Catching the Teaching Bug... again.

I've got it again... the teaching bug!

Today was my first day back in the education-saddle, and it felt really good. I had all these anxieties about being prepared and knowing what to do, but as soon as the first class came in, all of that melted away and I was Miss Chandler again, loving every moment. I think my favorite thing is figuring out how to help the students care about what they are learning. That is easy for me to do this term because my subjects are English and US History, both of which I feel very passionate. And because of that, I feel like releasing my inner nerd and thinking of all sorts of fun and creative activities to do with the lessons. Of course, so far all I've had to do is plan and teach... the hard part for me is the testing, grading, and evaluating, so I'll let you know in a few days if I still love my job. :)

The Easter weekend flew by in a whirlwind of sugar, late nights, and a full house of crazy good people. My dear friend, Leigh Ann, stayed with me while my parents were in Hawaii, and we had a great time together. She is such a wonderful friend to have around, and I think part of it is because she is so full of patience and grace and genuinely puts Christ's love into action.

Amazingly for April here, the past week has been nothing but sunshine and 80-degree weather. Leigh Ann and I took full advantage of it: we walked all over downtown Winston-Salem on Friday and got fabulously sun-kissed, had a picnic with the church on Saturday, and wore our pretty summer dresses on Easter Sunday.

It was also a weekend of finishing touches... Thursday night I had a pizza dinner with my teen girls Bible study group as our last night together (for now). It was exciting to see how each of them learned such personal applications from the first four chapters of John, and how they are all growing in their relationships with the Lord. I look forward to seeing the amazing ways he is going to continue to work in their lives in the future!

My other finishing touch was on my blanket! Yes, it is finished - four months work is complete! I don't know if I have ever felt so proud of myself in my life.

Well my class break is almost over, my healthy snack is eaten, and my last class is about to begin. Have a beautiful day!