New Birth

This new year brought about new life in many ways. Being home with my family was rejuvenating and, of course, too short! I got home just in time for Christmas with snow on the ground and all the family home <3 We all spent the day together relaxing, eating derishious food, and playing games. Monday, I did the traditional day-after-Christmas shopping with Kate, Lucy and my madre to do Christmas returns, exchanges, gift card spending, etc. I spent the rest of the week catching up with friends and spending time with my family... it was really a wonderful visit and I cherish every moment at home :)

Unfortunately, I returned to New Jersey and learned of the passing of my Nana, my mom's mom. I've had moments of sadness and moments of peace, all the while knowing that she's in a better place and has been given new life. The services were this past weekend and they were incredibly beautiful and reflective of my Nana. People from all over came to pay respects. Many stories were told of the lives she touched. She was a mother of 7, grandmother to 21, great-grandmother to 3 with one on the way, a nurse, wife, and friend. She made the most of her life and has inspired many to do the same. As we walk into a new year, I am encouraged to live a life full of hope and love. I was very inspired by my Nana's faith... the front page of the program for the funeral mass was Matthew 25:23- "Well done, good and faithful servant... enter into the joy of the Lord." We all make mistakes, but to show up each day and try to be faithful and good in the eyes of the Lord gives me great hope and joy.

The passing of my Nana has been unsettling, yet has provided me an opportunity to step back and thoughtfully begin 2012. The first week back to school was very hectic trying to tie all the loose ends from before Christmas while sorting through emotions. After the weekend of funeral services, I came back tired, but hopeful in the mission of the sisters of the Good Shepherd. My Nana was known for how she loved people beyond their outward appearances and actions. As I begin the new year, I am reminded to love the students here in the same way each and every day. After all, "one person is of more value than a world."- St Mary Euphrasia

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Inside Macy's

Serendipity!!

Nativity in St Patrick's

Rockefeller Center

I'm in the middle of packing so this won't be long but here's a little update on things...

Last week was the music show. The students did an amazing job and I was so humbled to be a part of such a great show! It was incredible to see the kids get up in front of people... not easy, especially for some of our students. One of our seniors has an awesome voice and it's so fun to be able to work with her and listen to her sing.

This week has been flying by-- it seems there are more things to do each day that need to be finished by the end of the week! Yikes! But, nonetheless, the Christmas spirit keeps us going and the week is almost finished :) My community-mate/roommate has been working on a holiday video that we filmed over the past month (staff members dressed as elves, santa, etc doing various things) so we'll have an assembly tomorrow to show the students the video. After the video, we (4 teachers and me) will play "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" Bruce Springsteen style, and santa will come in bearing gifts for all the students... he gives each student a Collier High School hoodie! The administration at our school is very generous! I'm sure it will be a fun and emotional day tomorrow and I'm looking forward to all of it :)

Ok... I gotta run and get my laundry, eat, pack, etc.... Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone! I feel incredibly blessed by the family and friends I have been/will be surrounded by! Wishing you a very wonderful holiday and many joys in the new year. xoxoxoxo

Reflections

I felt moved to reflect a little on the readings from mass this weekend.... I've included the second reading and the gospel, just because I felt more inspired by these two... here we go...


"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise the words of prophets, but test everything; hold fast to what is good; abstain from every form of evil. May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely, and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this."
-1 Thes 5:16-24

Thus far in my life, I've found most situations (even the bad) to be good in hindsight. In the moment, it's difficult to remember this. Some things in life simply suck! I also believe that sometimes we do not get to see the good in our situations... the will for our life may impact someone else's life and we will never know. I know there are people in my life who have made such a positive difference in forming who I am, or have told me an inspiring story about someone else they know, but I may never get to tell them how much I appreciate them. Whether moments in our life impact us directly or impact those around us, there is a purpose for each moment. Therefore, "refrain from every kind of evil" and "may you entirely (spirt, soul and body) be preserved", for God is faithful :)


"There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came for testimony, to bear witness to the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light. And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" He confessed, he did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ." And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the prophet?" And he answered, "No." They said to him then, "Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" He said, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, make the way of the Lord,' as the prophet Isaiah said." Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, "Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?" John answered them, "I baptize with water; but among you stands one whom you do not know, even he who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie." This took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing."

-John 1: 6-8, 19-28

I was talking with my Aunt Bern about this passage this weekend. First, we talked about the verse when John says "He was not the light, but he came to testify to the light". Aunt Bern was telling me about being an instrument and simply being. She was saying that all we need to do is be still and steadfast in our faith/instrument and God will create the music. This gives me hope when I feel like I've failed to be a witness... It's so counter-cultural and at times 'uncool' to live out your faith at my age, but I have to be honest with others and myself. I truly treasure my faith and relationship with God. That being said, I often feel conflicted when I try to live my faith in a world that doesn't always support it. Soooooo back to my original point, I love what Aunt Bern said about just being the instrument and letting God do the rest :) (I've heard this analogy a hundred times but for some reason it really struck a cord with me this weekend)I was also moved by the rest of this passage because the priests and Levites asked John who he was... By the way he lived his life, they became curious and asked if he was a prophet, Elijah, etc. When they asked, he told the truth and stood up for what he knew. I don't expect that anyone will ask me these questions because I am definitely not that holy, but I can hope that the way I live is a witness to God. And thank God for His forgiveness because I know I mess up. A lot ;)

Anyways, these are my thoughts... maybe you were inspired too... or maybe not... But either way, I hope you're enjoying the holiday season and can take some time to reflect or do something that speaks to your spirit :)

At Christmas, all roads lead home. ~Marjorie Holmes

Things are getting very hectic here at Collier. Next week is the music show... All of the students are busy getting their songs together. Some of the kids are playing songs as a band (one student on drums, one on guitar, one on bass, one singing etc.), some are singing solos/in the choir. I took head shots of all the students in the show today and we'll hang them in the lobby next week so everyone can see who's in the show.

I started teaching health last week. It's going well so far! I have four students and they're all very well behaved. They're all quiet so it can make teaching difficult... it's tricky to keep them engaged. We've been talking about exercise and we'll probably move on to nutrition next week followed by stress management. Any teachers out there with suggestions for high school students? Comments and suggestions are more than greatly appreciated ;)

We are also in the midst of lots of rehearsals for our play in January. The students rehearse during school hours because they are all bused from all over NJ. Rehearsing in the evening isn't possible for some of them, since the bus is their only transportation to/from school (parents working/not in the picture/etc). Because the show is next month, we've begun rehearsing 3-4 periods twice a week. They get pulled from classes, but they are expected to keep up with their work. It's been really neat to work with the drama students... They're almost different people when they can do what they love to do during the day :)

Last weekend we went on a bed and breakfast tour in Spring Lake, a shore town about 45 minutes from here. The B&Bs were all old victorian houses and were all decorated for Christmas. It was a TON of fun!! I LOVE that stuff. Makes me reconsider design and historical preservation. Anyway, we had a great time with our support people and another teacher from our school. One of the B&Bs was chosen to be on Design star! The design was really beautiful. Here are some pics!

The next 3 pics are from Design Star rooms

Outside one of the B&Bs... love

This one backs right up to the shore... so pretty!

I'm soooo excited to go home for the holidays and see my family!! To be totally honest, I'm not sure how I'm going to visit with all of my friends. I know I won't see everyone I want to see. So please bear with me... I'm only home for a verrrrry short period of time. But we're having a holiday party at our house on the 27th so hopefully I'll get to see lots of friends there :) I'm just so so excited to see everyone!

Well I gotta run... I have chicken parm in the oven while I sit here blogging and listening to Christmas music :) Cider and rum while watching home alone is on the menu for later tonight... It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

Slowing Down

I had a cold two weeks ago, got rid of it, and apparently didn't get enough of it the first time, because it came back this week. I also had a day and a half spell of being light headed which is no fun... Annnnd, the show must go on! I took it as a sign that I needed to slowwwww downnnnnn. I've been on the run constantly this year so it was actually a welcomed break to be forced into rest.

There's a very high chance that I'll be teaching a health class, starting after Thanksgiving. I'm super excited about this opportunity! I may be teaching with another volunteer or on my own- it's not clear yet... but I think it would be another great learning experience. I've been thinking a lot about my last blog and the origin of issues I discussed. I've decided a lot of it comes down to personal health! Healthy eating habits, self-respect, respect for others, taking care of your body physically, emotionally, sexually, spiritually, mentally, etc. With that said, I've gotten really excited about the idea of teaching health. It's definitely something I'm passionate about and can be fun to teach/learn about... I'll keep you posted as this unfolds :)

With Thanksgiving next week, I wanted to say a little bit about what I'm thankful for. My list could probably be pretty lengthy... Sooo I'm going to make a list of the first 10 things that come to mind:

1. My family: My Mom and Dad, Kate, Nathan, Joe and Lucy... I love you from the bottom of my heart

2. My faith and God: I would not be here without the Lord, and my faith is what gets me through each day

3. My friends: I am speechless. I have been truly blessed by each of you.

4. This experience in Wickatunk: truly life changing

5. Food and shelter

6. New experiences, challenges and adventures... as well as all of the experiences, challenges and adventures that have lead me to where I am now

7. Little joys: ex: tiny bubbles coming out of a soap bottle or getting a letter in the mail :)

8. The support from my immediate/extended family and friends: I am so humbled and hope I can reciprocate what you have given to me

9. The peace of a new day in the morning

10. Life

I feel like my blogs have been pretty scattered recently but hopefully you can still follow them... God bless you all this coming week with the holiday! Safe travels to all travelers! Happy Thanksgiving!

The Past Week in Photos...

Fall at Collier

My Mom and Dad and I at the wedding

Uncle Pat and Aunt Nancy (my godparents)

A few cousins and aunts/uncles with Nana

Cousins/Kids Table

Lovin' in Philly (not the real thing but close enough hehe)

My roommates and I took a day trip to Philly today!

The first Senate room

Liberty Bell

City Hall-- Also the home of another "Occupy" protest

Each of us handcrafted

November? Already!? Weeks continue to fly by... I probably post a sentence about how fast time flies in each blog haha... last weekend I got to go visit my Aunt Cathy, Uncle Jim, Kelly and Nana in PA. It was such a great visit! We got snowed in on Saturday... Saturday evening the power went out so we ate dinner by candle light and played Rummikub by candle/flashlight-- it was qutie the scene ;) Sunday, Kel and I got lunch out and ran a few errands. It was definitely too short, but a fun and relaxed visit!

Here's a little taste of what makes my school weeks fly:
Last Monday, my roommates and I dressed up as winnie the pooh characters for Halloween at school. I blogged earlier about the theme for the school year (it was a quote from christopher robin), which is where we got the idea for the costumes (see my FB for a pic of me as pooh). In the evening, I went to my Aunt Bern's and helped her hand out candy.
Tuesday, we went to NYC for a dinner fundraiser all evening after school.
Wednesday we had another day of training on the ropes course to get zip line certified.
Thursday we left right after school for an alternative school conference in Atlantic City and stayed over night through Friday.
Friday evening, Aleks and I caught the train to NYC and then came back Saturday afternoon. When we got home, I went for a run, ate dinner and then we had spirituality night.
Today Christina and I served all afternoon at one of the school teacher's parents' 50th anniversary party.... needless to say, the days fly by faster than I can type.

Being so close to NYC has definitely provided lots of opportunities to go into the city. Along with this comes a ton of fun as well as the realization of the brokenness of the city. It makes me so sad to see how addiction to food, sex, alcohol, drugs, etc. has consumed a lot of our society. I'm reading a book from a friend about cravings... everyone craves and everyone is tempted. It goes all the way back to Eve being tempted by food in the garden. I believe everyone craves a relationship with God and unconditional love (whether or not that's how we recognize it), but we're tempted and choose to fill it with other things that we think will satisfy this hunger. We've all fallen guilty to it at one time or another at different levels. I know I have. How do you satisfy your hunger? Choosing to fill the hunger with these worldly things will only temporarily fulfill us. I think a lot of the media feeds us messages about focusing on "me" and "now". How can I be satisfied in the fastest way possible? I posted a FB status quote today from Ingrid Michaelson's song called Everybody. The quote is: "Everybody, everybody wants to love. Everybody, everybody wants to be loved." I think she's trying to get a point across when she repeats the word 'everybody'. Everybody wants to love. Everybody wants to be loved. Just as you and I crave and are tempted, so are our neighbors. Just as you want to be loved, I want to be loved. I pray for the courage to live my life in a way that would reflect the dignity of each person as a son or daughter of God, loved unconditionally by Him. All of this definitely ties to our GSV tenant of social justice. Social justice goes much deeper than it appears... we visited the UN recently and talked with some religious sisters who are connected to the UN and advocate for justice, particularly with women and children. I'm so inspired by people who choose to live radically for the betterment of our world. It's one thing for me to be uncomfortable with these things I see in NYC. It's another thing for me to do something about it. I'm gonna think about what to do and I'll get back to you :) In the mean time, let me know if you have ideas! ...Sorry about the rant... I just felt inspired to write about it :)
(Photos from top to bottom: A quote at the UN; An artsy take on the Human Rights; One of the Human Rights; the General Assembly)










Last night for spirituality night, we made collages of our experience so far and the things that have inspired us or been part of our growth. Here's a picture of mine... not my most artistic piece, but fun :)



Woops this post is a little long! I may not write for a little while... Next weekend is my cousin's wedding so I get to see my parents!! I'm so excited! I'll write more when I can :)