From college student to student teacher

Well the beginning weeks of student teaching are underway. I've been supervised twice and I'm told he sees no reason for not passing me haha.  Kindergarten certainly is fun and has so many blessings to go along with it. I am so blessed to have a wonderful cooperating teacher. She is a strong woman of God, and also so very knowledgable in the early childhood years. She knows her research and it works. I'm so impressed with how far these kindergartners are now in academics and social skills from where they were at the beginning of the year (I've seen the progress in their portfolios) It truly is amazing. I'm in a class of 18 students, and each one of them are unique and different in their own ways. Ascension Lutheran School is such a great school and church. I love the atmosphere and the families and staff I get to work with on a daily basis. It truly is like a family there. They are so welcoming and truly take every chance they can to get to know you as an individual. The parents of my students are wonderful people, and so supportive in what I am doing in the classroom! This past week we celebrated Valentines Day. The students wrapped cereal boxes in white paper and then decorated them as their mailboxes, to exchange valentines in. It was fun to see what they brought in and the students absolutely loved it. We worked on a predictable chart this week as well, I started it by writing "I love teaching." Each student then got a chance to tell what they loved and we all wrote them down. Four of my students said "I love God" when I heard this and started writing their statement I instantly got goosebumps and proved to me why I want to work in a Lutheran School. It isn't about the money or the amount of hours you put in, but it is about being able to share your faith with your students and their families. It makes it all worth it. It truly is inspiring to hear the faith of these kindergartners and proves why we are so blessed to have Lutheran Schools where I can openly share my beliefs, share Bible stories and lessons with students. My students often sing the songs God is Great and The Pearly White Gates. They belt them out, and do all the motions to these songs, and while they might not understand all the meaning behind these songs, to hear them sing those words and have such faith in Jesus at such a young age, is so amazing (I started to tear up my first time I heard them, to which they thought I was sad). This opportunity is so great and I feel totally blessed and I am so excited to continue learning!

Now, on an update of what my plans might be after graduation. To those of you unfamiliar with how the Lutheran School Call system works, I have filled out some call papers and a resume, which will be sent out to Lutheran schools that are looking for a teacher in specific grades that I will be licensed to teach. If the school likes what they see on paper, they may contact me for an interview. If a school decides they would like me to be a part of their staff, they may extend me a call to work there. To me this call a school decides to issue, is truly a calling from God and where He wants me to be. On those papers Chris and I decided we would be willing to go anywhere the Lord may lead us. With that being said my credentials have been sent to many schools ranging from Michigan to California and many states in between (Chris's too). I've received a few calls asking for interviews and those are scheduled. I'm excited for this process to begin and for God to place Chris and I in a school and church where my talents and strengths can be used best and always to continue learning.

Another thing, we just traveled to Chicago last weekend to celebrate Chris's winning seasons and his many accomplishments on the field at the football banquet. We had the chance to see many of our friends and spend much needed time with them. The football team went undefeated in conference this year. The players received conference champs rings (to which are extremely large and gaudy if you ask me :)) All the same it is a great accomplishment and I'm so proud of them all especially Chris. Chris received a certificate for being 1st team all conference, offensive lineman of the year, and also got a leadership award. He also received his jersey, which he informs me will be hanging on our living room wall :). It was great to celebrate with everyone and to see coach Pries and his family again. What an amazing man of God and role model to not only these athletes but to their family and friends as well. I wish him and his family the best in Ann Arbor.

We were also blessed to see our good friend Ryan Strehlow a couple weeks ago. He is currently doing an internship for Director of Christian Education in Alaska. We miss him so very much as he is like a brother to both Chris and I. We were so excited to see him and spend some much needed time with him and his family.

I think that is all for now folks. I'm sorry for the long post I just wanted to keep you all up to date, and hope to continue this and keep you all updated. I hope you are all doing well and I love you all. Remember whatever might be going on in life right now, God has a plan for everything and although it may not seem like exactly what we want at the moment, He works for the good of things and will never give us more than we can handle. Remember to trust and keep the faith. Keep pushing on and know that you are loved.

End of the school year happenings

Hello Everyone!!!

So finals are officially complete and I can finally start my fun wedding planning! I'm really excited and can't wait to see all the small details together. I'm all finished with my methods courses which is a huge relief. It definitely has been some of the most hectic semesters but also some of the most fun. I love my education classes and it makes me more and more excited to have my own classroom someday. I packed up my room and said goodbye to so many of my friends for the summer which was really sad......BUT i know some of them are getting some really great experiences. Kelly will be traveling the country to help out some of the most needy people, Rebecca will be planning her

fabulous wedding, Ryan will be heading off to

Alaska for his internship, and Sarah will be getting her classroom for next year all together! I am so happy for all my friends and I just feel so blessed to have them in my life. I got home this afternoon after some hectic RA closing things (I'm officially done with being an RA whoop whoop!!!) and all my things are unpacked. Although I have already started thinking about all the fun cool things I can buy for my apartment next year! Speaking of next year it will be my graduation year, and after this past weekend of my best friend graduating I got super excited. Also, in the last couple of weeks one of my greatest childhood friends Jessica, came to visit me at school we had so much to catch up on, and she got to meet all the wonderful people in my life. I also asked her to be in my wedding, and she accepted! She will be one of my bridesmaids, and I'm just so elated. Well this summer is full of working and family time for me along with wedding plans. I'll write soon.

Britt

Almost done!!

Wow! This blogging thing is all so new to me, so it's going to take a while to get use to. Bear with me :) I officially, taught my last lesson of my methods courses. It's all smooth sailing from here. This year has been so crazy and busy. Methods is seriously the busiest time in my college career, it was definitely that most time consuming and extremely tiring. But, I do have to say it certainly has made me excited to have my own classes!

Well, enough about school and on to the more exciting things! I cannot wait to go home for the summer! I'm mostly excited to plan Chris and I's wedding and to start thinking about small details but mostly I'm looking forward to spending time with my family for my last summer at home and also to teach gymnastics again!

Chris and I have officially set a date for the wedding and have the church and reception venue booked! It is July 13, 2013 and the ceremony is at Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church where we will be married by Chris's Uncle Kenton Wendorf and his home Pastor, Pastor Bill Mueller! The reception will be at Baker Street Train Station in Fort Wayne! (more information about the wedding coming soon) We are so excited and eager to see what God has in store for us within this next year, and throughout our life together.

Chris and I at Easter!!

That's all for now folks! I'll write again soon! Love you all and have a good week!

Junior Year

This year has been a whirlwind. I'm seriously so blessed to have all my friends in my life. It's kind of crazy because we are all realizing that we are actually growing up. People are getting jobs, and couples are getting married. It's all so surreal, and so many of us are saddened that will only have a short while to be together, but so extremely happy and excited to see where God is going to take us in the coming years!!!