my life is changed...

Only a short while ago, this evening, I got home from a High School graduation. This was not any ordinary grad, it was "my kids" who were the graduates. The teens you made my life, let's just say, an adventure, to say the very least. I left the school with proud tears in my eyes, as if they actually were my kids.

As I drove away I realized that it was not only the students who were impacted by my caring for them, but I too have been changed by getting to walk with them through all their personal challenges. Each one of these students have come so very far in the short time I have had the great honour of knowing them. These young adults have taught me so much about the human spirit. I learnt a lot about myself by spending time with these students: how much I can handle, how to take a break when I need one, how cry with someone, how to give a look that is loaded with many-many words, how to care for people who don't seem to care for me, how to laugh through tough situations, how to celebrate the successes, how to grieve for the loss of one of "my kid's", how to be the best person I can be. Thank you, all, for making me a better person, and holding me to the standard I set for you.

Everyone of us go through challenges in life, but it seems like each one of these students have gone through more than I have, up to this point in my life: social, familial, scholastically, internal. These are a group of very determined, resilient, caring, committed, inspiring, funny, interesting, growing people of our society. To come as far as each of them have is a testament to just how amazing they are.

This evening they walked across the stage, were acknowledged for their successes, and have graduated into young adulthood. This is a milestone that many may not have reached without the caring and very committed staff that work at the school. I am honoured to say that I was one of those staff that put their heart into each one of these students, and I am so very, very proud of what they have accomplished, the opportunities that lie ahead of each them, and I pray that each one of them never, ever stops dreaming and "reaching for the stars".

Make your dreams come true! Good luck in everything you do, Class of 2009!

I am going to close this off with the two sentences I said at the end of every day, and at the end of every week, and especially at the end of every year (just as a reminder).

Stay safe. Make good decisions.

Jody (with a "y")

blessed.

Today I ventured into the USA for a retreat in the state of Washington. The radio said there was a 45 minute wait; they were wrong, if you entered the line off of 264th; it took me about 5 minutes! The boarder guard was great; he smiled; commented on my passport photo- what a sweet heart; and had regular, non threatening conversation with me. That made my day, as crossing any country's boarder can be nerve wracking.

I went straight to the outlet mall, as Jody discovered impending holes in the seams of her jeans; a new pair is in order. The Gap was the destination, and it was successful! (new jeans for $23US) This is where my education started. I asked the till girl where the closest grocery store was, as I was in charge of bringing the soy milk. At the cost cutters across the street. This is where I learnt that Mt Vernon has a very large mexican population. Half the store is filled with Mexican food (canned, bulk, dried, fresh), Piniatas, and staff that have a strong spanish accent. Needless to say lactose-free, and condensed milk are not soy. I needed to ask them where the next store was, in hopes that they are what I am used to.

I found Fred Meyers. I am now in love with Fred! He, one, knew what Soy milk actually was, and two, the mexican section was a lot more proportionate to the size of the store. I found what I came for, and then continued on my journey.

About two hours after leaving home I got to my destination where I retrieved my text books and proceeded to study in the sunshine, for the next 2.5 hours, where I now reside from, and from where I currently type.

Do you find that there are moments that we take for granted and then complain about, where there is really no need to do so? Do we tend to take life, houses, cars, food, friends, family, God, everything for granted? I believe we do.

I am do not have a large income (at this point), yet I am rich; I still am able to find ways to enjoy the simple things in life: time, sunshine, silence, friends.

No matter how bad off we think we are, remember that we still have breath, life, time, and a God that cares about everything you care about; He cares about you.

... blessed.