Holiday in Spain - Immense

Hola!

I had a great opportunity to go on a holiday to Spain with a Christian tour company called Oak Hall. What an incredible, life-changing experience. To me, the word of the week was Immense. Let me attempt to explain my thoughts...

God's love is immense.

The Bible talk through the week was on parts of Revelations. We talked about the majesty and splendor of the Glory of God.  I was reminded that when we trust Jesus, we have access to the very majestic presence of God - this God who is in control, whose power and love is everything!
I was also amazed at how so many of us came on this trip on our own and yet we connected so well with one another. I never felt alone and am blessed to have made some great friends on this trip - brothers and sisters in Christ. 

God's beauty is immense.

The Sea...
Having the Mediterranean Sea within 100 metres of our hotel was great. I spent lots of time just standing where the sand and the sea meet - standing in awe. The sea was bright blue and clear, and each grain of salt was distinct. At night the sea was dark and almost forbidden, the waves crashing again the shore was a sharp, yet welcoming sound. The sight of the lighthouse on the cliff was breathtaking. The light shining two flashes, three flashes as it swept around... a remarkable symbol of God's love, protection and guidance. At that moment, I so wished dad could have been with me to experience that, to see a real lighthouse. I do desire to be a lighthouse to others and to reflect and shine God's love through me to people I meet.

The Mountains...
On one of our outing days, we went to Monserrat - a mountain range with old monasteries and basilicas. The rocks forming the mountain peaks were smooth stone almost resembling people and faces. They were quite stark and rigid, especially the higher you climbed. Two of my friends and I decided to take the Funicular up the mountain and to climb down. On the way down, we passed a small church which was locked and gated, but you could peek inside. E went to the gate and just started singing. The sound radiated and sounded like a choir of angels with the immense acoustics. We continued on our journey and came to a cliff where the view was again breathtaking. We took some lovely snap shots and sat for a moment to reflect. It's uncomprehendable that we only saw a tiny portion of Monserrat, which in the scheme of the rest of the world and the universe is just a gran of salt. I wonder how glorious heaven will be... it will be beyond description, a place where God will be, where we can see his face. How awesome is that!

A window... the unknown

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains—

where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord,

the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121

The Basilica de la Sacrada Familia...
How do I start to describe this cathedral? Let me start by talking about Gaudi, the designer. This building was started over 200 years ago with hopes that it will be finished in the next 10 years. Gaudi designed it knowing that he wouldn't see the end product. When asked how he felt by that, his response, "It's all in God's timing." How true is that! So the building... from the outside, it looked like any ordinary tall building with construction work. But on closer examination, you could see sculptures of Jesus' birth on one side and his death and resurrection on the other. The sculptures were so intricate and lovely. The door at the entrance had the words, "our daily bread..." in several languages. When I entered, my breath was taken away.

I began to look and saw marble. It was simple, yet absolutely beautiful. The light shining through the stain glass was beautiful, the marble structures formed tall trees and what struck me was that it was all focused on Jesus and God's love. My descriptions, nor my pictures do it justice.

 

Awesome... Breathtaking.... Immense

So that's just a brief recap of my holiday in Spain. I am so amazed with just how awesome that holiday was. It was a perfect reminder that I am never alone. That God has things in control and that he is so majestic. 

Blessings to you all. May you believe in God's immense love and beauty. Just a thought... you are each God's beautiful works! 

Kristen

My Last Days at The Academy

So this post is once again delayed. I apologize. I will start with my last days at The Academy.

My contract was coming to an end and so my last week was filled with making sure my classroom and books were ready for the person who was going to take over my post and that I said proper goodbyes to my students and to the staff.

I was overwhelmed with the number of staff that came to my farewell party. It was great to see many of my colleagues that I learned so much from as my first year teaching all around one giant table. I felt extremely blessed for the relationships I created at the school. I will cherish their cards that they gave me and their life lessons they shared.

My students even caught me by surprise. The morning of my last day, they all told me to stay away from my class during lunch. I didn't know what this was all about but I was ensured by a colleague that everything would be okay. So I enjoyed my last lunch in the staff room. When I returned to my classroom, I was shocked. My students were hiding and surprised me when I opened the door. They had banners on the wall and lovely messages on the white board saying that they didn't want me to leave and that they were sorry for how they had treated me. Funny how when I am leaving, that's when they decide to be nice to me. Ah well, I suppose in many ways, that's teenagers for you. I just have to trust that I touched some of my students and helped to teach them some valuable life lessons (not just Maths).

While I was sad to leave my school that I became so familiar with, I am ready to start somewhere new, somewhere that will fit my dreams and inspirations, somewhere where I can be myself more and inspire students to want to learn. 

Farewell, TAS!

Family, Snowdonia, Chester...

Dearest supporters :)

Hope you will enjoy these photos...

Cocktails with my long lost cousin, Amy-Jane.

Llyn Geirionydd, Wales - Red because it's near an iron deposit

Picture perfect spot for a picnic.

My cousin, Andy at Llyn Crafnant.

Our view as we were walking.

A heart shape rock for my family... Unfortunately, I chose to leave it in the water.

 

Biking with Andy through Delamare Forest, near Chester.

The Lake District

Dear Family and Friends,

My trip to the Lake District in England was phenomenal! Words or pictures don't really do it justice! I would love to tell you every detail, but to save you from fading, I'll try to give you just my most memorable moments.

Day 1: Arrived to the Patterdale Youth Hostel
I arrived in the afternoon so just went for a small walk to acquaint myself with my surroundings. 
At the hostel, I met some teachers to chat with and share adventure ideas with. They even sat and played Dutch Blitz with me.... and they loved it!

I love that at hostels, many of us are on similar boats and are opened to strike up conversations about everything and anything. At this hostel there were people from all different backgrounds and ages - there were families, young adults, people up in their years, experienced hikers, and beginners. It was great to share stories and pictures of our different adventures and walks. It was also nice to sit quietly, read and appreciate your surroundings.


Day 2: Ullzwater Steamer and Hike up the Fells

I woke up to an amazing view of the mountains just outside our room. I was getting anxious to get ready for my day of walking, exploring, and appreciating God's magnifiscent creation. When I pulled back my covers, I was hit with a cold breeze, but this didn't stop my excitement. I quickly bundled up and went to eat my warm breakfast. I was sitting next to a window with a glorious view of the mountains and the forests. Snow is falling ever so lightly. I think I am ready...

I began my day walking 1 mile to Glennridding to catch the Ullzwater Steamer to Howtown. At this point, I still was uncertain where I was going to walk and if I was going going to walk on my own or make some new friends to follow. On the boat there was a lovely couple whom I decided to strike up conversation with and they invited me to follow them on their trek up the hills to Pulley Bridge. At one point we got lost through a farmers field and were walking among the sheep. It was very tiring on the legs, but as soon as I turned to face the lake, all my aches were swiped away. The view was outstanding! Unfortunately, my pictures do not do it justice! After 2 hours and 6 miles up hills and through pastures and mud, we arrived to Pully Bridge. We found a quaint little cafe where we indulged in some soup, a baguette and cake. We took the boat back to our starting point and I arrived back at the hostel to meet some more travelers and share stories.

Day 3: Walk to Aira Force and Delightful Encounters

This morning I woke up to the same gorgeous view that will never cease to amaze me and remind me of God's love. I began my walk towards Aira Force, a beautiful waterfall I was told about. I walked through the forest with the lake and the mountains to my right. It was unbelievable.

After 2 hours, I arrived to the Aira Force park and I began to ascend. At first, I was a little let down, where was this water, where were the falls? After I removed my expectations and let my surroundings overtake me, I was in awe. I was still not at the view that everyone was talking of, so I asked a young man to give me directions.... they led me right where the beautiful sights were. I enjoyed my packed lunch at a perfectly serene spot next to the falls. After exploring some more, I began my journey back to the hostel. You wouldn't believe who I bumped into... this same gentleman who gave me directions. What excitement. We talked for some time and shared stories and pictures of our day out at the falls. It's strange the people you bump into :).

This trip was outstanding! I learned so much about myself... that I strive to have alone time, soaking up God's marvelous creation and yet I am okay with striking up conversations, meeting new people, and sharing stories!

If any of you are thinking about traveling to England... the Lake District is a must see. And I would be more than happy to be your traveling partner!

Wishing you all many blessings,

Kristen

To Cardiff

I'll keep this one short and simple... or at least try to.

To set the scene, it was February half term and as is typical for teachers, I started my break with a sore throat... believe it or not, I even lost my voice. Regardless of my illness, I decided to go away for a few days. I asked a Canadian friend, whom I met on induction day way back on the first day I was in England, if she wanted to travel together. She agreed. We met in London and headed to Cardiff Wales for 2 nights. Our first stop was to find our hotel, the Big Sleep Inn. Oh my goodness, that was quite the place... retro. I mean our room had fur baby blue curtains. After calming down from our initial reaction, we went to explore the town. We went on a walk through Sophia Gardens, had a drink at an exotic cocktail bar, and had a pint of Guiness and a steak and Guiness pie at an Irish pub.

The next day, we took a tour bus around the sites. We saw the Cardiff Canal, the Dr. Who museum, and an old Church. We went on a small boat ride through the canal (though it was freezing cold), had a hot chocolate and a cake at the Rouge Cafe, explored the Cardiff Castle and crashed back at the hotel before going out for the night. Later, we went to a Spanish Tapas restaurant, and then to a Karaoke bar for a drink. At this point, I was absolutely voiceless and exhausted, but did have fun people watching.

Unfortunately, I went to the hospital in Cardiff the next morning because I was terribly sick and wanted to know what was wrong. They told me it was a serious viral infection and so we left Cardiff earlier than planned so I could start to rest. But let me tell you, that train ride back to Chichester was already long... line 5 hours, but it felt 10 times longer when I was not well enough to even drink water. I was so poorly, that I stayed home from work for a whole week. I've never missed work for more than a day before, but I just couldn't even stand comfortably. I was very grateful for Skype during that week, because I was able to Skype mom nearly 3 times a day everyday. Finally after like 5 weeks of not feeling 100%, I am now feeling like myself.

January - Inspection at the school

Hi all,

Once again, it has been far too long since I've updated my blog. I am so sorry friends and family. I have lots to cover since I last wrote - Ofsted, Cardiff, Olivia, Easter break in the Lake District and hiking in Wales. I suppose I should start again where I left off... so if you have nothing better to do... enjoy!

OFSTED...
The new term at school started with lots to do and to think about as everyone was anxious for the dreaded call of OFSTED. This is a government inspection agency in the UK who ensures all schools meet high standards. To explain just how anxious the staff at The Academy, Selsey felt, I should mention that the last time the school was inspected they received the lowest outcome - an inadequate school with special measures needed. Hence, a new headteacher came in to make significant changes. So the management team and the teachers have worked so hard to help the students and the school progress. We knew to expect OFSTED after Christmas, but we didn't expect them so soon. In the middle of February, they phoned one afternoon and told us they were visiting the next two days. The afternoon that they phoned the headteacher gave us encouragement about how hard we have worked and that we were ready to face the inspection. After her speech, I clapped and was cheering on everyone. Instead of others joining in, as I had hoped, everyone just looked at me and laughed. While they were mocking me, I know they were disguising their appreciation for my motivational cheer. And so we were on...
The school was abuzz. The students and parents were informed and the teacher were catching up on any marking and preparing and writing formal lesson plans, while trying to remain calm. Let's just say that those nights were late nights at work with lots to keep me busy. My lesson plans were printed and I was ready to show any observer my lessons.
First lesson... working with Jim - observed. I wasn't observed, Jim was. I'm so glad I witnessed that and sort of knew the right things to say if/when they came into my classroom.
Second lesson... year 7s, they behaved okay (well for the most part), my lesson was opened and ready - not observed.
Breaktime... my duty in the Hall, I was smiling at all my students and doing my bet to ensure all of their uniforms were immaculate.
Lesson three... year 9s, I started out prepared, but my students were challenging me and were making it difficult for me to teach, especially if I were to be observed. Fortunately, I was again not observed. The rest of the day and of the inspection I waited in anticipation to be observed.
The last chance lesson to be observed... my lesson was going well, I was prepared to be observed... I was watching the clock... only half a lesson left will they come now? 15 minutes left, nothing... the lesson had finished. I was not observed and left so let down. I worked so hard and no one could see that.
My initial disappointment didn't last very long. That afternoon, we had our debriefing from the head, hoping we would learn of our results. Unfortunately, the head couldn't tell us anything. The following day, the head spilled the beans and told us that the inspectors were probably going to give us an inadequate. Expectantly, she was quite disappointed. some of my friends were observed and received inadequates. They were absolutely devastated, especially since their inadequates were due to their students' poor attitudes and constant messing about. I was relieved that our Osted result was not because of me. The headache of Ofsted was over for that week. But starting the next week, we had to implement new strategies and practices that came from conversations with Ofsted. So the pressures of Obsted continues. I only wish teaching to help students was the focus here. Unfortunately, it seems as though we're too focused on looking good to the government and end up forgetting about why anyone should become a teacher... to help students grow and learn.

From Chichester to Cornwall - A Month of Christmas!

Hiya!

During December I have felt so blessed and taken by the Christmas spirit.

On the 2nd of December, I led Kid's church and we talked about preparing for Jesus' birth. We focused on how Elizabeth and Mary must have felt being told by God that they were both to have a child... Elizabeth's son was to prepare the way for Jesus and Mary's son was to be the Son of God. The verse that really stuck out to me was that "Nothing is impossible with God" (Luke 1:37). 

My church had a Christmas Carol sing on the 6th of December. The music and lights and the mince pies after were so beautiful! I loved that I recognized many songs... again another example of how an unfamiliar place can become so familiar. One song that I heard several times this Christmas was "In the Bleak Midwinter".  Here are a few of my favourite verses...

Our God, heaven cannot hold him
Nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away
When he comes to reign:
In the bleak mid-winter
A stable-place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty
Jesus Christ.

 

Angels and archangels
May have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim
Thronged the air -
But only his mother
In her maiden bliss
Worshipped the beloved
With a kiss.

What can I give him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb;
If I were a wise man
I would do my part;
Yet what I can, I give him -
Give my heart.

The line that stood out over and over again for me was "yet what I can, I give him- give my heart." Do I give my heart to God under all circumstances that I find myself in? Or do I only pretend?  Or do I only give my heart when things are going wrong and I want God to change the direction of the wind? In the new year I hope to look at this more... to give my heart in all I do. 

On 11th December, R&A had their small group over for a meal, which they invited me to. It was great, we had jacket potatoes, salads, meats... and mulled wine. (See if you can pick up the Christmas food traditions in England :))

The next day, my small group met for a Christmas dessert night. There was Chocolate fridge cake, mince pies, strawberries and cream... it was delicious. After our desserts, we read Ephesians 1:1-14 and talked about what it means to be "in Christ". I pray that while I experience many blessings during my time in England, I will be able to share my blessings and love with many people that I encounter.

The staff Christmas party was loads of fun! There were finger foods, drinks, karoke, dancing and lots of merriment! This picture is of Natalie and I dressed in our best dresses before the night began.

On 16th December, Revelation church (the church my host family goes to) had their Christmas Children's program.  My little brother, Ben was holding my hand and because he's so comfortable in the church he pulled me behind him and showed me to his friends. Then during the program, he went up to the front with the rest of the children to sing and dance. It was so adorable! After the program, there were mince pies and mulled wine... see what I mean - a Christmas tradition here.

A lot of Christmas at school happened during the last week. On Tuesday I went to a friends' house for homemade mince pies, mulled wine, and snacks. Then on Thursday night was the Christmas program. The year 11s put on a Pantomime, there was lots of singing, and readings... even the Christmas story from Luke was read (something that probably wouldn't happen in Canada, unfortunately.) The staff choir -which I was apart of- sang "Gaudete", a beautiful Latin song about Christ's birth, which I think we presented quite well for not being professionals. Then on Friday, the students we allowed to dress in non uniform and we had a talent show. This is why I teach... to see my students shine. My school is full of so much talent! I was overwhelmed by the singing, dancing and overall talent. After the talent show, I had a Christmas party with my tutor group... we did our secret santa gifts, we played games (I introduced some of them to dutch blitz), and had snacks. Then the kids went home early so the staff could say some goodbyes and open our secret santa gifts. It was great to have most of the staff in one room to celebrate our successes this past term! I am now 1/3 of the way finished my first year teaching! Wowee!!

Christmas Break!!!

 My host family had our Christmas on Friday evening. I got a huge heating bottle, some chocolates and a notepad! I gave Joe a Charlie Bear talking bear and Ben a Winnie the Pooh and a Car's sticker set. The Charlie Bear was a success... unfortunately, Ben wanted it too. Ah well. After the boys went to bed, R & A and I had Fish 'n chips while watching "The Pursuit of Happiness".

Greg, Natalie and I were off to Cornwall on the 22nd. The 4 hour journey boasted lots of rain and flooding, but we made it to St. Dominick safe and sound. We went to evening mass at Greg's parents church then came back to a delicious Nigella Lawson stew and "Strictly Come Dancing". The next morning we went to Plymouth to finish our Christmas shopping and Natalie and I went outdoor ice skating. That absolutely made my day... a little bit of home.

Then we went to a live nativity that Natalie's parent's church put on. It was brilliant how they did it. There was an adult for each main part and then as children came in, they were given an outfit to participate. There was also a narrator and a choir that lead the group in singing. There was a huge turn out, yet there was enough minced pies and mulled apple juice for everyone! To me... that was the true meaning of Christmas... Christ's birth celebrated by so many people!

On Christmas Eve, we had a relaxed day wrapping presents, skyping family and friends, and going to a service at the Catholic church. It was a great place for me to contemplate and reflect about just how significant Christmas is... I mean, God sent his only son so that we may experience his love and grace in our lives... that's so incredible!

When we returned from the service, we had a lamp roast... which was absolutely delicious! Then Greg and Natalie took me to the local pub for a drink and my first game of darts. After staying up until 2am... I was able to skype mom, Michael and others at an Annual Christmas Eve Party... a great end to my Christmas Eve!

Christmas morning...
We woke up quite late, had breakfast and opened presents. It was my duty to be "Santa" and to hand out the gifts. I was shocked by how many gifts were for me... a teacher friend sent her gift for me with Natalie with specific directions for me to open it on Christmas morning. She gave me "The Velveteen Rabbit" and a Keep Calm and Carry on Sniff... a pack of tissues. Greg and Natalie gave me a cross necklace - for those who know me - that's again a super meaningful gift. Then we had a 4 course Christmas meal. For starters we had a prawn and smoked salmon salad with bread and pate. For main, we had Turkey, potatoes, bread sauce, carrots, and pigs in a blanket. Then we had Christmas pudding with Brandy butter... lush! After sitting for nearly 2 hours we had our final course of a cheese, cracker and grape plate. The cheese here is absolutely gorgeous! To work off some of the calories we had, we went to the park behind their house and played. Then Greg's brother and his wife came to open our stockings and play games. I learned a new game... Articulate... loved it!

Christmas # 2 in Liskeard...

So we packed up the car and headed to Liskeard for Christmas with Natalie's family. We opened our Christmas crackers, ate a lush meal with homemade Yorkshire Puddings, opened presents, played games and sang songs.

Ellie and Sal (niece and nephew)

Time to explore Cornwall.

This was a day of many firsts... My first trip to a sandy seaside in England, my first Cornish Pasty, my first Pantomime, my first trip on a car ferry from Devon to Plymouth, and my first few minutes of a James bond film.

First stop... Looe - a historic fishing village. Loved it! Here are a few of my favourite pictures...

I'm very proud of this picture.

Then to "Dick Whittington" a Pantomime in Plymouth! For those of you who do not know... a Pantomime is an interactive production meant for children but has humour appropriate for all ages. It was so ubber exciting! I got right into joining in singing and shouting. "Oh yes I did!"

The next day was again epic! We were world travelers all in one day... we went to the Mediterranean, South Africa, California, and the rain forest in South America. It was quite the adventure... and the best part is... there was no uncomfortable traveling... and it we saw it all under one roof... the Eden Project... google it! It was so remarkable! Here are just a few pictures which really do not do it justice...

My final day in Cornwall (well at least for this trip)... Plymouth Hoe and Barbican.

Mayflower memorial

Thank you Greg, Natalie and families for such a great Christmas! Although I was thousands of miles away from my biological family, I felt so blessed by all of the people I met! I have done so much this past year because of the support and love I feel from family and friends! Thank you all for being significant in my life! Also, congratulations for reading to the end of my Christmas blog!

Love and prayers for this new year! May it be filled with many blessings and may it cause you to give thanks always!

Peace,
Kristen