Day #3.7 - Sunday, August 26th, 2012

WaPow!

Today I realized that once again I am starting the year already behind.  It is Sunday and my room isn't ready and my lessons plans aren't done.  Where did the 1st week of school go?!?  So I hauled my tail out of bed early and begged Mr. Mustipher to let me stay later than 12:00 - he gave me until 3:00.  And because misery loves company, I had to drag Ms. Banister out of her room too - kicking and screaming that she needs 4 more days and a helper before school can start.  I seriously love that woman.  

I came home and sat down to make my lesson plans more than a figment of my imagination and couldn't keep my eyes open.  My one hour nap turned into a 3 hour tour.  I'm already exhausted and I haven't even seen the kids yet.  I just took an evening school job until 9:45 pm every Monday and Wednesday night.  God help me.  He answered my prayer with the job opportunity - now I ask he that He fill me with his Grace so I can keep up the momentum and stay positive and smiling.

Elizabeth Krupa's Dorm Room - Towson University

Got this in a text message today ... and again my heart is full.  Proof that AVID does indeed work.  And when I sent Elizabeth my pic of the door above she gave me the confidence I needed to start the school year with my head held high.  "That's one of the best things I've seen from AVID" was her reply. I sent the pic to Tiffany Harris too since it highlights her artwork.  She said ... "Theme is superpowers? ... Cool.  I gotta see some of that!"  And as I write this thinking about how much I love these kids, Elizabeth sent me another text:  "Had a speaker today (Dr. Berry) who said something that made me think of you ... the difference between wisdom and knowledge is the ability to teach others.  Thanks for sharing your wisdom for 4 years."  Tears are brimming as I think about what an honor it is to witness Elizabeth's growth into a phenomenal woman.  She is wise beyond her years and has kept me grounded over these past four years.  And because God knew my heart was heavy and that I needed an earthly angel to help me prepare for the journey ahead ... He sent me Elizabeth who just wrote:  Dona you completely changed my life.  I wouldn't be in college if it weren't for you.  After middle school my parents were ready to drop me back off in Dundalk.  Where I would be pregnant and not in college.  Thank you for making me see how much of a difference college and education can make.  I'm here for me now.  I'm not living for anyone else.  Thank you for saving me. 

Does she know she saved me right back?