The job search ensues (and other news)...

This morning, I had an interview at Western Harnett High School (in the boonies of Lillington, NC). Last night I could not sleep at all...I got so nervous for some reason! I don't know why, but this one just seemed really imperative to me and I kept thinking about all the questions and how I might respond honestly, clearly, and intelligently to each one. I wore my new black and white birthday skirt (which mom let me use even though my birthday is next week), my new turquoise ring from Cherokee, and my pearl necklace. Everything felt exactly right for me to walk in there and show them my love of teaching (but more so the students). When I arrived, I was greeted in the little board room by the principal, and assistant principal, and the chairlady of the English department. The interview went quite well, I must say. I felt very confident and comfortable with them, and I enjoyed gleaning from their insight as well as sharing some of my own experiences thus far. My roomie from Campbell's mom teaches there, so I was able to do a little name-dropping as well, which I was fo'sho' gonna do!

Last week, I interviewed with Dudley High in Greensboro, and at Wesleyan, where I went to High School. Both of those went okay, but I didn't hear anything back from either school, so I am assuming I didn't strike their fancy. But I am okay with that, because anywhere that I do not get a job offer is a door that the Lord is closing so that he will put me in the place exactly fit for me. I want my first year of teaching to be a great experience where I can learn and grow and really settle down and enjoy what I am doing. I want to be organized and involved in every way that I can without drowning...and that is exactly what I intend to do!

I am a teacher. I know in my little heart that if I were not a teacher deep down inside, then I would have no desire to teach; I would throw it all behind me and look for the quickest way outta this profession. But I simply cannot do that. There are days when it is and will be the longest and most frustrating job that I will ever encounter, but there are also moments when I will see the look in my students' eyes and understand why the Lord has placed me in this position. Yes, I will teach literature, but I will also teach applicable lessons about life. I will love my students even when they hate me. I have been reading The Freedom Writers Diary, and it's been very encouraging to see the way one teacher impacted her students' lives to spur on change in their community. I am learning from the way that she challenged each student individually and encouraged them to learn because she believed that they could. I will not give up on my students; I will expect the best from them, because I know that they can and will succeed.

Other than that, I went camping in the Smoky Mtns. this past weekend with my family and it was great! We hiked up to Mt. Laconte, an 11 mile round trip! My legs hated me, and I realized that chacos are not meant to take the place of hiking boots but I wore them anyway :o) I didn't shower for 4 days, and I enjoyed the beauty of creation.

And so, I look forward to what's coming in my life. I have no idea what the next moment brings, but I trust in the faithfulness of my savior. I will not get caught in moments of fear when I think I will be stuck at food lion forever. I will believe that the Lord's provision is sufficient for each day. And I will glorify and thank him for his mercy and grace that lasts beyond what my mind can comprehend.

To Him be the glory forever! Amen.