Day One of the journey...I verbally committed to go to Sarah Moore Greene next year to teach fourth graders. It's been nine years since I've been in elementary school, but with my baby girl headed to fourth grade, I thought it would be fun to journey alongside her as she conquers fourth grade.
I met Phil, Suzanne, and Kevin at Panera Bread this morning and shared the news with them. I've prayed for God to open the door for Reach Them to Teach Them to penetrate Knoxville's inner-city and unite our city in our common love for our most important natural resource-our children. This decision was not made without careful thought, prayer and seeking the counsel of my wise friends. I only wish I had documented their words but the common theme has been, "Amy, you've got to go."
I discussed this with Tom, Suzanne, Phil, Scotty and Theresa prior to accepting the position. There are folks I respect and admire and each one said that this is the right move for me at this time. I also talked to Nancy Freidrich and when she said, "Amy, I have been here two and half years and I have never had a mother show up at my classroom door with a tray of cupcakes to celebrate a birthday, or to lend a hand to help with making copies..." I saw "my" children. It's not a matter of pity; it's a matter of empowerment. It's about setting uncompromising high standards and refusing to compromise them for excuses. I am so eager to love them. I'm praying that God will open the door beside me for Suzanne to come too. Where two or more are gathered...God, use me up for your glory...
Friday, June 12, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Divine Appointments
This has been an emotional day for me. As I have determined in my mind that the best place for me to serve God is in Knoxville's inner city, I have found myself grieving the loss of things I've yet to lose. I have examined my options and sought wise counsel. My conclusion is clear and my mind is at peace with this decision. My heart, on the other hand, is conflicted.
I had a wonderful $4 breakfast with Erica Pack at Webster's this morning, and I found myself overwhelmed with emotion...not for myself, but when I visualized the faces of the children who never hear anyone tell them, "I love you," "Your life has purpose," "You are fearfully and wonderfully made." No child should feel invisible. What could they do if they were given the tools to build their masterpieces? How can we, how can I equip them to change the world?
After meeting with Erica, I headed to Starbucks to meet with an old friend from college. This friend is dealing with the same sort of strugggle so many of us face...What does it mean to truly, authentically follow God? Intense conversation with a good listener and fellow learner.
Then to FBConcord to pick up the children from VBS. 2,000 kids...500+ volunteers...5 days...who knows how much time and money has been invested in this. I can't help but wonder what the return on investment is for this event. Is it worth it? One life changed forever? Twenty? Three hundred? How is value determined?
Reed and Rachel received some heart-breaking news last night. Today, they seem a little tentative, but curious, excited about some of the changes, and happy. I hope their parents continue to focus on their needs first.
Lots of folks to pray for and lots of pain around me. I am dealing with some very serious personal issues that I do not want to share here, but want to document for future reference. I know that God has a plan for me. How He will use my current situation for good, is something I cannot wait to see. Sometimes the pain is in proportion to the victory. This one should be good!
I had a wonderful $4 breakfast with Erica Pack at Webster's this morning, and I found myself overwhelmed with emotion...not for myself, but when I visualized the faces of the children who never hear anyone tell them, "I love you," "Your life has purpose," "You are fearfully and wonderfully made." No child should feel invisible. What could they do if they were given the tools to build their masterpieces? How can we, how can I equip them to change the world?
After meeting with Erica, I headed to Starbucks to meet with an old friend from college. This friend is dealing with the same sort of strugggle so many of us face...What does it mean to truly, authentically follow God? Intense conversation with a good listener and fellow learner.
Then to FBConcord to pick up the children from VBS. 2,000 kids...500+ volunteers...5 days...who knows how much time and money has been invested in this. I can't help but wonder what the return on investment is for this event. Is it worth it? One life changed forever? Twenty? Three hundred? How is value determined?
Reed and Rachel received some heart-breaking news last night. Today, they seem a little tentative, but curious, excited about some of the changes, and happy. I hope their parents continue to focus on their needs first.
Lots of folks to pray for and lots of pain around me. I am dealing with some very serious personal issues that I do not want to share here, but want to document for future reference. I know that God has a plan for me. How He will use my current situation for good, is something I cannot wait to see. Sometimes the pain is in proportion to the victory. This one should be good!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Crazy Love and Security Blankets
This has been one of the most gut-wrenching decisions I have had to make quite some time. I am asking myself questions like:
1. Do I trust God enough to let go of my security to see how He will use me in uncharted territory?
2. Can I back up my words with my actions?
3. Do I believe that God is at work in my life, and that His plans are far superior to my own?
4. How powerful is my pride? I have taught at WV for six years. I'm the Dept. Chair, sponsor of National Junior Honor Society, data team, and have a favorable reputation in the community. Are these accomplishments MY accomplishments? OR can I lay these at the feet of my Savior and offer them up to Him as thanks and praise for allowing me the opportunity to serve HIM, not myself, to the best of my ability?
5. Will I allow fear into my mind, or trust that God is true to His word?
6. Will I allow myself to be free to serve Him wherever He calls me without a backwards glance into what might have been?
7. Will I be grateful to have been given the opportunity to pour my life into children who might not have another person who cares about them or tells them they matter?
8. Will I live with a "Kingdom"mindset, or will I look for what is easy and convenient for me?
9. Will I miss the comforts of the familiar...my classroom, my view of the mountains, my brand-new activboard, my big closet, my, my, my...nothing was ever mine. Nothing.
10. Will I claim and live Jeremiah 29:11?
I have already seen first-hand how this choice influences my children. I was upset, emotional, in tears this afternoon when Addie noticed and got worried about me. I explained to her that the thought of children who have no one who loves them, takes care of them, and teaches them that they are fearfully and wonderfully made- my heart breaks for them.
I explained that I want to use my God-given gifts to meet a need in our community, even if it means I leave WVMS.
1. Do I trust God enough to let go of my security to see how He will use me in uncharted territory?
2. Can I back up my words with my actions?
3. Do I believe that God is at work in my life, and that His plans are far superior to my own?
4. How powerful is my pride? I have taught at WV for six years. I'm the Dept. Chair, sponsor of National Junior Honor Society, data team, and have a favorable reputation in the community. Are these accomplishments MY accomplishments? OR can I lay these at the feet of my Savior and offer them up to Him as thanks and praise for allowing me the opportunity to serve HIM, not myself, to the best of my ability?
5. Will I allow fear into my mind, or trust that God is true to His word?
6. Will I allow myself to be free to serve Him wherever He calls me without a backwards glance into what might have been?
7. Will I be grateful to have been given the opportunity to pour my life into children who might not have another person who cares about them or tells them they matter?
8. Will I live with a "Kingdom"mindset, or will I look for what is easy and convenient for me?
9. Will I miss the comforts of the familiar...my classroom, my view of the mountains, my brand-new activboard, my big closet, my, my, my...nothing was ever mine. Nothing.
10. Will I claim and live Jeremiah 29:11?
I have already seen first-hand how this choice influences my children. I was upset, emotional, in tears this afternoon when Addie noticed and got worried about me. I explained to her that the thought of children who have no one who loves them, takes care of them, and teaches them that they are fearfully and wonderfully made- my heart breaks for them.
I explained that I want to use my God-given gifts to meet a need in our community, even if it means I leave WVMS.
Friday, June 5, 2009
The Start of Something New
As I reflect on this past week, I am grateful and inspired. Tuesday was a turning point day for Reach Them to Teach Them as Ed, Theresa, Anthony, Kevin, Miles and I met with Cathy Ackermann and Amelia at Ackermann, PR for the purpose of sharing the history, present standing and future goals of Reach Them. I must confess to being impressed with the level of excellence set forth from the time we entered the building until we left three and a half hours later. After our intense meeting, Theresa and I had lunch with "James" on the patio at Aubrey's and shared some big dreams. We both feel as if we're on the verge of something so much bigger than ourselves.
Wednesday morning started early with an 8:30 meeting at the Knoxville News Sentinel with my new friend, Mary Lyle Hyatt and a young man who did great on his second day on the job. After this meeting, I drove across town to interview at Sarah Moore Green elementary school, but did not leave the interview feeling like that is where I need to be. Principal Yarbro was very kind and I enjoyed my time with her. I also had the opportunity to see Donna Howard for a few moments prior to the interview.
With about 30 minutes to spare before my lunch date, I dropped by Panera to check email and ran into Janice Halliday. She always has an encouraging word and a smile! I love that lady! Then it was off to Pimentos on Bearden Hill to sit at the feet of Hallerin Hill and learn the lessons his father taught him. Brickies have to have sticky to be functional and beautiful. The mortar between the bricks is the sticky. All successful people and organizations have plenty of sticky! Hallerin encouraged me to pursue Christian record producers in order to have a compilation album of "celebrity" songs honoring teachers who made a difference in their lives. Definitely something to "dream big" about...
Thursday and Friday were spent at UT-C with Drew and Billy Miller. More details later, but my baby boy is registered and ready for college in August! YIKES! Time literally flies!
Wednesday morning started early with an 8:30 meeting at the Knoxville News Sentinel with my new friend, Mary Lyle Hyatt and a young man who did great on his second day on the job. After this meeting, I drove across town to interview at Sarah Moore Green elementary school, but did not leave the interview feeling like that is where I need to be. Principal Yarbro was very kind and I enjoyed my time with her. I also had the opportunity to see Donna Howard for a few moments prior to the interview.
With about 30 minutes to spare before my lunch date, I dropped by Panera to check email and ran into Janice Halliday. She always has an encouraging word and a smile! I love that lady! Then it was off to Pimentos on Bearden Hill to sit at the feet of Hallerin Hill and learn the lessons his father taught him. Brickies have to have sticky to be functional and beautiful. The mortar between the bricks is the sticky. All successful people and organizations have plenty of sticky! Hallerin encouraged me to pursue Christian record producers in order to have a compilation album of "celebrity" songs honoring teachers who made a difference in their lives. Definitely something to "dream big" about...
Thursday and Friday were spent at UT-C with Drew and Billy Miller. More details later, but my baby boy is registered and ready for college in August! YIKES! Time literally flies!
Friday, May 29, 2009
For She's a Jolly Good Fellow...
At last I have a moment to pause and reflect on the wild and crazy day! We had Addie's birthday party this evening from 6-9pm. Tayler Allin, Kloee Keener, Morgan Grebe, Ashton Idles, Rachel Limpus, Reagan, Emily, Natalie Baine, and Lauren Rymer were present and accounted for! Super sweet girls!
We played games, sang songs, ate candy, pizza, hotdogs and drank lemonade, fruit punch, and diet Dr. Pepper. Chelcie painted faces and Drew juggled. The crowd was impressed and momma was proud of her brood.
Fortunately for Sam, his buddy, Reed, was able to hang out with him for the duration of the party. Reed's presence was a great way to keep Sam from feeling left out or annoying the girls. Matt was also an additional "guest" at the party, as he has a tendency to show up whenever the mood strikes him. Of course, we never know the impact we're having on Matt's life.
Addie had a blast and was a very well-mannered hostess. I was proud of the way she made her guests feel included and involved. Tom had chef duty and charred several of the hotdogs, so he financed a pizza run to Little Ceasar's for something that "didn't have any black on it."
James Keener came to pick up Kloee, but ending up doing quite a bit of "male bonding" with Tom as they discussed camping as an option for family fun.
Britt stayed around to hang with the boys and we took a journey down "memory lane" from the good ol' days when Farragut was awesome...before the "yankees" took over.
All in all, I believe it was a pretty good day. Pictures to follow as soon as I can locate my thingy...
We played games, sang songs, ate candy, pizza, hotdogs and drank lemonade, fruit punch, and diet Dr. Pepper. Chelcie painted faces and Drew juggled. The crowd was impressed and momma was proud of her brood.
Fortunately for Sam, his buddy, Reed, was able to hang out with him for the duration of the party. Reed's presence was a great way to keep Sam from feeling left out or annoying the girls. Matt was also an additional "guest" at the party, as he has a tendency to show up whenever the mood strikes him. Of course, we never know the impact we're having on Matt's life.
Addie had a blast and was a very well-mannered hostess. I was proud of the way she made her guests feel included and involved. Tom had chef duty and charred several of the hotdogs, so he financed a pizza run to Little Ceasar's for something that "didn't have any black on it."
James Keener came to pick up Kloee, but ending up doing quite a bit of "male bonding" with Tom as they discussed camping as an option for family fun.
Britt stayed around to hang with the boys and we took a journey down "memory lane" from the good ol' days when Farragut was awesome...before the "yankees" took over.
All in all, I believe it was a pretty good day. Pictures to follow as soon as I can locate my thingy...
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
National Junior Honor Society Induction "Speech"- 2009
Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!
You have brains in your head
You have feet in your shoes
You can now steer your team
any direction you choose!
You’re not on your own
We want to help out
So you won’t get frustrated,
Mad, or burned-out.
You’ll have options galore
There’ll be so much to choose
In NJHS,
There’s no way you can lose.
If you choose not to join us,
If you choose not to play,
What will happen from there
Oh my Dear, I can’t say!
Peer pressure is tough
So don’t stray off course
There are folks here to help you-
So don’t live with remorse-
Regretting and questioning
What might have been-
Your teachers, your parents and lots of your friends
Are here to give guidance, direction,
Inspiration, support
So you should avoid being taken to court! (GASP!)
Out there things can happen
And frequently do
Our teachers and students are depending on you.
You’re brainy, you’re wise
You are totally cool
And people like you
are needed in school.
SO, when things start to happen,
Don’t worry. Don’t stew.
Keep your standards high
‘Cause that’s what you do.
Oh! The places you’ll go!
You’ll be on your way up!
You’ll be seeing great sights!
You’ll join the high fliers
Who soar to great heights!
You WILL make a difference
When you try to succeed.
And student success, well,
That’s something we need.
But sometimes, they don’t.
Because sometimes, they won’t.
I’m sorry to say so, but sadly it’s true
That Bang-ups
And Hang-ups
Can happen to you
You can get all hung up
In a prickle-ly perch
And your grades might fall some,
You’ll be left in a Lurch.
You’ll come down from the Lurch
With an unpleasant bump
And chances are, then,
That you’ll be in a Slump.
And when you’re in a Slump
You’re not in for much fun
Un-slumping yourself
is not easily done
You will come to a place where the streets are not marked
Some windows are lighted, but mostly they’re darked.
Our Honor Society can show you the way
With leaders a’plenty with so much to say!
You’re the best of the best
We’ve searched far and wide
There’s nowhere in the school
That leaders can hide.
So…head back to your classes
Dream BIG and make plans It’s time for our audience to give you a hand.
You’re inducted tonight
You’re quite a success
The standards are high
We won’t settle for less
We have a great group,
We’ll have so much fun
But more important than that
There is work to be done!
There are students who need us
At the top of our game
Our teachers depend on us for their fame
The others are looking to us for what’s cool
We set the standard for an excellent school!
There’s safety in numbers
Together we’re stronger
So hang with my story
Just a little bit longer
Being alone whether you like it or not
Is something that students
Feel quite a lot
So whether you’re in Grade Seven or Eight,
Your hard work has paid off
And we know that you’re great!!
So start to set goals and,
Intend to go far
And solve all the world’s problems
Whatever they are!
There will be bumps in the road
We’ll occasionally falter
Like when your new girlfriend
Shows up in a halter! (GASP!)
Congratulations, Bravo, You’re so fine
As our NJHS Class of
Two thousand…and Nine!
With my apologies to the master...Dr. Seuss!
Amy K. Crawford
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!
You have brains in your head
You have feet in your shoes
You can now steer your team
any direction you choose!
You’re not on your own
We want to help out
So you won’t get frustrated,
Mad, or burned-out.
You’ll have options galore
There’ll be so much to choose
In NJHS,
There’s no way you can lose.
If you choose not to join us,
If you choose not to play,
What will happen from there
Oh my Dear, I can’t say!
Peer pressure is tough
So don’t stray off course
There are folks here to help you-
So don’t live with remorse-
Regretting and questioning
What might have been-
Your teachers, your parents and lots of your friends
Are here to give guidance, direction,
Inspiration, support
So you should avoid being taken to court! (GASP!)
Out there things can happen
And frequently do
Our teachers and students are depending on you.
You’re brainy, you’re wise
You are totally cool
And people like you
are needed in school.
SO, when things start to happen,
Don’t worry. Don’t stew.
Keep your standards high
‘Cause that’s what you do.
Oh! The places you’ll go!
You’ll be on your way up!
You’ll be seeing great sights!
You’ll join the high fliers
Who soar to great heights!
You WILL make a difference
When you try to succeed.
And student success, well,
That’s something we need.
But sometimes, they don’t.
Because sometimes, they won’t.
I’m sorry to say so, but sadly it’s true
That Bang-ups
And Hang-ups
Can happen to you
You can get all hung up
In a prickle-ly perch
And your grades might fall some,
You’ll be left in a Lurch.
You’ll come down from the Lurch
With an unpleasant bump
And chances are, then,
That you’ll be in a Slump.
And when you’re in a Slump
You’re not in for much fun
Un-slumping yourself
is not easily done
You will come to a place where the streets are not marked
Some windows are lighted, but mostly they’re darked.
Our Honor Society can show you the way
With leaders a’plenty with so much to say!
You’re the best of the best
We’ve searched far and wide
There’s nowhere in the school
That leaders can hide.
So…head back to your classes
Dream BIG and make plans It’s time for our audience to give you a hand.
You’re inducted tonight
You’re quite a success
The standards are high
We won’t settle for less
We have a great group,
We’ll have so much fun
But more important than that
There is work to be done!
There are students who need us
At the top of our game
Our teachers depend on us for their fame
The others are looking to us for what’s cool
We set the standard for an excellent school!
There’s safety in numbers
Together we’re stronger
So hang with my story
Just a little bit longer
Being alone whether you like it or not
Is something that students
Feel quite a lot
So whether you’re in Grade Seven or Eight,
Your hard work has paid off
And we know that you’re great!!
So start to set goals and,
Intend to go far
And solve all the world’s problems
Whatever they are!
There will be bumps in the road
We’ll occasionally falter
Like when your new girlfriend
Shows up in a halter! (GASP!)
Congratulations, Bravo, You’re so fine
As our NJHS Class of
Two thousand…and Nine!
With my apologies to the master...Dr. Seuss!
Amy K. Crawford
The First Two Days of Summer
Yesterday was my last "official" day at school. The end of the year seemed very anti-climactic. They never even announced the results from field day 2009 and it used to be such a big deal. Scotty wouldn't have stood for such a thing.
Sadly, my homeroom did not rise to my expectations this year as I had two athletic and talented young men decide to draw attention to themselves by losing on purpose (skipping during the track events...got the picture?). Let's just say that I was not amused in the least! In my six years of teaching 8th grade, I've never had a homeroom demonstrate such an extreme lack of sportsmanship and classlessness. If it hadn't been for the rest of my kids who sincerely tried, albeit reluctantly due to the stress of peer pressure, I would have march every one of them back into the classroom and they could LISTEN to the other classes having fun while they sat in silence. Yes, I was ticked in a major, major way. It's a shame too, because I loved those kids. Their behavior there at the end put a damper on the end of the year, and made for an awkward goodbye for the ones that acted like jerks. They tell me such is expected from middle schoolers, but I always expect more from mine.
Yesterday, I managed to get checked out on time, but have stacks and stacks of paperwork to organize once school starts in the fall. I need at least three days to get 'er done. Lunch was fun with Lisa, Kevin, Sherry, and Vickie. We went to Jason's Deli. I really love the folks I get to work with every day. I need to remind myself and them of how special they are to me.
Our principal recognized me at our end of the year staff meeting- this time, in a good way. The staff applauded for me and I started to feel the weight of speaking on behalf of teachers. We were told we'd have some classes of 35 kids next year. It seems like the expectations get higher and our working conditions get tougher. Eventually, something's gotta give! It would be nice for our teachers to be on the receiving end of a little sincere postive encouragement and recognition for a job well done, but it truly feels more oppresive..."This is what we're going to do, and it really doesn't matter what you have to say about it." This we know, but it would be nice to feel that our concerns have been heard.
Sam, Addie, Chelcie and I have been taking Marley for swims at Carl Cowan Park. She loves the water, but is still too unpredictable to make it a relaxing excursion. She needs that kind of exercise and freedom to run.
Sherry Storms treated us to lunch at Webster's today in honor of Katrina's 16th birthday! Yummy!
Sherry, Katrina, and I went for a long walk on Memorial Day then the entire Crawford family (that's right, ALL of us) went to the park for an impromtu picnic. We got a load of chicken from Kroger and ate by the parking lot before a huge storm blew in. Drew and I had fun playing tennis as he CLAIMS he can beat me now, but I contend that age and experience will still trump youth and athleticism. We have a rain delay on our "to be continued" tennis match.
Sadly, my homeroom did not rise to my expectations this year as I had two athletic and talented young men decide to draw attention to themselves by losing on purpose (skipping during the track events...got the picture?). Let's just say that I was not amused in the least! In my six years of teaching 8th grade, I've never had a homeroom demonstrate such an extreme lack of sportsmanship and classlessness. If it hadn't been for the rest of my kids who sincerely tried, albeit reluctantly due to the stress of peer pressure, I would have march every one of them back into the classroom and they could LISTEN to the other classes having fun while they sat in silence. Yes, I was ticked in a major, major way. It's a shame too, because I loved those kids. Their behavior there at the end put a damper on the end of the year, and made for an awkward goodbye for the ones that acted like jerks. They tell me such is expected from middle schoolers, but I always expect more from mine.
Yesterday, I managed to get checked out on time, but have stacks and stacks of paperwork to organize once school starts in the fall. I need at least three days to get 'er done. Lunch was fun with Lisa, Kevin, Sherry, and Vickie. We went to Jason's Deli. I really love the folks I get to work with every day. I need to remind myself and them of how special they are to me.
Our principal recognized me at our end of the year staff meeting- this time, in a good way. The staff applauded for me and I started to feel the weight of speaking on behalf of teachers. We were told we'd have some classes of 35 kids next year. It seems like the expectations get higher and our working conditions get tougher. Eventually, something's gotta give! It would be nice for our teachers to be on the receiving end of a little sincere postive encouragement and recognition for a job well done, but it truly feels more oppresive..."This is what we're going to do, and it really doesn't matter what you have to say about it." This we know, but it would be nice to feel that our concerns have been heard.
Sam, Addie, Chelcie and I have been taking Marley for swims at Carl Cowan Park. She loves the water, but is still too unpredictable to make it a relaxing excursion. She needs that kind of exercise and freedom to run.
Sherry Storms treated us to lunch at Webster's today in honor of Katrina's 16th birthday! Yummy!
Sherry, Katrina, and I went for a long walk on Memorial Day then the entire Crawford family (that's right, ALL of us) went to the park for an impromtu picnic. We got a load of chicken from Kroger and ate by the parking lot before a huge storm blew in. Drew and I had fun playing tennis as he CLAIMS he can beat me now, but I contend that age and experience will still trump youth and athleticism. We have a rain delay on our "to be continued" tennis match.
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