my life:) Nic has been a great blessing over the past weeks, and we figure out life together while dating long distance (which might I add...is not fun). He has been a wonderful listening ear and such a strong support system as I process all that is going on with my thoughts and emotions.
#4. I have set some big boundaries this year. I have been leaving work by 5pm every night, getting to the gym, and still having time for myself in the evenings. It is wonderful.
#5. I have a new Bible study with my roommates. We are doing a new Beth moore study and it is amazing, truly challenging me in many ways. It's called "God's Dwelling Place." As of now, a week in....highly recommend it.
#6. I have a new mentor, Sarah Tafoya, who is an amazing Christian woman who I've started meeting with bi-weekly. What a blessing to have an amazing woman of God investing in me. I've desperately needed this1
#7. Work is good, school is good, my kids are learning and my co and I are getting along great. What a big blessing!

For those of you who actually check in, you will be surprised at this entry, but I am going to try and update more often. We'll see what happens. Thanks for all your love and prayers!

A White Christmas...

2009-12-23T16:44:00.000-08:00

So we have been hoping and praying for a white christmas. This morning we woke up to 3 inches of fresh powder in Colorado Springs. We were so excited! So, how do the Coles celebrate? We go out and play in the snow, take a hike, and enjoy some good steaks.

A Rejuvenated Perspective...

2009-10-04T09:51:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've found myself a bit overwhelmed by life, school, friends, and pretty much everything else. However, yesterday I found myself taking some time to be with good friends, relaxing by being outside, and enjoying nature. I walk away with a renewed perspective on life, and am realizing the importance of taking time to just "BE." I often forget how important that truly is!

#20: Play bocce-ball

2009-07-04T22:33:00.000-07:00

So, my original list mentioned glow in the dark bocce-ball. I have yet to be able to track down a set of glow in the dark bocce. Due to this, my completion of this item on the list is playing regular bocce. I have to admit, I am not very good...actually, I am quite awful. I lost terribly, but it's still fun!

#13: Spend a day in the mountains!

2009-07-04T22:20:00.001-07:00

Last weekend, the Cole family, minus Bryan made our way up to Copper Mountain for a great weekend of relaxing, hiking, sleeping, and fishing. We were up there for 3 days. Here are a couple fotitos from the weekend:

Once we got up hiking, there was a lot of snow. There was a whole ski run covered in a about 6 feet of snow. Here we are surprised at how much there was at the end of June.
We went on these beautiful walking paths. It was a bit chilly this day, but still a beautiful Rocky mountain afternoon. Check out those lovely mountains! :) AHHH...so often I love living in Colorado.

#9: Picnic in the Park

2009-07-04T22:18:00.000-07:00

Sadly, I don't have a picture of this one. Yesterday, July 3rd I arrived to the Springs about 11:30 am. The moment I walked in my folks house, we decided to go out and enjoy a nice picnic at the park. We went up to this place called Fox Run, and had a enjoyable afternoon as a family. It was great!

#14: Go hiking

2009-06-21T17:36:00.000-07:00

It's Father's Day. After lunch, my dad proposed a hike. It was crystal clear blues skies, about 85 degrees, and it was a perfect day for hiking. We all jumped at the opportunity of heading outside to get some good exercise and have some great fun as a family! It was wonderful. Here are some pics of our adventures...

Brandon and I...He looks like a flamingo. I think I said something along the lines of, "Welcome to the gun show!" Ha...funny. We have so much fun together.

The gang....minus Bryan. We missed you!

Mamacita and I...we are women, hear us ROAR!

The crew reading something interesting about beetles or trees...not really sure.

So I am making slow progress on my list. I am down 3, only 27 more to go. It has been fun so far!

Item #10: Paddle Boating at City Park

2009-06-21T17:21:00.000-07:00

Here goes nothing. My friend, Jason has had paddle boating on the mind for a while, and we finally decided to brave it yesterday in honor of my birthday celebration. We met at City Park at 2:30 to some cloudy skies. I surely thought we were going to get rained out. We ended up having an hour of pure fun, with only one person walking away soaking wet...ME! Interestingly enough, Jason was attempting to bother the other boat (which included Allie, Nic, and Brandon). However, in an effort to soak Jason, they ended up getting my entire right side wet along with flooding my seat, which I then sat down in. My butt was soaking wet by the time we were done. I have to admit that I have never laughed so hard in my life. It was quite entertaining...most definitely worth the $8.46 each person spent.

Jason and I...before getting wet! Brandon, Nic, and Allie...the culprits!

Item #1: Mini golf with the familia

2009-06-15T17:29:00.000-07:00

So, I replaced my #1 on my things to do list (Frontier Days) because I am going to be out of town. I have replaced it with mini golf. I admit, I lost, but it was still fun! Here are some pictures of our family adventures on the mini golf course. We are a bit ridiculous :)

I am trying to ride the one-eared donkey. It was slightly awkward.

Brandon and I calculating totals at hole 9. Mom and Brandon were tied at 27. Dad was at 29. And sadly, I was at 30...about 7 over par :(

Brandon and I were imitating the scary ET creature at the end of the golf course. It was part of the "Around the World" themed course. Not sure how it relates, but entertaining enough!

Overall, an exciting game of mini golf. I have come to the conclusion that I am not very good at it! Mom was the winner surprisingly, and Brandon came in second. However, second in his opinion is "not good enough." Better than last, which is what I came in. That's the way the cookie crumbles sometimes! :)

Hit the Jackpot!

2009-06-14T18:28:00.000-07:00

Today I hit the jackpot. One of my co-teachers called me and told me that Denver Public Library was having their big used book sale. So, we ventured over there about noon today. It was amazing. I have never seen so many books to wade through, but I managed to walk away with 65 content related books for $40.00. The best part was that they are almost all hard-cover, which hold up so much better in the classroom. It was a great use of time and energy!

Summers off...what shall I do?

2009-06-08T16:04:00.000-07:00

I have come to the conclusion lately that one of the best things about being a teacher is having summers off. I have to admit that all my life I have had summers off and never really taken advantage of it. This summer, I have decided that I am going to be productive in the midst of my time off. I've got 7 weeks of summer, so here is my list of 30 things to do:

1. Visit Frontier Days in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
2. Attend a Rockies Game.
3. See a movie at Red Rocks...maybe Ghostbusters or Princess Bride?
4. Get a nice tan and spend lots of time at the pool.
5. Do a puzzle...a hard one.
6. Go to the Museum of Nature and Science.
7. Go the Art Museum.
8. Go to the zoo.
9. Have a picnic in the park.
10. Go paddle-boating at City Park.
11. Have margaritas at the pool.
12. Fly a kite.
13. Enjoy a day in the mountains.
14. Go hiking.
15. Go camping...(yes, Sarah...I will go camping).
16. Climb a tree.
17. Play sand volleyball.
18. See fireworks.
19. Go white water rafting.
20. Play glow in the dark bocce-ball.
21. Make a root-beer float.
22. Play a board game.
23. Cook-out/Barbeque.
24. Play football in the park.
25. Clean out my closets and donate my clothes I don't wear anymore.
26. Go bowling.
27. Go to an amusement park (Elitches or Water World).
28. Go ice-skating.
29. Try a new food...maybe rattlesnake?
30. Run through the sprinklers like I just don't care.

(As I hold my glass up to toast)...Here's to a summer of 4 weddings, 2 roadtrips, sunshine, and hopefully a lot of fun! :) Happy Summer Everyone.

Random thoughts....

2009-06-03T19:04:00.000-07:00

It rained for five days straight, and today I saw the sun for the first time. Pure bliss...the thunderstorms were cool...but five days, seriously?

I really like the word, seriously? I use it a lot....and I use the word scandalous.

I spent 4 hours at the pool, and burned the back of my legs...ouch. Maybe I should put some sunscreen on tomorrow before I brave the sun again.

I almost got rid of my tan lines today.

I had a wonderful coffee date with Suse this morning. Yeah for friends and free time!

I had an enjoyable "wedding" planning afternoon with Allie. We cooked dinner together, drank wine, and chatted about the upcoming marriage.

I think I might go to Beloit for 5 days next week.

I am blessed by friends who truly care about me.

I may have found a tutoring job that pays $50.00/hr. The students is from Norway, how cool is that?

I had 6 friends call on Monday to check in about how my date went. I am encouraged by those who invest in me.

I love sleeping in and staying up late, both of which I have done a lot of lately.

I had a glass of wine tonight, and am feeling a bit sleepy.

I went to a dips and dorks party last weekend, and dressed up like a dork. It was fun.

I got to play old school Nintendo, and dance around like a crazy person on Saturday night.

I have the itch to travel to a foreign country, but have nowhere to go, no one to go with, and no money to spend.

I bought some kids books today at Barnes and Noble...can't seem to go in there without purchasing something. I love kids books!

I am excited about teaching second grade next year.

I am reading a book about poverty...it is very interesting and enlightening. Tells me a lot about my past students and the places they are at.

I found out I DON'T have to take any summer classes to get my Linguistically Diverse Endorsement in Colorado. I do have to take a stupid test though, and pay another $60 bucks to the department of education....ay-ai-ay.

Why can't they call it one thing? TESOL? ESL? ELD? LD? Caramba...

I really like the word, Caramba, Que pasa?

My apartment people painted our speed bumps today, and I saw 6 car get towed. Bummer for them.

I tried on my bridesmaid dress for Brittany's wedding, and its a little low and a bit short. Yikes! Allie told me I don't look like a hootchie...whew, good thing.

I ate blueberries and raspberries for breakfast today. It made me happy.

I cleaned the kitchen, but have yet to attack the bedroom. The mess is just glaring at me everyday and I keep avoiding it.

I think I should stop, before this list gets ridiculously long!

I am done typing, and need to go make some phone calls. Sionara, Adios, TTFN:)

A bit more direction...

2009-05-20T19:46:00.000-07:00

So, I know...writing on here twice in one week. It's a miracle! Who knows how long that will last, but I figured I'd do some updating on here about life in general. I had a bit of a shock the other day when my principal and director called me in for a meeting about next year. I kept going back and forth between whether I wanted to stay in third grade or move back to second grade. It's been a decent year, but surely things could be better in regards to my teaching position. Well, as I walked into the office, I was told that I am officially moving to second grade. Crazy! It hit me and I immediately was a bit overwhelmed with everything. Now, as I think, pray, and meditate more on it, I am realizing it is going to be a great move for me. I am going to be working with 2 amazing teachers on a cohort team, and teaching with a "newbie." The newbie makes me a bit apprehensive, but I trust Todd and Rob when they say we will work well together. We shall see. That is some updated news on the anxieties of not-knowing the future. Also, I think I am going to live with Sarah and another girl named Sarah also. I am excited to have a roommate who is actually home! Life seems to be progressing along quite well, and I am excited to see what this summer holds for me. There are still a lot of questions, but I know the Lord will open the doors and lead me in the way that I should go. Have a great night all!

My Happy Place...

2009-05-17T15:05:00.000-07:00

Over the past couple days, it has been absolutely lovely. Ah, I have come to the conclusion that I am a much happier person when it is warm, sunshiney, and summer. I am so excited for summertime and find myself literally counting the days until school is out! I am so ready to jump on the summer band-wagon of tanning, traveling, weddings, relaxing, and being outside. This weekend I have been down in the springs with the family. It has been such a blessing...I have such a wonderful family. We have enjoyed just being together, laughing, and playing games...our favorite, Settlers. I won today, and I am not cocky at all:) ha. I have lost so many times lately to my family and finally I won. I think sometimes I am too competitive, but today it played out in my favor. We sat outside for lunch and just talked...I got a bit of a sunburn, and it is great. I love having the pink cheeks and red shoulders...it makes me happy. So...all this to say, I love summer and I can't wait for this one to start. Thank you Lord for beautiful weather than delights my soul and changes my attitude! :)

Isn't it ironic?

2009-04-23T06:12:00.001-07:00

So, I seem the have a pretty strong immune system and body. I have yet to miss a school day this year, and really have not felt too bad at all on any days. I woke up this morning with an awful stomach ache feeling like I need throw up, yet I can't. The irony of it all is that today is our only field trip of the year. We are going to Denver Museum of Nature and Science, which we are all really excited about! I am not at home and am still going to try to make it today, but just pray with me that I can survive walking around a museum all day, that I can handle riding on a bus without losing it, and that I would have the utmost patience. AHHH...so frustrating.

Moments of Anxiety...

2009-04-11T08:47:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know it has been a very long time since I have posted. It seems that the days just pass so quickly and now that my computer is dead, I have to find other ways to get internet. Lately, I have felt very unsure about the future and what it holds. Just last week I found out that I do for sure have a job, however, within in that comes a lot of questions. I have no idea what grade I will be teaching or who I will be co-teaching with. Those of you that know me well, know that I am very detailed oriented and like having this under control. Right now, I don't and that is why life is so hard for me at this point in time. I am trying to trust in the Lord that he knows what is best and will reveal it within his own perfect timing. Please pray as I try to believe that in these two situations, along with who and where I will be living in the fall.

A Tribute...

2009-01-19T07:51:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking a lot over the past couple weeks about the fighting over civil rights. It all started about two weeks ago when we were talking about courage in our classroom and emphasized the great things that Martin Luther King Jr. did during his life. Since then, I have found myself repeatedly thinking about what a different world we live in because of what civil rights activists fought for. I feel like it is on my mind more because of the classroom that I have. In my room, we have about 6 caucasians, 3 african americans, and about 18 latins. Looking at these dynamics make our room so interesting, and these kids have so much to learn from each other. I feel like the exposure to different demographics, characteristics, backgrounds, and races make these kids more accepting of people and cultures. We had a discussion the other day about what our classroom would have been like even sixty years ago. The kids came to the conclusion that they would never have been allowed to be in the same classroom. Many of them expressed concern because they have friends who are of a different race. They expressed frustration about fairness and equality. It was amazing to see them thinking about the reality of these situations. I just wanted to send out a tribute, since it is Martin Luther King Jr. day, to all the people who fought for integration, desegregation, and love. Thank you for your strength to change our world. We can change things if our hearts and minds are unmoveable.

A bit melancholy...

2009-01-03T17:18:00.000-08:00

So I just returned last night from a wonderful 10 day vacation in Ecuador. We arrived on December 22, and spent the first three days in Quito. We enjoyed a wonderful Ecuadorian lunch at our maid's house, a great Christmas dinner with the Stucks, and a fantastic traditional fondue dinner for Christmas Eve. It was a bit different than our normal Christmases, but better that I could have ever asked for. On the 26th, we began our trek to the wonderful beach of Same with some old family friends...Stucks, Clines, Millers, and Paynes...an absolutely wonderful group of people. It is crazy to think that some of us having been vacationing together for 10 years now, and we are all grown up now. It was just like old times. We spent many a hours playing football, basketball, and mafia. We enjoyed the wonderful food of Bernabe's. We laid on the beach, and did our round robin dinners. We even braved an evening in the lively city of Atacames...it was just like old times. We returned to Quito the night of the 31st, with a brief stop at the ghetto fireworks stand, where we purchased a ton of illegal...but awesome fireworks.
What is Ecuador without a rocking New Year's Eve. The Clines hosted a wonderful party at their place, with games and snacks. At 11:00 we headed down to the park for a fireworks display, put on primarily by Riley and Austin...wow! It was awesome. A few close calls, some screams, and an hour later....we had surely set off the best fireworks in Quito. We rang in the new year with smoke, fire, and great friends. My last day was spent packing, enjoying time with my family, and a great evening with friends.
I boarded my plane early yesterday, the 2nd to return "home." It feels weird writing "home" because I still don't know what is home. I thought I was okay calling Denver home, but being back in Ecuador reaffirmed the reality that Ecuador really is my home. I have been in a melancholy mood all day today, almost on the verge of tears. I am not wanting to be in America right now....in all honesty, I miss Quito. I miss my sense of community there, and I miss my dear friends that I have spent so many years investing in.
I think the hardest thing about leaving Ecuador this time is not knowing when we will be going back. This was the last big sha-bang to Ecuador as a whole family. It was a great end, but it is definitely getting to my emotions not knowing when or IF I will return. I know this is really long, but it's been a processing in the making. I been thinking and going through a lot in my mind, so here it is....all written out!

A day couldn't get any worse...

2008-11-18T06:32:00.000-08:00

I now can say that I confidently understand the saying, "When it rains, it pours."

Yesterday was a day like that.

1. It all started by having a conference with a parent who withdrew her child from our class because of an incident/threat from another student.

2. The day continued with another conference with another parent, in which we were left with the only option of asking mom to take this student to another school because he was not being helped in our school.

3. Lastly, we had a student picked up by social services last night because of abuse in the home. Yikes!

All this to say, yesterday was a rough today. I am trying to have a positive outlook on life today, but my heart hurts for these kids, my eyes burn because of the many tears shed yesterday, and my head hurts because I was up all night worrying and having terrible dreams about these kids. Pray for them...they need it! Life isn't fair and these kids don't deserve the situation they've been put in...all we can do now is hand them over to Jesus.

My kids are walking in...I gotta go! Sionara...

blessed by the life i've been given...

2008-11-09T14:33:00.000-08:00

So, Friday was a bit of an interesting day at school! I know that majority of you who read this remember me talking about a little munchkin. He was in my class last year and is also in my class again this year. He is a piece of work and I love him to death. Last year, we had a ton of behavior issues and he was just wanting attention. I have managed to build a really good relationship with him over the past two years.

When we got back to school this year, we found out he had been initiated into one of the worst gangs in Aurora (realize, he is 9). We have had parents complain of their children being exposed to gang signs, gang pictures, and lingo. Also, we found out that he has pulled knives on kids at the park close to his house. He has also been making sexual innuendos to both boys and girls in our class....ahh, makes my heart break. Well Friday during spelling he was his normal self, joking around, and some foul language got involved (nothing new, of course...we've heard it all out of his mouth). My co-teacher and our paraprofessional ignored the language, as we usually do and he tends to stop. He continued to be disrespectful and then started talking about gang stuff again, how it's cool to hurt kids. Lastly, he was pretending to be smoking weed and offering it to kids around him. At that point, my co took him to the director's office. We come to find draw pictures of weed and joints, along with more of the gang symbols. He was at this point suspended until Wednesday.

I struggle with this situation. Oh, the hours I have spent praying for this kid over the past years. I know the suspension needed to happen in order for mom to maybe wake up, but I know that all he has been doing all weekend long is hanging out with those gang kids. He has more time now where he doesn't have to go to school, so he thinks its a vacation. If you think about this little mister...just pray! I keep hoping that if enough prayers are lifted up, we can change this situation....that's a bit of my heart today.

grace....patience....and a lot of energy!

2008-11-05T17:57:00.000-08:00

Whoa, I cannot believe we are already in November. The weather is turning chilly in Colorado, and I just don't like it. I get to school when it's dark and I leave when it's dark...no me gusta por nada!

I have to admit, school is blatantly just kicking my keister. I cannot seem to get ahead. I keep telling myself that it will get better. I think I entered this year feeling very confident and excited, even though I was going to be in a brand new grade level. At this point, I sometimes want to quit. I feel like a first year teacher all over again. The things I did last year, don't work this year. The lessons I spent hours on last year, don't work this year. It's all new content, it's a whole new level of independence, and there are days like today when I feel like I suck as a teacher. I would like to ask you to pray for creativity, for passion, and for energy over the next 3 weeks. I realized today that in exactly 20 days, I will be sitting in the presence of my amazing family enjoying the thanksgiving holidays...I need grace and patience to reign in me over the next 20 days. Please pray with me...

Life is just busy....

2008-11-02T07:43:00.000-08:00

So I had my dear friend Laura over for dinner last night, she was in town visiting an old high-school friend. She repeatedly stated that I was bad at blogging....hmm, I have definitely heard that one a lot in the past. I'm not sure what it is about being so bad at this, but often times I just don't feel like I have a lot going on in my life besides teaching. Though you all love me very much, I doubt you want to read post over post over post about teaching. I am going to attempt....keyword here...to be better at informing people of the happenings in my life. So, here we go....

Last night, as I said Laura came over for dinner with her little button...Sally Jane. Oh my gosh, I swear that she is cutest baby ever! She was so good, and just hung out with us. I got my baby-fix and I forget how stinking cute they are. Remember, I work with 9 year olds all-day, but I miss the babies! :(

Friday night, I went to a dud of a halloween party with my roommate Brit and some girls from school. We dressed up as the girls from Grey's which was fun....however, the party was lame. We ended up sitting on the couch talking about school, hmm, how fun does that sound? Got home late and crashed, slept for over 12 hours. AMAZING!

I have come to the conclusion that I am not sure if I like Fall Back, because I worry too much about getting off on my sleeping patterns. I woke up this morning at 7:30 (normal time), which because of fall back is 6:30. I convinced myself that it was too early to get up, so I laid in bed until about 9:00/8:00. Now I have that jet-lag, feeling hungover headache that doesn't go away! Hmm...not so fun.

Well, as I said, here is my first attempt at being better. I will post some pictures from this weekend when I get them downloaded...Later gators!

Sickie...

2008-10-20T15:34:00.001-07:00

So I think I have the stomach flu. I woke up about 2:30am feeling very nauseous, and was up the majority of the night. I skipped school today and just now managed to feed myself some chicken noodle soup...we'll see if I can keep it down. I have come to the conclusion that having the stomach flu is on of the worst things in this world....I hate it! My poor roommate was sick all last week with the same thing, and I had prayed that I had avoided the flu....however, I guess not. Please pray I am feeling better tomorrow because I have about 9 straight hours of parent/teacher conferences!

Hats off to a new year....

2008-08-16T19:10:00.000-07:00

I have spent the last 10 days, for anywhere from 8-10 hours a day at school. I have been setting up my room, sitting through an overall beneficial set of in-services, and planning with my grade level team! It is quite bizarre to think that I am starting my second year of teaching in about 8 days...I am so excited about this next year. I am working with a girl named Brit, who is awesome. We click so well, have the same perspectives on life, and it just works. It is such a blessing to work with someone when it is so easy!

On another note, I am so excited to see my old student Dorian. He was a student who I prayed for repeatedly last year and finally made big gains at the end of the year. He is in my class again this year, and I am going to see him on Thursday night. He has been in my thoughts a lot over the past 2 months and I can't wait to teach him again this year! Pray for him this year.

On a more comical side, I am watching Season I of Friends right now...relaxing in my apartment. The scene I just watched was of Ross being attacked by a cat on the room. I am laughing so hard. Do you ever have those moments where you laugh so hard you are crying? Yeah, definitely just happened.

The wrong continent...

2008-07-11T15:07:00.000-07:00

The title summarizes what I have been feeling for the past two weeks. I think I am just on the wrong continent...my heart, my soul, my passions, my mind is in Africa...however, my body is in America. How is it that you can be so immensely split over two very different places? How is it that I feel like I need to be in America right now and that is where God has me, yet my heart and every yearning in my body wants to be back in Africa?

I was talking to my friend Sarah tonight, who is still in Sierra Leone. She was asking me how I was coping with being back in the states...and I really struggled to answer that question. In all reality, I am fine. I am not in cultural shock, I don't dislike America, I can handle all the modern conveniences...but I don't really want to be here. Through my discussion with Sarah, I repeatedly said I want to be okay with being in Denver. I want to be content with where I am at right now...I know it is just a season before I pursue my dream of being somewhere overseas. I ask that as I begin this next year of teaching, that you would pray alongside me...for contentment. I want to be impact the place I live...the people I come across...the students I teach. I don't want to constantly live my life wishing I were living somewhere else. Please join me in praying for that process! :)

How can you miss so much?

2008-07-07T18:59:00.000-07:00

I have officially been back in the US for one week. It is amazing how quickly time flies and how quickly I have adapted back into American culture. Though that is true, I find myself daily missing the beloved nation of Sierra Leone. It is not that I am necessarily missing the place, but rather the people that are in that place. I was in Sierra Leone for three weeks and formed such amazing relationships over those three weeks. It is overwhelming to think of how much you can miss something that you know so little about. I keep trying to attempt to put into words all my experiences, emotions, and stories...however, this is much more difficult that I ever imagined it would be. I knew it would be hard to share stories even with pictures, share experiences even with video, and share the passions...but the reality of how hard it has been has stirred me to be an emotional roller coaster. I know that it will get easier, but the initial transition has been quite hard.
I had the blessing of calling Sarah today (my dear friend and team leader who is still in Sierra Leone). It was good to catch up with her and see how things are progressing in Banta. I am seriously considering taking a year off and going back to Sierra Leone to live for some time. As I was talking to her on skype, I received a text on my cell phone. It was from Emmanuel (my "teacher" of African culture while I was there). He was telling me he wanted me to call him, so as soon as I got off with Sarah, I got to chat with him for a while. It has been such a blessing to connect with people that I developed such deep relationships with. I am praising God for these moments, which are really making the transition a bit easier.
These thoughts are slightly random, but that is the story of my brain right now. Bear with me as I am trying to vocalize all that is going on inside this brain of mine.

The world is getting smaller....

2008-07-06T16:13:00.000-07:00

So, this evening I was sitting at dinner with my family here in Florida when all of a sudden my phone rings. I look at the caller ID and realize it is "unknown," which usually is what comes up when it is an international call. I hesitated answering it, but decided to go ahead anyways. On the other line, I find Albert (one of my friends from Sierra Leone). He had asked for my phone number before I left Sierra Leone and I gave it to him, assuming I would never hear from him. It is really expensive to call from Sierra Leone, and he is a JSS student. He just called to chat. He wanted to make sure I had made it home safely, and was alright in America. We talked for a couple minutes before I got cut off, luckily though, I was able to get his number before we got disconnected. I called him back and we talked for a while...what a true blessing. He told me all about his birthday party on Wednesday, about his church service today, and about his lettuce garden (that I helped him plant). I have been missing Sierra Leone and my friends I made there. Albert was definitely one of those people I think about often and miss seeing everyday. He was one of the first people I saw in the morning, and he always had a smile on his face. His love for Jesus is evident, and he served us with all his energy. He taught me how to wash dishes the right way, even after laughing at me a lot! I know that it is very expensive to call from Sierra Leone, and his effort brightened my day. This is a little tribute to dear friend, who right now is on the other side of the world. I find myself thinking about Sierra Leone daily, and asking God for grace as I attempt to live in America while most of my heart is still over there!

This is Albert and me the last night is Banta:

How do you express?

2008-07-02T07:07:00.000-07:00

I am back from my trip. I am back from Sierra Leone. I am back on American soil. Making those statements seems so standard, but this trip was everything but that. As I look back on all the things I experienced, the people I met, the stories I heard, and the relationships I built over the past three weeks, I am overwhelmed with emotions. I am overtaken by feelings of joy, sadness, bitterness, frustration, love, hope, injustice, knowledge, power, excitement, passion, and heartache! It is amazing how many feelings and emotions can run through your blood all at the same time, and how you can feel so inadequate to fully express them in words. Over the next couple weeks, I am sure I will be blogging quite frequently as I try to figure out all that I learned while in Sierra Leone. This is the first of many posts relating to my trip. I hope you enjoy reading them and processing along with me.

As all those emotions run through my soul, I feel them all for specific reasons. I feel joy over the way that God has renewed my life and perspective. I feel sadness over having to say good-bye to good friends that I made on another continent without knowing if I will ever see them again. I feel bitterness over having to experience the materialism in American culture after seeing that people live on so little. I feel frustration of the lack on resources and money that is available to people in Sierra Leone. I feel love because of the love given to me from the people in Sierra Leone and knowing the Jesus loves us all no matter what! I feel injustice over seeing how people are treated, discriminated against due to certain circumstances. I feel hope because of seeing Christian disciples working to serve God even after the war that has plagued their country. I have knowledge because of hearing people's stories, seeing their lives, and listening to them speak about God's mercies and his will for their lives. I feel power because I know that God is working in tremendous ways in Sierra Leone and has a great plan for the people of that nation who are working to transform the new generation of leaders. I am excited to see how God will use the nationals under COTN to change the nation of Sierra Leone. I feel passion because I have found a place that I love and am passionate about. I feel heartache because of the tragic stories I heard during my time in Sierra Leone.

This is a small, small attempt to express what is going on in my brain and head right now.

I leave you with a picture that I have come to love and adore. This is Kadiatu Jongo, a girl I came to love very quickly. She is from a family of 17 kids, she lives in the village of Banta Mokelleh, she is six years. She loves Jesus and knows that he loves her:)

A light at the end of a dark tunnel...

2008-06-01T09:58:00.000-07:00

So as you can probably tell from my most recent posts, I have been very much stressed, overwhelmed, and emotional. The added stress of having to find a place to leave was very much relieved yesterday. I think we found one. When all the "organized plans" fell through, I found msyelf not sure of where to start. Yesterday, I spent the majority of my day two places: on the internet looking at housing options in Aurora and driving around look at places to live. The first place I looked was actually my favorite. It's a two bedroom, two bath condo about 1 mile from school. The lady that currently lives there is moving to London in July. She is willing to pro-rate the rent for July, plus allow Brittany's dog to live there too! I am taking Brit (future roommate) back on Tuesday to look and hopefully get the ball rolling in regards to applications and leasing information. Please pray this works out. Our stipulations initially included reasonable rent, allowing dogs, and within 2 miles of work....and this condo fits all three of those. Pray as we continue to search and try to nail something down before Saturday.

Change o plans...

2008-05-31T10:15:00.000-07:00

Oh my! So I got a phone call yesterday from the lady that we were supposed to move into her house in July. She informed us that she will not be moving out. We are on the house prowl now. We have had things set about housing since March and hadn't even been looking because the situation seemed so perfect. Haha, so much for being in control. Please be praying as we have 7 days to find a place to live before we go to Africa:)

Sweet Endings and Happy Good-byes!

2008-05-23T18:02:00.000-07:00

So today I repeatedly found myself fighting back tears, as we watched the year-long slide show, as we packed up our room, as I gave hugs to my kiddos. My students kept asking me, "What's wrong Miss. Cole?" How was I supposed to respond to that? Well, I responded by saying, "They are happy tears." This year has been AMAZING, beyond words, and absolutely the best thing that could have happened to me. However, as it came to an end, I was overwhelmed with emotions. Everyone always says your first year is hard, but they also say that those kids will always have a place in your heart. How true that is. My kids have surely pushed me to my patience limits this year, but I love them to death. Today, as I realized I was saying good-bye to them as second graders, I was very emotional.

All of my little "munchkins" have grown so much this year....not only in height, but academics, love, passion, and pretty much every area. I know that I will have over half of them again next year, however, it was still hard. I am now at a point where I can start looking to the future. I am so blessed to have the opportunity of working with some of the same kids next year. I find myself already praying about next year's class and the dynamics. I know some of the students I will surely have and look forward to continuing to build relationships. At this point though, it's time to say good-bye to this year! Adieu.

It's Gonna Be a New Year....

2008-05-19T19:49:00.000-07:00

Today, I officially received my "contract" and invitation back to Vanguard Classical. I am so excited about next year, being with my same kiddos, working with an absolutely amazing team and having a year under my belt. The best part about this contract...oh yeah, a big fat raise:) YEAH! Thank God....

Countdowns....

2008-05-10T09:35:00.000-07:00

I never have the been the kind of person to be big into countdowns, but after being a teacher, I am all for them. We officially have 10 days left of school with kids, and 14 days as teachers. AHH! I am so ready for summer. I mean, I love my students and all, but they are starting to grate my nerves and just overall drive me crazy. People have always told me that they get crazy and excited at the end of the year, but I never imagined it would be this bad:( Yikes.

Another countdown in also on, not by days, but weeks at this point. In about 3 and a half weeks I will be on the ground in Sierra Leone. I am so excited about this opportunity. If you think of our team, please pray for safe travels and especially healthy bodies. I think that is my biggest fear...getting sick. I keep praying that God will protect every aspect of our trip and I know tons of other people are praying also, so thanks:)

Today is a day of running errands and lesson planning (for school and Sierra Leone). So....as they say in Japan "sionara." Adios, ciao bella!

Lysander the Highlander!

2008-05-03T14:43:00.000-07:00

So, today was an eventful day! I went out car shopping because Rhonda (my old honda) seemed to be a on the fritz, having some issues lately. I went to the first appointment and was highly disappointed. You see, I really wanted a Highlander, however the one I was looking at was way over my price-range. I walked away and decided to stop in at another dealership... I didn't have an appointment though. 3 hours later I drove away in my new car! I managed to somehow get a 2007 White Highlander with 30,000 miles for a really good deal...anyways ,just had to share my news with all you who check my blog:)

TGIF....

2008-04-24T20:18:00.000-07:00

All I have to say is "Thank God is almost Friday!"

21 days left of school....wahoo, the countdown is definitely on for now:)
Shout out to Neil and Laura Gowan, who just had their baby girl, Sally Jane. Love you guys!

Rough day

2008-04-21T16:32:00.000-07:00

I am saddened sometimes by some of the kids in my class, one in particular. He is a little fellow with no support at home who wasn't able to read until 3 months ago, has never succeeded in school, and knows more than any second grader should ever know. He just breaks my heart. Today was especially one of those days when my heart about cracked open. He had a really rough day, Monday's are normally hard, but today especially. He came in this morning talking about his karate tournament and the WWE (which is nothing new). As the day progressed he managed to get himself to strike 5 (3 is a big deal), so this is over the top. I walked over to him to have a "chat" about his behavior. He looked at me and said, "Miss Cole, why do you even care about me?" I just about lost it. This child has never had anyone believe in him or inspire him or want him to succeed. The success he has made this year is tremendous and I am in shock, however, on days like today I feel like a failure. If you would, please keep this little one in your prayers...he's the kid that all the teachers say will be in a juvenile deliquent center by the time he's 13. I pray this is not so. I want him to succeed so bad, and can't wait to see what he does in the future. I must admit I am excited to have him again next year...hopefully, we can break through the tough guy exterior.

Mini-updates....

2008-04-19T14:27:00.000-07:00

-Today I woke up to 79 degree weather in the city of mile-high. Pure bliss if you ask me. I spent the majority of my morning watching one of my students play in a little league game. It was so enjoyable just being outside and sitting in the sun....even though I got a little burned.

-5 weeks left of school and counting. It is truly amazing to think I am almost done with my first year of teaching...I must admit that I am ready to have that one under my belt. They always say "firsts" are the hardest and this year's definitely been a challenge.

-I officially passed my Praxis II so I am officially Colorado Certified to teach K-6. This is an answer to prayer because this means I will get to move up with my kids and join them as one of their 3rd grade teachers next year.

-Less than 2 months until we go to Sierra Leone. I get my last 2 shots on Thursday, all my money is in, and I find myself more ecstatic than ever. I even got online and looked at the weather in Sierra Leone today....89, wishing I were there already.

-I am finally feeling "settled" in the Denver metro area, even though I will be moving again. I have loved the city and the people I have met through my experiences here. I am looking forward to what the next year will bring.

-Having spring here has changed my perspective on life in many ways! I have a renewed spirit and joy towards life. Here's to the next couple months of beautiful weather.

On a final note, I have decided yet once again to try and be a better blogger...we will see how it goes! Hopefully as you find yourself checking up on my blog, you will see new posts:) I hope you all have a great Saturday and know you are truly loved and blessed....ciao!

Off to the beauties...

2007-11-21T12:48:00.000-08:00

Carissa is thinking the moutains are calling her name, so she is following that call.

Happy Thanksgiving! :)

What's on the homefront?

2007-11-17T14:52:00.000-08:00

Since my last post, life has gotten busier, I still have yet to figure out my boundaries, I have bought my first christmas present, and I got 4 new kids in my classroom. We are two days out from Thanksgiving break (Praise the Lord!) in which I will head up to the mountains with my family for an excellent time of skiing, relaxing, and being in the snow.

I just found out that we have been given a solid go ahead to plan our trip to Sierra Leone next summer. We will probably be gone for 3 weeks in June and I am getting so excited. Pray for our team as we do fund-raisers and plan the trip. Pray that we would have guidance, and since we are going with other non-Christians, that some of us would be a light to them!

That's a little update on my life, and now I off to brave Christmas shopping with my friend Sarah:) Adios!

2007-10-27T18:08:00.000-07:00

Our kids had their first performance at the school on Thursday night. Before the actual event, they were supposed to be in our room for about 20 minutes. I have never seen my kids so excited and energetic before! Here are a couple pictures of them before the performance...

Chinese lanterns...

2007-10-19T21:20:00.000-07:00

So we are studying Ancient China in History for three weeks. We made paper lanterns to today. The kids really enjoyed it, although I think they favorite part was walking around the classroom with their lanterns on their heads. They thought it was hilarious...I must admit, I'm not really sure why.

Amber (my co) and I also rearranged out classroom today:) So fun, I feel like I am back to freshman year of college all over again when Suzy and I would rearrange our room like once month. I think the kiddos will really enjoy it...and we like it too.

Funny quote of the week. On Monday I was wearing a black and white striped shirt to school. One of my students comes up to me at the end of the day and says, "You know what you look like Miss. Cole?" I said, "No, what do I look like?" He replies, "You kinda look like a zebra...a pretty zebra." haha...kids say that dardest things!

2007-10-18T19:16:00.000-07:00

This week's been a little rough, I must admit. I've been a little sick. I feel a little behind in my work. I feel a little bit alone. There's always a new day tomorrow, and I look forward to seeing what the new day will hold. I've started a new Bible Study, Why Godly People Do Ungodly Things, and it has surely been kicking my butt. It is stretching me and challenging me just like any other Beth Moore study. It is really making me dig up some past struggles and sins while confronting some other craziness in my life. I am so grateful that GOD is always on my side:) Without Him, I don't know what I'd do! It has been so real to me lately that we are fighting a spiritual battle every single day of our lives.

Here's to a new day tomorrow.

They light up my life...

2007-09-22T19:40:00.003-07:00

Here is a picture of my kiddos that just makes me smile:) Thought I'd share it! Meet Alberto, Margarita, and Dany who are showing off their projects they made last week!

Aren'ts they just incredibly beautiful?

2007-09-21T20:31:00.000-07:00

Today has been one of those days that is just plain fun! Whoever said that school isn't fun was completely WRONG. My co-teacher, Amber and I had an enjoyable day with our kids of laughing and fun, yet of course very educational, activities.

One of my students, Alberto asked me the other day, "Miss. Cole, how much do you like your life?" It really got me thinking. I have come to the conclusion that I absolutely LOVE my life right now. I am surrounded by 24 incredible kids every day and I feel incredibly blessed by the fact that I actually like going to work. I am involved in a new Beth Moore Bible Study which is stretching and encouraging me. I am slowly making friends in the Denver area and feeling more and more encouraged daily. So my answer to Alberto was this, "I love my life, and you wanna know why?" I guess it ultimately comes down to getting to spend 40+ hours a week with 24 amazing 7-year olds and being surrounded by incredibly amazing Christian professionals...this transition is slowly becoming a bit easier:)

2007-09-08T11:17:00.000-07:00

I've decided to live a big kids life and create a blog. I figure I have friends and family on four different continents and what a better way to keep in contact...right?

Right now I find myself seeking, searching, and trying to figure out what I want for my life. My dear friend Sarah and I were talking last night about how we are struggling with such heartache for some of our co-workers. Some of them show such interest in Christianity and we are yearning to find the balance of ministering and loving them without being judgemental about the such differing lifestyles they live. I find myself praying daily that the Lord would outpour and shine through me so they may see something different. Join me in prayer for these!

I am stuck in a new world, a new job, and a new everything without much of a spiritual support system. I am trying to find a church that I can get involved in, but it is a lot harder than I thought it would be. Ah...so the search continues.

Today my day is filled with packing and moving (helping a friend), writing lesson plans, and cutting out a matching game for my second graders to play on monday dealing with the geographical features and terms. As I sign off, I hope you are all incredibly blessed today!