December already! Time just seems to fly by. I have had some good times, some frustrating times, and some very stressful times since my last post. I included this picture, because I actually got to go to a live Oilers game! It's been waaaaaay too long, and I have missed the excitement of live hockey. This year I have an amazing student assistant who works in my classroom with a little one with Downs syndrome. She had an extra ticket, and asked me to come with her. We had a riot, complete with Tim's coffee, a winning goal with 28 seconds left by the boy wonder Taylor Hall, a tremendous laugh due to the smooch cam at Rexall Place, and lots of great conversation. Thanks, Liane!
Parent-teacher interviews went really well, and I enjoyed meeting some incredible people, and reacquainting myself with some parents whose older children I had taught. I love my class!
This past weekend, John and Tam came to LLB for the church Christmas banquet as my guests. We had lots of fun, complete with MarioKart, gluten-free pretzels (which are delicious), and I just enjoyed their company. However, the banquet reminded me of 6 years ago, when a particular liar accompanied me. After 6 years, the pain has dulled, but it is still there. I will probably always hurt when I think about Bob's betrayal. I am so thankful for the wonderful friends and family who stood by me during that extremely difficult time, and who still stand by me. I am so thankful for Pastor Michael, and Pastor Fish. Forgiveness has freed me; I am not defined by that situation, but by who I am as a child of God.
I am looking forward to what God has for me in the new year. :)
Lois
