Winter Camp 2011

Marc and I love our church. It is exceptional. The teaching. The people. The worship. Exceptional...not the norm. And ever since August, Marc and I have been volunteering as Ministry Partners with the youth group. We've grown to love these kids...and the other ministry partners who serve alongside us. It's truly been a blessing--truly. So ever since we began working with the youth, Winter Camp was the talk. From August to March...there were many discussions about this weekend and how it was epic. Yes. Epic. A popular word used here by my Colorado youth...and I have to say..."epic" it was. This year's Winter Camp was known as "The Show". Many skits and games were all organized around the theme. Creative (and hilarious) minds make up our youth staff--they are c.r.a.z.y. but so much fun. Here's the set for all the sessions. Top notch. (Yes, those are flat screen TVs in the back). The praise and worship band from Woodmen Valley Chapel led us in worship throughout the weekend--awesome job guys! We stayed at a Young Life camp called Crooked Creek Ranch. It's located in Fraser, CO close to Winter Park. Some are you thinking, "Like Windy Gap?" Yes. Like Windy Gap. Brought back great memories of my youth group days! Here is a picture of the lodge where we stayed. Beautiful and cozy. My friend, Julie, and I were cabin leaders for these awesome high school girls. We loved hanging out with them all weekend--even though we were deprived of sleep. :) It was totally worth it! They were a huge blessing to us, and we are thankful for the weekend to get to know them.

Throughout the weekend, we were divided into teams and competed in many games and activities. We were given the task to name our team and create a cheer. We were assigned the color blue...so "Blue Steel" was our team name. The girls were all about it...as you can see here. Serious business. I'm happy to report that we placed 3rd--and you would have thought we won an Olympic Gold. :)

Here are a couple of pictures of the scenery (Amazing!) and the "Tire Game" (Crazy!).

For me to explain the concept of this game would take some time...so let's just say...minimal collateral damage was done. Thank goodness. Although, one poor adult leader broke her tailbone. Talk about servanthood? No sleep + broken tailbone= extra jewel in her crown. :)

Here is Marc participating with his team. They were assigned the color pink...so "Pink Panthers" was his team name. Most of the guys sported a pink tie throughout the weekend which you can see in the second picture. Keeping it classy.

This is one of my favorite pictures of the weekend. On Saturday night, we were challenged to dress-up as a celebrity. This is the bathroom as everybody was getting ready for dinner. Madness. Taylor Swift, Audrey Hepburn, Julia Roberts, Hermione Granger, and even Pancho Villa made an appearance from our cabin. Way to get into the spirit girls!

I decided to dress-up as Sue Sylvester (Glee's infamous Cheerio's Coach), while Marc was Will Shuster (How did I not get a picture of him??) My friend, and former Frazer youth, Blair, was Emma Pillsbury. Here we are--isn't Blair cute? The red hair compliments the outfit perfectly. :) Snooki, Estelle (aka Joey Tribbiani's agent), and Sue were happy to make an appearance. Love to Julie and Jen--two of the best Colorado girls I know.

And...my favorite costume of the night goes to...Ugly Betty! Isn't she a dead-ringer? I mean--too cute! I have to say that "costuming" is not really my thing, but it was fun trying to guess who people were and watch the kids "act" famous.

Another activity that Winter Camp is known for is tubing! Marc and I were able to go, and it was...yes...say it with me...epic. Here are some pictures of us as we suited up and slid down a huge hill covered with snow. Fun times!

Parting shot--our cabin of high schoolers. I almost feel like I was in their shoes not too long ago (but it was many, many moons ago), and my "wisdom" often seems misplaced. I love their spirit and heart for the LORD. They teach me, humble me, and challenge me.

Winter Camp 2011 is a great memory for our time here in Colorado. We are thankful to be a part of a community of believers who bless us tremendously. Thank you Woodmen Valley Chapel!

Certified.

Red tape doesn't even begin to describe the process for receiving this. I mean, wow. I applied for my Colorado teaching license back in July...which required emails, phone calls (aka "Press 1 for...press 2 for...press 3 for...), fingerprints, and paperwork plus paperwork plus more paperwork--which led to copying, faxing and eventually mailing the application (with my $60 money order) to Denver. I received the actual license in the mail on February 8th. If you notice in the bottom left hand corner...you'll see 8/13/2010. That's the effective date. I applied in July-it was effective in August-but didn't have it in hand until February--6 months. Again. Wow.

I'm good at what I do--I've been affirmed in this with three job offers at my school in Colorado Springs. I don't mean to sound pompous/arrogant/snobby (insert your own appropriate adjective for it)...but I have been blessed with a talent to teach (glory to God). And I love it. That's the basic idea. I love to teach. But all the other responsibilities will make any good teacher want to take a break...for a year...or for the rest of his/her life. And the reason--exhibit A at the top of this page.

The bureaucracy in the educational system is enough to squelch any sense of inspiration you may have in a classroom. Now, I obviously can't speak for other professions, but geez, education has to be a front-runner for being THE worse. With no real answer for "improvement"--just running the "here we go again" wheel like a hamster.

Now, before I sound too "by-golly" about all this, I have to say...if you asked me, "What else would you do besides teach?"--I have no answer for you (unless we win the lottery, then we could talk). The truth is, it's just what I do. Plain and simple.

I've loved my time off this year. Loved. it. It's been a gift. And at this point in the year, the "talk" starts in all schools across America. Next year. What will it bring? More budget cuts? How many kids in my class? Who's going to stay? Switch rooms? Switch grades? Moving to a different school?


I heard...so and so.

Really?

Well--I heard this and that.

Really?!


It is by far my least favorite time of year. So now I find myself with a decision to make about next year--and I've been asked, "Do you want to go back to full-time teaching?" And I'm at a crossroad.

Yes. I love being a teacher, but it will require some "umph" for me to go back into the classroom. I'm OK with that, but I just have to prepare for the onslaught of "new" policies, curriculum, requirements, and...pressure which all equal stress. However, I do love the sense of community that is developed when working with other teachers (kindred spirits), and seeing students learn and grow as people while in your care. Rewarding for sure.

No. Being good (not even great) requires lots of t.i.m.e. Early mornings and late afternoons. Day in and day out can be tiring. This leaves little time/energy for other things I have loved(!) this year like volunteering, going to the Y, meeting new people, and taking care of my husband. Note: I could broach the subject here of "superwoman"...but I won't. Just trying to keep things simple...which is how I prefer to roll. I guess that could be another topic of discussion.

Over the next couple months, there will be many decisions made. Big ones. Small ones. Full-time teaching will be on the list. I will be praying that God will show me where He wants me. His plan is best. Certifed. Even if that includes applying for another Professional Teacher License.