A little encouragement can make a big difference

I just realised that it's over a week since I posted, but it's been a quiet one. Well, relatively speaking. One of the tasks I wanted to do this trip was to put together all (or most anyway) of the notes and cards I've received from students, and parents, and even colleagues over my first 3 1/2 years of teaching. I am pleased to say that I have actually completed this task! Hooray! I also had some end of year "memory" sheets from each of my classes, and while I'd put the first class together, with photos of the students, I still had 2 years to do, and some cover pages to put together. Yep, that task is also off the things to do list.

Over those 3 1/2 years I've received a number of notes and e-mails from parents thanking me for the input I've had into their children's lives. God's timing has often been apparent when I've received a note from a parent or a student when I've been going through a tough time. Usually there's been no way of the writer knowing what was going on in my life, but their encouragement has come at a time when I really needed encouragement. So, if you are a parent reading this, and you are seeing growth in your child's life, and you know that a teacher has helped with this, drop the teacher a note! A little bit of encouragement can go a long way. Actually, as I think about this, don't limit yourself to teachers. Is there someone in your life who has done something that has helped or encouraged you? Is there someone who gave you a smile when life was tough? Is there someone you appreciate just because of who they are? Drop them a note. Send an e-mail. Even send a text message to their mobile phone. It's amazing how a few words of encouragement can brighten an ordinary or even bleak day!

Apart from that, I also managed a trip to the Coffs Harbour Jetty for a fish'n'chips lunch and walk with Mum, and some more shopping. On Saturday my sister & her husband arrived for a visit since I wasn't going to be able to make the trip to Muswellbrook this time. It was good to see them again, and catch up. On Sunday morning we all enjoyed worship at Boambee Community Baptist Church, and then I headed back to Mum's to pack for the trip to Toowoomba. Having a car for the trip meant that I could bring some of the things Mum has passed on to me since Dad died up to put into storage with the rest of my belongings, helping to give Mum back a little of the storage space I'd been slowly taking over in the spare room.

I enjoyed the drive up to Toowoomba, although it took a little longer than I expected. I know I drove a little more slowly than I might have in the past, particularly with the threat of double demerit points if pulled over by the police for anything.

Today I remembered that I had no present for the 5 year old whose birthday party I had been invited to attend, so I went to my local Christian bookstore, which just happened to be open, and spent way too much time there, but found some great resources (as well as a great book & card for the 5 year old). Leaving that event, I decided to call in on some friends from my home church who I have missed a lot while in Cambodia. I ended up being there for about 5 hours, but it was a great time to catch up. There has been a lot happen in both their lives and mine over the last 3 1/2 years, and while we keep in touch, there's something about spending time with friends that Skype & e-mails & Facebook just can't compete with. Thanks D & A.