I am hoping that in my new positions teaching ESL and Developmental Reading that I will be able to work with populations a little closer to my heart. I have loved working with international students of course and admire them for the risk they take in coming here and being vulnerable to a new language and culture and all that they might learn about themselves and others... but I also have such a passion for working with people who have had harder lives and have the courage to return to school and bring such rich life experience with them. I am excited for the conversations that can take place and the things we can learn from each other, the ways I will be challenged to look at things from another perspective and appreciate the resilience of people who have come through tough stuff.
In the midst of this I am also taking up a project close to my heart. I am going to collect stories to submit to a local newspaper called "El Informador" about immigrants who have come through difficult things. I can't wait for the excuse to meet and get to know people better and to have a part in bringing words and a voice to their stories. I am just doing it on a voluntary basis and so I consider it a kind of "passion project" I feel so strongly about how important it is for people to feel heard and understood and share about themselves and so I can't wait to be a part of that.
I also want to thank you all for your prayers- I feel like I am really in a good place right now- a place that God wants me in and I'm not sure I would have been as open to this if it weren't for you praying for me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Being Back and Moving On
Many people say that in going back to work after being on maternity leave, the first few days are the hardest. For me, they were the easiest and only into the second week did I really start to feel the full-time work pull on me as I realized this was going to be the routine from now on. I started missing Dani like crazy and wishing something would come through so I could be with her more.
Well, it didn't take too long for my prayers to be answered. South Puget Sound Community College offered me two sections of a developmental reading class, in addition to the ESL class I was planning to teach. That brings me to 20 credits for fall, which will keep us where we need to be financially. The best part? This new arrangement will get me 3 more hours every day with Danali than I would have otherwise.
It's a little risky because the contracts are quarter to quarter so they can never guarantee anything, but I felt like it was a risk I was being called to. I said a prayer and everything lined up so I think this must be the direction I need to take right now. It's really asking me to trust in God- but ultimately I guess even full-time positions can give us a false sense of security- we never know what is going to happen anyway, even though we like to pretend we do.
So, here I go, with mixed feelings about leaving behind amazing coworkers, students who are close to my heart and a handful of people around campus that I've gotten particularly close to- here I go onto new adventures and to affect new lives in new ways.
Lord, please lead this journey- help me to find you in all the people I meet and ALL the work I do.
Well, it didn't take too long for my prayers to be answered. South Puget Sound Community College offered me two sections of a developmental reading class, in addition to the ESL class I was planning to teach. That brings me to 20 credits for fall, which will keep us where we need to be financially. The best part? This new arrangement will get me 3 more hours every day with Danali than I would have otherwise.
It's a little risky because the contracts are quarter to quarter so they can never guarantee anything, but I felt like it was a risk I was being called to. I said a prayer and everything lined up so I think this must be the direction I need to take right now. It's really asking me to trust in God- but ultimately I guess even full-time positions can give us a false sense of security- we never know what is going to happen anyway, even though we like to pretend we do.
So, here I go, with mixed feelings about leaving behind amazing coworkers, students who are close to my heart and a handful of people around campus that I've gotten particularly close to- here I go onto new adventures and to affect new lives in new ways.
Lord, please lead this journey- help me to find you in all the people I meet and ALL the work I do.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Three Months
Dear Danali-
Today you turn 3 months old. One short year ago, I could only dream of holding a baby as precious as you and now, here you are. I love your smile most of all- it is contagious. Nomatter how sad or frustrated I feel, when I see you smile, I have to smile myself. You have grown up so much already. From a small, vulnerable newborn who seemed to scream every time you woke up and realized you were no longer in the womb to an alert, curious, very large (10 lbs at 4 weeks and 12 lbs 13oz and 24 inches at 8 weeks) ; ) young infant.
You are grabbing things now- my hair (you've been doing that for awhile), my necklaces, blankets, and toys we hang in front of you. You rolled over once but it might have been by accident. You still wake up 2-3 times each night usually but you go back to sleep quickly. You are outgrowing your bassinet but your papi and I don't really want to put you to bed in a big crib in your room yet...especially if you're still waking up every couple hours.
We love you SO much! You spend some days with your Grammy Peggy while she's looking for a new job and some days with your Abuelita Amalia. They both shower you with love. And when we get home your papi and I hold you and kiss you constantly. In fact, in those rare moments no one is looking at you, you put up quite a fuss to get attention again.
You love going outside and looking at the trees- you have always loved this. Your abuelita told me today you were desesperada por agarrar las hojas de las plantas. You are quite unpredictable- sometimes so cheerful and content and sometimes so grumpy and we don't know why. And you often change your mood like the weather in Washington- from one moment to the other you can be completely different.
Now, when we put you on your tummy you hold your head up and look around. I love the way you look in this position but haven't captured a picture yet. You are getting so strong!
I really love picking you up when you are sleeping in your carseat and you are so tired your legs stay all curled up when you stretch just a little as I take you out. I can't wait for your hugs and cuddles as you get older. In the meantime, I love nursing you and rocking you to sleep.
You make all kinds of noises now and sometimes you won't stop talking and gurgling and squealing. We love to try to see what will make you make all those funny noises. My favorite is when you get really excited about something and your big blue eyes get huge and your legs start kicking really fast and you squeal as loud as you can!
You are absolutely beautiful, with very long eyelashes. The Martinez family says you have your grandpa and my eyes. Many people say you have your dad's round face and you definitely have taken after him with your long legs. You are white as can be and we wonder if you'll stay that way... your hair is coming in slowly- I can't wait until it's long enough to put in pigtails.
Happy 3 months outside the womb, my precious little girl. You have blessed our lives in more ways than we ever could have imagined. Through countless sleepless nights and dirty diapers, we would do it all a thousand times to have you- you are beyond worth it! All our love- we can't wait for all the ways you will impress and surprise us!
Today you turn 3 months old. One short year ago, I could only dream of holding a baby as precious as you and now, here you are. I love your smile most of all- it is contagious. Nomatter how sad or frustrated I feel, when I see you smile, I have to smile myself. You have grown up so much already. From a small, vulnerable newborn who seemed to scream every time you woke up and realized you were no longer in the womb to an alert, curious, very large (10 lbs at 4 weeks and 12 lbs 13oz and 24 inches at 8 weeks) ; ) young infant.
You are grabbing things now- my hair (you've been doing that for awhile), my necklaces, blankets, and toys we hang in front of you. You rolled over once but it might have been by accident. You still wake up 2-3 times each night usually but you go back to sleep quickly. You are outgrowing your bassinet but your papi and I don't really want to put you to bed in a big crib in your room yet...especially if you're still waking up every couple hours.
We love you SO much! You spend some days with your Grammy Peggy while she's looking for a new job and some days with your Abuelita Amalia. They both shower you with love. And when we get home your papi and I hold you and kiss you constantly. In fact, in those rare moments no one is looking at you, you put up quite a fuss to get attention again.
You love going outside and looking at the trees- you have always loved this. Your abuelita told me today you were desesperada por agarrar las hojas de las plantas. You are quite unpredictable- sometimes so cheerful and content and sometimes so grumpy and we don't know why. And you often change your mood like the weather in Washington- from one moment to the other you can be completely different.
Now, when we put you on your tummy you hold your head up and look around. I love the way you look in this position but haven't captured a picture yet. You are getting so strong!
I really love picking you up when you are sleeping in your carseat and you are so tired your legs stay all curled up when you stretch just a little as I take you out. I can't wait for your hugs and cuddles as you get older. In the meantime, I love nursing you and rocking you to sleep.
You make all kinds of noises now and sometimes you won't stop talking and gurgling and squealing. We love to try to see what will make you make all those funny noises. My favorite is when you get really excited about something and your big blue eyes get huge and your legs start kicking really fast and you squeal as loud as you can!
You are absolutely beautiful, with very long eyelashes. The Martinez family says you have your grandpa and my eyes. Many people say you have your dad's round face and you definitely have taken after him with your long legs. You are white as can be and we wonder if you'll stay that way... your hair is coming in slowly- I can't wait until it's long enough to put in pigtails.
Happy 3 months outside the womb, my precious little girl. You have blessed our lives in more ways than we ever could have imagined. Through countless sleepless nights and dirty diapers, we would do it all a thousand times to have you- you are beyond worth it! All our love- we can't wait for all the ways you will impress and surprise us!
Monday, August 16, 2010
It takes a village...
They say it takes a village to raise a child and I sure feel like that with Danali. My first weeks of being a mother were basically baptism by fire and though it's gotten a little easier, I rely so heavily on those around me for everything from childcare to late-night advice.
Recently, my mother and my mother in law have been sharing taking care of Dani during the week while I'm working.
And JC and I never seem to sit down at home. The other day I felt totally overwhelmed by everything I needed to do and was starting to get annoyed that Juan Carlos wasn't helping more... until I realized he WAS!! We were both going non-stop between cooking, cleaning, nursing, giving a bath, getting ready for bed, getting ready for the next day, etc.
I have to say working outside the home full time and being a mom is A LOT of work- the only time I sit and relax is when I'm nursing and I treasure that time!
But of course, it is all worth it. I just feel so fortunate to have family around to help out. At the baby showers before Dani was even born, I realized that she is coming into such a warm, caring family (on both sides) that loved her even before she was born! What an awesome blessing! I am so excited for all that she'll learn, not just from me but from her aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and friends of the family who have been so generous with us and with her.
It is sometimes hard to share my little girl after not seeing her much during the week, but I am really trying to remember that God did not just give Danali to us- He gave her to our family and to our community and I really want our blessing to bless those around us too.
It's been amazing to me how waiting an extra 5 or 10 minutes for someone to hold her or cuddle her totally brightens their day. It's so neat that just by being, a baby can have such a positive impact on those around her.
Thank you, Lord, for our precious little girls and for the village we have surrounding us and supporting us in raising our little Danali.
Recently, my mother and my mother in law have been sharing taking care of Dani during the week while I'm working.
And JC and I never seem to sit down at home. The other day I felt totally overwhelmed by everything I needed to do and was starting to get annoyed that Juan Carlos wasn't helping more... until I realized he WAS!! We were both going non-stop between cooking, cleaning, nursing, giving a bath, getting ready for bed, getting ready for the next day, etc.
I have to say working outside the home full time and being a mom is A LOT of work- the only time I sit and relax is when I'm nursing and I treasure that time!
But of course, it is all worth it. I just feel so fortunate to have family around to help out. At the baby showers before Dani was even born, I realized that she is coming into such a warm, caring family (on both sides) that loved her even before she was born! What an awesome blessing! I am so excited for all that she'll learn, not just from me but from her aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and friends of the family who have been so generous with us and with her.
It is sometimes hard to share my little girl after not seeing her much during the week, but I am really trying to remember that God did not just give Danali to us- He gave her to our family and to our community and I really want our blessing to bless those around us too.
It's been amazing to me how waiting an extra 5 or 10 minutes for someone to hold her or cuddle her totally brightens their day. It's so neat that just by being, a baby can have such a positive impact on those around her.
Thank you, Lord, for our precious little girls and for the village we have surrounding us and supporting us in raising our little Danali.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
So Happy
I thought that going back to work would turn everything around and I would be stressed out again, but I went back last Wednesday and so far, I still feel so happy in general. I absolutely love my baby with all my heart and I love being a mom. I feel hopeful about something coming through work-wise so I can spend more time with my family and I feel really fulfilled. What an incredible time to just soak up. I'm trying not to take any moment for granted.
Thank you, Lord, again and again for all the amazing blessings in my life, especially my little girl and my family. I feel so supported by my parents, my mother in law, and my incredible husband- their help gives me the opportunity to relax and feel that much better about going back to work and fulfilling the obligations of being a mom, so that I can also really enjoy it. I am so grateful!
Thank you, Lord, again and again for all the amazing blessings in my life, especially my little girl and my family. I feel so supported by my parents, my mother in law, and my incredible husband- their help gives me the opportunity to relax and feel that much better about going back to work and fulfilling the obligations of being a mom, so that I can also really enjoy it. I am so grateful!
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