27 MILLION

slavery - (noun) when one person is controlled by another, forced to work against their will, and treated like property.

Did you know that there are more slaves today than there ever have been at one time in history?  27 million men, women, and children who are raped, abused, and forced to live as property.  27 million. That's a lot of people -- more people than the entire African Slave Trade.

It's heart breaking to think that there are innocent people living as slaves today.  The countries in Africa, Europe, and Asia must have some pretty corrupt governments, right?  What about America?  Did you know that ATLANTA is one of the major sex-trafficking hubs?  Now that is terrifying.  The 27 million aren't only across oceans and living in countries we'll never visit, but in America's cities, as well.  Slavery still exists.

Last night at Passion City Church in Atlanta, 72 Days for Freedom launched.  The night ended with a candlelight vigil for the re-lighting of the hand that was created and lit for the first time at Passion 2012.  Objects covering the hand include burlap coffee sacks, stuffed animals, Christmas ornaments, soccer balls, and other slave-produced items; each with hand-written prayers and Bible verses by individual students at Passion 2012.  This hand will stay lit in Atlanta for 72 days, making it known that slavery still does exist...and it exists in our city.

Do Something NOW: Pray.  Give.  Sign the Petition.  Check out the website:
http://72daysforfreedom.com/#home

for the love of. . .

Cold weather, dead plants, short days, and sickness.  There are so many things to loathe about February, right?  Actually, despite those things, this Valentine's Day I had many things to love.

1.  underwear a.k.a undies a.k.a. skibbies a.k.a. panties a.k.a. knickers -- On February 11, my big brother Brad and I took part in Cupid's Undie Run in Atlanta, with hundreds of other people across the US, to raise money [over $300,000] for the Children's Tumor Foundation.  What a crazy experience.  I never thought I could've been so happy being that cold in my underwear in downtown Atlanta in February. 

Brad and I post-run at Hand in Hand.

Brad sprinting to the finish line.

2.  Z Packs --  Number 1. is definitely one of the main causes for my need of a Z Pack, but it's incredible how much better it made me feel in 24 hours.  I am glad to say that those 2 terrible hours I waited in the doctor's office were worthwhile.

A Pup-Cake

3.  a snuggly pup -- I spent Valentine's Day at home with my antibiotic and Bridget.  Romantic, right?  I absolutely hate being alone when I'm sick, but at least I had Bridget to cuddle with...even if she is a bed hog!

4.  cheesy, lovey-dovey valentine's -- I am not a fan of roses, so my sweet, thoughtful fiance' sent me something very special instead: a pup-cake flower arrangement.  And to make it even better, it was addressed to Anna McCrazy... which is exactly who the delivery woman asked for at the door.  It was quite hilarious.

5.  loooooooooong weekends -- GCPS was kind enough to give all students and teachers Friday and Monday off, which means a perfectly placed 4-day weekend.  I was able to get some rest, enjoy dinner and a movie with some wonderful women, and celebrate Valentine's Day with Byron [at The Cheesecake Factory...Mmm!].  I also went to the dentist - no cavities! - and finally ordered our wedding invitations!

February is flying by.  I can't believe this time next week it will be the 1st of March and Byron and I get married in less than 3 months!!

My Big Girl Job

My family's congratulatory surprise for me.

I'd been praying for a teaching job since wayyyy before I graduated last May -- I'd say I'd been praying for roughly a year and a half.  Since August I have been a substitute teacher in 3 elementary schools, all of which I love.  With each day I spent in these schools, I fell more and more in love with them, and continuously prayed for a position to open up next year.  Don't you love it when God answers prayers?!  And He REALLY outdid Himself this time.


About a week after the students returned from Christmas Break, the principal at one of the schools called me into her office.  She asked me if I would like to become an 'indefinitely permanent part-time sub' and teach my own classes.  Of course I said yes and was given a classroom and classes of students.  My job was to teach a Kindergarten Technology class, 2 math classes, and then to work with a second grade class during math. 


Last Tuesday, February 6th, I was given a permanent part-time teaching position!!!!  Although the event that allowed for my hire is quite unfortunate and sad, I am thankful for the amazing opportunity to work with such a supportive staff and to teach such wonderful students.  I begin each day teaching 10 fifth graders math for 30 minutes, when they come into my room during their lunch (it's a program called Lunch-and-Learn that is designed to give students extra Math practice to strengthen their skills).  Because there are only 10 of them, we can do some fun, interactive things.  Next, I teach the Kindergarten Technology Special.  As a 'Special' teacher, I see each Kindergarten class once a week and we do SMART Board activities and games.  Then, I work with another teacher to teach 4th grade Lunch and Learn for an hour.  We have 24 students--AHHH!!--so it gets kinda crazy.  Then I spend time in a 2nd grade class working in small groups teaching math.  


Although I was somewhat stressed at the start, I've begun to catch the hang of it, and I'm really enjoying everything about my job.  I could not ask for better administration--they are so helpful and encouraging.  The teachers I work with are incredible--and young, too (so I'm making some new friends!).  My students are sweet (especially the kindergarteners and 2nd graders) and eager to learn.  And, my school is only 10 minutes from home!  


I have always wished that I could teach in the school system I attended as a child, but I'm not sure I honestly thought it would ever happen.  God has blessed me with such a wonderful opportunity this year and answered my prayers for a job in ways I'd never imagined.  Words can't describe how thankful I am for where the Lord has so graciously placed me.

weekend blessings

I spent the weekend with Byron in Eatonton.  The weather was perfect, as was everything else.  It's tough living in two different cities, although I am glad he's not here to see Bridezilla's sporadic appearances. I miss him terribly.  Only having one or two days a week together is not enough.  I am definitely counting down the days until May 19, but I am also trying my best not to wish days away.  We had a magnificent few days together, which excites me for the future, but made me ever so thankful for the blessing of a weekend together at the lake.

Bridget enjoying the daffodils and Byron's humongous taco.

Yesterday we went apartment shopping, which was exciting and surreal at the same time.  We didn't decide on anything, but it was fun to look around.  Since the weather was marvelous, we did some browsing through shops at an outdoor shopping area before stopping for lunch.  With full bellies, headed back to the lake where we set up the hammock to watch the sunset.  We love cooking together, so we decided to cook something I'd never had for dinner before: a sophisticated feast of popcorn and candy, which was quite possibly the most perfect choice for the day.  What a weekend. 


I get wrapped up in the wedding and planning for the future, so it was nice to get away from that and just enjoy my incredible fiance' this weekend...since I do only get to have a fiance' for about 3.5 more months!  He makes me laugh like no one else and loves me better than I could have asked.  He is one of the biggest blessings and joys in my life, even if he does count Sour Patch Kids as a vegetable!