The Refugee Crisis

I have been particularly bothered this week by the recent announcement that Tennessee, along with 25 other states, will refuse to allow Syrian refugees enter. 

For one, I am bothered because many of the students I counsel and teach are refugees and immigrants. By and large, the refugees and immigrants are the well-behaved, driven students that do not cause problems. From an academic perspective, they are the ones who are incredibly motivated and dedicated to learning and creating a better life for themselves. From a counseling perspective, they are the ones who have seen horrific scenes and dealt with losses that I would not wish upon anyone. But these kids are the ones fortunate enough to have made it out, to have been taken in by America. They also happen to be some of my favorites.

While thinking about this situation, this verse from Matthew continually came to my mind. As a believer, I do not feel peace about turning thousands of people away. I realize that safety is an issue, but it seems completely unfair to turn away tens of thousands of endangered people based on the actions of a few. And The Bible does not say that you fed the hungry, when it was convenient for you.  Or cared for the sick, when there was zero risk of you catching the sickness that they had contracted. It simply says that the love shown for the least of these is love shown for Jesus Christ.

I will admit, I have been annoyed by the Facebook rants about this situation. I just do not think Facebook is the appropriate platform for political debates, but I came across this article that was posted by a friend who I respect, who also happens to have spent a great deal of time in the middle east. Having personally seen the atrociousness of the concentration camps after the fact, I cannot imagine that anyone in their right mind would have kept these people there instead of letting them come to the U.S.

 So, not that that anyone who makes decisions will read this, but I want to be able to say that I did everything I could do for the least of these. Don't you?!

xoxo

#prayforparis

My heart is breaking...

For a city that I have grown to adore. 

For a city that took an acquired taste.

For a city full of fond memories.

For a city representing a time that I miss.

For a city that has seen undeserving hate.

For a city that is always known for love...

Pray for Paris.

Xoxo

Costa Rica Dreamin'

Last week, I was zip lining through the rain forest and stopping mid rafting trip to be served fresh fruit on the bottom of a boat.

This week, I am scrambling to throw snacks in my school bag as I rush out the door for work. The times change fast and I am learning to embrace every stage, knowing I will soon be on to the next thing. But its hard not to miss this dreamy Costa Rica life.

xoxo

A Weekend in The District

The past few days have been a wonderful whirlwind. Like I told a friend last night, "I just do not think feeling rested is in the cards for us right now, so we may as well have fun!" And this weekend was plenty of fun, indeed.

First of all, I love the city of DC. I have visited a good bit in recent years and it never ceases to amaze.

Second of all, having the whole family in one place (despite the fact that I am perpetually 9th wheel these days….) is always a recipe for a great time.

 

Of course, I cannot leave out the purpose of the whole gathering, which was the wedding of my cousin Carlton and Ian!

The wedding was lovely, but the entire weekend was planned to perfection. This Bloody Mary bar at brunch pretty much sums up how pristine and delicious every meal tasted.

Our best friends in the entire world now live in DC, and any time spent with the Campbell clan is time well spent.

 

Just a few snaps never sum up the hilarious moments, meaningful conversations, and precious time spent together. Here is a mix of pictures that try to capture little tidbits like my 89 year old grandmother's killer dance moves or last minute DC purchases like Jonny's British socks.

I feel full and rejuvenated after the weekend in DC!

xoxo

Fall is Finally Here...

The breezes are finally getting cooler and the leaves are starting to turn every hue of the sunset, but it has strangely felt like Fall for a while. With the kids coming to school at the start of August, it felt like I said goodbye to summer so long ago. So it seems only fitting that it finally feels like fall. The busyness of fall certainly set in a long time ago. I am glad the weather and football has finally made its way into my life.

After work today, my mom and I stumbled upon a cute little apple festival going on at the local farmers market. And this fun photo booth was a part of it.

Another perk of fall that I absolutely adore is wearing flannels. Last night was my (actually it was Rita's…) debut flannel wearing for the season. And this adorable puppy is another thing I adore.

Happy Fall!

xoxo

Exquisite Alabama

Alabama has been getting bad press lately, but I had the most lovely, refreshing time there these past few days. Smith Lake did not disappoint, nor did the beautiful countryside on the trip down and back.

That picture speaks for itself, and it was just one of many breath taking sights as we glanced out from the cozy porch or delicious meals we were enjoying at The Crane's Nest.

Along with the beauty of the place, I had plenty of fun with two of my best friends, Emily and Bizzell. With the busyness of school in full swing and the stress of a new job, I was wavering on whether or not I needed to be taking a weekend trip. But I cannot express how grateful I was to have spent the weekend relaxing with these friends!

As for laughter and exercise, this activity filled my quota for both.

Just some simple three person paddle boarding…

With a few natural spills off the board...

And one good, old belly flop!

It truly was a luxurious, rejuvenating, Alabama weekend!

xoxo

The Working Life

I hate that I am turning into one of those people that lives for the weekend. Its not that I do not enjoy my job, it is just heavy and busy and taxing. I have fifth graders that cannot read the simplest sentences. I have seventh grade refugees that sit in school for 8 hours a day not understanding a single word. I have ninth graders that cannot spell the word "rape", but they know that they have been victims of it.

  And its not all bad. I walk in every morning to adorable smiling faces. I love seeing the English Language Learners light up when I speak to them in Spanish. I have read incredibly insightful poems written by my freshman this week. 

But all that to say, it does feel like I am just "powering through" the weeks to catch up on sleep, rejuvenate, and squeeze in some social interactions when the weekends roll around. I hope that will ease as time goes on.

Meanwhile, I am clinging to this truth.

xoxo