September

September marked the beginning of another school year and I am working with another set of elementary schools wishing to have a K-2 Nurturing Scholars Program. Basically, I train teachers with strategies to help foster higher level thinking in young children. It is very rewarding and with a few exceptions, the teachers are excited to be participating in the program. I work almost every day anywhere from 2 hours to 8 hours. The sites are all over the city, so my car gets lots of mileage. My home base is still Cabrillo Elementary. I love the staff there and continue to admire the work the teachers are doing. Now that I am gone I am able to step back and see the extraordinary work they are doing for children. I take groups of teachers going through the training process on a tour of Cabrillo's hallways to see samples of student work and they are so impressed and inspired.

I am also working with 2 middle school sites offering training and small group planning in the humanities. This really stretches me as I am a primary teacher. I love the work even though I get a little anxious at times.

This September I also was "nudged" or given the opportunity to lead a women's bible study on Wednesday nights at our church (Clairemont Covenant). This was a huge step for me as I had never done anything like it and I certainly am no bible expert. We started with 12 ladies and used a little workbook put out by InterVarsity Press. One of the challenges was the blending of three distinct groups...a group led by our pastor's wife who had moved on to teach a couples study with the pastor...a book study led by another woman in the congregation who wanted to take a little break...and new folks to the concept of adult bible study or new to the church. The two previous groups consisted of gals who had been together for 3 years or more. Integrating the three groups was the most challenging to me. As humans we tend to migrate to the comfort of those we know and I needed to form one cohesive new group. I'll jump ahead a few months to just say that I think we have accomplished that goal.

I am very blessed to have these opportunities.