Field Day

Wow, it has been a while again since I've posted. Sorry about that. I think with it nearing the end of the year things have been pretty crazy and my schedule has picked up. Since the last post was also a catch up post, and I don't remember really what's happened between now and then, I will just tell you about the most recent - today, Field Day. 

Field Day is an all day (well actually all morning - we were done by 1:00) event where 1st-6th graders participate in different class competitions. There are team relay races, tug of war, handball, and individual hurdles and sprints along with fun carnival games. It is a fun day for all of the kids and a nice change of pace from being in the classroom all the time. Since this was my first year and my kids first year participating, we really had no idea what to expect coming in to this day. I had heard different things about it, but I felt like I was the blind leading the blind. Praise the Lord it was a great day and everything went really smoothly. 

The day began with the 1st-5th graders parading onto the soccer field through a human tunnel made by the 6th graders. Each class was color coded, first grade was blue.

After a brief "welcome" and fun "reenactment" of a battle from the 6th graders the activities began. We started with the individual competitions of hurdling and dash. I had one student in each event place, which was very exciting for them. The kids got medallions for placing. 

Next, the relay race...

...then Tug of War. Although, we did not do very well in this event, it was a lot of fun watching the parents get into it and trying to strategically place the kids. :) 

Last event....handball. 

Finally, the time that all the kids were waiting for....the carnival! This was kind of crazy with kids and parents running everywhere, but I know they had fun, so it made it all worth it, and I didn't have much to worry about when they were in the gym, which made my job easy. 

The day was a success overall, we had beautiful weather, and although it was a little hot, there was nice cool air to come inside to and cool off. 

We have less than a month left of school before I've made it through my first year of teaching. It's hard to believe, but I am so thankful for the experience and many many things God has taught throughout the year. It will be a crazy next couple weeks and I probably won't get another post done before the school year is over, but thank you to each one of you for your prayers and support. They have been so encouraging and I believe what got me through the year, aside from God's grace and love towards me. I am looking forward to the summer and to see what God has in store for next year. But first, we have awards ceremony and the end of the year activities to get through before I can be thinking too much about next year. :)

Psalm 113:3 "From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the LORD is to be praised!"

The Beginning of 2015

Wow, I just realized I haven't blogged since the New Year, so sorry! I guess this semester has been pretty busy! As I look back and try to remember what has happened in January and February I can't really think of much. We did have Snow Day, 100 Day, Valentine's Day, and International Day at school, but that is about it. March has already been more eventful than the other two months. My parents were able to come for a short visit, and that was so much fun! I also just survived my second tropical storm, and am on Spring Break. 

Here are a few photos from the different special days at school and my parents' visit.

One of the students that I tutor a couple times a week.

Snow Day! :)

100th Day of School!!

Jump for 100 seconds

Making a 100 Day crown

Valentine's Day

International Day - the students each got to ride a carabou.

My parent's visit!! :)

The first day we went to a beach at the north end of the island called Ritidian.

Snorkeling

We began hiking Mt. LamLam, but did not get very far

Inarajan Pools - beautiful view and waves

Mom observed my classroom a couple days.

I took them to some of my favorite restaurants.

We were able to drink out of a fresh coconut as well

...and of course enjoy a beautiful sunset!

Psalm 19:1 "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork."

Reflecting on 2014

Well, friends, as of 2 hours ago it is now officially 2015. I am not much of a person to make New Year's Resolutions or anything like that, however, I do want to take a couple minutes to reflect on the many blessings, trials, and lessons I learned in 2014. 

This past year God has really stretched me and grown me spiritually. It all seemed to start back in March when I began applying for teaching jobs for the fall. In my mind I had my plan of what I was going to do and where I was going to teach, ultimately I was going to stay in the States and get some teaching experience before moving overseas. God, however, had different plans. It was during this whole application process and waiting time that God began to show me that His plans are not my plans and His ways are not my ways (Isaiah 55:8). As you already know God led me to Guam where I have grown quite a bit through being here. Not only in the 5 months that I have been here, but also in the 3 months prior to when I found out I was moving overseas. 

Before God showed me where He wanted me I had to trust Him for a couple months knowing that He had something special in mind and all I needed to do was trust Him to reveal that to me in His time. This was not always an easy task, but through His strength I was able to trust Him and follow His leading for my life. This is one of the best decisions I have ever made. Yes, I have had many challenges, but I know I am exactly where He wants me and He has a plan and purpose for my life here. Knowing this gives me comfort that if I were any other place I would not be happy because I would be outside of God's will.

Looking back I see how God prepared me not only in 2014 but all the years of my life for moving to Guam, and I know me being here is simply another step towards fulfilling His plan in my life. I have grown a lot, but I know I have a lot more growing to do. Even in the last 5 months of being here on Guam, God has provided time and time again not only for my needs, but also for my wants. So, looking forward to 2015 I have no idea what challenges, blessings, or anything else it may hold, but I do know that I serve an awesome God who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He will take care of me through both the good and the bad, the happy and the sad, so I have absolutely nothing to worry about. This year I want to know my God and who He is more, and understand more that He is all I need. GOD IS ENOUGH. This is a lesson I started to learn in 2014, but still need to learn and to grasp in 2015 as new trials may come my way. 

Here are a few pictures to summarize the year 2014:

God's Provision

I just wanted to quickly share one huge answer to prayer. In my last post I mentioned how I had been struggling with the need for a car, but realized that God had the perfect car out there somewhere for me. Well, right after I finished posting I checked my email, and in my inbox was a message about a potential car. I was very excited and immediately responded that I was interested. Throughout the course of the next 2 weeks I talked to my parents and others, got my finances all lined up to purchase a car while final little glitches were being taken care of. To make a long story short, God has provided a car for me and I am now a proud owner of a 2005 Toyota Echo!!! :) God is good!

It has now been a whole week that I have had the car, and I am loving it! So thankful for the Lord's provision!

Here is a picture of us girls at the water park that we went to the Saturday after my last post, where a friend called and asked me join her at this place that she was able to get passes to. 

Well it is time for bed, goodnight, and thank you so much for your continued prayers! I am so blessed and thankful!