If you don't know, I'm currently living in Philadelphia and student teaching in the inner-city in Kensington. I moved into my apartment about 3 weeks, and it was broken into last week. The only thing that was stolen was my personal laptop, and it hasn't turned up so far -- and I doubt it ever will :( Tomorrow marks the end of our students' 2nd full week in school. My mentor teacher and I have 22 Kindergarteners, and a third of those students only speak Spanish. Behavior problems, special needs, disease.. you name it. We have it at our school. It's tough, but man.. God love them. They are so cute.
For my friends: I apologize in advance if I'm foreal MIA this entire semester and if I don't talk to you whatsoever (whether you're here in Philly, in Atlanta, or wherever). I have the craziest schedule ever...
Monday thru Friday 6:45 am Wake up 7:40 am Leave apartment 8:20 am Arrive at school 8:30 am Begin teaching 3:15 pm (or later) Leave school 3:45 - 7 pm Babysit (A 3-year-old and her twin brother and sister) 7:30 - 8:30 pm Gym 8:45 pm Get home for the day 11 - 12 am Go to sleep
Because I literally have no time and I'm constantly running around doing this and that, I've been sick and stressed. When I get stressed, I don't eat because I completely lose my appetite. So this will probably continue on until December (when student teaching ends, and I graduate).
I've been attending Renewal Presbyterian and am slowly getting adjusted to a big church again. My home church in Georgia is pretty big, but I've been attending Harvest at Penn State for the past 4 years (and it's on the smaller side) so it's a bit of a change. I've joined a small group and also the women's flag football team. I'm really excited for what God has in store for me through Renewal.
Lastly, I still am indeed planning on serving in China for 2 years with ELIC after I graduate. My anticipated leave date is July 2009. I haven't been accepted just yet but am in the final processes of application. All I have left to do are 4 personality tests.
This past summer was a big dry season for me, and I really feel like God was preparing me for this semester. It's been tough, but I feel as if He is renewing me every single day. He's truly been my rock and my strength. I really encourage those who commute to school or work to turn the radio/music off in the car and just let it be a prayer drive. I love it.
So that is all. Pray for me! I will surely need it throughout the semester as I teach and things get more stressful -- thank you :) Email is the best way to contact me (jenn.kim28@gmail.com), so feel free to write me with what's going on in your lives as well. Blessings
An unnie I know defines these as a repertoire of praise & worship songs that make her want to fall on her knees and throw her hands up in the air when she sings them/hears them. She imagines that, for sure, they would be the songs that one day she'll get to sing with the heavenly angels before the throne of God.
I love the term, and I absolutely LOVE the definition. I'd say I have my own repertoire of such songs; this is one of them...
You Are Near
In awe of You we worship And stand amazed at Your great love We're changed from glory to glory We set our hearts on You our God
Now Your presence fills this place Be exalted in our praise As we worship I believe You are near
Blessing and honor
And glory and power
Forever, forever
* * *
My time at Penn State as a student is coming to an end very soon. Although I'm not graduating in May, I feel like I am because I'll be leaving and moving to Philly for a semester of student teaching (basically an unpaid internship).. and then I'll be graduating in December. And it hasn't really hit met yet because I decided to stay in State College for the majority of the summer. I'll be working at my two jobs and saving up some money.
This next week is my last week of actual classes in college FOREVER! I'm completely and utterly swamped with schoolwork (everything that is to be done this week: 9 papers, 2 quizzes, an exam, a portfolio, taking over and peer teaching my Math Ed. class.. and there are some other misc. things), and I was stressing hardcore about all of it for the longest time. But I realized today that I'm never going to be able to do this again So this week may be THE hell week of all time and I may be sleep-deprived, but I'm going to make the most of it!
2008 has and will be marked a year of change & transition. I always say that I hate change, but I think I secretly like it deep down inside.
I was reminded of this one particular day during West Philly '06 Inner-City Missions today for some reason. It was one of the Saturdays (Sundays? Dang, I don't remember...) where our team did laundry, cleaned the house, grocery shopped, lesson planned, rested up for the upcoming week with our kids, etc. This one day it was POURING rain -- like literally raining as if it was monsoon season. I remember the team members and I sat outside on the porch, and we just all watched the huge droplets of rain.. listening to the relaxing rhythmic beats as they hit the ground. Then we got this insane idea to play Rock, Paper, Scissors & the losers had to actually run out in the rain, go across the street, touch a parked car, and run back. Needless to say, we all got SOAKED!
Anyway, there really isn't a point to the story.. but after we all played and the rain ceased, some of us sat on the steps in front of the house, sang praise songs, and simply worshiped. It was beautiful
This was one of the songs: "All Who Are Thirsty."
* * *
I recently finished reading the book The Essential Conversation: What Parents and Teachers Can Learn From Each Other (a secular book). Excellent read, I must say. There was an excerpt in the last chapter that I particularly loved:
In addition to Mrs. Thomas creating a "familial" tone in her classroom, she was also openly expressive about her Southern black religious roots. "She was a deeply religious person," recalls Claudia. "She treated Laura as if she was a special gift from God." Claudia pauses for a moment and corrects herself. It was not just Laura who was the focus of her advocacy, prayers, and grace. "This was true about her relationship to all children. She saw God in every child." And although Claudia does not think of herself as a "believer," she too was reassured by Mrs. Thomas's faith and "was drawn into her beautiful orbit." Sometimes when Claudia seemed especially down or discouraged, Mrs. Thomas would suggest that reading the Scriptures might offer her some comfort. Remembering the way Mrs. Thomas ministered to the whole family, Claudia lets the tears fall. "She was like this angel sent to us to protect us...a mother angel."
* * *
I can't believe it's the last day of February. Time is flyyyyyying by! Spring Break is in ONE WEEK -- Florida here we come (again)
As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man. - Proverbs 27:19
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
So this week may be THE hell week of all time and I may be sleep-deprived, but I'm going to make the most of it!
