Southern Hospitality

    "If you would like to help a child or family in need, then bring an article of clothing to the Giving Tree to help someone in need during these harsh winter months". The Principal would echo throughout the school over the intercom. I think I gave to the Giving Tree a few times in my Primary school years. Honestly, I don't really think I gave it much thought when I was in high school.  However, the Giving Tree seemed to be more and more decorated with each passing day. Bottom line, people care and people give. The people of Shenandoah have been so welcoming and generous, it leaves me speechless.

(Imagine that!)

   On Thursday, I, along with other new staff had an all day in-service. This consisted of going over the master contract, curriculum, information, meetings, tours, anything and everything concerning the school district. We were then taken out to lunch with some members of the SEA (Shenandoah Educators Association...the Union). To be honest, I am not sure how I feel about Unions (pick your jaw up from the floor please) buuut they took us to Godfather's Pizza.

   A few slices of pizza and much information later, they rolled out 9 coolers on wheels! The President of the SEA informed us the coolers (from 1st National Bank) were filled with donations from businesses in Shenandoah. 

   This, my blogger friends, is where I make a connection to the Giving Tree concept; helping out people who may be in need. The Vice President put it perfectly, "Young new teachers, in here you will find gift cards to local restaurants and the grocery store...you will be able to sustain yourselves as you await your first paycheck." I am still speechless because we recieved so much! Gift cards to HyVee, Walmart, Pizza Hut, Fareway, Godfather's, T-shirt stores, Furniture shops, Cafe's, etc. Truly amazed and thankful I am. LOVE!!!

 (Picture coming soon)

   In all seriousness, I cannot express how thankful I am to all the businesses in Shenandoah who donated to us new teachers; their kindness is amazing. All I can do is continue to walk around with a smile, do my best with the whole teaching thing :), and say a grateful "Thank you" when I hand over my coupon or gift card at the local establishments.   Shenandoah.you.rock.


Let us give so others can receive.

Luke 3:11 And he would answer and say to them, “The man who has two tunics is to share with him who has none; and he who has food is to do likewise.”

blood, sweat, & corn

I am officially moved in (minus the oodle amount of plastic containers in my storage room). I could not have made this transition into my lovely apartment without the help and support of my amazing family (shout-outs you know who you are). Here is a brief recap of the past 3 days: We arrived to Shenandoah on Tuesday afternoon. Pulled right up to the front door of my apartment (which is located above a shop on main street). Yes, that means many steps to go up, a roaring 20 to the top! With a nice rally line of people, we hauled my loved posessions (treasure not trash..y) up into MY place. It was the HOTTEST day ever might I add. We literally had to be careful to not get a heat stroke! On Wednesday more reinforcement came to help haul in the mega-heavy items.

Fast forward to this evening (Friday), My place is finally looking like someone not only lives in it, but a delightful 23 year old left handed lady at that. ;) My mom is staying a few extra days with me to really help get me on my feet and organized (Lord knows I need help with that). I will be spending my first night tomorrow alone...just Leo and myself.

I have a bunch of emotions running rampid as of late. There are many things I am unsure of and uneasy about currently; though I know this is to come with moving to a brand new place. But I do know that I am in the right place, it seems to fit, and I have a form of peace about it all.

Delight Fact: 4 shops down on the corner form my place is a local bakery. A large coffee is only 75 cents!

**I will update the status on my classroom on my next post. I have realized with the way I type and the effort it takes me to not put EVERYTHING on here has caused me to break up and choose what and when I post.