Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
I have been procrastinating on this post. I don’t know what to write. It’s not that I don’t have things I am deeply grateful for. I am. So grateful, truly. So grateful for my family and friends and school. So, so grateful ❤️❤️. It’s just that I also have anxiety about so many things, too (in my own life, in school, on a country-level, and internationally). And here, this passage from Philippians tells us that’s okay. Tell God. Commit your cares to him with thanksgiving, and you will have peace. God comes through! We don’t have to worry even though there is a tightening in our chests. Let us think of how God has come through for us in our past!!! In each stressful moment this month – International Day, the start of tutoring, and the talent show – I prayed so hard because there was no way these things could happen in my own strength. I am so grateful for God’s help, and for the help of Mother Mary and all the Saints. I am so grateful for the prayers of friends and family – they were so key in our success. Thank you for interceding!! In short, (sort of, because are any of my posts really short?), let me tell you what God did this month.
November has been stressful but also wonderful. Despite one of our best anchor teachers (the dedicated Solene) having to travel to take care of family, International Day – with the help of almost every staff member at Walker – went really well. We asked for more help, the powerful and beautiful Clara sent an email, and with help, I think it was one of our best days ever. So thankful for so many hands helping to put together a meaningful cultural day. Ms. Buck and Mr. Safdari were right there the whole time. Students put their heart and soul into the trifold about their country. Thanks to Mr. Nelson, the YMCA brought their spirit and joy to our event and brought it to the next level!! America Reads tutors supported our students by giving them courage to present and co-lead stations. The food from flagship restaurants (Super Amanecer, Order Up, Marie Bette, Afghan Kebab) was absolutely amazing, and we enjoyed the amazing African drumming and dance by Ms. Lily and Mr. Whit, learned some new moves from the very kind and talented UVA Salsa Club, and were blown away by the moves of our own Mr. Proverbs. The gorgeous ESL teacher Tina brought both students to lead a quiz and also to paint henna designs. Our awesome PTO provided $250 for station supplies and also really helped to run the stations. Finally, International Neighbors also brought some extremely talented Henna artists, and brought the kindness and maturity of volunteers. It was so nice to put this event on together. We are very grateful for our generous and helpful Admin and Central Office, because nothing would happen without their generous help and support!! And most importantly, our parents who encouraged their kids to go for it!!! Even my own little dude made a trifold about the culture of his mom and that of his dad. It was cool to work on that together. I really enjoyed it. Praise God for this blessing! So glad that’s done lol
Great Job, Students!!!
In addition, I am very grateful for hope and faith that God has a good plan for our lives. Let me explain. On my birthday, I had to go home to take care of one of my kids, and it was so frustrating, honestly, because I had so much I wanted to do, but I had to be home. Yet it was good for me, after traveling to so many countries during International Day, to find out that just like in The Alchemist, my treasure was home all along. Not to say that I don’t have a thirst for adventure, because of course I do, and I think that’s from God. But I need time to stop and rest and be grounded again. Watch Coach Carter and The Pursuit of Happyness. Hug my kids and just try to breathe. And even though I felt sad at times, I knew it was good just to be together again. I still showed up for the beginning of tutoring even though my voice sounded hoarse (I wore a mask), and the phenomenal Rachel carried us to the finish line! Thank you! 🙏
When I came back, I had a lotta work, and then suddenly, it was two days before the talent show, and fear gripped me that I wouldn’t be able to finish choreographing my dance. Complicating the situation was having other extracurricular commitments that kept me from my work. Finally, my son finished his fantasy novel and questions at 10:54pm on Monday night, and the talent show was the next day. I waited for him to fall asleep, and then worked until midnight to do what I could. When I got to school, I skipped morning meeting so I would have 20 more minutes to practice (I brought pie to the kids the day before and said goodbye). At 8:45am, I got my own students, brought them to the auditorium and then went backstage to stretch. And would you believe as I pulled up from a stretch, my pant pocket got caught on a metal hook on the sound system and literally ripped a hole!! Hahaha! I told Chris Chamberlin with panicked laughter. Thankfully, Ms. Allen was right there and quickly brought a new band sweatshirt to tie around my hips! Covered my butt, literally. Soon, I went on and the dance went just fine, thank God, with the encouragement of Ms. Howard. Later, the afternoon performance went all right, too, with Mr. Chamberlin and Mr. Proverbs’ encouragement. And just like that, the talent show was over and all the teachers sang Lean on Me onstage. It was beautiful to be next to Beth and Renata in the morning and Shinay in the afternoon. I felt so happy and so loved, just to be together in embrace. So grateful for my friends!!!
Soon the day was over and the very next day, one of my kids and I walked to the flower shop and then to the cemetery to say thank you to my mom (and my grandparents). And to enjoy the Sun together.
Thanksgiving turned into a day we all worked together to clean and cook and say what we are thankful for. It was one of my favorite Thanksgiving holidays ever ❤️ simple and sweet ❤️
and today, Shinay took us out for lunch, my daughter and I did a little shopping while their dad took the boys to soccer, and then we all played and relaxed. We miss our family in far away places, but we know we will meet again!
we are thankful to be in His hands ❤️❤️