Ch-ch-ch-Changes

Well, that was a quick month. Lots of changes, lots of decisions to be made, and lots of fun! Here are the highlights as I remember them.

We had a Reach Them to Teach Them Board Meeting on June 11th. Things are progressing pretty well. We certainly have a lot more structure and organization to our meetings. Part of me really misses the old days of just sharing ideas and thinking about "What if..." Our team is strong and I'm encouraged every time I head into a meeting to see that they have come back.

Sam and Addie attended Vacation Bible School with Natalie, Lauren, and Bennett at First Baptist Concord. It was quite a production and the kids had a blast. I enjoyed seeing Dr. Wilson and several old friends I hadn't seen in a while. Part of me got a little nostalgic for "traditional" Baptist Church, and another part of me got a little sad. What could happen in our city if the resources that were used to produce VBS were reallocated to be the hands of Jesus to hurting people in our city? Many children made professions of faith and the gospel message was clearly shared with them, so I guess I'm torn. My emotions are similar to how I feel about teaching in suburban schools vs. inner city. Where can I (we) have the greater impact? There is no clear, definitive answer.

I had a great time meeting with my old friend Steve. Not coincidentally our conversation did not center on Reach Them as I had planned, but rather we talked about what it means to truly seek God... not church, not organized religion, but truly, deeply, intimately seek God. I enjoy learning from people who aren't afraid to think for themselves, then research, seek, and discover. That kind of thing fascinates me.

Friday morning at Panera was one of the week's highlights as usual. Suzanne, Sherry, Phil, and Lisa were there and we enjoyed debating the problems of the universe. We had them all solved by 10:30! Whenever I have the opportunity to be with my special group of friends, I am always better for it. Also, it feels so good to laugh.

Chelcie arrived home from Nicaragua on Sunday, and Sunday afternoon we had our small group meeting at Ed's lake house. Chelcie shared her pictures and video from her adventure in Central America and I felt a distinct rip of separation between myself and my baby girl. I wouldn't be surprised if she felt called to teach in a Nicaraguan orphanage someday. She has such a heart for the people there.

Sam was enrolled in Camp Invention the week of June 15-19 at Lotts. He had a great time taking apart a radio and building a "Robot Computer" who would bring my laptop to me whenever I needed it. Tuesday, June 16th, I spoke at Tom's Kiwanis Club and was thrilled to hear that they immediately voted to allocate $500 to Reach Them to Teach Them for 2009.

Tuesday's highlight was meeting my former "roommate" Jane Manning at Cracker Barrel for breakfast. Always so good to share time with friends. This time, I had an ulterior motive...I need HELP with ideas for teaching fourth grade! She graciously agreed to lend a hand and cautioned me to set the rules and procedures at the beginning of the year, not "as I go."

Wednesday, June 17. Oh, what a tragic day! The world lost a great man today. Our good friend, Dale Mayo, died unexpectedly at his house. I met with John Dinkens at Panera Bread to share the Reach Them story, then was headed down to Webster's to meet with Angela Gonda when Miles Creasman called to let me know. The rest of the day was a blur. I spent most of the day reflecting on the kind of man Dale was and praying for Gerda, Claire, and Rose. I'm still reeling from the loss.

Thursday morning, I headed to Maryville and by 8:15 I was in Dr. Terry Simpson's office preparing to meet with Maryville City Schools' Director, Stephanie Thompson. Ms. Thompson was completely supportive and agreed to encourage the Maryville City Schools' Staff to attend Reach Them to Teach Them, 2009.

My first tour of my digs was given to me by Laurie Griffin on Thursday. Laurie was a gracious hostess and introduced me to everyone who happened to be there. Every person I met was exceptionally friendly and welcoming. All said they loved teaching there and couldn't imagine teaching at another school. The prospect of all the changes in my near future is still unsettling, but I have no regrets...especially since I have heard nothing from my former principal or asst. principal...Just when you think you matter...you find out you don't. Still stings a little but looking forward to what's ahead.

Friday's highlight was Sam's Camp Invention Presentation and, of course, my Panera breakfast. More later...this one's getting too long! :)

Greater Things...

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...

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!

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.

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!

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...

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