Still Weary

It's a new year and I am still just as exhausted. I have turned my gaze from my hope and joy in Christ to all the stress of a timultuous school system, plans for the wedding, and general overwhelming-ness from my checklists and things I want to get done.

Despite the frustrations, as always, there are bright spots of joy:

• A.J. has returned to New Jersey after completing his student teaching in Indiana and has been absolutely phenomenal and supportive. It's good to have him back.



• I've started thinking about job opportunities for next year since so much is up in the air at the moment here, so there's always the excitement of new possibilities.



• While I mostly have let dread invade my feelings about school, there are always some of students who do or say sweet things; One 10th grade student stayed after for a tutoring session to help his friend and was using funny comments like "Ok, here's how you do it, now you try and show me what work you did," and, "What are you having trouble with? No, don't point, communicate, use your words."



• A.J. and I signed a lease for our first apartment that includes washer/dryer, dishwasher, and carpet! We'll be able to start the slow move of our things at the end of February.



• The wedding is drawing closer and while there is always more to do we have gotten a lot completed so far and have had great help and encouragement from friends.

It's been hard to find the energy to reflect on things when I've been so down, but I trust that God is still working and doing things in my life. Hopefully I'll get around to writing more often.