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Sunday, August 10, 2014

Next step - Quick step!

Because this happened in May...
I'm now able to do this...
So...

I leave Tuesday morning (August 12) with my Honda Fit full of clothes and crayons for the drive down to Orlando, Florida. I have been offered and accepted a teaching position for a 4th grade class at Metrowest Elementary School. The offer came less than a week ago and I’ve been scrambling to sort out my belongings and emotions for this next part of my story.

The principal of Metrowest has surpassed my expectations and her job requirements in how she has interacted with me and helped me during this time - even by calling me with extremely useful information on a Saturday morning. I already respect her and look forward to working in this school.

If you are a praying friend, I would appreciate your prayers for my trip down south. Driving that long of a distance with a car full of boxes is slightly daunting. I’ve done road trips, but would appreciate special prayers for this one. (For those unfamiliar with US geography Grand Rapids, Michigan and Orlando, Florida are 1,227 miles or 1,974 kilometers.)
Equally as important, pray for those 4th graders, this 4th grade teacher, and our first week of school. Having not had even a week to prepare, I’ll be moving forward on my creativity, education, and memory. I am certainly excited, but immensely frightened.

It’s taken a number of years, but I’ve made it and I have to believe I am ready. I’m saddened to leave my Michigan loved ones behind, but I take their gift of friendship with me. Plus,  I understand Michigan summers are much nicer than Florida ones J

Here's the school's location on the map (below). It's about ten miles west of downtown Orlando and about that far north of Disney World. I love all the lakes around. In a few months, I hope to have explored this area on my bike or in my running shoes. I'll keep you posted.

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Speaking of Birthdays

I found these photos as a draft blog from... well... a very long time ago.

Yes, it's true when Silas (my previous greyhound) turned 4 years old a number of years ago in the spring, I made him a hat and a cake. I even brought in "doggie" treats to work. I was one of those first-time dog owners.

He was thrilled.
See?



Friday, August 1, 2014

Birthday Wishes

I've been accused of unashamedly celebrating not only my BirthDAY, but also my Birthday Month. In light of this, I will begin my birthday wish list... 

Um... Yep... that's all.
Something like this filled with little people who call me "Miss. Lake". "Teacher" would be acceptable, as well. 



Peace Be With You


Sunday, February 9, 2014

My Boss(es)

Some jobs allow you slack off a bit, text your friends, play on Facebook, make Amazon purchases, leave for an extra long lunch hour. All things which you quickly hide or minimize or explain away when you hear your boss walking down the corridor. My (soon-to-be) job does not. I have 23 little bosses that are ever present, ever alert, and ever noting loudly anything that is not as it should be.


My miniature bosses watch my every move. If I spell something wrong, dismiss them late for recess, make an error on a math problem, or am not prepared for a lesson. There are 23 sets of eyes ready to correct, remind, and question me. And I love it!

I have told the children that if they can catch mistakes that I make (and point it out politely!) they can receive a "proud paw". (Too difficult to explain - it's like school money to use at a school-wide store) In doing this, I want the children to learn and know that mistakes are okay. We all make mistakes. Our classroom is a place where mistakes are made, and corrected, and learned from. 

Oh, and I love my bosses. We've likely done a number of things that you have not done with your boss. We have sung and danced together. We go sledding. We've even wore our pajamas, had popcorn, watched movies. We hug. Every day. (Except after lunch. I do not allow the students to hug me after lunch. They are sticky, have unidentifiable stains on their shirts, and smell like ketchup. Miss. Lake does not hug after lunch. Ever.) 

Yep, and I like Mondays!

Friday, February 7, 2014

A Hug Goodbye

This month, February, has a sad undertone for me. It was during the last week of January 2010 that I received the final decision from the Czech government that they no longer wanted me. Not only did they not want me, but they had decreed that by law, I must leave their country within 30 days. I was being deported.

This notification came during one of the busiest times of life at the International Baptist Theological Seminary in Prague, Czech Republic. We had a large number of PhD students on site and I was fully engaged in making sure they were fed, housed, watered, and happy. The notification came as an e-mail attachment.

My Czech language skills were functional enough that I had read through the document and understood that this was not good news. Truly in unbelief, I asked a Czech friend and colleague to come read this letter for me. I was certain that I had misinterpreted it, or that there was a byline I was missing that said, "But it's okay, you may stay."

There wasn't.

I sat in my office chair in shock and pain. February 2010 was hard. Really hard. I had worked (with the help of colleagues) for over a year to apply for visa renewal to remain in the Czech Republic. It was a long and tiring journey to try to right a wrong that was made which turned my position from being legal to illegal. Finally, the word came: "Go home."

Go home? I had been in Europe since 2001. One month after I graduated college I packed up and flew across the Atlantic Ocean to settle in this Central European region. Fully embracing the strange land and culture. I had been there for nearly ten years and transitioned into adulthood in these foreign lands. In a way that I cannot explain Europe had become my home. And I was being kicked out.

My dear loved ones in Prague were gracious, kind, and sincere. The memories of this month are bittersweet. Thankful and painful.

So, today, forgive me if I request an extra hug this month. Forgive me if I there's an underlying sadness in my eyes. Forgive me if I can't explain what is tugging at my heart. There is a mourning process that perhaps will never end. There is something deeper inside that is hard to define or explain, but it's there.

We each have our own struggles and heartbreak. I understand. The month of February, when I request a hug - this is why. That's all. I've a lot of my heart and love in a place and in people whom I cannot wrap my arms around today...

Monday, January 20, 2014

All Part of the Job

"Miss. Lake, I need you to look at my foot. There are red spots all over it."

This type of request can be something or nothing. Knowing this particular student I wasn't unduly worried. Nor was I that excited to inspect anyone's foot; especially after it had been running around in a sweaty boot all day. However, that's my job and I do care for these kids. 

The third grader removed her boot and sock and held her foot up awkwardly for my diagnosis. I had never seen spots like these before. They looked odd. In fact, they looked like a fine tipped light red maker had made marks all over the top of her foot. I was also informed the spots continued on to the bottom of her foot.

Knowing this child as I did, I knew she wouldn't purposefully spot her feet for any reason. Plus, she seemed genuinely concerned. 

My first question to children who have itchy spots, wounds, stomach aches, injuries, strange marks is, “Did you have it this morning and what did your parents say?”

True to my mode of operation, I asked her these questions. My darling third grader’s response was: Last night my sister spilled KoolAid all over the floor and when I showed my mom my foot, she said when I take a shower tonight it will probably wash off.

Happy Monday!

(Warning: Do NOT google image search "red spots on foot" for illustrations you may use for a similar blog)

No, Thanks!

"Dear VANESSA,

This is to remind you that if you have not already applied for federal student aid for the 2014-2015 school year, you can do so now..."

I am extremely happy to delete the e-mail that contained the above reminder! 

Monday, January 13, 2014

Because of the Sun

Leaving the house this morning, I smiled. It was noticeably lighter outside. Snow was melting off the roof making puddles on the driveway. It was "warm". Did I even hear a chirping bird?

My heart tried to convince me that these were sure signs of an early Spring. However, my brain knows that a) I'm in Michigan, and b) It's January. Spring, and signs of this lovely season are a long way off. The little flitter of hope was nice, though.

After some gray, rainy moments throughout the day, the sun shone clearly when I left school at 4pm. It was 40 degrees warmer than it was one week ago. I was sure it'd be a good day for a run. Outside. Finally.
(Please note that my last outdoor run was New Years Day. Outside. In South Carolina.)


Forty degrees warmer means it was actually 40F. Not warm. Not even warm(ish). I'm a wuss. My fingers were frozen long after the run was over. Even after a hot shower I was shivering. Yes, I have run in colder weather and worse conditions. I'm just not ready for it yet. However, starting next week I don't have a choice.

Remember this moment of time when I was excited about life and running and I decided it would be a great idea to register for a marathon? Well, my training schedule begins next Sunday and I do not want to be the woman crying from boredom whilst running away the miles on the treadmill.

Time for this little (well, "big and strong" some say!) to grow up, pull herself together, and get out and run!


Sunday, January 12, 2014

If You Wanna Be Happy For the Rest of Your Life...

.. be around happy people! 

Happiness is healthy. Happiness in contagious. Happiness is fun. These are scientifically proven, research based facts. (Well, the third one may not have come from scientific research, but it should!)
I want to be that happy person for you. I want to be that breath of fresh air. I want to be the person that you know when we meet, we will laugh ~ deep, heartfelt, gut hurting laughs. 

That person is in me. I know she's there. But, I get sad. I get overwhelmed. I get angry. I cry. I hurt. And sometimes these happen all at once and a spiral begins and ...ugh. I don't like it. I'm pretty sure others don't either. 

But you know what? I like being happy. In fact, I love it. It's a much better place to be... plus it's contagious and healthy!

So... this is my choice. 
Even with my cheesy grin!

Happy New Year. V Style!





What better way to spend January 1, 2014?!

  • Very fun 5k race in the morning! 
  • Craigslist search uncovered a $5 joyous treasure.  
  • Chick-fil-A lunch with free icecream!
  • Pogosticking all around Charleston, SC -  for the rest of the day and night.

We were extremely popular!

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Surprise!!!

I like surprises. 
I do. 

I received an e-mail from an overly-excited professor to inform my cohort she is looking forward to seeing us. 

On Saturday. 
For six hours. 

Surprises. 
I don't like them. 


Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Monday, January 5 was to be the first day back for students in West Michigan after Christmas break.

Heavy snows and harsh winds disallowed that.

Tuesday, January 6 was the next first day back for students in West Michigan.

Heavy snows, harsh winds, and below freezing wind chills disallowed that.

Wednesday, January 7 should be the next first day back for students in West Michigan.

We will see...

Being Present

A few Sundays ago, I was privileged to speak in our church. What I love about this is the preparation. I love studying the scriptures and then relating those scriptures to my own story and our collective Christian journey.

I put a short, modified excerpt of it here mainly for me. To remember. To be encouraged. And to be sorrowful when I do not live the life that I preach:

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things

Cream colored ponies and crisp apple streudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favorite things

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eyelashes
Silver white winters that melt into springs
These are a few of my favorite things

When the dog bites
When the bee stings
When I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don't feel so bad

Jesus has been born and being the father of this newborn has changed Joseph’s life completely. He looks at this baby boy, Jesus, with love. He would do anything in his power to protect him. He doesn’t want this child to suffer, ever. Joseph’s heart breaks a little when he cries and watches as Mary tenderly consoles him. But his heart trembles with anxiety and worry. What child starts out life being born away from home and family and in an old barn with livestock. And yes, if this child is really the Messiah and the prophecies come true, the life of his son and his wife will be full of pain and misunderstanding.

And now this dream, this frightful dream which foretells of the threat of death that Herod is to Jesus. Joseph must gather his family in the middle of the night and flee. This was not the dream he had planned or hoped for for himself, his lovely Mary and certainly not for their baby boy.

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens…  I cannot imagine that the advice of the governess Maria would do Joseph very well on this fearful night. Joseph’s favorite things, his dreams, or his “happy place” would not bring any amount of peace or solace.

A number of years ago I became familiar with the ethicist and theologian James McClendon. He’s not very widely known as he wasn't a prolific writer; but what he did publish was insightful, scholarly and at times profound.  In one of his writings he talks about the virtue of presence.  What it meant to be present and to be present for someone in our Christian witness.

McClendon said “Presence is being one’s self for someone else; it is refusing the temptation to withdraw mentally and emotionally.” The virtue of presence is basically being here and being real. It is about emotional and spiritual space, not just physical space.

We can all recall times when we have been with a friend, a spouse, a child, and though he or she was right next to you or across from you, they were not with you. Their mind was somewhere else.  Not necessarily because of a phone in their hand or the football game playing on the screen over your head, but their heart was distracted. They were listening and responding accordingly, but not present.

When we are present with someone it is about being sensitive to what’s going on around you, and not just in you. 

I admit it is hard to always be consciously present with someone. The vibration of the phone in my pocket, my worries about a forthcoming class, or the shop I need to get to before it closes – these distractions keep my heart from being with your heart.

I have to and must make an effort when I am with someone to be present with them: to hear them and to feel them; to not come with my agenda and anxieties, but to listen to their heart; to not be sorrowful about the past or anxious about the future, but to be present right then and there.

Presence does not always have words. It does not always need actions. It is understanding. And sometimes not understanding, but trying. Presence is an available shoulder to cry on, hand to hold, ear to listen. It isputting our own body’s weight and shape alongside the neighbor, the friend, the lover in need.”

Immanuel, God with us, came to earth. Lived our lives. He knows our messed up world. He took our shape. He aligned himself up next to us and said, “I understand. I have been there and I am here.” His presence was real and with us.

As believers we are called to be Christ to others. To be present, to embody the love, grace and forgiveness that Jesus came to be. We are called to carry the light of hope in a world that is pressed down with hopelessness to people who have forgotten or chosen not to believe.

Our presence must be real to those who do not know Christ. Our presence must be real to each one of us sitting here today, it expresses to our sisters and brothers that we are indeed family. With the same bump and bruises and struggles of any family, but because of Christ we journey together in love and hope. And we care for the person sitting next to us, in front of us, behind us, up here behind the pulpit, behind the soundboard in the nursery, in the Sunday School classes.

Keith and Denise Jones. Joyce DeRidder. Joe Ann Shelton. Parush Parushev. Mark Vroegop. Jeannette Wolters.

These are people, whom you may not know and may never meet. They live in different states and different countries. These are names and faces of people who have been present for me. They have been with me through tears and trials. At different points along my Christian journey, they have held my hand and guided me through open doors. They gathered around me and cared and prayed and showed me that in the mess of life there is hope, there is joy, and there is peace.  This is what Jesus looks like today.

Look around you here today. [remember, you’re at church ;)] Take a moment to remember those who are not here. Bring to mind others, individuals and communities who have walked with you at some point in your journey, who have been present. Who were to you, Jesus with skin.  

Jesus was born to Joseph and Mary who were in the midst of an unsettling, but exciting story. They did not know what came next in their journey, but they held Immanuel in their arms. Whatever their next step, whatever darkness and trouble came, they knew God was with them.

When the tears that fill your eyes blur the road ahead. When sorrow has such a hold on you that you can’t imagine days getting any better. Look around you. [still at church!] We have each other. We have the body of Christ - sisters and brothers who will hold our hands, let us rest our head on their shoulders. Who will embody the Christian story and be present. We have Jesus with skin, God with us.

I can go without raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens.  Girls in white dresses and snowflakes will not make me hope for better days. They will not calm the sting of the bee or lessen the pain of a dog bite.

But I have you, my sisters and brothers you, the body of Christ, you are my favorite things. 

Monday, January 6, 2014

Teacher Wish List

Being single and not particularly tied to a place, I'm excited and slightly anxious about where my classroom will be located next fall.
How do I even begin this search? I've made a wish list! 

I would like my new school to be:
  • in or near a fun city
  • near a body of water
  • warmish in the winter
  • bike-to-from-able
I would like my new school to have:
  • an administrator who supports and leads.
  • a secretary who smiles. 
  • teachers who care
  • colleagues who have fun
Here are some other Google searches that has been directing my search: 
  • happiest cities to live
  • best cities for elementary teachers
  • top ten healthiest cities
  • smalltown feel in big cities
  • best cities for singles
It's not too much to ask, right?

(I know, I know, I may not get a teaching job right away, but a girl can hope!)