Kit-Kat

Today I was given a gift. One that wasn't wrapped up in shiny paper, ribbons, or covered in bows. No today I was given the gift of time.

My boss gave me a two hour lunch break (believe me I was pretty surprised too).

I figured the smartest way to spend the first part of it was eating, after all it is a lunch break. So the CR-V and I made our way to Subway. As the vinegar from every pickle-filled bite of my sandwich made its way onto my taste buds the epiphany that I could take as much time as I like popped into my head. Heck, I could spend a whole nother hour here if I wanted! An odd realization, I often find that I am subconsciously gobbling up my food quickly in hopes of moving on to the next activity as soon as humanly possible. Proper digestion is for the weak.

But I digress.

After leisurely finishing my meal I made my way to the library for a quick email check. I kind of snickered at myself for doing so. You have two hours to do whatever you want and all you care about is checking your Facebook and email right now? Come on woman! After finding that no life changing events had happened in the online world I decided to support my local vending machine and buy myself a Kit-Kat.

This chocolate bar and I go way back. It has been my favorite (or at least in the top five) candy treat since I can remember. I don't eat them the normal way though. No, I take off the wrapper and begin to gnaw away at the chocolate until nothing but the wafer center is exposed. A similar ritual is done when a 3 Musketeers and I meet up as well.

My cavity-increasing snack and I made our way out to the court yard, down the steps, and to the entrance of the park. It's the kind of park where you could stare for miles and you still won't be able to see it all. My eyes traced over every lush, green, grass-covered hill. Soon they smoothed their way down every warm concrete path. I took a deep breathe and just watched. The sun warmed my back and brisk breezes sailed by. My favorite part about this park is that they have benches placed on both the eastern and western sides so that the sun can be seen both rising and setting.

It has been a crazy couple weeks. I graduated, had D over for a couple days, went to a friend's wedding, found out one of my close friend's mom is dying, started working, spent quality time with family, and still can't wrap my head around the fact that I'll be living on an island for the next two years.

I can't help but praise God for the days like today where I can just take time to focus on the moment and not whats to come.

Welp, It's Official!

I have officially been offered a job as a second grade teacher at Saipan Community School!

I know what you're probably thinking, Sai-what? Saipan is the largest of the Marina Islands, which are located north of Guam and south of Japan. Although it may be the largest, the area of it is only about 45 square miles (about 116 square kilometers for those of you metric system users).

Now that I've given you a brief geography lesson (you're welcome) let's continue.

It's kind of funny how this whole application process has worked itself out. God definitely had something up His sleeve. I applied to the school a few months a go. My sister and brother-in-law taught there a couple of years back and I thought it would be a fun experience. Unfortunately I soon received an email from the principal saying that all the positions were filled. Although I was disappointed I pressed on and continued looking for another hopeful.

Fast-forward to about two weeks ago.

It's merely hours after graduation and I receive an email from the same principal saying that they are in need of a second grade teacher. In all honesty I wasn't 100% sure if I wanted to teach there anymore. It would be far and second grade seemed so young. After much discussion with loved ones and prayers I told the principal I would go for it. We had an interview via Skype yesterday and once we were done he sent me an email offering me the job. Complete with an attached contract.

Am I excited?: Very
Nervous?: Yeah
Scared?: A bit

But I know God has a plan, and I know this experience will be great.

And don't worry...the blog will continue while I'm there ;).

Airplane Musings

Currently I am writing this message from thousands of feet up in the air. Wedged between two fellow passengers I sit with a stuffed lion peeking through the cracks of the chairs in front of me. No worries though, he seems pretty tame.

In my many times of flying in an airplane I’ve found that there are certain aspects of aviation travel that kind of make me laugh. Take for example the bathrooms.

Let me explain.

Despite their 1x1 square foot area, these lavatories kind of have a sense of humor to them. Most notable is the toilet. It’s almost as heart attack worthy as pre-made Pillsbury dough that comes in a tube. Although they don’t pop in your face, one could run the risk of getting sucked-in and dropped-out of the plane! Then there’s the ashtray. I’m not sure if any of you have noticed this, but on the foldable bathroom door there is a small, metal ashtray. Even though there are constant signs and warnings about the illegality of puffing in the restroom, they still provide a place for those rebellious airplane smokers who just can’t wait to get their fix. It’s as if they’re saying, “Despite the constant warnings we go on and on about, we’ll give you an ashtray just in case.” How kind. Thank you airplane people, I’m sure all of the non-existent airplane smokers appreciate it ;D.

But all sarcasm aside…at least for now.

As I was playing solitaire, I found that it’s a lot like life. (Down with the eyebrows and off with the smirks. I have a point.) We start with piles of cards; lets pretend like those are the options and choices we are given in life. We begin working with one of the piles and mix them in with other piles. Then we get to a point where we’re stuck. Hmmm, the ace I need is hiding under this one stack of cards that I can’t quite move yet. Now what? However, right under our nose is hiding a different stack , a better stack, a stack that could improve the game by leaps and bounds. Now, let’s switch gears back to reality. Every day God gives us opportunities. It is up to us whether we take them or not. As humans we may think we know what's best and, like solitaire, we will try to take control. We may think it works for a while but eventually we will get stuck. God has a better plan sitting right under our noses, the one that will help us get all of the suits in the correct piles.

So, be willing to take risks.

If you mess up, try again,

Life can't be reshuffled, but there are always more chances.

Be willing to listen to others who care, even if it’s not what you want to hear.
Don’t sit around and wait for the perfect “card” to be dealt to you.

If you hear God calling you to do something do it,

If it’s part of His plan I can guarantee it is going to happen anyway.

Fifty-four minutes left of my flight

Twenty-two of which my battery will survive.
I’ll see you in Seattle.