I owe so much to the Salesians...

The Salesian sisters are some of the most amazing women I have ever met. Through their summer camps, work in schools, prayers, and more they have touched so many lives.

 A few weeks ago I was flipping through their monthly magazine publication and came across a page asking people to “adopt a sister,” and, though it wasn’t asking for a lot, I knew I wanted to help and give back in a small way. Today, I received news (a letter, certificate, bio, and Blessed Mother picture) that I had adopted Sr. Liz - what a blessing and honor to support and pray for her (and to have her pray for me too).

I found a use for this frame I've had forever!

If you feel so inclined to donate too ;)

God bless the Salesian sisters and their ministry - they truly are the hands and feet of God. Mary, Help of Christians, pray for us!

Slow and steady

"How do you like your new job?"

This is one of the first questions on my family and friends' minds that they inevitably asked me this week as the school year started up and we welcomed children through our school doors.

So far so good, I think. 

But, in all honesty, I don't really know yet. The truth is, it's only been a week with the students, two weeks with the teachers. The large parts of my job - student discipline and teacher observations - haven't really started yet. Most of my time thus far has been spent in meetings, working things out with the principal, fielding questions from parents and teachers, and doing many a lunch and recess duty. (So far I have loved lunch duty because I'm getting to learn the students' names.) In terms of getting in a groove or knowing my schedule, I simply don't.

But I am learning - learning names, learning routines, learning what's been done before (and figuring out what might need some tweaking/change), learning policies... 

And then I remind myself that I was at my previous school for seven years - I didn't get to know all of the families and students overnight there either. (It's just hard to remember that in the moment.) It's going to take time and effort... And that's something I'm willing to give because I recognize what an incredible community I am now a part of and how much I can learn from my principal and colleagues and, hopefully, how much I can contribute in return.

No one said change was going to be easy. But I have faith it's going to be more than just all right.