A new fall.

Oh, how I absolutely love the fall. I love everything about it. The weather, the colors, the smells of pumpkin, cinnamon, cider and pine, high school football games, mittens and scarves.  And as the fall of 2012 swept in, it brought with it something new to add to my “Things I love about fall list.” A new school year. A new classroom. And 130 eighth grade students learning who they are and what it means to grow.

 What a precious new season. Being a teacher is the best thing in my life this fall. It keeps me busy, it’s challenging and it yields me the opportunity to interact with enthusiastic kids on a daily basis. I love it.  More people call me Ms. Blinn in a week than they do Liz.  I have never felt more like myself.

 

This season has not come without its challenges.  I am living alone for the first time ever, and it is probably the hardest part of my new life here in Austin.  I love it for a lot of reasons, but those that know me well know that being without people around makes me a little crazy. But I am learning. The Lord is faithful. I know that He has purpose for me here in Southern Minnesota and I am eager to live it out.  I still struggle with worry, anxiety and fear. I still struggle with believing truth and letting go of lies.  But again, I am learning. And the Lord is faithful.

And, oh boy, are eighth graders crazy.  I mean that as an absolute compliment. They are so funny. And fun. And sometimes a little lost. But they are all seeking the same thing. They are all trying to figure out where they fit in the world. Who they are. Where they belong.  They, like the rest of humankind, just want to be known.  And I can say with a full heart, what a privilege it is to know them! So unique. So different. So wonderfully precious. It has been so fun to watch each of my class periods take on a different personality.  Even though I teach the same lesson 5 times a day, it definitely doesn’t seem like. They are such a blessing to my life. A frustrating and obnoxious blessing at times, but a blessing nonetheless.  :) How lucky am I?

So three weeks down, and thirty-something weeks to go. Looking forward to where this road takes me next.