this little life of mine

Unfortunately two more months have passed since I have been able to post. I can't believe how time gets away from us. I feel like just yesterday I was starting my last first day of college and now I've graduated! I spent my last semester of college, as many of you know, in Houston student teaching. It was truly a life changing experience. I have grown so much as an independent person and I've learned a lot about the type of teacher I want to be. My experiences here in Houston have made me realize a few things. 1. I'm a stronger than I ever imagined. 2. I am more independent than I ever thought I would be. 3. I found God's love here. 4. Houston needs me more than Iowa needs me.

Lets start at 1... I have had many days filled with ups and downs while living here and teaching. I had no idea what to expect when I arrived here but it was quite a learning experience. Working in a poverty stricken area is very eye opening and I'm thankful that I am able to have had this experience. 2... Independence... a word that has, sadly, been a hard one throughout my life. I have always been around my family/friends/boyfriends... whoever it may be, someone has always been in my life as a constant. Moving away from family and friends to a place where you know less than 10 people is quite the risk. I wouldn't change any of it. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to grow as an independent person with nobody's input. I think the isolation has given me the opportunity to make a stand for who exactly I am and where exactly I want to go in this life. 3... God's love! Wow. I've lived a lot of years without understanding what that meant. Truly sad. I think a lot of us go through our lives thinking well I'm going to church and praying so I think I'm okay. But there is sooo  much more to it than that. Its too big for words to explain but I hope everyone can experience it. 4... As I have struggled with the decision of staying in Houston or moving home I have finally come to the realization that Houston needs me more than Iowa does at this point in my life. I KNOW I can make a difference in the lives of my future students here and I know that they need me. I have experienced this area for 5 months now and I can see the pain and hardships that so many of these children face and my whole life goal is to show my love and use my talent to change their lives. I know anyone close to me is probably thinking well you can do this in Iowa too! However, Iowa already has a lot of great inspiring teachers and I know in my heart this area needs more love and inspiration than ever. Coming to this realization has created a peace within my heart about my decision to remain in Houston.

I will be moving home in just a few short weeks for the summer months to take some graduate classes. Then in August I will be making a more permanent move to Houston to serve in an area of need. I can't express how grateful I am to know where I want to be in life right now! I will be back at the blogging much more regularly and can't wait to continue sharing all that is happening!