Fly...

I cannot believe it is mid-October, the past months flew by and now October is half way over too.
I cannot believe how wrapped up I get between work, school, life at home, in church, and all the other things that come with life. Time goes so fast, fast that I didn't even realize how busy I have been.

My first practicum for my college program Educational Assistant started last January (10months ago!! ah) at Gateway Christian School in Red Deer, Alberta. I was there, in grade 5 three mornings a week until the end of March. During that practicum I learned so much, from dealing with pre-teens to teaching French, working with a student with Down Syndrome, teaching ESL to a boy 'fresh from the boat', and doing all kinds of clerical work. Those three months were a time of growth for me. I was molded in those months. And realized that education was the place to be for me.

The month of April was one of finishing courses, finals, and some relaxation. In May I started my second practicum, at the school I now work at. Lacombe Christian School was the school I first went to when I came to Canada in 2004. The staff at this school taught me English, and did an amazing job. During this practicum I was fortunate to work with ESL students again, this time 2 teenage boys from Korea. I learned more about teenagers, ESL, myself, language and the intricate functioning of one's brain. I worked with children in many different grades, met many great teacher, learned from wonderful tutors, interacted with great personalities young and old, and had to opportunity to learn from little minds. This, too was such an amazing experience.

All the while I was looking for a job, and found one as nanny for three children. 12, 8 and 4. The youngest who had a severe hearing impairment. I worked with these children for 2 months, cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry, learning some sign language, and being there for the children. It was a challenging yet growing time. I loved it and hated it. Learned so much, and yet so little. Gave so much and received so much. By the end of the two months I was exhausted....

Two days later I had another job. A teaching job :) Yeah me, teaching 7 homeschool children each morning in the middle of summer. I loved it, it was really busy, but I started to understand the mind of a child better. Developed my own strategies and found my self struggle in so many ways. I was also able to put so much of my college education to use, and that was so wonderful. The month of August flew. August was a fast month, full of growth and many blessings. I still miss teaching my 'adopted' siblings.

Before I knew it my first real job would start. I was so blessed to be given a full time position at Lacombe Christian School. I was nervous, not sure what to expect, and not sure how I would be able to live such a 'structured' life from 830 to 330. I started my 'job' and the first month was one full of changes. I found it quite challenging. Is this really my 'position', was a question that ran through my head many times. I'm still not always sure, but love the job I have now. I love the opportunity to learn from and with the young students. Love the opportunity to grow in knowledge and wisdom. Love the opportunity to connect and befriend. Love the interaction and the relationships with many wonderful people. School is in full swing, as if we have never had a break. I don't mind, I found my place in the school, will continue to learn each day, and continue to grow. Who wouldn't want that.
In September I also started a math course. I am doing grade 12 math all over again. It's busy, it's not my favourite subject at all, and I do not like it. It is something I have to do, something I want to do, and something I need to do. Despite all the struggles. I need to pass this class for me, and for perhaps things in the future.

From March until October. SEVEN MONTHS. They flew by. I wonder if the next 7 months will fly by too. But what I don't need to wonder about is that in the next months I will grow, as much or even more than I did in the last. And also that in the last months God provided for me in so many ways, with jobs, with loving people and wonderful learning experiences, with health and strength and a heart of thanksgiving. I am so blessed. And He will continue to do so until He returns!

How great is our God!