Sales

I usually dislike asking people for money. But at least today was for a good cause. The teachers drove around town, stopping at pre-planned (and very random) places to ask for t-shirt sponsors. Since the money will help community students with financial aid, I felt bold enough to ask. To smile. To share the pitch for funds.
Now I'm home, sitting on the floor, feeling thankful sales is not my full-time job. Still, it wasn't a bad day.

Working

The desk hides under sheaves of papers. It was my desk. Will be, I guess, until next week. Strange to think how I can spend a year at a place and then leave, the school still going on much as it had before. It's a good thing.
It was a good year. Not a great year, or an easy year, but a good year still. I look at the rows of textbooks on the shelves across from me and remember. I see my students trying to succeed, or sometimes even trying to get out of succeeding, and I hear their concerns and triumphs echoing in the almost-empty classroom. I will miss them.
It will be strange, this new work; no work to grade, no school programs to prepare for, no staff meetings every Wednesday. And yet, amidst the reluctance to leave teaching after only a year, I find my heart hopeful. Excited. Expectant.

Massachusetts

Yesterday afternoon Mitch called the school.
"What are you doing tonight?" he asked. "Would you like to go out for dinner?"
(These are words I love to hear.)
We ended up at the Nile, this tiny, incense-filled Greek restaurant that has amazing falafels and spanakopitas. While we were waiting for our food, Mitch pulled some papers from his pocket.
"I brought something for us to play," he said. "Do you want to play a game?"
(I am always up for games.)
"Okay. Each of these papers represent a sound," he explained.
Like a rebus, I thought, and looked at the first picture he laid out. The pope?
"No, but what do popes go to?"
"Mass?"
"Exactly."
The pictures he laid out were these: the Pope (Mass), a pouch of snuff or (chu)ing tobacco, and a (set) of tools. Massachusetts has been on my mind. Easy. Then he spread out the rest: tents (camp), a runner (win)ning a race, and (a keg) of beer. I hope that one never gets out. Here, honey, think of a beer keg. But honestly, how else could he have played it?
A couple months back, we applied for a job at Camp Winnekeag (assistant ranger and assistant cook). We visited near the end of April, and May 15 was the final decision date. Somewhat nervously we prayed for God's will. I was tempted to check Mitch's email yesterday, and almost did, but God asked me not to. "Let Mitch tell you himself," was the thought that came into my mind. Well, okay, I said, and closed the window.
Now here Mitchell was playing games, and when we hadn't heard yet!
Then, from his jacket pocket, he pulled out another piece of paper. It was white, with words typed in black. "We extend to you a welcome..."
God, what are You doing? I started to cry. Looking up, I saw tears in Mitch's eyes.
"Looks like we'll be heading east," he grinned.

Happenings

Last night, I finally finished my Union classwork!
(Yes, it's true that I marched down the isle almost a year ago this month and finished my internship in July. But just the end was in sight, I found out I needed to complete several more things before grades and diploma could arrive.)
So... now I hope to see proof of a degree in the mail!

Thoughts of Union bring nostalgia and the desire for fellowship like I remember it. Don't you think heaven will be something like Union? Or, for those alum of other institutes, just like college in general. That is, I mean, learning and growing with friends and family. Not to idealize college in any way. But that part of it I loved, and I miss it now.

Regarding the last posting, I have nothing to add and probably won't for another couple of weeks. Prayer is good.

Meanwhile, I prepare for class trip (Chicago!) this Thursday, and 8th grade graduation in just two weeks from tomorrow! My "lone ranger" graduate chose black and silver for his colors, and we're working to put together videos, speeches, and special music for the occasion.

Then it's off to Michigan for Eric's academy graduation. College already? Eric, here's to you. Congratulations, little brother!