The 4th of july 2 years ago found me eating hot dogs and cole slaw in arusha, tanzania. Last year the Fourth meant an evening not-so-softly crying as I watched "A Mighty Heart" with Sonya. And this year time finds me in Philadelphia, PA more than likely watching a John Legend concert followed by a big ol' Philly fireworks show. I cannot believe that I am here. That I have actually decided to move to Philadelphia and start from scratch. Just between you and me, I have no idea how I got here.
Yet here I am. I have survived the first week of Institute. "Survival" is a fitting word, by the way. If you include lesson-planning and workshops in the evenings, I have been working 15 hour days with late nights and early wake-up calls. In addition, I am essentially learning a new language. My small group (officially called "CMA group") and I counted the other day and came up with at least 30 acronyms that we had learned in the past week. And that's just acronyms. It is unbelievable. I am excited about this weekend for a number of reasons; one big one being to rediscover myself and resist assimilation. Yikes.
I begin teaching summer school on Monday. English II. Nonfiction. I am looking forward to that. Meaning, I have my sights set on that. Not, like, I am really excited about that. As it is, we have been preparing for every last thing that could go wrong. We are to anticipate everything. So I think I am feeling a little psyched out. I look forward to getting that first day behind me and then moving forward with some real experience. I am worried about convincing the kids that I am actually a teacher. But my CS (ahem, Curriculum Specialist) tells me to "fake it 'til you make it" So that's what I'm going to do.
I miss all of you. I still get those waves of homesickness; but I stay busy enough now that they are coming less frequently than before. I bet I will really miss you when I watch the fireworks tonight. As much as I love fireworks, they always make me a little sad. I think that's because I love them so much. And I want to share my love with those that I care about. But you won't be here!
The fireworks example is a good microcosm of my struggle at large. It is hard to start a new life. I miss my family. I miss my friends. The trick is being fully here despite your distance. I am getting out of bed every morning, though, and giving it a go. So I'll keep on doing that and hope that it gets a little less difficult each morning.
I love you all. Happy 4th.
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2 comments:
Katie,
Its so good to read of the exciting adventure of TFA! I am excited for you. I'm glad you get to do some summer teaching to warm up for the fall semester.
I'll try to call tomorrow and catch up some. I'll be sure to read this whenever I get the opportunity to get onto the internets.
May the God of peace calm the tempests in your life and grant you a spirit of assurance and tranquility in all things. Amen.
My dearest Katie,
This is the first time I have been able to make it to your blog. Thanks for sharing this journey/adventure with us. I love you and am so proud of you. God is good and faithful, remember that! I cant wait to see you in a few weeks and swap stories!!!
I love you very much and you are in my prayers, Miss Linton!
knock em' dead!
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