tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37206901826904281862024-03-19T03:52:58.923+01:00From My Classroom to the WorldBecca Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05776580417392944962noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720690182690428186.post-57265115045244447562018-04-03T18:00:00.000+02:002018-04-03T18:33:38.420+02:00Of Brokenness and Healing<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>I originally wrote this post several years ago, but I never got around to posting it. However, the message is still very true.</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">One day a few years ago, one of my friends pinned <span style="font-size: small;">part of the verse, Zeph<span style="font-size: small;">aniah 3:17, on Pinterest. I hadn't really read Zephani<span style="font-size: small;">ah all that often, so I decided to check the verse out<span style="font-size: small;">:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Zeph-3-17" id="en-ESV-22838">The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God is in your midst,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Zeph-3-17">a mighty one who will save;</span></span><br /><span class="text Zeph-3-17">he will rejoice over you with gladness;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Zeph-3-17">he will quiet you by his love;</span></span><br /><span class="text Zeph-3-17">he will exult over you with loud singing.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Zeph-3-17"><span style="font-size: small;"> "He will quiet you with <span style="font-size: small;">His love." <span style="font-size: small;">That part stuck in my head. "He will quiet you with his love." I can rest in Him, even during the times when I know family is hurting in the States or pa<span style="font-size: small;">rents are going through hard times or there is <span style="font-size: small;">that kid in class who just can't seem to <span style="font-size: small;">play we<span style="font-size: small;">ll with others or tha<span style="font-size: small;">t stack of pa<span style="font-size: small;">pers that needs grading or there are so many meetings I can't keep track of what I'm supposed to be doing.<span style="font-size: small;"> He will quiet me with His love.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Zeph-3-17"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> In Spanish that reads: </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Zeph-3-17"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Zeph-3-17">"Te renovará con su amor." </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Zeph-3-17"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Zeph-3-17"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Zeph-3-17"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Zeph-3-17"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He will renew you with His lo</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ve. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I thought that was beautiful and something I need to remember. So, after careful consideration, I had <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">"</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Zeph-3-17"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Zeph-3-17"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Te</b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b> renovará con su amor</b>" written on my shoulder.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Zeph-3-17"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Zeph-3-17"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Zeph-3-17"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Zeph-3-17"> Tha<span style="font-size: small;">t night I went back and read all of Zephaniah 3. I hadn't look<span style="font-size: small;">ed at the whole chapter before, just the verse</span>. I was surprised. Verse 17 comes in the middle of a section all about G<span style="font-size: small;">od's restoration. Verses 19-20 read:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Zeph-3-17"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Zeph-3-17"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Zeph-3-17"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Zeph-3-17"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Zeph-3-19" id="en-ESV-22840">Behold, at that time I will deal</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Zeph-3-19">with all your oppressors.</span></span><br /><span class="text Zeph-3-19">And I will save the lame</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Zeph-3-19">and gather the outcast,</span></span><br /><span class="text Zeph-3-19">and I will change their shame into praise</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Zeph-3-19">and renown in all the earth.</span></span><span class="text Zeph-3-20" id="en-ESV-22841"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Zeph-3-17"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Zeph-3-17"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Zeph-3-17"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Zeph-3-17"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Zeph-3-20" id="en-ESV-22841"><sup class="versenum"></sup>At that time I will bring you in,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Zeph-3-20">at the time when I gather you together;</span></span><br /><span class="text Zeph-3-20">for I will make you renowned and praised</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Zeph-3-20">among all the peoples of the earth,</span></span><br /><span class="text Zeph-3-20">when I restore your fortunes</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Zeph-3-20">before your eyes,” says the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Zeph-3-17"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Zeph-3-17"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Zeph-3-17"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Zeph-3-17"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Zeph-3-20"><span style="font-size: small;"> God is <span style="font-size: small;">a res<span style="font-size: small;">torer, fi<span style="font-size: small;">xing the broken and healing the hurting. I was once broken and hurting. Now I see just how much He has healed me. And even when I didn't realize how much <span style="font-size: small;">He was fixing me and healing me, He was at work. As I sat reading<span style="font-size: small;"> the <span style="font-size: small;">chapter, I was completely amaz<span style="font-size: small;">ed about HOW MUCH God has worked in me. Yes, <span style="font-size: small;">there are still scars in my life, but I'm not broken <span style="font-size: small;">anymore. There is healing in my mighty<span style="font-size: small;"> God, who quiets me with H<span style="font-size: small;">is love. <span style="font-size: small;">Th</span>rough all the hard thing in life, He has quieted me, calmed<span style="font-size: small;"> me, carried me.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <b><i>I am quieted by His love.</i></b><br />
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<b><i> </i></b> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Zeph-3-17"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Zeph-3-17"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Zeph-3-17"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Zeph-3-17"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> <br />
<br />Becca Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05776580417392944962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720690182690428186.post-32851576831227438512018-03-28T15:05:00.003+02:002018-03-28T16:03:16.521+02:00A Few of My Favorite Things: Companies That Do Good<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The summer in between my last year of college and my student teaching, my father handed me the book <u>Not for Sale</u> by David Batstone and told me I <b>HAD</b> to read it. And I did. And my heart broke. And I realized just how horrific Modern Slavery is. Reading that book also started me on a journey that has led me to try to support anti-human trafficking however--well, <i>almost</i> however--I could. About a year ago I really began to feel convicted that I could do more, and I really needed to put my money where my mouth has been. So, I've tried to become an ethical consumer and shop companies that do good. These have become just a few of my favorite things. (And in case anyone wonders, this is a list I compiled. I didn't receive anything for this.)</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Companies I've tried and love:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. <a href="https://wearpact.com/" target="_blank">PACT</a>--organic and ethically sourced cotton basics; also very soft and comfortable. My two favorite pairs of yoga pants come from them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. <a href="https://synergyclothing.com/" target="_blank">Synergy Organic Clothing</a>--organic and ethically sourced cotton clothing; Some of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe come from here.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. <a href="https://www.naja.co/" target="_blank">Naja</a>-- bras, underwear, swimwear--The company employs single mothers, paying them above market wages and also helps with the education costs of their children</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. <a href="https://www.jessicarey.com/pages/ethics" target="_blank">Rey Swimwear</a>-- ethically made and eco friendly swimwear; also modest for those of us who aren't fans of how we look in itsy-bitsy bikinis :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5. <a href="https://www.oliberte.com/" target="_blank">Oliberte</a>-- fair trade boots and shoes--I just got a pair of boots from here for Christmas, and I love them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6. <a href="https://thepeoplesmovement.com/" target="_blank">MOVMT (The People's Movement)</a>-- footwear-- They stand for a reduction of single use plastic and use recycled plastic in many of their designs. Also, I have sneakers from them that are really comfortable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">7. <a href="http://eng.naturalium.com/" target="_blank">Naturalium</a>-- I JUST came across this a few weeks ago. I was buying new shampoo and had never heard of this brand and decided to look them up. They are a Spanish company that gives part of their revenue to World Vision Spain. Also, it smells really good. And I can order it as part of my online grocery order and it comes straight to my flat. (Thank you, Rohlik!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">9. <a href="https://starfishproject.com/" target="_blank">Starfish Project</a>-- jewelry made by human trafficking survivors</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">10. <a href="https://freeandcrowned.com/" target="_blank">Free and Crowned</a>-- headbands, and definitely a more girly site; 25% of every headband sold is donated to anti-human trafficking</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">11. <a href="https://simplyearth.com/" target="_blank">Simply Earth</a>-- my new favorite essential oil company; They have monthly or quarterly subscription boxes. My next one is in April. I may be a little excited. 13% of profits donated to fight human-trafficking</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">12. <a href="https://www.leivascoffee.com/" target="_blank">Leiva's Coffee</a>-- family-owned coffee; A portion of the proceeds are reinvested into their community in Guatemala. It tastes amazing. And I worked with the Leiva family while I was in Guatemala. They are pretty awesome people. :) </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Companies I haven't tried YET:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">13. <a href="https://www.everlane.com/" target="_blank">Everlane</a>-- ethically produced clothing; They are very transparent about the costs of production as well as their supply chain. I had been coveting a coat from here, but I just got one at a clothes swap, so I will have to wait a while before trying them out. Also, I have my eye on their day heels.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">14. <a href="https://www.goodpaper.com/" target="_blank">Good Paper</a>-- cards made by sex-trafficking survivors</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">15. <a href="https://thistlefarms.org/" target="_blank">Thistle Farms</a>-- ethically produced bath and body supplies; part of community for survivors of abuse, addictions, trafficking, and prostitution</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">16. <a href="https://www.tradesofhope.com/" target="_blank">Trades of Hope</a>-- jewelry; provide a fair wage job to women in communities where that might not happen. I have a friend who sells this, and while I haven't bought any (yet), I do like it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">17. <a href="https://www.odylique.co.uk/" target="_blank">Odylique</a>-- organic and ethical skin and hair care and make-up</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">18. <a href="http://www.fairsquared.info/de/" target="_blank">Fair Squared</a>-- fairtrade personal hygiene products</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">19. <a href="https://www.celia-grace.com/" target="_blank">Celia Grace</a>-- ethically sourced and eco friendly wedding dresses; also for every dress sold, they supply a school uniform to a girl in need; I'm the girl who has been planning her wedding since she was 8, so this is one of my favorite sites ever. I will wear Celia Grace if I ever get married. :) For now, I just drool over them.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Other clothing companies:</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">20. <a href="https://komodo.online/" target="_blank">Komodo</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">21. <a href="http://www.globalmamas.org/?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1" target="_blank">Global Mamas</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">22. <a href="https://www.matatraders.com/" target="_blank">Mata Traders</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">23. <a href="http://www.peopletree.co.uk/" target="_blank">People Tree</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">24. <a href="http://www.mudjeans.eu/" target="_blank">MUD jeans</a>-- Sustainable jean company that has a program where you can lease jeans and then return them for a new pair; They are on my radar to try. (Also, if you want to know why sustainable fashion is important, I recommend the documentary <u>The True Cost</u>.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">25. <a href="https://ssekodesigns.com/" target="_blank">Sseko</a>-- sandals made in Uganda</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">These are just a FEW of the many companies that choose to do good with their companies. If you know of any others, feel free to let me know so I can investigate.</span></div>
Becca Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05776580417392944962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720690182690428186.post-18415786494492932482015-11-14T00:41:00.000+01:002015-11-14T03:17:13.281+01:00Sometimes We Get LonelyOne thing I have noticed about returning to the US for an extended period of time is how incredibly lonely it is. I'm teaching full-time at the moment, visiting partner churches on weekends, and have spent more time with family than in the past four years combined, so the loneliness is not from lack of people. Rather, the loneliness is much like what many expats feel when they first move overseas. People everywhere, but an astounding lack of people who get us.<br />
<br />
I haven't lived in the USA for twelve years. This is the longest stretch I have gone during this time without leaving the nation's borders. I'm the girl armed with the passport and visa (and I don't mean the credit card kind), who has no problem navigating airports and foreign public transit systems, is an expert at packing a suitcase, and has a thirst for adventure. I'm a missionary who strives to be salt and light, and wants the world to know the hope I possess that they so desperately need. I'm the teacher who loves that moment when students get it, wants to share my love of reading and learning, and is completely amazed that I get to share the love of Jesus with my students.<br />
<br />
But I'm also the girl who no longer knows her passport country. There are cultural references I don't get, commercials I've never seen, poplar songs I have never heard. In many ways, because my world had been so expanded, I no longer share many of the values Americans (and southerners in my case) hold dear. I don't want the big house (I'd settle for a kitchen big enough for two people to cook in at the same time), the two cars (I utterly despise having to drive), or the white picket fence. I don't understand why people tell me to be safe in Prague, when they live in a country where you can't even go to a movie theater without fear of getting shot. I honestly could care less about guns and hunting and second amendment rights and the only football that interests me is the kind Americans call soccer. International experience causes me to disagree strongly with many about immigration reform and how to treat people who are different than us.<br />
<br />
And I have stories that I long to share...but who has the time to listen? And when people do listen, the questions are always about what I miss from America. Very seldom has anyone asked what I miss about Prague. And honestly, I miss so much...I miss my family there, my job, my flatmates, my friends and co-workers, my church, my city...my life. I haven't lived in this county for twelve years. There are not many friends left here.<br />
<br />
And I can only imagine that other expats and missionaries feel the same way. All, while those of us who return to the States are glad to see those her (please don't think I'm not thrilled to see you), but sometimes we get lonely and just want someone who gets us.Becca Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05776580417392944962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720690182690428186.post-7079348779131673892015-06-09T12:57:00.000+02:002015-06-09T12:57:09.909+02:00Teeth Brush and Finding Prince Charming<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes, my kids write such cute stories, I just need to share them with everyone. Please keep in mind that both authors are still learning English. :) </span></span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;">Teeth Brush</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;">By: A Fourth Grader</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I know to brush teeth. It's easy. You brush the sides really fast and hard. Then you do it to the front of them and the back.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;"> My friend did not brush his teeth, and now he doesn't have teeth. He didn't brush his teeth everyday.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: small;"> My other friend washed his teeth really nicely and has really strong teeth. My mom's teeth are really good, because they are not broken. She did wash them. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Cinderella Finds
Prince Charming</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">By: Another Fourth
Grader</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Once upon a time there were four
people. Those four people were in a ballroom dancing, but then a cat came and
took Prince Charming. No one knew what happened to him. Cinderella tried to
find him. She asked all the people, but the people said, “no” always “no”.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Then the
king said to everybody, “Prince Charming is going to come on stage and tell us
a story.” The king called Prince Charming, “Are you coming or not?” No one
responded to the king. The king was waiting for five minutes, ten minutes,
twenty minutes but he did not come.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Then
Cinderella asked the Fairy Godmother, “Can you please give me your wand.
Because I can do magic with it. Because I have to find Prince Charming.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So Fairy
Godmother said, “Ok, you may have my wand. They wanted and always do eight
wishes.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So
Cinderella said, “Ok. Thank you for the wand.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“Remember
that when the eight wishes are gone, call me and I will be there.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So
Cinderella said, “But what is the magic word? What is the magic word?” But at
that time the fairy godmother had went away. She had to wonder for a little
bit. And the guessed it and it was “Cinderella”.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So she
said, “I wish I could find where Prince Charming was.” The wand brought her to
Prince Charming. Cinderella said, “The cat has got him.” Prince Charming was
all with rope around him. Cinderella said to the cat, “Can I please have Prince
Charming back?”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">But the
cat said to Cinderella, “No.”</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So
Cinderella said to the wand, “I wish the cat was frozen and the rope was not
tied.” So then everything was back to normal. So they danced and Prince
Charming told the story.</span></div>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"> </span></div>
Becca Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05776580417392944962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720690182690428186.post-71713210097753615162015-04-24T22:43:00.001+02:002015-04-24T22:43:26.788+02:00College Courses I Never Had But Probably Should Have<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In a moment of frustration, I may have said that I never had to take "Recess Conflict Resolution and Management" while I was in college. Which got me to thinking--what are some courses that I probably should have had in college to prepare me for my career as an international school teacher? I was an education major with a cross cultural minor, so really, somewhere some of these thing should have been covered!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1) The aforementioned "Recess Conflict Resolution and Management 101"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some days I think if I have to hear the words, "But he cheated" one more time I'm going to curl up in the fetal position and scream. And then cry. This should probably be added to every education program ever.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2) Charades 101</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For some reason I never had a course on charades in my cross cultural classes. This would have been a handy tool to have in my pocket when I first moved overseas. Thankfully, I've gotten rather good at charades, but I still think this should be added to the program.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3) Visa, Paperwork, and Other Redtape Issues 302</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Really, a course on what it take to get a visa in different countries would have been useful. For the final exam we could have practiced filling out forms in block letters in blue ink. While running around to six different classes to finish it. Because heaven forbid that all paperwork be filed at once in one location or at one time. For even more fun, we could have then waited for months before finding out whether or not we passed the course.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4) Field Trip Planning 101</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While I recognize that field trip procedures differ from school to school, a course on planning a field trip might have been useful. On the required list of supplies--a giant bottle of ibuprofen for when the trip is finally over.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5) Computer Maintenance 101</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This isn't such an issue anymore (because the only computer in my classroom is normally my laptop), but when I was in Guatemala whenever the classroom computer wasn't working the first words out of my students' mouths were always, "Miss Miller! Fix it!" Right--because I can totally do that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm sure if I spent long enough thinking, I could probably think of even more courses that would have been useful. But all I can say is that the one thing I have learned in my (almost) seven years of teaching--most days I'm still not sure I know what I'm doing. I think many time I'm learning even more than my students--about the subjects I teach, about them, about myself, and most importantly, learning and growing so much in my faith and learning what it means to be Jesus to a room of fourth graders.</span>Becca Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05776580417392944962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720690182690428186.post-16008673290557871512015-02-20T16:22:00.002+01:002015-02-20T16:22:34.376+01:00The Absolute Official Ranking of the 10 Best European Cities, Part 2 <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few months ago I created a list of what I consider to be the top five best European cities. (Read it <a href="http://classroomtotheworld.blogspot.cz/2014/10/the-absolute-official-ranking-of-10.html" target="_blank">here</a>.) As a review they are: Prague, Budapest, Verona, Paris, and Venice. So, here is my long awaited part 2.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Number 6: Lucerne</b></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZ2plfxR8vGkh_SSOOZRE0Fwhf8-IFFDXAxAOsKtYbek3pJNxMpa8q7kzpWbREDiTGOxlS9-Q-MMuvRFwP1l7JyrFhpMN0bs83dBoUx8mqz9ttwAjeSPUr8zYS5HdsTJWkdg5VmQdiXPm/s1600/100_6051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZ2plfxR8vGkh_SSOOZRE0Fwhf8-IFFDXAxAOsKtYbek3pJNxMpa8q7kzpWbREDiTGOxlS9-Q-MMuvRFwP1l7JyrFhpMN0bs83dBoUx8mqz9ttwAjeSPUr8zYS5HdsTJWkdg5VmQdiXPm/s1600/100_6051.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My second year in Prague, we attended an educators' conference in Germany. One afternoon, there were several different excursion options that we could sign up to attend. I chose to go to Lucerne, Switzerland. Think quaint, fairytale-ish. And since it's Switzerland, definitely think chocolate. Even though it was a cold, snowy day, this city definitely makes my top ten.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What to see: The Lion Monument, Stroll the streets and explore</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What to eat: CHOCOLATE (It is Switzerland)--although, get it from a grocery store--it's cheaper than the tourist locations. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Number 7: Salzburg</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNq7-DsEo335laOTBq0OFfs54_-j2QkIH0QSUqqTWoLyNfwPQN89Zq28A6z9vC11_hP7iwjtWkjbRanVAQfbQVPfUYf_tSw5GU2S6984T1ovK4FWWFDX0c0GZBytnkpP54Ox7k9or9zX5q/s1600/Salzburg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNq7-DsEo335laOTBq0OFfs54_-j2QkIH0QSUqqTWoLyNfwPQN89Zq28A6z9vC11_hP7iwjtWkjbRanVAQfbQVPfUYf_tSw5GU2S6984T1ovK4FWWFDX0c0GZBytnkpP54Ox7k9or9zX5q/s1600/Salzburg.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Last spring break, my roommate deserted me to go to Turkey for a conference. I decided to adventure out on my on and go someplace I had always wanted to visit, and by "always" I mean since the first time I watched "The Sound of Music". I skipped the "Sound of Music" tour and decided to find the places on their own. One thing I recommend if you are planning on visiting quite a few places in any city--look into getting the city's card. Often times it can be a great value, because you will get free admission or discounts. If you are planning to go enough places, it really ends up paying for itself. And most of them also include public transit. Bonus!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What to see: Are you a classical music person or a musical fan? If you are a "Sound of Music" fanatic, check out the many sights from the film. If you love classical music, you can visit Mozart's birthplace, as well as another house where he lived. I was also recommend Helbrunn Palace. Take the tour of the Trick Fountains, but also be prepared to get very wet!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Number 8: Rome</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJFHe3k6-HFgcwLUDj__JImIFApJjiNcolSWfg9YD4mpuz-F7hyj_QBKCuRejdVzumUygbWryJqa-6_DktpBBXXq49RIyw1U_skBFcthj-lDhQE_GtafAid78aGjhMEr-w2qvAxZOAsbp/s1600/100_5616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJFHe3k6-HFgcwLUDj__JImIFApJjiNcolSWfg9YD4mpuz-F7hyj_QBKCuRejdVzumUygbWryJqa-6_DktpBBXXq49RIyw1U_skBFcthj-lDhQE_GtafAid78aGjhMEr-w2qvAxZOAsbp/s1600/100_5616.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rome was a wonderful Thanksgiving Get Away where partook in very non-traditional Thanksgiving meals of pizza and pasta. And gelato, of course. It would be hard for me to really choose a favorite part of Rome. I found the Colosseum fascinating, as was the Roman Forum. One of the most striking parts for me was the Arch of Titus, which was built to commemorate the Siege of Jerusalem. Well, that and the Sistine Chapel, which holds my all time favorite painting, "The Creation of Adam".</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What to eat: My favorie gelato place in the world is located in Rome: <a href="http://www.ilgelatodisancrispino.com/?lang=it" target="_blank">Il Gelato di San Crispino</a>. SO GOOD! We also enjoyed </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Trattoria Gioia Mia Pisciapiano and Bar del Cappuccino.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What to See: The Colosseum, The Vatican, The Roman Forum, The Pantheon, The Spanish Steps, The Trevi Fountain...I could go on...maybe it would be easier to make a "What not to See" list.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Number 9: Nice</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There was this one time when I spent spring break in the French Riviera. Take that all you Florida and Cancun-ers! We had heard mixed reviews before we went, but I ended up liking it. We were right in the middle of Old Town. Really close to Monaco (Princess Grace was one of my favorite actresses!). Right on the Mediterranean.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What to eat: Nice is really close to Italy, so enjoy Italian food. Also, there is quite a bit of sea food, as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What to see: If you are a Grace Kelly fanatic like me, enjoy a visit to Monaco. In Nice, Castle Hill was once of our favorite spots--sweeping views of the city and sea. Also, stroll along the <span><a class="property_title " dir="ltr" href="https://www.blogger.com/null">Promenade des Anglais.</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span><b>Number 10: Milan</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I really debated over what my number 10 city was. Milan is typically a love it or hate it city. I don't LOVE it, but I don't HATE it. That being said, I would go back to Milan in a heart beat. Why?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What to eat: MY NUMBER 1 REASON FOR WANTING TO RETURN TO MILAN: <a href="http://www.luini.it/" target="_blank">Luini's Panzerotti</a>. Think hot pocket only not a gross and a million times better!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What to see: Well, there is the obvious: shopping. However, my second reason for loving Milan is that it is home to one of my favorite paintings: The Last Supper. The third reason: the Duomo di Milano--the cathedral. It is beautiful. Although, personally, I think you could skip the inside and just go explore the roof, which was one of my favorite things that we did. The final reason I love Milan--it's a gateway to so many other parts of Italy. Go to Cinque Terre (I want to go there) or Lake Como (another place I want to go) or Verona (featured previously on the list). Enjoy beautiful Italia.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm sure as I explore other places, this list will evolve and change. But for right now, this has been my top ten favorite. (Honorable mention to London--I was only able to explore for about 4 1/2 hours while on a layover, but I would love to go back!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b> </b></span>Becca Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05776580417392944962noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720690182690428186.post-7772891385056632022014-11-22T19:15:00.001+01:002014-11-22T19:24:41.189+01:00The Three Little Pigs: The Wolf's Story<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have been doing a unit study on "The Three Little Pigs". We've compared different versions of the story, and read the story from several different viewpoints. One of my kiddos' assignments was to write the story from the wolf's view, telling why it was not their fault. I thought they were too cute not to share. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"I will tell you why it is not my fault. Once upon a time, there were three little pigs. The first little pig made his house out of chalk. The second little pig made his house out of glue and pepper. The third little pig made his house out of bricks. So, then I was walking and I smelled chalk, so I sneezed. Then I walked again, and I smelled a house out of glue and pepper that made me sneeze. Then I finally walked again, and I did not smell anymore smell of pepper or chalk. So, it was not my fault. Next time, have a better idea."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Once upon a time there were three little pigs building their own houses. The first pig is building a straw house. The second pig is building a house out of sticks, and the third one is building one out of bricks. They were next to each other. Then the wolf heard about the three little pigs. He went to the first house. He needed medicine. He said, "Can I come inside?" The wolf the blew the house down. The pig wasn't even there. The he went to the second pig's house. The wolf said, "Can I come inside?" Then he blew it down. The second pig wasn't there. The three pigs were in the third little pig's house. He went and asked"Can I have medicine?" (note:I'm not sure what happens next. It's a cliff hanger. Does the wolf get his medicine? Is he left out in the cold? Who knows...)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>Becca Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05776580417392944962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720690182690428186.post-23220185957983821892014-10-29T21:53:00.000+01:002015-02-20T14:51:25.877+01:00The Absolute Official Ranking of the 10 Best European Cities, Part 1<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One of my absolute favorite things about living in Europe is the chance I have to visit other cities and countries. I also can't resist comparing them and ranking them as I visit. So, without further ado, here are my favorite European cities (note: I have not visited ALL European cities. So if your favorite is missing, it could be because I haven't gone there...yet):</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1) Prague</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> This one is completely and unshamedly biased. I LOVE Prague--the history, the architecture, the beauty. This is my home, and I love it! No competition in this one!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What to see: Vysehrad, Namesti Miru, Charles Bridge, Mala Strana, the view from Prague Castle at night, the view from Letna Park</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What to eat: trdelnik, hot chocolate from the Louvre Cafe, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="st">svíčková </span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2) Budapest</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This one is a recent addition (since this past weekend, actually). But I officially LOVE Budapest. Not as much as Prague, but it is a beautiful city. (I also might be a little biased since I have friends who lived here and may have once almost applied to teach at a school there.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What to see: Fisherman's Bastion, the Citadella, ride the yellow metro line</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What to Eat: Gelato from <span class="st">Gelarto Rosa (located near Saint Stephen's basilica), </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Lángos (try the one from the </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Lángos stand in the Central Market Hall)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">3) Verona, Italy</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maybe it was because we were vitamin D deprived, and Verona was sunny, but I fell in love with this city when I visited my first year in Europe. Roman ruins, Shakespeare, and Italian charm without some of the crowds of other European cities.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What to see: Walk the streets--it's pretty! Or if you feel super touristy, check out Juliet's house. You can stand on the balcony and quote Shakespeare.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What to eat: It's Italy. Do I even need to answer this question?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> 4) Paris, France</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also fell in love with Paris when I visited my first year. My flatmate and I enjoyed just walking around and soaking up the city. I was only there for a weekend, but I would love to go back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What to eat: Crepes, baguettes, cheese, croissants, macaroons</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What to see: Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, just wander beside the Seine</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5) Venice, Italy</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Venice was my first European adventure, and the first city that I traveled to by myself. I went in December, when there were not that many tourists, the city was decorated for Christmas, and it was too cold for the canals to smell. (Evidently they stink during the summer months.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What to eat: I'm pretty sure I could live off of gelato and pizza.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What to see: Get lost. Explore the beautiful streets.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Coming Soon: Cities 6-10! (I know you all will be sitting on the edge of your seats waiting for my rankings.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>Becca Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05776580417392944962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720690182690428186.post-78354207528204756002014-09-14T00:41:00.002+02:002014-09-14T20:04:27.766+02:00Salt and Light: Don't Forget the Mission<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't forget the mission...</span></span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Was I starting Bible studies with Czechs or building meaningful relationships with my neighbors and was I fluent in Czech yet...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The questions caught me off guard and then the conversation finished with "Don't forget the mission." In answer to the questions, no, no (that would require seeing my neighbors and we all seem to keep very different schedules), working on it, and I haven't. I haven't forgotten the mission at all.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I remember why I am here every morning as I walk into my classroom. I'm reminded as we meet for devotions or prayer times as a staff and implore God to send us more students. I'm reminded as I've had students talk about how they know their teachers care because we do a job where we don't get paid.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And every time I see the brokenness around me, I have to fight to remind myself the reason. I see the darkness that engulfs this city, hear the statistics of how the Czech Republic is the 3rd worst slave state in Europe. I walk past people shooting heroin on the way to work and witness the man passed out on the tram, an empty wine box at his feet. And my heart breaks again. And again I have to fight to remind myself why I am here.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Because I'm not here to plant churches. As much as I want to fight human trafficking, that is not my primary reason for being here. I'm not in this country to start Bible studies with Czechs or to mentor my neighbors. Does that mean I don't want to be a part of these things? No, these are good things, noble things, honorable and right. But I am not the one God has called for that. (Not to say I would reject the chance to do any of those things if they come up, but they aren't ministries I seek out.)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Saying I'm a missionary to the Czech Republic is not necessarily the best terminology. Perhaps it is better to say I am a missionary IN the Czech Republic.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Because the people group I work with are not Czech. It is also equally right to say they are not Americans or Canadians or Korean or Italian or Polish. They are a crazy mix of cultures...a people group where conversations are effortlessly carried on in a mixture of languages (when I coached middle school volleyball, half of my practice was in Korean because a majority of my team was Korean and they would get so excited about things that they would start talking away...in Korean). They love peanut butter just as much as they love trdelnik or Kimbop or fresh tortillas. They speak with authority on the best airports and airlines and carry on conversations with topics ranging from "when I lived in ______ country" to "when my family was visiting _______ country". They know their way around jet lag better than most adults. They are adaptable...and always, always facing change.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And I'm in this country for THEM. They are Third Culture Kids (TCKs) or Global Nomads, as some prefer to be called. Kids who have spent significant amounts of time outside their passport countries (which is probably not their "home" even if mom and dad call it home). Some of them are multi-ethnic, with parents from one or more countries. Some have spent most of their life in their passport country. Some have only left their passport countries in the past few years. Some have never even lived there at all.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They are incredible and amazing. And I'm here for them. To be a stable person in a very unstable world.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I'm here to be Jesus to them. By the light switch in our staff bathroom, someone posted "Be salt. Be light." That's what I am. Salt and light. I'm here to be the person who is here for my missionary kids--someone who is called specifically for them. To be Jesus to them, while their parents are doing what God has called them to do. And I love being a partner in ministry with them.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But I'm also here to be salt and light for my kids who do not come from families that know Jesus. And I have fallen in love with this role as well. I have had students walk into my room who knew nothing about how much God loves them, and I've gotten to tell them! For the first time. As much as I love the light that comes on when a student understand an academic concept (I am a teacher after all), I love even more when I see the light come on about a spiritual idea. Remembering when one of my students told me as she was leaving, "Don't be sad, Miss Miller. I know now God will be with me at my new school." And I got to be the first one to tell her that.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Salt and light. I remember why I'm here. Salt and light. I'm their salt and light in a busy world, a dark world. I'm here for them. Salt and light. </span></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I haven't forgotten the mission after all.</span></span></i>Becca Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05776580417392944962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720690182690428186.post-33055675450283530392014-06-22T13:35:00.003+02:002014-09-14T20:04:05.765+02:00Endings and Memories<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's the beginning and ending of the year that always flies by for me. Meanwhile, the time in between manages to drag by slowly. Then, May comes and leaves almost as quickly. Next thing I know I'm hugging my kids one last time, wishing them all a happy summer and saying goodbyes to those who are leaving (or else trying to remain in denial that they are, indeed, leaving).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I read a blog recently (you can read it here:<a href="http://www.thecultureblend.com/?p=11" target="_blank"> </a><a href="http://www.thecultureblend.com/?p=11" target="_blank">Why Expats Hate June</a>) that does a wonderful job of explaining the dreaded goodbyes. My students say that so much--to family, to friends, to teachers, to classmates. In just this year, my class had to say it to two fellow classmates. But if I focused on the goodbyes, I would never be able to enjoy the good times, the walks around the city, the movie nights, the lunches and dinners spent laughing. Or the amazing times with students. Or the incredible times of worship together. So, while I do recommend reading that blog if you would like to know what my coworkers, students, and I go through every single June, I instead what to savor the memories of good and wonderful times.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Water Fights</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-zafPpLsOtcbHnzki8Hc3w45a_gS6s-_KNsXNG0abMlAwlsu7fgfU3GQ97OkbPpeksGg46mO1yDoIqqnWU5L02fdNG-EBiL_rr6KmfWHptUTc9sM99xC-VSKyIfefR0YM5GJZevpDy83/s1600/100_7293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-zafPpLsOtcbHnzki8Hc3w45a_gS6s-_KNsXNG0abMlAwlsu7fgfU3GQ97OkbPpeksGg46mO1yDoIqqnWU5L02fdNG-EBiL_rr6KmfWHptUTc9sM99xC-VSKyIfefR0YM5GJZevpDy83/s1600/100_7293.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">"Candy" Awards Voted on by Classmates</span></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQhWGoIU-WyLnGdRAAy63-MkEa4KAXYj8LtVugZW0Y1Zkr98V5gC_JsWkzKQ82BxckwfxEnGwrR6nYmN0hZS97EDnPNa-F7GLNc9Y_KVJN2mzVNrxKkl1l3p_WIulD4QFrqTzGqu7gVHo/s1600/100_7320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQhWGoIU-WyLnGdRAAy63-MkEa4KAXYj8LtVugZW0Y1Zkr98V5gC_JsWkzKQ82BxckwfxEnGwrR6nYmN0hZS97EDnPNa-F7GLNc9Y_KVJN2mzVNrxKkl1l3p_WIulD4QFrqTzGqu7gVHo/s1600/100_7320.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Wonderful Dinner Cruises</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUIwd_Wrg7aB2PVxSTfTBZ9rwIljj5GBMprak192p2jSZG8iF9o38akulBzJiXknUA3kLpeG3YyJQ8yQ81B678RjzaO5j5vmO-P45fWFxIfYmeqMjT3_LomN4G1wVHynAl6bPpaSLY1_S/s1600/100_7324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVUIwd_Wrg7aB2PVxSTfTBZ9rwIljj5GBMprak192p2jSZG8iF9o38akulBzJiXknUA3kLpeG3YyJQ8yQ81B678RjzaO5j5vmO-P45fWFxIfYmeqMjT3_LomN4G1wVHynAl6bPpaSLY1_S/s1600/100_7324.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Beloved Coworkers (and Former Coworker)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">"<span class="text Eccl-7-14" id="en-MSG-7506">On a good day, enjoy yourself;</span> <span class="text Eccl-7-14">On a bad day, examine your conscience.</span> <span class="text Eccl-7-14">God arranges for both kinds of days</span> <i><b>s</b></i></span><span class="text Eccl-7-14"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><b>o that we won’t take anything for granted</b></i>."</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="text Eccl-7-14"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Ecclesiastes 7:14, The Message</span></span>Becca Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05776580417392944962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720690182690428186.post-56023906607988298932014-06-09T20:48:00.000+02:002014-06-09T20:48:13.217+02:00Facial Hair, Food, Field Trips, and Fun<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>10th Year Anniversary Time Capsule Project</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For
the 10th Anniversary, each class took a different year from the school
history and create a project showing that year. 4th grade did a balloon
tree for ours.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBFPJvsciaukiUOlq26Gw0l8kugFCfqXiwfHAAVkrOrbaKJcCfHqHJnX2NmnaXLkdygUuhm0cd0Yx_H33IiWzLrzyuEohqb8uVhVwBAQUcH2hNscd9pqj3x69H2-U924r4FM71YrbUR6B/s1600/100_7209.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxBFPJvsciaukiUOlq26Gw0l8kugFCfqXiwfHAAVkrOrbaKJcCfHqHJnX2NmnaXLkdygUuhm0cd0Yx_H33IiWzLrzyuEohqb8uVhVwBAQUcH2hNscd9pqj3x69H2-U924r4FM71YrbUR6B/s1600/100_7209.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Drawing all the students from our year on the balloons</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxT-cviit8RMPD63iaD2ll8MtE9vyGwXIR0TOikP3iHyNkLuPNDWBkOuOz8x3eJQxqx5wC0TeH9ttpl4lhTSD7gIs_3DSmz3t_MHce0rXiKSp-03-I6Fxopwiu4EF2E-f0G_PJIL3DKShW/s1600/100_7210.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxT-cviit8RMPD63iaD2ll8MtE9vyGwXIR0TOikP3iHyNkLuPNDWBkOuOz8x3eJQxqx5wC0TeH9ttpl4lhTSD7gIs_3DSmz3t_MHce0rXiKSp-03-I6Fxopwiu4EF2E-f0G_PJIL3DKShW/s1600/100_7210.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This required quite a bit of concentration</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJAfM0ekgR4zJtEBJO0IHGJ0M8i7paT3G1VLnevCpsVN0mnr5e8tU_B15RBAOIFEqFltBce_wsxu-xa_eU70WeCWeQtJY3qZ9xY1_EWxG3-J8tJ9mJWRkXWYf6tMhb9mIOZqruDp7TNJ6b/s1600/100_7211.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJAfM0ekgR4zJtEBJO0IHGJ0M8i7paT3G1VLnevCpsVN0mnr5e8tU_B15RBAOIFEqFltBce_wsxu-xa_eU70WeCWeQtJY3qZ9xY1_EWxG3-J8tJ9mJWRkXWYf6tMhb9mIOZqruDp7TNJ6b/s1600/100_7211.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Preparing to be traffic directors for history class--to protect our tree</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZN38Pw_FpVnyAIKj2QgLfOud25qtX0KdKLkKlnw56bM0j3wLvBGiI2qyR80QhUpn1mVzJuZZ7nJMYmuJi0a20aR89N4qFdyWatpfzzWacy7AyT0630alTgsp2NdNr8-z1NAm4HpbwHdC/s1600/100_7213.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ZN38Pw_FpVnyAIKj2QgLfOud25qtX0KdKLkKlnw56bM0j3wLvBGiI2qyR80QhUpn1mVzJuZZ7nJMYmuJi0a20aR89N4qFdyWatpfzzWacy7AyT0630alTgsp2NdNr8-z1NAm4HpbwHdC/s1600/100_7213.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Balloon Tree</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Fourth Grade Plays with Our Food</b></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpj6kHM1v6JdkpILpsDVXjxjr0rwavNbga_UePy4kB7Laa8rYWKLUTuu4pR7h9oJrsam-0vXndlJhz_L7FumU9wzzPtkKzryOA234ljVjxb0mfeAZGU_pyUqLPlOair3IKuv_VPiBkVnwL/s1600/100_7227.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpj6kHM1v6JdkpILpsDVXjxjr0rwavNbga_UePy4kB7Laa8rYWKLUTuu4pR7h9oJrsam-0vXndlJhz_L7FumU9wzzPtkKzryOA234ljVjxb0mfeAZGU_pyUqLPlOair3IKuv_VPiBkVnwL/s1600/100_7227.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Food Art for the Art Show</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>History Class Facial Hair Fun</b></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-fBEnr8-SeS7r5xPWdWsoH-5-6eJZ2zYwli1CCvJb4Cny5AdhsFvNaKsuUcsat84pr2QjFs6IkP1e6abaX9mfCzSnuf3I5hazKp5uvfiy6pyXE424g3EmrAAxKzTXXdtKLaNf0exWSIN/s1600/100_7228.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW-fBEnr8-SeS7r5xPWdWsoH-5-6eJZ2zYwli1CCvJb4Cny5AdhsFvNaKsuUcsat84pr2QjFs6IkP1e6abaX9mfCzSnuf3I5hazKp5uvfiy6pyXE424g3EmrAAxKzTXXdtKLaNf0exWSIN/s1600/100_7228.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">They used scraps from a project to make beards and mustaches.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8_Lm75vnk9vGebm2koA-VhvZYgmvqK5VVXhWKZZfp2mRUVM2APVEA3bMkJ5XiR3uB-g9ssgW9vSgndOlZ8fWZ1-qL-XGT89WtZtj97GqSyQpdePRSltOEM0_MIgGsFpu7uOlokuFhSVw/s1600/100_7229.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8_Lm75vnk9vGebm2koA-VhvZYgmvqK5VVXhWKZZfp2mRUVM2APVEA3bMkJ5XiR3uB-g9ssgW9vSgndOlZ8fWZ1-qL-XGT89WtZtj97GqSyQpdePRSltOEM0_MIgGsFpu7uOlokuFhSVw/s1600/100_7229.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And were quite thrilled to pose for me.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b> 1st-4th Grade Field Trip to the Zoo</b></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lKDUCIq4mYxYFxq8JxmsL0dLRh1WZp3ZVzAcMRViKYSDl6tOJaj9aK4rQBDyBJls19Bs-Nl0zshF8l3jzWaPWC95MfmaLdqzct7AxScheXFZmSZXYDG3Nc6porl_KG2-YQCoAL-cLVkp/s1600/100_7234.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9lKDUCIq4mYxYFxq8JxmsL0dLRh1WZp3ZVzAcMRViKYSDl6tOJaj9aK4rQBDyBJls19Bs-Nl0zshF8l3jzWaPWC95MfmaLdqzct7AxScheXFZmSZXYDG3Nc6porl_KG2-YQCoAL-cLVkp/s1600/100_7234.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Pointing out the Red Panda</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2r8sCcQsLRcjPMLbUo1PY7Yhc-QhALvwmZyhGdnUGBPK7u6MMNkNRP20GXndRzx3wft2HakXZUuoSLW8HF5i43avDbZUb1GoWkDmSckV-WuGXb_u2yBZrzOYMLoFtNPnvt34RhwIpHG3/s1600/100_7235.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp2r8sCcQsLRcjPMLbUo1PY7Yhc-QhALvwmZyhGdnUGBPK7u6MMNkNRP20GXndRzx3wft2HakXZUuoSLW8HF5i43avDbZUb1GoWkDmSckV-WuGXb_u2yBZrzOYMLoFtNPnvt34RhwIpHG3/s1600/100_7235.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My awesome boys</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFMT60qiPi3BYNFVZI3mDP03N_bkm1Mbao2_vlCQlJNSznSj2O1OifAXwEsAjym9z9rOBD5rp7V6-zK8v3mNqoEhTcrUyZOZJeVYU-vU5gomIVleAhpBIJ_xB7O4Xs7ox_yVsyW31TXDs/s1600/100_7237.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFMT60qiPi3BYNFVZI3mDP03N_bkm1Mbao2_vlCQlJNSznSj2O1OifAXwEsAjym9z9rOBD5rp7V6-zK8v3mNqoEhTcrUyZOZJeVYU-vU5gomIVleAhpBIJ_xB7O4Xs7ox_yVsyW31TXDs/s1600/100_7237.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Love their craziness</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumH848UDMzGywftG9-L3Wj3sgy7zcsqkvU71TPfbow33i0JlHYi3KqvV-4PtbDJ4BXL8Agwzo5OPlzwhD2L-15kVbn2Xj25OlkcC9_kqovQiMYHxKhAoU9_oc9RkH2Ef_L_Rycj_MwoFy/s1600/100_7238.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhumH848UDMzGywftG9-L3Wj3sgy7zcsqkvU71TPfbow33i0JlHYi3KqvV-4PtbDJ4BXL8Agwzo5OPlzwhD2L-15kVbn2Xj25OlkcC9_kqovQiMYHxKhAoU9_oc9RkH2Ef_L_Rycj_MwoFy/s1600/100_7238.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Having fun on the slide by the polar bears</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzxkqQSZuUwHGZKm3xEjDg6e9bnnG9AgCs5985o05mZ1oL2goHV6EP6hVh5-T8PvuuKNpEHvHs2CbV4vNtwzr5iUdHdyYB37pDzz2ofBccwl9P_bpEV740MD0J1g6W03v2jenTkvP-0GX/s1600/100_7247.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzxkqQSZuUwHGZKm3xEjDg6e9bnnG9AgCs5985o05mZ1oL2goHV6EP6hVh5-T8PvuuKNpEHvHs2CbV4vNtwzr5iUdHdyYB37pDzz2ofBccwl9P_bpEV740MD0J1g6W03v2jenTkvP-0GX/s1600/100_7247.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Looking at the hippos</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQNd8FnYEkz6OXcPYLEwQ5lDK4w85yfSI7IUFmdqh0Dt7NPV3Cp44Eml-TsTSl89jDeC_6viXbHApv09RvQJMc65Sg9p3iKkbcB_23TMiqFST4K_wVxYvQHvO2FdKU2tPEKCHc0QN5OFV/s1600/100_7252.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQNd8FnYEkz6OXcPYLEwQ5lDK4w85yfSI7IUFmdqh0Dt7NPV3Cp44Eml-TsTSl89jDeC_6viXbHApv09RvQJMc65Sg9p3iKkbcB_23TMiqFST4K_wVxYvQHvO2FdKU2tPEKCHc0QN5OFV/s1600/100_7252.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Giraffes</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhloL8C-Uz-SiBNWa_NgTWUxIqlk2243RzgoiYAgxwiOc5CIsq2Wyew30yjGz8KJvbZYcss5yaecsIc5cYtQGBDPX7hLDqahNl1izflEzbjy8clmYGEI36rvzTokY-r3-Td3eBqmQFGuJhX/s1600/100_7255.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhloL8C-Uz-SiBNWa_NgTWUxIqlk2243RzgoiYAgxwiOc5CIsq2Wyew30yjGz8KJvbZYcss5yaecsIc5cYtQGBDPX7hLDqahNl1izflEzbjy8clmYGEI36rvzTokY-r3-Td3eBqmQFGuJhX/s1600/100_7255.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I found a new friend for all my bearded students</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXI6u29XmFIOXeE2vmMsLoUSFUpBekMJqGtsLi3rJ7qDjefHm6buKYkI7DTtYm0gknfMSXcC3dnRMY56-rqy4DXI5aDBhwV9NyPvqOmlooFRagBlMbFPDU1afhuq65iy6o8gSc0WbQ7M3/s1600/100_7256.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXI6u29XmFIOXeE2vmMsLoUSFUpBekMJqGtsLi3rJ7qDjefHm6buKYkI7DTtYm0gknfMSXcC3dnRMY56-rqy4DXI5aDBhwV9NyPvqOmlooFRagBlMbFPDU1afhuq65iy6o8gSc0WbQ7M3/s1600/100_7256.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Cooling Off</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtk2kW9SUaHKYp4anX3-bDGUSA7LWUHttKsAAzGpN0GJzfKp0m2HC4UZuTQDrAX0qW2s4FfPgWdW6TvBEL6i79Dgp92jZOSGbYVgl4UWQwrg9EUIZz6u-6G0Uw-XOAIl7IS7DeDQAGc4YT/s1600/100_7258.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtk2kW9SUaHKYp4anX3-bDGUSA7LWUHttKsAAzGpN0GJzfKp0m2HC4UZuTQDrAX0qW2s4FfPgWdW6TvBEL6i79Dgp92jZOSGbYVgl4UWQwrg9EUIZz6u-6G0Uw-XOAIl7IS7DeDQAGc4YT/s1600/100_7258.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I've had a great year with these kids</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3eCFgyjRP-9Bt5KtgMKypNLMreoBkFNBfogSRQ2II2eYqL2L2xhpoptEYjs7KJyH2PT60Iw9tq3N0XbQ2p2YUiN9gs81Tsve6aUV_wG50mjleMndZEgm_IzxbhdpNEBYK0AO1ciQrnmlJ/s1600/100_7261.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3eCFgyjRP-9Bt5KtgMKypNLMreoBkFNBfogSRQ2II2eYqL2L2xhpoptEYjs7KJyH2PT60Iw9tq3N0XbQ2p2YUiN9gs81Tsve6aUV_wG50mjleMndZEgm_IzxbhdpNEBYK0AO1ciQrnmlJ/s1600/100_7261.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Fun trip to end the year with</span></td></tr>
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<br />Becca Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05776580417392944962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720690182690428186.post-33398666572451307122014-06-05T23:25:00.001+02:002014-06-05T23:34:41.515+02:00Oceans<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A song has been running through my mind quite often in past months. And in some ways, it almost seems to be the story that God has been writing in my life over the past three years. Then a friend from college posted another version of it (one I think is now my favorite). There it was again--the idea that this life that I live is not my life, that even on the hardest day (although, to be honest, today was actually quite a wonderful day), there is a reason I am here.</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Three Years Ago:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b> </b></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">You call me out upon the waters<br />
The great unknown where feet may fail...</span></i>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHY2SWzN61H5lkTtRLbcEBqIiFthcL5IoXrxvdJujPq9_PMkkC0Wc2FnDK3jai9HOVihOZDX7r9N7Fk4MUDP5yt6qFhugi0K_HACsrlc9stuYaccVWGZkpNX05VJ4v_ojnoVGiyw8VslSx/s1600/Kutna+Hora.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHY2SWzN61H5lkTtRLbcEBqIiFthcL5IoXrxvdJujPq9_PMkkC0Wc2FnDK3jai9HOVihOZDX7r9N7Fk4MUDP5yt6qFhugi0K_HACsrlc9stuYaccVWGZkpNX05VJ4v_ojnoVGiyw8VslSx/s1600/Kutna+Hora.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
And I will call upon Your name</span></i>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48jIcrfHKDSVkZfTgwzqDGWtPkAYkg-M_3XmmYCYGYbLk4UWpE0vWXH-aQjcxSecwoP_jhvFaP2Rkh1ouDx66N1vLtu7SKFOJmp1VqXX5c_lEzAIrEn1HZcHSCOwhAVt6yEw6I1Mlgk3w/s1600/Flood+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48jIcrfHKDSVkZfTgwzqDGWtPkAYkg-M_3XmmYCYGYbLk4UWpE0vWXH-aQjcxSecwoP_jhvFaP2Rkh1ouDx66N1vLtu7SKFOJmp1VqXX5c_lEzAIrEn1HZcHSCOwhAVt6yEw6I1Mlgk3w/s1600/Flood+2013.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Through floods, loss, grief, and the hardest of days:</b></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Your grace abounds in deepest waters</span></i>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6J8P8cEPJT2JWV_jBwNg9IB6aeGlzg9TUrc6XmYe6UUtalSEwqPXolG7zDaOCFc3mFKALkJLlfl9eQC0hw6oyduW-Z0dOqbAGdO_zBD2DUIGVuWTwgj5U9-3Zh8iotg4AMr_WmH20XY_z/s1600/Jesus+Loves+You.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6J8P8cEPJT2JWV_jBwNg9IB6aeGlzg9TUrc6XmYe6UUtalSEwqPXolG7zDaOCFc3mFKALkJLlfl9eQC0hw6oyduW-Z0dOqbAGdO_zBD2DUIGVuWTwgj5U9-3Zh8iotg4AMr_WmH20XY_z/s1600/Jesus+Loves+You.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Trusting His love and provision:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b> </b></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My soul will rest in Your embrace<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRbPo4zXKEPh39FTPyqwrD_nyv5MzOcqrtOZCi2ZoyWoYr2oL7GxU6eG7JpqEB184WVqBSmLXIwVG6f5jHqeI5z_2khsMk8zAgzuSKrNX9pCR1uYX_QsLOy7jF91aXX3H8NTf11VHG1B-/s1600/Flat+Alaina+with+History+Class-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRbPo4zXKEPh39FTPyqwrD_nyv5MzOcqrtOZCi2ZoyWoYr2oL7GxU6eG7JpqEB184WVqBSmLXIwVG6f5jHqeI5z_2khsMk8zAgzuSKrNX9pCR1uYX_QsLOy7jF91aXX3H8NTf11VHG1B-/s1600/Flat+Alaina+with+History+Class-1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>13 Different Nationalities in 6 Years of Teaching:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b> </b></span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders</span></i>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUJDxng3E9-hcFB9cl6Z4jzsd1QZ8i_LFK6ECSWB7WBinaz8CCL5IvO_gub4eyIlDBikj3pOU23MPT6tQSKIaAoUzLzC9GZmRQCEXE2l7luxuqiCcW4i6XxoI_csh7_G8QQ57ITZZlBLo/s1600/Walking+through+Narnia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUJDxng3E9-hcFB9cl6Z4jzsd1QZ8i_LFK6ECSWB7WBinaz8CCL5IvO_gub4eyIlDBikj3pOU23MPT6tQSKIaAoUzLzC9GZmRQCEXE2l7luxuqiCcW4i6XxoI_csh7_G8QQ57ITZZlBLo/s1600/Walking+through+Narnia.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Let me walk upon the waters<br />
Wherever You would call me</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgd-1no4o-W0w71UVLe34RJ-7NEBOHsJ-sKZsZ93mC5CrqbVn37RadTDZIp6IcdvuGUFKm3ErPEU2uMsyOltqtqRNFVLqxLQmqoZeqH5nkfObAC6RLzCeraFb2gqO-UR1YYs-gmMGmVXle/s1600/St.+Barbaras.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgd-1no4o-W0w71UVLe34RJ-7NEBOHsJ-sKZsZ93mC5CrqbVn37RadTDZIp6IcdvuGUFKm3ErPEU2uMsyOltqtqRNFVLqxLQmqoZeqH5nkfObAC6RLzCeraFb2gqO-UR1YYs-gmMGmVXle/s1600/St.+Barbaras.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am Yours and You are mine </span></i></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">"Oceans" by Hillsong United</span><i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></i></div>
Becca Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05776580417392944962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720690182690428186.post-40315315083640442362014-06-02T16:06:00.000+02:002014-06-02T16:07:19.165+02:00Spring Concert<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On Saturday we had our annual spring concert, including scripture recitations from the 1-4 graders, songs from the elementary students, elementary choir, and high school, and dramas by the middle school drama students. Everyone did a wonderful job!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I thought it was quite funny however when my fourth graders began to complain about "being forced to work on a Saturday". So, I asked them what they thought I was doing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"But that's different," One of them replied, "You're a grown-up. Your supposed to do that."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There you have it, folks. Being a grown-up means we're supposed to work on weekends!</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhU8iOJSjIngZmmh5KbrHkIlSGOhz5xB8qBA-y7m2shVpGTk3S_nGR6SuEWieIA_t46x95bpNG1DBDTGRS411laWOCbuerEtByIZksv7AMSsAQi6YG14uI-bSLMASxeM-ckYZMLJnplI_/s1600/100_7217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbhU8iOJSjIngZmmh5KbrHkIlSGOhz5xB8qBA-y7m2shVpGTk3S_nGR6SuEWieIA_t46x95bpNG1DBDTGRS411laWOCbuerEtByIZksv7AMSsAQi6YG14uI-bSLMASxeM-ckYZMLJnplI_/s1600/100_7217.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High School Choir</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuByLYnHmOUxkUyLxPkNsaslMFmNyv_eerGln2ZwlAqGb_kqopQoIs8J0i0Hjiqbya6VLafQmBaEb6Y3ef5uo8s9ffDpIPRrJjhPqLhu6noChJ79nno-wGQ0FqA1YUWXlO3WQBPGcMJNzF/s1600/100_7219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuByLYnHmOUxkUyLxPkNsaslMFmNyv_eerGln2ZwlAqGb_kqopQoIs8J0i0Hjiqbya6VLafQmBaEb6Y3ef5uo8s9ffDpIPRrJjhPqLhu6noChJ79nno-wGQ0FqA1YUWXlO3WQBPGcMJNzF/s1600/100_7219.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reciting Psalm 23</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YuA26p3aU03zFx0Et0HtvKNM-oikSWQNTIeYxTdckAKSQ0Mwvjw8y_Hc71R4oIgU6V5rCESODpFksPC-72l_k1GRgbm4w52BSOJcJ6yQnmWKlrbwh6nYf9tdyG3EXh5hVGg7XlkLZaDV/s1600/100_7224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YuA26p3aU03zFx0Et0HtvKNM-oikSWQNTIeYxTdckAKSQ0Mwvjw8y_Hc71R4oIgU6V5rCESODpFksPC-72l_k1GRgbm4w52BSOJcJ6yQnmWKlrbwh6nYf9tdyG3EXh5hVGg7XlkLZaDV/s1600/100_7224.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elementary Choir</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle School Drama</td></tr>
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Becca Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05776580417392944962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720690182690428186.post-91540821348657736822014-05-28T19:31:00.002+02:002014-05-28T19:42:55.224+02:00Ten Years<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've been thinking a lot about the past ten years this year. Partly because I teach fourth grade and most of my students are either ten or turning ten. But I think the biggest rest is that this is CISP's tenth year. We have talked a lot about the tenth year. (See my post about that here: <a href="http://classroomtotheworld.blogspot.cz/2014/03/what-will-you-be-doing-in-10-years.html" target="_blank">What Will You Be Doing in Ten Years?</a>)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And as we've looked back over CISP's past ten years (also known as the entire lifetime of all my kiddos), I can't help but reflect on the past ten years of my life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the past ten years I have lived in five different countries on three different continents. I have been a teacher for six of those years. I have climbed the Great Wall of China and the Eiffel Tower (yes I CLIMBED the Eiffel Tower--only one elevator was working the day I was there and the line was ridiculously long), gotten lost in Venice, explored Nazi bunkers, roasted marshmallows over molten lava, and seen the Colosseum. I have survived a volcanic eruption, earthquakes, hurricanes (all three of those in the same weekend), blizzards, and floods. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And then I look back to ten years ago. Ten years ago I had just finished my first year of college. I have moved outside of the US and survived. I was preparing to help my parents pack to move to Guatemala for their own international adventure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But I also think of the things I don't want to remember. The loss of a friend. The beeping of hospital machines. The words heard as I stepped off an elevator, "If you want to see him alive, you need to come as soon as possible." A funeral. Watching a grieving mother cry over a casket. An unwanted class reunion next to a grave.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Because ten years ago was also when I told God I hated Him for the first time. Ten years ago was when I spent an entire summer screaming at Him and question WHY? Why did He allow tragedy? And how could He possibly be a God of love? And how could I possibly love a God who allowed that to happen?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But ten years ago was when I also experienced grace after a summer of despair. Ten years ago was when I first really understood how deep, how wide, how high, how far God's love and mercy went. Ten years ago was when I learned that questioning is not bad, but you need to be prepared to accept that sometimes you don't get an answer. Ten years ago I wept as I finally understood what it meant to trust God. And I learned what it is to realize He is in control and working, even when it doesn't look like it. Ten years ago shook me, but it also grew me. And through that will hopefully even further impact others--and not just through my life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ten years ago on May 29, 2004, I also made a decision to become an organ donor.</span>Becca Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05776580417392944962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720690182690428186.post-22068138508005381872014-04-20T08:26:00.000+02:002014-04-20T08:49:21.552+02:00Of Darkness and Light<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The view during Sunrise Service this morning</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I first began to tell people I was moving to Prague, those who had traveled here before began to tell me of it's incredible beauty. And living here for two and a half years, it continues to amaze me with it. As I was standing in Letna Park overlooking the Vltava at sunrise service today, I was again just struck by the beauty of this city that has won my heart. I love Prague.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yet, this magnificent jewel has so much darkness. It's seen during in the eyes of its people, with looks of hopelessness, loneliness, and despair. It's seen in the sex stores on the corner. It's seen in the nudity and marketing of the human body everywhere. It's seen in the empty cathedrals, functioning now as museums rather than places of worship. It's seen throughout the Czech Republic, in places like Lidice and Terezin, where the evilness of men is so evident.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The other night, the presence of this darkness hit me as I walked through Wenceslas Square. The clubs had opened their doors for the night. Around every ATM there were men crowded, pulling out wads of our smallest bill, 100 kc. I walked past several women propositioning men. And while hearing the mixture of languages I could see clearly that this is not just a Prague problem. This is a world problem. The English, spoken with both American and British accents, the Spanish, German, Italian, and multitude of other languages. The nationalities--European, African, Asian, North and South American. All of this pointed to the darkness not just being here in the Czech Republic, but somewhere much deeper--in the hearts of men.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Again this morning, as my roommates and I walked through the square again, passing people staggering to the metro and down the street, people throwing up on the steps of buildings, people obviously only then going to bed, we could see it. Not the darkness itself. But the symptoms of it. Signs that something is not right, that something is broken and needs fixing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We kept walking, through Old Town, through the Jewish Quarter, past the oldest synagogue in the city. We crossed the bridge and climbed the many steps up to Letna Park. And at an overlook, we watched as the mostly-risen sun shed its light over this dark, yet beautiful city. And we knew that light had come.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That over 2,000 years ago the world was at its darkest. All hope had seemed lost. Death seemed to have won.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But then something marvelous and glorious happened. The stone rolled away. The tomb was empty. A dead man had been brought back to life. This was no ordinary man, but Immanuel. The Lamb who was slain for our sins rose again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And as we worshiped with my church this morning, looking out over the city below us, I was reminded once more of why I am here. It may be a city full of darkness. But light has come. I'm here to share that light. Because He is risen. He is risen indeed.</span>Becca Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05776580417392944962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720690182690428186.post-56171105292373050922014-04-12T15:23:00.003+02:002014-04-12T15:27:18.640+02:00On Holiday in the Alps<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"You're on holiday in Germany, and you don't speak German?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had to laugh when I was asked that, partly because I am glad that not speaking a language doesn't bar you from visiting a country. Otherwise I would be limited to only English speaking and Spanish speaking countries. Also, because who wouldn't want to visit the Bavarian Alps? They are breath-taking. As I said goodbye (actually, I said "tschüss"--one of the few German words I do know) and continued on my walk, I was struck not for the first time by how beautiful my surroundings were.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Originally, I had intended on spending my Spring Break in Prague and not going anywhere. My adventure buddy had other plans with her mission organization, and I wasn't sure I wanted to go anywhere. Then, on a whim I decided to start looking at option for Salzburg, Austria. Salzburg has been on my list of places to visit for years, mostly because of my love on "The Sound of Music", but also because it's one of the places my dad is always talking about from the European tour his family took when he was growing up. So, after discovering that rooms were more affordable across the border in Germany, and kind of accidentally booking a room, my spring break plans began forming. My destination: Salzburg, Austria and Berchtesgaden and Königssee, Germany. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">(Confession time: When I got to Germany, I couldn't find where I had written down the name of the bus stop I need when I bought my ticket, so I may have gotten off six stops too early. However, it was an absolutely beautiful day, so I wasn't too concerned.)</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Why I wasn't worried I had gotten off at the wrong place</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Adventure 1: Berchtesgaden and Obersalzberg</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">After the adventure of reaching Germany, I decided that for my first day, I would stay close to where my pension was. One nice thing about my pension was that the city tax (which you have to pay at a lot of places in Europe) actually covered a transportation pass for the local buses. So, if I wanted to take a bus somewhere, then I didn't have to worry about paying for it. Part of the problem is that the buses only come every so often. However, the area is also very friendly to walking, with signs that give you estimates for how long it would take to walk places. So, when faced with the option of waiting a while for a bus or walking, I would often opt for walking.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The first thing on my list to see was Obersalzberg, former mountain retreat of none other than Adolf Hitler. There was a bus that would take you up there, but I decided to take a lift up the mountain and then walk the rest of the way (like I said, it was pretty). My main reason for going here was to see the Nazi bunkers. They also have a documentation center with a lot of information about Nazi Germany. Afterwards, my plan included heading back to Berchtesgaden to explore the town center. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">View from my ride up the lift</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This was a shaft the connected two levels</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<b>Adventure 2: Salzburg</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The next day I headed off to Salzburg, Austria. I spent the day exploring the fortress, wandering the Old Town, learning about Mozart, and of course, searching for the different "Sound of Music" locations.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Adventure 3: Lake </b></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Königsee</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">When I told my father where I was headed for spring break, he almost immediately suggested I visit Lake </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Königsee. I wasn't sure at first, but as soon as I discovered it was 2 kilometers from my pension, I knew it was going to make my must-see list. And I'm glad it did. It was a cold, rainy, foggy day, but the lake was still gorgeous. My favorite part was the echo wall. It's a part of one of the mountains next to the lake that echoes back sounds. They play a trumpet for you, and you can here the echo of it. Quite lovely. (It was also one of the parts my dad liked.)</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Getting ready to play the trumpet</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Saint Bartholomew</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Lake and the Mountains</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Adventure 4: Hellbrunn Palace and the Panorama Terrace</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">On my last day, I had a bit of time between when I arrived in Salzburg and when my train left, so I used that time to explore a few final places. One of those places was the trick fountains at Hellbrunn Palace. This was another thing my dad insisted I must see. The archbishop who built Hellbrunn loved to surprise his guest with hidden fountains. It was very fun, but also very cold and wet. I can see how this would be wonderfully refreshing during the summer!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The other place I wanted to see was the panorama terrace, with incredible views of Salzburg. This was also a "Sound of Music" location, since it appears in the "Do-Re-Mi" song (It's where Brigitta tells Maria that do-re-mi doesn't mean anything). Bonus: They have lifts you can take to the terrace. It costs a few Euro. Unless you have the Salzburg card (like I did). Then, it is free.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Quite a lovely holiday, I must say. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b> </b></span>Becca Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05776580417392944962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720690182690428186.post-70690501562138287362014-03-27T22:48:00.001+01:002014-03-27T22:48:20.916+01:00Revisiting my Time Machine or Reformation Visitors<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you have followed my blog for long, you may recall that when I taught second and third grade, I told my kids I owned a time machine and then used it to send my friend Fritz the Frog to Ancient Egypt. (Ok, so you probably won't recall that, but it did happen--true story.) I'm the 4th and 5th grade history teacher, and this class happened to be those 2nd and 3rd graders (plus some newbies).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In history we have been studying the Reformation, and a CISP 4th and 5th tradition during this unit is having different speakers come in for each reformer. We've had visit from Martin Luther, Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin, and John Knox. So, when my kiddos began to question how Martin Luther could show up in our classroom (looking strangely like the secondary history teacher), I could just tell them I brought him to visit in our time machine. :D</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's been a fun unit (even teaching Calvin, since I am by no means a Calvinist), and I'll confess here that I have enjoyed not having to prepare lessons for Thursdays. (It really has cut down on lesson planning time.) It's also been a great refresher in church history for me, as well as a great introduction to someone I had never heard of before--Ulrich Zwingli. So, here is just a glimpse into what my classroom had looked like on Thursday afternoons:</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Martin Luther began by trying to nail his 95 Theses to our classroom door</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A rousing game of "Soldier, Priest, Gun" ( think "Rock, Paper, Scissors" or "Gorilla, Man, Gun") </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Ulrich Zwingli even brought snack for our class.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">John Calvin and his impressive beard came to visit.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">John Knox was willing to sign autographs.</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span>Becca Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05776580417392944962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720690182690428186.post-8413234909435700102014-03-08T13:52:00.000+01:002014-03-08T14:46:09.908+01:00What Will You Be Doing in 10 Years?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's CISP's tenth year, so we've been doing a lot of celebrating all year. On the 10th of each month, we have a Dress Nice Day (actually, they call it dress up day, but my kids thought at first that meant a dress in costumes day, so to clear up the confusion, I call it Dress Nice Day). There are plans in the works for our 10 Year Celebration Weekend in June. The staff have been sampling different cakes for the end of the year (most of the have been absolutely delicious!). And every class has been taking a turn decorating the bulletin board just outside our main office.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">March is 4th grade's turn to do this. Since all my kiddos are 1) already 10 or 2) will be turning 10 this year, I thought it would be fun for them to think about what they will be doing in 10 years.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I knew this project would take a bit of work. I did not, however, imagine it would take the entire morning. Alas, I soon discovered that when you're ten, it is very hard to imagine what life might be like in a decade. Then again, it's not very surprising either. At this point, a decade IS a lifetime to them. They are also quite the indecisive bunch. One student complained, "Miss Miller, I'm just TOO imaginative! I don't know what I want to do! There are so many choices."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As they've worked on this project, I've noticed two things: 1) They are very creative and 2) They don't seem to realize that a majority of the next 10 years will be spent finishing their elementary and secondary educations. But aside from that minor detail, like I said, they are certainly creative. So, here are just a few of 4th grade's 10 year aspirations:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>In 2024, I will be 19 years old. I will be a soccer player and in the army, but I'm going to be really old at that time. I might be a dancer like mhmhmmhmmhmmmm Michael Jackson auo! or a film character like James Bond or a rock star ta tou ga tu di!!! </i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(I asked about the colorful teeth, and with an expression that clearly said that it was obvious and my question was ridiculous, student answered, "It's a mouth guard, Miss Miller." You must read this story out loud, with the sound effects, while also acting it out. Do it. I dare you.) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>In 10 years I will be 20 years old. When I'm 20 years old, I will be in the army, or I will be a hockey player. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(I'm fairly certain they don't allow Mohawks in the army, but maybe they'll change that policy in ten years.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>In 2024, I will be a hockey player. I might also be a soccer player.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(This student was very insistent that he would be playing hockey for the Czech Republic in 10 years. I feel obligated to mention that none of my boys are actually Czech.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Somehow, I didn't get a picture of the illustration for the next story. However, it is probably my favorite. It's a good one. Read and enjoy. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>In 2024, I will be 20 years old (I was born on the same year as CISP started). I will be running my megafarm. A megafarm has fields of wheat, barley, yeast, corn, hay, beets, cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, sugar cane, bamboo, and cocoa beans.. I would have a zoo with every animal that isn't in a farm.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>I would have 100 henhouses with 150 chickens per house, 200 acres of pasture for my 200,000 cows, 199 acres for my 2,000 horses, and a 60-square-yard pen for my 150 pigs.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>I would also have a forest and a mine. My megafarm can make anything that has been invented (not to mention inventions I would be working on). My megafarm could do almost anything. </i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love their creativeness and inventiveness. I love their crazy imaginations and sometimes wild ideas. I love the fact that at one point yesterday I had to step out of my classroom to regain my composure because they were just so funny. I love that I get to teach these kids. They are a pretty awesome group. </span>Becca Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05776580417392944962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720690182690428186.post-74550760828938334142014-03-06T16:06:00.001+01:002014-03-06T16:07:26.264+01:00Iditarod Fun<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was browsing Pinterest a few weeks ago, as I often do, and noticed that many of the teacher boards I follow were pinning ideas about the Iditarod. Now, who doesn't love the story of Balto (historical accuracy aside, of course)? So, I decided to look up the starting date. When I realized that it started the first weekend of March and there fore hadn't started yet, I immediately knew that this was something my students would follow this year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I presented them with what the race was, had them choose a Musher (racer) to follow, and they ate it up. We've also successfully tied this into Language Arts, as they have practiced reading comprehension skills, researching skills, biography writing (after researching their musher), comparing and contrasting (comparing and contrasting two different mushers), and now friendly letters (to the third graders about what they have learned about the Iditarod). One of my favorites was the banners they made to cheer on their mushers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, here is a glimpse of fourth grade's Iditarod Unit (which is still on going, since the Mushers are still racing):</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBT5_KMhSb9rEbi1gKfpb7UBVLCPBAglMMlRrdfUjZ0XPQIjtpziAjLRQQkoaIMAdSunlpNKQdRhr6mt7c6g8GN443VOSW3GFKNDJxcQLdBYRwWm8LGDucrqLaFVPNM3HY9Y9gQnyexOfC/s1600/100_6890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBT5_KMhSb9rEbi1gKfpb7UBVLCPBAglMMlRrdfUjZ0XPQIjtpziAjLRQQkoaIMAdSunlpNKQdRhr6mt7c6g8GN443VOSW3GFKNDJxcQLdBYRwWm8LGDucrqLaFVPNM3HY9Y9gQnyexOfC/s1600/100_6890.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">One of the banners</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccz0lhH1-fC00hjnGo1AgYyU9buyxotjeJl6dfj_hs29wqT9swpxKaP4qwiZKaOZJ0EMJrL0br7ZbF7Q0L_9hJfwT33eZsr0qGF4pgqf8vFyGZ09PkWeEls7GbGvfttV2uWagmZJ06Zat/s1600/100_6891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhccz0lhH1-fC00hjnGo1AgYyU9buyxotjeJl6dfj_hs29wqT9swpxKaP4qwiZKaOZJ0EMJrL0br7ZbF7Q0L_9hJfwT33eZsr0qGF4pgqf8vFyGZ09PkWeEls7GbGvfttV2uWagmZJ06Zat/s1600/100_6891.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Every morning we check on their mushers.</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXx66PXISVz8tE_VtpElNgYMNORnm74aoqsH6fFeIs-zubwnsrv_PcqpE8UjGQTCoA-Ajgj8r0yxk5hsOKBCjDC-8z-adqeNfY6Zs0dlw2tUHp0VolesLPIr2DDm7aPmSvNfIDg30jXosu/s1600/100_6892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXx66PXISVz8tE_VtpElNgYMNORnm74aoqsH6fFeIs-zubwnsrv_PcqpE8UjGQTCoA-Ajgj8r0yxk5hsOKBCjDC-8z-adqeNfY6Zs0dlw2tUHp0VolesLPIr2DDm7aPmSvNfIDg30jXosu/s1600/100_6892.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Musher Biographies and Pictures</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6CjrSyXIYBg-QT7Z52DK0LvmwcRO2zLtbbVr9IWUQTY2efkuo7xrU8K6ZN6Y3Yx54HpyA0BEh4OCa9E7aVaXRGgq_9kq3oJXdmKFY3RmT8-SXlxi91i721Dm_XOpyOPr7VkZH3bKj9v-B/s1600/100_6893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6CjrSyXIYBg-QT7Z52DK0LvmwcRO2zLtbbVr9IWUQTY2efkuo7xrU8K6ZN6Y3Yx54HpyA0BEh4OCa9E7aVaXRGgq_9kq3oJXdmKFY3RmT8-SXlxi91i721Dm_XOpyOPr7VkZH3bKj9v-B/s1600/100_6893.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Iditarod Inspired Reading</span></td></tr>
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Becca Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05776580417392944962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720690182690428186.post-70770620585354400932014-02-28T11:20:00.001+01:002014-03-01T17:44:36.560+01:00Life Lately<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Some months it seems like not much is happening. Other months is seems as if life is rushing by, barely giving me a chance to breath. February always seems like one of those months. So, here is a little glimpse of life in Prague recently:</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2aoeZ6A4uqIj2kPLEz_4HcuVdjehxC_fpSwqrTwVoMccVCZ4swxwVCafQHypRZDes9jH_m43IzS6TOE8Pn2r7eLZxdX1-Qgyhk5foAOQvDqoMMRZBQ45ixzFHcYLncNATvdVTZy_PD4PJ/s1600/Banquet+photo+no+goof-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2aoeZ6A4uqIj2kPLEz_4HcuVdjehxC_fpSwqrTwVoMccVCZ4swxwVCafQHypRZDes9jH_m43IzS6TOE8Pn2r7eLZxdX1-Qgyhk5foAOQvDqoMMRZBQ45ixzFHcYLncNATvdVTZy_PD4PJ/s1600/Banquet+photo+no+goof-1.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Lovely Elementary Teachers at Winter Banquet</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3CANalWIkGw9quWz58q0SJlnmlE_udNMAjDyurJyZIqwe9i_WDhFqvjVxTal4Km41OSsckGEsPxMy6Z3BIWgNhksUbrUSVIFj9jE4xydmwxjL1f4aTXmvyC8k37z9VGhO6BixOMfPv-p/s1600/IMG_2223-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3CANalWIkGw9quWz58q0SJlnmlE_udNMAjDyurJyZIqwe9i_WDhFqvjVxTal4Km41OSsckGEsPxMy6Z3BIWgNhksUbrUSVIFj9jE4xydmwxjL1f4aTXmvyC8k37z9VGhO6BixOMfPv-p/s1600/IMG_2223-1.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Although we can sometimes be goofy</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9uYCmvLeETOWAYmkBfbtyQ7u_E2jTUS7E-7JbXbei-4FObX-ufDJtIp3gx953BtZxBmb6FvZI_Iqavw_9hA7Z036pWzoeDo1oq0Fakf6hfxNOWnUI-jhTgcr6GB7ioH2_LjUrZ79jn_FN/s1600/Flat+Alaina+with+History+Class-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9uYCmvLeETOWAYmkBfbtyQ7u_E2jTUS7E-7JbXbei-4FObX-ufDJtIp3gx953BtZxBmb6FvZI_Iqavw_9hA7Z036pWzoeDo1oq0Fakf6hfxNOWnUI-jhTgcr6GB7ioH2_LjUrZ79jn_FN/s1600/Flat+Alaina+with+History+Class-1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">4th and 5th Grade with my cousin's Flat Stanley Project</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluV0JahI143MupPY-BQwENnuojtkaPNTYIzHORROLVEU1QcdEONZlSNRyxnqGFY-eqxX6bJp7De1rTirMrb7KGo57vJhCTFF_ydgGhm45yeXzQ5uhyphenhyphen0VEESdevRZP6BQaVaS34UDVWmSP/s1600/Flat+Alaina+in+front+of+the+Charles+Bridge+and+Prague+Castle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgluV0JahI143MupPY-BQwENnuojtkaPNTYIzHORROLVEU1QcdEONZlSNRyxnqGFY-eqxX6bJp7De1rTirMrb7KGo57vJhCTFF_ydgGhm45yeXzQ5uhyphenhyphen0VEESdevRZP6BQaVaS34UDVWmSP/s1600/Flat+Alaina+in+front+of+the+Charles+Bridge+and+Prague+Castle.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Showing her Prague Castle and the Charles Bridge</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOKdEgUqWVQyX2KDcwDPYylEtxpBcNcy1zRb4Z075myFYKA9mdkSXmaVk7LCsv8cO_vedniqccqtH1B-GVDfqrxZz6lEB5Y9HNmiHtViOQY8z5ztM28iPgSfx_-vN53HFG2Vgxp9IGz5l/s1600/100th+Day+Activities.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyOKdEgUqWVQyX2KDcwDPYylEtxpBcNcy1zRb4Z075myFYKA9mdkSXmaVk7LCsv8cO_vedniqccqtH1B-GVDfqrxZz6lEB5Y9HNmiHtViOQY8z5ztM28iPgSfx_-vN53HFG2Vgxp9IGz5l/s1600/100th+Day+Activities.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">100th Day Physical Activities--stretching for 100 seconds</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">100th Day physical activities--Jumping 100 times<br />
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Hanging out Prague's Olympic Park<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Prague Castle in the Background</span></td></tr>
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Cheering for the Czech Republic</span></td></tr>
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Becca Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05776580417392944962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720690182690428186.post-30925466467397949932014-01-30T20:56:00.001+01:002014-02-17T18:58:20.242+01:00That Team I'm Cheering For Sunday<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Normally if you asked my about my favorite football team, I would probably stare at you blankly, give some answer about being bribed with amazing sugar cookies to cheer for the Green Bay Packers, or give you a facetious answer that I go for FC Barcelona (iVisca Barca!).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year, however, my answer is slightly different (and I'm actually tempted to watch the Super Bowl, albeit, not tempted enough to actually to stay up and watch it. It will be the middle of the night here, after all.) Why do I care, you ask? This year one of the teams is much more then a team. It represents so many things I love.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It represents summer vacations, fish and chips from Ivers (and feeding the seagulls there), and salt water taffy. It represents crabs (that may have been dropped into my hand by my uncle) and sea glass. It represent Alki Beach, the Space Needle, and ferries. It represents cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and family reunions. It represents the destination of cross-country road trips, flights, and train trips. It represents rain and the smell of the sea. It represents the place my father went to college and the place where my parents were engaged. It represents my favorite city in the USA.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Why, yes, I'm cheering for the Seahawks. It's my family's team. Proud to show my Seattle roots this weekend.</span><br />
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Becca Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05776580417392944962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720690182690428186.post-89487070401850090652013-12-23T23:07:00.003+01:002014-01-03T13:40:30.881+01:00Veselé Vánoce<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love Prague at Christmas. All the decorations and the lights and the Christmas markets. Not to mention the roasted almonds covered in sugar.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But what I hate about Prague at Christmas is the darkness. The shortest day of the year falls in December. The days leading up to it are quite depressing. There's nothing quite like getting up for work while it's dark, making your way to school while it's dark, and watching the street lights finally turn off from inside your classroom as you prepare for the day. Only, to then watch the sun set as your get ready for the next day and walk home from school in the dark. Only to realize that it's only 5 pm, and you have a whole night of darkness ahead of you. And when there is daylight, that doesn't necessarily mean there will be sun. Often, the skies are cloudy and gray. No vitamin D here. It's dark, gray, and depressing.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This year for our Christmas concert, my fourth graders memorized several of the verses prophesying about the birth of Christ. Every morning for about a month before hand, we would practice the verses. Every morning for that month leading up to the shortest days of the year, I heard my children proclaiming:</span><br />
<br />
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of deep darkness a light has dawned…For to us a child is born, to us a son is
given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the
greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.</span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Leelawadee","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Isaiah 9:2, 6-7 NIV)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light." No matter how dark it gets here, the light of the world has come. Even though the days may be short and the dark of night be long, the Light has dawned. That baby in a manger. Who is no longer a baby in a manger. That man on a cross, dead in a grave, is dead no more. The Light has dawned and He lives still. And that once more reminds me why I'm here, to show the Light to those around me who are still walking in darkness. So while I hate the darkness, I have also grown in a small way fond of it, as it serves as a reminder to me of the spiritual darkness of the country in which I live.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, Merry Christmas. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Veselé Vánoce. And remember that the Light has come.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Becca Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05776580417392944962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720690182690428186.post-27910020074919823142013-12-08T16:31:00.001+01:002013-12-08T16:31:29.500+01:00The Things You See on a Walk<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This weekend, we had our first snow of the winter. It looked so pretty out, that I was inspired to go for a walk. During my walk I came across two different (peaceful) protests (one was blocking the sidewalk with no way around it, so I had to maneuver my way through it), a man standing on an invisible box, and men dressed as Native Americans playing South American style music. It brought to mind some of the other things I have come across on my walks through Prague that have made me smile. So, without further ado, here is a compilation of pictures I have taken over the past couple years while walking through Prague.<span id="goog_827623949"></span><span id="goog_827623950"></span></span><br />
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<br />Becca Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05776580417392944962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720690182690428186.post-49841632607205395432013-11-29T14:44:00.002+01:002013-12-08T16:32:18.972+01:00Reading Adventure Day<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was one of those things that started as a mere suggestion. Our wonderful and fearless elementary principal said during planning meeting that we should have a math day and a reading day. While we first decided to have math day in the fall, we quickly changed our minds when we realized how perfect 100th Day would be as a math day. Then we realized that Monday, 25 November would be a PERFECT day to have a Reading Day. Why perfect, you ask? Well, Tuesday was a half day for parent/teacher conferences, Wednesday was a teacher workday, and Thursday and Friday were Thanksgiving Break. This meant the 25th was the only full day of school--PERFECT day for Reading Day.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After some planning (mainly deciding what we wanted to do and then about a week before, sitting down and deciding who would do what), much discussion about costumes (or me going on Pinterest and sending out suggestions to various people about who they should dress up as), Reading Adventure Day finally came.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From reader's theaters, to muffins and hot chocolate, to various staff members reading, to silent reading, to a reading scavenger hunt it was a fun-packed day. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Thing 1 and Thing 2 wait patiently for snack</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Chicka-Chicka-Boom-Boom</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Harold, The Purple Crayon, and The Wall he drew on</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout won't take the garbage out</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Our wonderful school counselor joined in the fun </span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Viola Swamp came and read about her adventures</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Mrs. Marple even dropped by</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As did a cat from a Czech children's book!</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy friends? Who knew!</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Percy Jackson enjoys some silent reading time with Draco</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Junie B. Jones also enjoys silent reading</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As does Queen Esther</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Our closing reader's theater--a turkey goes before congress to get fish made the official Thanksgiving food</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My lovely flatmates and myself--Madeline, Harold's Purple Crayon, and The Paper Bag Princess</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The 1st-5th Grade Teachers-The Paper Bag Princess, Viola Swamp, Pippi Longstocking, and Madeline</span></span></td></tr>
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Becca Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05776580417392944962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3720690182690428186.post-18258044651148742602013-10-27T14:42:00.004+01:002013-12-08T16:35:14.319+01:00Missing You<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Has it really been a year? It doesn't seem that long since the Sunday morning I grabbed my mobile off the coffee table in my living room and noticed the missed call from my parents. I doesn't seem that long since I called them back with shaking hands, realizing before even dialing the number what they would probably tell me--that you were gone.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I still miss you. I miss my childhood. Summers spent on the farm...I miss fishing with you, going out into the fields with you on the tractor, Sunday walks, fall hayrides. I even miss you seeming to think that grandchildren were supposed to be you workforce. I still hate gardening to this day, but hey, I know how.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You were the one who gave me my first job. You paid Steph and I $10 an hours to help bring in straw. That was a lot one money to a ten-year-old. And while we're on that topic, the fact that you paid $1 for every tooth we lost instead of a mere $0.25 was big deal to a six-year-old.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You taught me the value of hard work. Because, yes, while you paid $10 an hour, you made us work for it. I learned the value of hard work while digging up potatoes and weeding gardens, shucking corn, snapping beans, picking cherries. And I cherish those memories, those idyllic times spent on the farm.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You taught me to enjoy simple pleasures...fishing, taking an old row boat out onto the pond, swimming in the creek, walking through the woods. None of those things cost money, but they provided amazing memories.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And you taught me about strength of faith. You were a man of faith, who loved Jesus with all his heart. One of my very last memories of you is you singing "Jesus Loves Me" and "Amazing Grace". You may not have been thinking clearly at that point, but the one thing you knew beyond a doubt is that God loved you and you loved Him. And that is what gives me hope, the knowing that you aren't gone forever, that I will see you again. So, while I miss you and will be thinking about you a lot over the next few days, I am so happy to know where you are, that this is not the end, and that you're with Jesus. I miss you, Poppy, but I am so glad to know that you are somewhere better. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Until we meet again.</span></span>Becca Mhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05776580417392944962noreply@blogger.com0