Culture Shock

It was time to move.  I know not everyone had this feeling but I do.  I tearfully said goodbye to my wonderful DC crew of teachers and students to move onto the next adventure in teaching.  Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that God would lead me to Texas.  Texas is exactly like everything I had picture and at the same time it is nothing I had expected. 
When people relocate to a foreign country for a work assignment, experts say that they will go through a culture shock.  Culture shock is the homesick feeling and frustration people feel when they experience a new culture.  They feel a sense if loss at what they are familiar with and what they left behind.  Often times this frustration stems from a language barrier, new foods, and learning the customs of a new country.  Although Texas is not a foregin country, I can somewhat relate to the feelings of culture shock.  I have spent my summer trying to get a feel for San Antonio.  I have to admit, I had no idea how frustrated I would become by not being able to speak Spanish.  Spanish is spoken everywhere and any idea that anyone is going to translate for you is a pipe dream.  I have decided to learn Spanish and even though I know it takes time, I am not very patient.  Aside from the language barrier, there are many other things new to me.  I have eaten tostadas the wrong way, tried a different Mexian dish nearly every day, and nearly fainted at seeing the sight of the Texas history book.  I've worn jeans and cowboy boots on a Friday night, a sight you would not see anywhere else in the world, without feeling embarrassed.  All of these new experiences are pushing me just a little farther.  It was time to move because I needed to be pushed out of my comfort zone.  If you stay in your comfort zone, you'll never be in position to do something great.  There have been several time where I have felt "uncomfortable" in a situation here in TX.  After experiencing being uncomforable though, you can now begin to relate and understand the people in your new surroundings.  You grow...again.  You are always growing.  The culture shock will wears off and compassion and understanding move in to take its place. 

I have relocated to San Antonio, TX where I will be teaching 4th grade in the inner city.  I am excited to begin this next adventure!

Having It All in the New Year

The New Year was rung in loud and joyful as it was spent with friends, a bonfire, a nice 65 degree evening, and a little friendly competition of Mad Gab. It was a great night and as I reflected over the year I couldn't help but be reminded of the frustrations I felt as a teacher. Frustrations involved not having enough time to do anything. As everyone makes their resolutions that involve managing your money better, managing your eating habits better, managing your health, managing your relationships, and the list goes on. I want to share another resolution that will hopefully challenge you as well. Think about how you manage your time. Time is one resource that is extremely limited and is so easily mismanaged. In order to be your most effective self (teacher, mother, friend, wife, sister, principal, leader, etc.) you need to be aware of how you are spending you time. I suggest mapping out everything you do in your week, your workouts, you meetings, your planning time, your teaching time, small group, studytime, classes, etc. Spread it all out on the wall or floor if you need to. Then, map out your time how you want it spent. Remember that the more intentional you are, the more effective you are.