So, this summer has been very busy, but not the usual kind of busy for me. I typically spend a good portion of my summer working in my classroom preparing for the next year. But seeing as how my room is many miles away, I haven't done much "school prep" (much to my chagrin)!
I have, however, gotten to invest in relationships - which I love to do! I have been able to take time to visit with friends and family all over!!!
Our family gardens...can't you tell? That corn was delicious and the memories were delightful!
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| Hibachi with Montgomery friends! |
Love this sweet James and his mom! I'm so thankful to have been able to spend a lot of time with them this summer!
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| "Aunt" Hannah loves her some Ember!!! Happiest baby in the world! |
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| Girls lunch (plus Batman) at Red Pearl in Birmingham [not pictured: Ember in her carrier at our feet] |
Orientation for TeachBeyond was at Wheaton College in Illinois. It was lovely weather up there in June - and I can honestly say I was "chilly". Shocking, I know. My poor roommate, Rachel, has been teaching in Hawaii for the last 9 years, so she was freezing in the low 70 degree weather.
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| "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." Jim Elliot |
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| all of "Heather's girls" at TeachBeyond Orientation |
We spent a good deal of time in meetings - like almost every hour of every day that week. It was exhausting, overwhelming, encouraging, eye-opening, challenging, and about a hundred more words! I'm so thankful that TeachBeyond does so much to train us and prepare us for our lives overseas!
I also got to meet some pretty cool people!
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| learning to make a newsletter |
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| where we spent most of our time |
Two of the amazing women I met there. Heather (left) is the one who interviewed me, checked in on me, and helped me navigate through the application/acceptance process into TB. Christy (right) I met at orientation and we immediately hit it off - having deep, heart-to-heart conversations. Both women are incredible and inspiring, and I am so thankful to have met them!
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| BUDAPEST CREW!!!! (Fun side note: the boy in orange will be one of my student's next year) |
Here are some shots around Elba - my stateside home.
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| July 4th on the town square |
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| fireworks over the courthouse |
