This week marked the conclusion of summer school and another session of swim lessons for me. Don't get me wrong, I like doing both of those things, but I am very thankful to have a break! When the summer began, my thoughts were something like, "Teaching summer school will be so awesome because I'll be finished by noon every day and then I can just lay out by the pool and read a good book, have lots of time to spend with friends, etc." And then I volunteered to teach swim lessons. And clean someone's house. And continue Spanish tutoring. And wake up at 5:00 a couple of times a week to run before the heat kicks in. Overcommitment might be one of my greatest faults. Usually I enjoy the things to which I am overcommitted, but honestly, nothing is as fun when you have to rush through it in order to accomplish the next thing on the list or feel like you are constantly running yourself into the ground (sometimes literally).
Overcommitment issues aside, I had a precious little class this summer. Being in an autism room entails sometimes getting bit, spit on, scratched, and the occasional student pulling down his pants and sitting naked in your chair (happened this week). But all in all, I have loved it and am probably looking forward to the fall more now than I was before I taught this summer. Not to mention the fact that my coworkers and bosses seem really wonderful. We had a staff retreat on Monday of this week, and everyone was so friendly and welcoming to me and the other new teacher. The assistant principal is always contacting me about resources I can have, and she provided me with all kinds of new furniture and supplies for next year. I have always wanted to teach in an inner-city school, but for my first year, I am very thankful to be working at Roosevelt so that I can build up my stockpile of teaching supplies before I do this! I may actually be sharing a classroom with the other autism teacher for about a month or so until their classroom is finished (not exactly sure how that will work out with 8-9 adults and 15 students in the room), but that is literally the ONLY thing I have had to worry about.
As far as other news this week, my students in swim lessons were a lot of fun. They all made great progress, too, which is exciting for their parents and me to watch. I also got to see my friend, Rachel, every day while I was teaching them because she graciously offered for me to use the pool at her house to teach. Andrew is frantically looking for a job- we've basically given up on Starbucks because the hiring person is out of town for a few weeks. (Who does that?) I guess it's not out of the question that he could still work there, but he is definitely looking at other options. My cousin, Nathan, who lives in Utah, came through town this past weekend for a pottery show in Oklahoma City, and we really enjoyed visiting and playing games with him. Last night, we had book club here, which was fun.
Last but not certainly not least, we are seriously considering getting a dog. One of Andrew's coworkers has a cute 7-month-old golden retriever that is quickly outgrowing their apartment. We had thought we would wait to get a dog, but since this opportunity kind of fell into our lap, it seems almost too good to pass up. Another family is also interested in the dog, so we will have to wait and see I guess!
In Christ alone,
Mary Rachel
Friday, July 23, 2010
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Anniversary and other adventures
For those who haven't tried The Melting Pot, it is definitely worth your time (and despite the ridiculously high prices, it is also worth your money on rare special occasions). Andrew did not even know what fondue was before we went to the Melting Pot for our anniversary (and I had never tried it), but we were both pleasantly surprised. The atmosphere was relaxed and left us feeling like we were not just ordinary guests who are rushed in and out in order to bring in more business. When I looked down at my watch as we were leaving, we had spent almost two and a half hours enjoying our dinner and each other.
After our trip to The Melting Pot, we spent the night at Hyatt Place OKC. Modern, romantic, tasteful. Loved it. We slept late on Saturday before driving to Amarillo for my sweet friend, Molly's, wedding. It was a beautiful, beautiful wedding.
On our actual anniversary, I cooked dinner for us to have at home. Oven roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, French bread, and our year-old wedding cake (which was surprisingly good after sitting in the freezer for the past year and despite the fact that after thawing, all of the icing proceeded to fall off the sides).
As far as other life updates go, Andrew has not heard back from his Starbucks interview on Monday, but he feels good about the interview, and we are both prayerfully hopeful that he will get the job. I finished teaching swim lessons to precious little Georgia this week and started teaching six more (older) kiddos in my friend, Rachel's, pool on Tuesday. I am loving being in the sun so much once again this summer! Summer school wraps up next Thursday- where did the time go?! I still doubt myself all the time about being a good teacher, especially when I get my real classroom in the fall, but I am nonetheless thankful to have had an opportunity to "get my feet wet" this summer.
Our next Summer Book Club meeting is next Thursday night at our house. We are reading Beer and Circus, which talks about how big-time college sports are crippling undergraduate education. This is not the type of book that I would normally pick up, but it is quite insightful, and Andrew and I are both enjoying it. Although OU is not perfect, after reading about some of the other schools in the book, we definitely feel like we were so blessed to get an education there!
I have been thinking about this quote a lot throughout the week: "The gospel is the news that you are far worse, disgusting, corrupted, vile, evil, manipulative, and weak than you ever thought. But you are also, in Christ, far more loved, accepted, cared for, forgiven, set free, and stronger than you ever dared dream possible. And these two truths are true at the same time (simul iustus et peccator) if you are a Christian because of Jesus's life, death, resurrection, and soon return for you."
I am so glad that this is true.
In Christ alone,
Mary Rachel
After our trip to The Melting Pot, we spent the night at Hyatt Place OKC. Modern, romantic, tasteful. Loved it. We slept late on Saturday before driving to Amarillo for my sweet friend, Molly's, wedding. It was a beautiful, beautiful wedding.
On our actual anniversary, I cooked dinner for us to have at home. Oven roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, French bread, and our year-old wedding cake (which was surprisingly good after sitting in the freezer for the past year and despite the fact that after thawing, all of the icing proceeded to fall off the sides).
Our next Summer Book Club meeting is next Thursday night at our house. We are reading Beer and Circus, which talks about how big-time college sports are crippling undergraduate education. This is not the type of book that I would normally pick up, but it is quite insightful, and Andrew and I are both enjoying it. Although OU is not perfect, after reading about some of the other schools in the book, we definitely feel like we were so blessed to get an education there!
I have been thinking about this quote a lot throughout the week: "The gospel is the news that you are far worse, disgusting, corrupted, vile, evil, manipulative, and weak than you ever thought. But you are also, in Christ, far more loved, accepted, cared for, forgiven, set free, and stronger than you ever dared dream possible. And these two truths are true at the same time (simul iustus et peccator) if you are a Christian because of Jesus's life, death, resurrection, and soon return for you."
I am so glad that this is true.
In Christ alone,
Mary Rachel
Friday, July 9, 2010
Happy Anniversary to Us!
I've been thinking a lot this week about how different my life was a year ago. At about this time on July 9, 2009, I was running around like a mad woman (or was that my mom?), finishing up last-minute wedding plans and getting ready for my bachelorette party. Today I am sitting at Starbucks in Norman with a ring on my finger, a great husband, and a much more relaxed schedule.
When pondering one word to sum up the past year, many went through my mind. Crazy. Joyful. Challenging. Stressful. Happy. Wonderful. I think the one word that sums everything up best, though, is unpredictable. That's a pretty neutral word to sum up an absolutely amazing year, but that's what this year has been. Marriage is nothing like what I expected. The last three months especially have been reminding me of how little control I actually have over my own life. I thought I had a pretty good idea of where we would be in life at this time last year, and pretty much nothing is the same as I had envisioned. It's better. God has been so gracious to us in the circumstances of our life, as well as in our relationship. I never thought we would be staying in Norman, much less owning a house. I also never thought that I would actually be happier after a year of being married, but I am. I can't say enough good things about my sweet husband, who is so patient and makes me better every day. All glory to Christ!
People say the first year of marriage is the hardest. Sure, it's been challenging sometimes. But if that is really true, then I pray that God gives us 50+ more years together because I am convinced that things will only improve. In the words of Brad Paisley, we'll probably look back on this year, as our hearts are overflowing with love and joy, and think, "And I thought I loved you then!"
In Christ alone,
Mary Rachel
When pondering one word to sum up the past year, many went through my mind. Crazy. Joyful. Challenging. Stressful. Happy. Wonderful. I think the one word that sums everything up best, though, is unpredictable. That's a pretty neutral word to sum up an absolutely amazing year, but that's what this year has been. Marriage is nothing like what I expected. The last three months especially have been reminding me of how little control I actually have over my own life. I thought I had a pretty good idea of where we would be in life at this time last year, and pretty much nothing is the same as I had envisioned. It's better. God has been so gracious to us in the circumstances of our life, as well as in our relationship. I never thought we would be staying in Norman, much less owning a house. I also never thought that I would actually be happier after a year of being married, but I am. I can't say enough good things about my sweet husband, who is so patient and makes me better every day. All glory to Christ!
People say the first year of marriage is the hardest. Sure, it's been challenging sometimes. But if that is really true, then I pray that God gives us 50+ more years together because I am convinced that things will only improve. In the words of Brad Paisley, we'll probably look back on this year, as our hearts are overflowing with love and joy, and think, "And I thought I loved you then!"
In Christ alone,
Mary Rachel
Starbucks
I'm writing this from the Starbucks on Main Street in Norman, OK, where Andrew will *hopefully* have a job by this time on Monday. Thanks to a great friend, Mitchell Greer, Andrew has an interview here at 8:00 a.m. on July 12. If you think of it, please keep him in your prayers, as this is his first choice of places to work in the fall during seminary. (For those who are wondering, Andrew is still currently employed at Paycom and will continue to work there until August, at which time he will hopefully begin part-time work here while pursuing his studies.) Andrew's good friend, Bentern (also known as Ben Nichols, the former RUF intern), also has an interview at Starbucks on Monday, and they are both hoping that they will be able to work together!
Is Starbucks overcommercialized? Maybe. But does it provide well for its employees? Yes. Andrew working at Starbucks means that we would get free drinks, and Andrew would get health insurance for working part-time.
Oh, and free WiFi for all.
Is Starbucks overcommercialized? Maybe. But does it provide well for its employees? Yes. Andrew working at Starbucks means that we would get free drinks, and Andrew would get health insurance for working part-time.
Oh, and free WiFi for all.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Saturday, July 3, 2010
On Community
I remember going to my first Senior Night at RUF as a freshman in 2007. As the seniors were reflecting on their time at OU and giving advice to us younger students, the one thing that I remember everyone saying was something about community. I didn't even know what that word meant at the time. The topic has come up on several occasions as of late, probably because our last Book Club selection was a book about Christian community (Life Together by Dietrich Bonhoeffer). I'm still not sure I really know exactly what community means, but I have learned a few things about it.
1. Community is not guaranteed. I think that people usually hang out with the people they do in hopes of building deep relationships. I do. However, Bonhoeffer points out in his book that God does not have to grant us these relationships. They are blessings which are too often taken for granted.
2. Communities change. The group of people I hung out with in 2007 is not exactly the same group I hang out with now. People grow up and move on with their lives, which means movement to and from communities. With every loss or addition of a person, the dynamics of the community change. Sometimes I wish this didn't have to be the case. I don't like to see friends move away, but such is life. With new people moving into communities, there are also opportunities for new friendships.
3. Community means knowing people. Not just hanging out with them, but asking them questions. Hard questions. Getting into their business. Listening. Caring. Forgiving. Loving.
4. Community means being known by people. Yikes. That means all my sin comes out for everyone to see. It means that people ask me hard questions. It means that I must ask others for forgiveness. It means that people see me for exactly who I am... which is not always pleasant.
5. Community is hard, but so worth it. I don't always like for people to see me for me. It's easier to put on a front and pretend that I have everything together. It's easier to have superficial relationships, to sit at home, to live for oneself, to not invest energy in others, to not talk about the dark and broken places of one's soul. But none of that is genuine and none of that makes you grow. None of that provides as much joy as going through the challenge.
Andrew and I have community here in Norman. We have had it to some extent in other places, but never like we have it here, mostly through RUF and UFC. And by God's grace, we are different, better people because of it.
1. Community is not guaranteed. I think that people usually hang out with the people they do in hopes of building deep relationships. I do. However, Bonhoeffer points out in his book that God does not have to grant us these relationships. They are blessings which are too often taken for granted.
2. Communities change. The group of people I hung out with in 2007 is not exactly the same group I hang out with now. People grow up and move on with their lives, which means movement to and from communities. With every loss or addition of a person, the dynamics of the community change. Sometimes I wish this didn't have to be the case. I don't like to see friends move away, but such is life. With new people moving into communities, there are also opportunities for new friendships.
3. Community means knowing people. Not just hanging out with them, but asking them questions. Hard questions. Getting into their business. Listening. Caring. Forgiving. Loving.
4. Community means being known by people. Yikes. That means all my sin comes out for everyone to see. It means that people ask me hard questions. It means that I must ask others for forgiveness. It means that people see me for exactly who I am... which is not always pleasant.
5. Community is hard, but so worth it. I don't always like for people to see me for me. It's easier to put on a front and pretend that I have everything together. It's easier to have superficial relationships, to sit at home, to live for oneself, to not invest energy in others, to not talk about the dark and broken places of one's soul. But none of that is genuine and none of that makes you grow. None of that provides as much joy as going through the challenge.
Andrew and I have community here in Norman. We have had it to some extent in other places, but never like we have it here, mostly through RUF and UFC. And by God's grace, we are different, better people because of it.
Our Backyard is a Lake
Currently, I am looking out our sliding glass door and into our backyard, which looks more like a swamp than anything else. Since about 9 pm last night, the rain here has hardly let up, so it looks like our 4th of July weekend will be rather untraditional (we will be spending it inside). Ironically, we were supposed to be in Houston visiting my family and the Greers today. After a series of miscommunications and sitting in traffic in Oklahoma for an hour last night, we decided to turn around and drive back to spend the weekend in Norman. We would not have arrived in Houston until at least 2 a.m. with the way our trip was going, and we would have had to drive back this afternoon. I was greatly looking forward to seeing our family and friends, but sometimes life just happens in ways you didn't quite expect.
Yesterday, we had our church over to the house for a cookout. Thankfully, the rain held off all day, and we had a great time. We had about 25 people over, a large portion of them being children. Church functions always remind me why I love children... and why we would like to wait to have our own. The kids at UFC are seriously cute and well-behaved, but Andrew and I realize more all the time how much our lives will change when we have them, and I think we'd like a couple more years to just be us.
The house has been a huge blessing already. I have always enjoyed having people over, but I enjoy it even more now, knowing that our space is much more homey and accommodating. We have had friends over several times already and are looking forward to having many more people in our home over the next several years.
Andrew turned 24 on Thursday. I think he would say that he had a good birthday, although it was not unlike any other day of the year. We met his parents for dinner after he got off work and then came back to the house. When I asked Andrew what he wanted to do for the rest of the evening, he said, "A puzzle." I tried to convince him that there are many more options of things to do on one's birthday, but he insisted that a puzzle was what he wanted to do. We did end up going to meet some friends later. Thanks, everyone, who made his birthday special. Your calls and messages did not go unnoticed!
In Christ alone,
Mary Rachel
Yesterday, we had our church over to the house for a cookout. Thankfully, the rain held off all day, and we had a great time. We had about 25 people over, a large portion of them being children. Church functions always remind me why I love children... and why we would like to wait to have our own. The kids at UFC are seriously cute and well-behaved, but Andrew and I realize more all the time how much our lives will change when we have them, and I think we'd like a couple more years to just be us.
The house has been a huge blessing already. I have always enjoyed having people over, but I enjoy it even more now, knowing that our space is much more homey and accommodating. We have had friends over several times already and are looking forward to having many more people in our home over the next several years.
Andrew turned 24 on Thursday. I think he would say that he had a good birthday, although it was not unlike any other day of the year. We met his parents for dinner after he got off work and then came back to the house. When I asked Andrew what he wanted to do for the rest of the evening, he said, "A puzzle." I tried to convince him that there are many more options of things to do on one's birthday, but he insisted that a puzzle was what he wanted to do. We did end up going to meet some friends later. Thanks, everyone, who made his birthday special. Your calls and messages did not go unnoticed!
In Christ alone,
Mary Rachel
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