Teaching at OCCA

Can you believe it is already the end of March? Where has this year gone?  It seems like just yesterday that I received a call asking me to come look at a school in Ohio.

It seems like just yesterday that I called the pastor up and told him after much prayer and time  in the Word that I knew without a doubt that God wanted me in Ohio working as a Elementary Teacher.

It seems like just yesterday that I packed up all my belongings and moved into a house with two young ladies whom I had never met before.  And then with tears in my eyes said goodbye to my parents.

It seems like just yesterday that God provided me with my own little place.  A little house that I have come to absolutely adore! I remember having absolutely nothing to fill the house with, but once again I watched God take care of every single need and so much more.

It seems like just yesterday that I stood before my students for the first time and I wrote my name up on the board for them all to see.  However, they still forget to capitalize the "B" in my last name..oh well...

I absolutely love being a part of OCCA.  Of course there are times I ache for my family and friends back in Indiana.  But knowing that this is where God wants me makes all the difference.  This school year has taught to me so many different lessons. Lessons I may have never learned if I had stayed in Indiana. I have come to truly love each and every one of my students.  I find myself calling them "my kids" because in the year together they have truly become a part of my heart. 

A month ago I was asked if I would like to sign a contract for another year and continue to work at OCCA.  I hardly had to consider it. I knew God led me here and I know God isn't finished with me here yet.  

I love being a teacher, what better job could a person ever ask for.  I truly get the opportunity to impact and touch the future every day of my life!

I thank God for the opportunity I have to be apart of OCCA.

This past week we had Spirit Week at OCCA!

I had a blast participating in the fun as well as capturing a few pictures here and there.

Decorating our classroom for a week of fun

Tuesday: Lazy Day!

Wednesday: Wacky Day

When I count my blessings as a part of Grace Baptist and OCCA I cant help but count Shauna and her family as one the biggest blessings.  They have been so good to me!  How lucky am I that my coworker is also one of my closest friends. 

My crazy class and I

Thursday: Sports Day

Rivals: Chicago White Sox vs Cleveland Indians

But seriously, I think we all know..if the Sox and Indians went at it head to head- The Sox would win without a sweat

 I've seen one to many of these shirts living here....

Friday: School Colors

Maroon and Gray all the Way

Three quarters down and one to go and enjoying every moment of it...

Last couple of months..

I know it has been quite a while since my last post.  However, I now have internet in my apartment so you will be hearing from me more frequently.

So much has happened in the last few months however, I will try to recap it all into a simple post.

In January, my parents were able to come to Ohio for a short but enjoyable visit. 

I thoroughly enjoy whenever they come for a visit and it all seems to go by all too fast.  However, just a month later I was able to drive back home and attend the Mother Daughter Banquet at my church.  Although we are all living our separate ways now, it was wonderful to once again meet together for this banquet.

It was so good to see my two sisters again as well.  These two truly are my dearest friends.  I am so lucky to be blessed with the greatest sisters ever. 

I was only able to be home for a short weekend and once again I found myself driving back to Ohio.

However, just a month later, Kemisha was able to come spend her Spring Break with me!

One day after school, Shauna, Kemisha, and I took off to Toledo and spent the evening shopping and ended the day at Mongolian BQ, probably my favorite restaurant! We completely stuffed ourselves.  As I sat between these two ladies I couldn't help but be filled with gratitude, God truly has blessed me with amazing friends.

Kemisha taught my history class one day.  After finally locating the country of Grenada, she taught them all about her country.  The students as well as their teacher thoroughly enjoyed the lesson.

As always the time with my friend went by all too quickly.  Before I knew it I once again was saying goodbye.