Finished By Friday

After my last class (and I'm ashamed to say my first B in a class since enrolling at AI of Pittsburgh), I was seriously having issues wanting to go on. To make a long story short, I couldn't figure out what the instructor was expecting out of me and when I asked her via e-mail, she wouldn't work with me and give me any ideas of how I could improve. Needless to say, I was a little worried about the next instructors I encountered. Now I'm about half-way through my current class and the instructor is good enough, but the work load is like nothing I've ever encountered in any other class (even the ones that are supposed to be hard). It's not that the work is extremely difficult and most of it so far is just repeating things we've done in other classes and combining them all in order - actually going through an entire design job start to finish. It's just that most classes have around three assignments each week with the occasional fourth assignment. The fir...

Two things. . . 1) We were finally able to get our new(er) car yesterday (Monday the 5th). It is a 2001 Malibu fully loaded with remote start, remote keyless entry, fog lights, sun roof, power everything, auto volume control on the stereo (which means it automatically changes the volume to compensate for the added noise when you speed up and the less noise when you slow down or stop.), AND NO PAYMENTS!! We are extremely blessed! and 2) I am back to school also beginning yesterday. My current class is Residential Design Studio and so far looks to be very exciting! After this, two classes at the same time crammed into 5 1/2 weeks and then I graduate just days before for Christmas!

Just wanted to let everyone know, that Jon is now officially graduated and certified by the state of New York to teach the elementary level classes in our public schools! Lots of hard work, but I'm very proud of him!!

I really don't have very much to say other than what I wrote for her in her thank you card. I share it with you! Dear Mrs. Denno, It’s been a privilege to be in your class, And I’m so amazed at how the time did pass. It seemed like just yesterday, we were setting up the room, And it feels like today is an inevitable doom. Many things happened here in this close little space, We dealt with the kids and put a smile on each face. But something else happened that only God could do, He created a relationship that He knew would be true. Mrs. D, you were the one that He knew I needed, The one that helped me see, “I am not defeated!” I really questioned if teaching was for me, And now I know as you have helped me see. You’ve taught me patience in a way I’d never known, You taught me how to love in a way I’d never shown. But most of all you’ve become a dearest friend, With a bond I hope will last and hope will never end. Thank you again for all that you have done, I will miss you dearly and...

Sadly, my first placement is over. What an absolute wonderful batch of kids. I will miss them horribly. It's going to make going to Salmon River very hard. Being I've been there once, and know the "atmosphere" it makes leaving Brushton sad. But... this is what needs to happen for me to graduate. Things that have happened this semester have been really encouraging for me. I know that Brushton is where I would like to be eventually, and I think that God has opened the doors there among all the many things He's done for me at this placement. Here are just a few pics to look at if you wish. Enjoy!