In the spirit of shamelessly stealing a really good idea from the blog of my dear friend, Ellen, I've written this open letter to the creator of an incredible global-outreach project.
Dear Tom,
I'm not sure where you are in the world at this moment, what your last name is, or how exactly you became so brilliantly inspired to create your system of giving, but I would like to commend you for your excellence in ingenuity, creativity, and kindness. Your incredible organization and trendy footwear has made people worldwide more globally aware. It has incited charity among the wealthiest people in the world, and its popularity continues to flourish. I have long admired this project from afar as I watched many friends, acquaintances, and strangers rock your canvas shoes and longed for the day when I could become just one among so many who have answered the call to make the world a little smaller through peace, love, and footwear. Cinderella would be so proud.
This weekend, as I received the perfect pair of red canvas TOMS as a birthday gift, I thought of that person half-way around the world, young or old, small or large, who will receive its companion pair and will finally be able to walk to school or to work, play on the playground or fetch water for the family with feet that are covered and protected from the elements, and I was humbled and excited to be able to reach across an ocean and touch a life. It is a beautiful project that you have created and popularized, Tom. I am proud to have finally participated, and I cannot wait until I am able do so again.
I say a special prayer tonight for that pair of shoes being sent out into the world and the person whose feet will fit snugly inside them. May God bless that soul (and those soles) with happiness and peace. And may God bless you, Tom, with joy, peace, and a very long life for your project.
Your devoted admirer,
Hailey
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Thursday, March 18, 2010
My Bucket List
I created a writing prompt for my 9th graders last week where they had to make a list of at least 5 things they wanted to do in their lives, essentially a Bucket List, and then tell me about why. So, in the spirit of the Beloved Dr. Rod Brewer, who never fails to complete the assignments he gives his students right along with them, I wrote mine as well.
1. Learn to knit
I've tried to learn to knit before, but it was at a time in my life when I really didn't have any use for it, nor the patience, and my efforts were not exactly genuine. Needless to say, my success reflected that. I believe that throwing needles was involved, and I'm not sure if it was my decision or the decision of those close to me at that moment, but my efforts did not continue. When I first came to Harding, the knitting phenomenon was beginning to explode. Girls were doing it everywhere: in chapel, in class, in the caf, on the front-lawn. I've even seen people do it in church. I love to create things like that, and I quickly became jealous of this sweet, creative knowledge. However, all the other activities I chose to pursue interfered with my ability to learn -- that and the fact that I never made any real effort to actually try again. When my friend, Ellen, who learned to knit many moons ago, decided to pick it up again, I got really excited. She's agreed to teach me how one day, hopefully soon, so that I can knit cute things for my friends, fam, and all those precious little babies I love so much.
2. Go white-water rafting
This desire sprung up in my heart this past summer. It was a long, and difficult summer for my family, with the loss of my grandmother. However, it was also a significant learning and growing time for me. I learned a lot about myself and my capabilities. I also learned a lot about God's will for me and what I want to do in my life. After returning from a mission trip in Belize and almost immediately leaving for another in North Carolina, my spirits were high. I was confident I had done good work for the Lord in Central America, and I was ready to take on anything. When we drove through Eastern Tennessee and the beauty of that breathtaking country, and then saw all the people white-water rafting a little further one, I knew immediately that I wanted to try it. I was somehow fearless for the first time in my life, and I still really want to experience what must be an amazing and thrilling adventure.
3. Mission work in Africa
I can't really pinpoint exactly when I began to yearn for those hearts and souls on that great continent, but I can tell you that it has not quieted down. I want to go there and spend weeks just holding babies. I have several friends who have had the opportunity to participate in Harding's HIZ program in Zambia and they bring back pictures and stories of all of these children who are orphaned and have chronic illnesses. They long for someone to just touch them and hold them. My heart aches for them. I hope and pray that God will bless me with babies of my own someday, but if he doesn't, don't be surprised to see me in an African village holding as many as will fit in my lap at a time. I really believe that that yearning is a God-calling, and I hope and pray for the opportunity to fulfill it one day.
4. Go to culinary school
In the 8th grade, when we all had to take that test whose name I can't remember that was supposed to tell us what we should/would be when we grew up, my results read "Chef." I thought that was the silliest thing in the world at the time. Now, part of me wishes I had listened. I love food. I love creating things. I love watching my friends and family enjoy things I have cooked and created. It's such a joy for me to plan a party and/or a meal for people that I love. I would love to go to Culinary school just so I'll know how to make whatever I want. I wouldn't necessarily want to work in a restaurant, but if the opportunity presents itself....I'm definitely not closing any doors on my future at this point.
5. Get married
I've got to have somebody to love me and help me out with #6.
6. Have lots of babies
I've got to have at least 4 at this point because that's how many names I've picked out. I'd really love to have a whole house full. But definitely less than 100. And none of them will be named E.T.
7. Travel Europe
There are so many places I've heard so much about that I really need to see.
8. Visit New Zealand, so I can see where the Hobbits live
Wouldn't it be cool to live in a Hobbit hole? I love the coziness of a hobbit dwelling with its round doors and windows and the warm fire, plus the neverending supply of food. I wish I was as content with my life as they all seem to be.
9. Write and publish a book
I've had a special relationship with words for as long as I can remember, but because I've also had self-esteem issues for nearly as long, I never felt like I was capable of actually writing a book. The idea has occurred to me several times over the last few years, but still, I was certain I just couldn't do it. Until this past Christmas, when my mom said something about it completely out of the blue. She got me a new journal for Christmas and said that she loved to see me writing and that she always assumed I'd write a book one day. She had never ever said anything like that to me ever before. But apparently she had been expecting it to happen for my whole life. And that little vote of confidence was all I needed. One day, I'll do it. As soon as I decide what in the world to write about.
10. Inspire at least one student to pursue a career in Literature or Language
It has been my experience in college that people are constantly asking why we want to be whatever it is we've chosen to become. I can't tell you how many times I've had to write or discuss why I want to be an English teacher. Most often, the majority of my English major friends have chosen this path because they had an exceptional teacher cross their path that really made a difference in their lives. That is not the case for me. I had lots of teachers that I really loved. But I never had a phenomenal English teacher in all of my K-12 education. For a literature and language lover, that is nearly a tragedy. I could very easily have been driven away from my loves by all of the mediocre instructors from my youth. But I chose a different route. I decided that I was going to become an English teacher because I love English, I love kids, and because I never had anyone work to inspire me, believe in me, or encourage me to explore my abilities. I want to do all of those things for my students. And I hope that my work will pay off and that one day before I retire at least one of my former students will be pursuing a degree and career in a field involving Literature or Language. I will, of course, assume that I was all the inspiration he/she needed.
1. Learn to knit
I've tried to learn to knit before, but it was at a time in my life when I really didn't have any use for it, nor the patience, and my efforts were not exactly genuine. Needless to say, my success reflected that. I believe that throwing needles was involved, and I'm not sure if it was my decision or the decision of those close to me at that moment, but my efforts did not continue. When I first came to Harding, the knitting phenomenon was beginning to explode. Girls were doing it everywhere: in chapel, in class, in the caf, on the front-lawn. I've even seen people do it in church. I love to create things like that, and I quickly became jealous of this sweet, creative knowledge. However, all the other activities I chose to pursue interfered with my ability to learn -- that and the fact that I never made any real effort to actually try again. When my friend, Ellen, who learned to knit many moons ago, decided to pick it up again, I got really excited. She's agreed to teach me how one day, hopefully soon, so that I can knit cute things for my friends, fam, and all those precious little babies I love so much.
2. Go white-water rafting
This desire sprung up in my heart this past summer. It was a long, and difficult summer for my family, with the loss of my grandmother. However, it was also a significant learning and growing time for me. I learned a lot about myself and my capabilities. I also learned a lot about God's will for me and what I want to do in my life. After returning from a mission trip in Belize and almost immediately leaving for another in North Carolina, my spirits were high. I was confident I had done good work for the Lord in Central America, and I was ready to take on anything. When we drove through Eastern Tennessee and the beauty of that breathtaking country, and then saw all the people white-water rafting a little further one, I knew immediately that I wanted to try it. I was somehow fearless for the first time in my life, and I still really want to experience what must be an amazing and thrilling adventure.
3. Mission work in Africa
I can't really pinpoint exactly when I began to yearn for those hearts and souls on that great continent, but I can tell you that it has not quieted down. I want to go there and spend weeks just holding babies. I have several friends who have had the opportunity to participate in Harding's HIZ program in Zambia and they bring back pictures and stories of all of these children who are orphaned and have chronic illnesses. They long for someone to just touch them and hold them. My heart aches for them. I hope and pray that God will bless me with babies of my own someday, but if he doesn't, don't be surprised to see me in an African village holding as many as will fit in my lap at a time. I really believe that that yearning is a God-calling, and I hope and pray for the opportunity to fulfill it one day.
4. Go to culinary school
In the 8th grade, when we all had to take that test whose name I can't remember that was supposed to tell us what we should/would be when we grew up, my results read "Chef." I thought that was the silliest thing in the world at the time. Now, part of me wishes I had listened. I love food. I love creating things. I love watching my friends and family enjoy things I have cooked and created. It's such a joy for me to plan a party and/or a meal for people that I love. I would love to go to Culinary school just so I'll know how to make whatever I want. I wouldn't necessarily want to work in a restaurant, but if the opportunity presents itself....I'm definitely not closing any doors on my future at this point.
5. Get married
I've got to have somebody to love me and help me out with #6.
6. Have lots of babies
I've got to have at least 4 at this point because that's how many names I've picked out. I'd really love to have a whole house full. But definitely less than 100. And none of them will be named E.T.
7. Travel Europe
There are so many places I've heard so much about that I really need to see.
8. Visit New Zealand, so I can see where the Hobbits live
Wouldn't it be cool to live in a Hobbit hole? I love the coziness of a hobbit dwelling with its round doors and windows and the warm fire, plus the neverending supply of food. I wish I was as content with my life as they all seem to be.
9. Write and publish a book
I've had a special relationship with words for as long as I can remember, but because I've also had self-esteem issues for nearly as long, I never felt like I was capable of actually writing a book. The idea has occurred to me several times over the last few years, but still, I was certain I just couldn't do it. Until this past Christmas, when my mom said something about it completely out of the blue. She got me a new journal for Christmas and said that she loved to see me writing and that she always assumed I'd write a book one day. She had never ever said anything like that to me ever before. But apparently she had been expecting it to happen for my whole life. And that little vote of confidence was all I needed. One day, I'll do it. As soon as I decide what in the world to write about.
10. Inspire at least one student to pursue a career in Literature or Language
It has been my experience in college that people are constantly asking why we want to be whatever it is we've chosen to become. I can't tell you how many times I've had to write or discuss why I want to be an English teacher. Most often, the majority of my English major friends have chosen this path because they had an exceptional teacher cross their path that really made a difference in their lives. That is not the case for me. I had lots of teachers that I really loved. But I never had a phenomenal English teacher in all of my K-12 education. For a literature and language lover, that is nearly a tragedy. I could very easily have been driven away from my loves by all of the mediocre instructors from my youth. But I chose a different route. I decided that I was going to become an English teacher because I love English, I love kids, and because I never had anyone work to inspire me, believe in me, or encourage me to explore my abilities. I want to do all of those things for my students. And I hope that my work will pay off and that one day before I retire at least one of my former students will be pursuing a degree and career in a field involving Literature or Language. I will, of course, assume that I was all the inspiration he/she needed.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
God is a Pusher
I've been praying for several years for God to show me who I am supposed to be and give me the strength, courage, and guidance to do what I need to do to become that person. Some days I wish God wouldn't take me so literally. This has been one of those days. Do you know what I mean? One after another, things keep coming up all day long, obstacles that you must overcome. Typically, they are things that you are usually terrible at and struggle to get through, or they make you actively choose the right thing even though it is something you really don't want to do.
God has really been pushing me to grow lately. Yesterday the lesson I had planned for my 9th graders practically fell flat because of something I could not have planned for. It was a really good lesson for me to learn but a pretty huge blow to my fragile confidence in my teaching ability. This afternoon I got a phone call from my co-teacher for the 2 and 3-year-olds class I teach at church on Wednesday night. Her daughter is sick, so she wasn't going to be able to make it. That meant that instead of taking my very-much-needed nap this afternoon before church, I had to go by and get the class materials and plan a quick lesson. It wasn't a very big deal, but I could really have used that nap. Also, I found out today that a friend of mine from high school, who has not talked to me in over a year, lost her grandfather today. And, as a person who has gone through more than her share of family deaths in her short lifetime, more-than-understands how difficult this situation is. And once again, I could hear God asking me to be the bigger person and do the right thing.
I know I asked for this. I get it. But, I'm tired, and I'm starting to resist the push. I love people. Sometimes too much. But it's often lonely when the people thinking and caring about me are silent, and ironically self-absorbed Hailey (because that's who I become when I start to think about how many times I've made myself do the right thing by people lately) forgets that they're there at all.
It is a blessed thing, at these times, to be able to crawl into the big lap of the Father and let him squeeze me tight and tell me that I really am worth it and that I really do have what it takes. It's really too bad that sometimes, even after all the work I've done to overcome it, I still can't feel Him. The good news is that I'm pretty sure He's pushing me closer to Him.
I pray blessings on all of you, readers. I pray that you will know with complete certainty what God wants from you and for you. I pray that you know how much you are loved. And I pray that you can feel His arms around you. And I pray that on those days when you feel like you can't be pushed any further God will provide some sort of escape. Even something as simple as the pure joy in the light of a child's eyes and his sweet voice calling your name. There's a reason we're called to be like little children.
God has really been pushing me to grow lately. Yesterday the lesson I had planned for my 9th graders practically fell flat because of something I could not have planned for. It was a really good lesson for me to learn but a pretty huge blow to my fragile confidence in my teaching ability. This afternoon I got a phone call from my co-teacher for the 2 and 3-year-olds class I teach at church on Wednesday night. Her daughter is sick, so she wasn't going to be able to make it. That meant that instead of taking my very-much-needed nap this afternoon before church, I had to go by and get the class materials and plan a quick lesson. It wasn't a very big deal, but I could really have used that nap. Also, I found out today that a friend of mine from high school, who has not talked to me in over a year, lost her grandfather today. And, as a person who has gone through more than her share of family deaths in her short lifetime, more-than-understands how difficult this situation is. And once again, I could hear God asking me to be the bigger person and do the right thing.
I know I asked for this. I get it. But, I'm tired, and I'm starting to resist the push. I love people. Sometimes too much. But it's often lonely when the people thinking and caring about me are silent, and ironically self-absorbed Hailey (because that's who I become when I start to think about how many times I've made myself do the right thing by people lately) forgets that they're there at all.
It is a blessed thing, at these times, to be able to crawl into the big lap of the Father and let him squeeze me tight and tell me that I really am worth it and that I really do have what it takes. It's really too bad that sometimes, even after all the work I've done to overcome it, I still can't feel Him. The good news is that I'm pretty sure He's pushing me closer to Him.
I pray blessings on all of you, readers. I pray that you will know with complete certainty what God wants from you and for you. I pray that you know how much you are loved. And I pray that you can feel His arms around you. And I pray that on those days when you feel like you can't be pushed any further God will provide some sort of escape. Even something as simple as the pure joy in the light of a child's eyes and his sweet voice calling your name. There's a reason we're called to be like little children.
Monday, March 1, 2010
A Day in the Life of a Student-Teacher
The last semester of a college student's life feels a bit like limbo, especially for a Student-Teacher. The world expects you to take on a lot of the responsibilities of a real-live grown-up, but in so many ways, you're really still a college kid. It's really weird, and pretty frustrating sometimes. The good news is that I love being a student-teacher. For the first time in a long time, I am 100% certain that God created me to teach and that I am right where I belong. It is such a blessed and peaceful feeling. It makes all the hard stuff a lot easier to deal with.
For those of you who may not really be able to understand just what I mean about the ambiguity of a student-teacher's life, here's what a typical day looks like. I'm afraid that it looks more and more like the real world every day.
6:00 am Awakened by vibrating cell phone alarm. Removes ear plugs, crawls out of bed, and staggers into the bathroom to be further awakened by warm morning shower.
6:15 am Checks email and Facebook. Packs breakfast, lunch, and daily snack.
7:10 am Leaves dorm room dressed "professionally."
7:30 am Arrives at High School 15 minutes before cooperating teacher, adjusts the thermostat in classroom, and gets herself ready for the day.
8:00am The day officially begins 2hours after she woke up, but 1 hour before it used to begin.
9:40am Teaches 9th graders Language Arts concepts they should have mastered at least 3 years ago.
10:30am Conferences with cooperating teacher during planning period, has quick snack and bathroom break before next class begins.
12:03 pm Blessed lunchtime
1:35 pm Daily hall duty: aka "Make sure the crazy kids don't kill each other."
3:15 pm School day ends
3:25 pm Leaves school
3:50 pm Arrives back on campus, picks up Rob-Bob to go shopping for Monica's lingerie shower this weekend.
4:45pm Arrives back on campus, goes to dorm room to check email, eat dinner, and begin work on lesson plans for this week's official evaluation.
5:50pm Goes to the Reynolds for Spring Sing Vocal Track practice.
7:30pm Goes to gym to work out.
8:20pm Arrives back in dorm room to take a quick shower and work on lesson plans.
8:55pm Goes back to the Reynolds for Regina club meeting.
9:35 pm Back in dorm room to finish lesson plans, read Bible, decide on tomorrow's wardrobe choice, blog, and chat with friends online a bit.
10:30pm Gather things for tomorrow and begin nightly routine.
11:00 pm Lights out
6:00 am Do it all over again.
Occasionally other teachers at my school will ask me if this is still really what I want to do, what I want my life to be like. Some days it feels like way too much to handle. But, most days it's practically perfect.
For those of you who may not really be able to understand just what I mean about the ambiguity of a student-teacher's life, here's what a typical day looks like. I'm afraid that it looks more and more like the real world every day.
6:00 am Awakened by vibrating cell phone alarm. Removes ear plugs, crawls out of bed, and staggers into the bathroom to be further awakened by warm morning shower.
6:15 am Checks email and Facebook. Packs breakfast, lunch, and daily snack.
7:10 am Leaves dorm room dressed "professionally."
7:30 am Arrives at High School 15 minutes before cooperating teacher, adjusts the thermostat in classroom, and gets herself ready for the day.
8:00am The day officially begins 2hours after she woke up, but 1 hour before it used to begin.
9:40am Teaches 9th graders Language Arts concepts they should have mastered at least 3 years ago.
10:30am Conferences with cooperating teacher during planning period, has quick snack and bathroom break before next class begins.
12:03 pm Blessed lunchtime
1:35 pm Daily hall duty: aka "Make sure the crazy kids don't kill each other."
3:15 pm School day ends
3:25 pm Leaves school
3:50 pm Arrives back on campus, picks up Rob-Bob to go shopping for Monica's lingerie shower this weekend.
4:45pm Arrives back on campus, goes to dorm room to check email, eat dinner, and begin work on lesson plans for this week's official evaluation.
5:50pm Goes to the Reynolds for Spring Sing Vocal Track practice.
7:30pm Goes to gym to work out.
8:20pm Arrives back in dorm room to take a quick shower and work on lesson plans.
8:55pm Goes back to the Reynolds for Regina club meeting.
9:35 pm Back in dorm room to finish lesson plans, read Bible, decide on tomorrow's wardrobe choice, blog, and chat with friends online a bit.
10:30pm Gather things for tomorrow and begin nightly routine.
11:00 pm Lights out
6:00 am Do it all over again.
Occasionally other teachers at my school will ask me if this is still really what I want to do, what I want my life to be like. Some days it feels like way too much to handle. But, most days it's practically perfect.
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