They Call Me Teacher

Ms. Pruitt, will you tie my shoe? Ms. Pruitt, can I go to the bathroom? Ms. Pruitt, I’m hot. Can we go inside now? Ms. Pruitt, there’s #2 on the floor. (yes, seriously!) Ms. Pruitt, I love you.

I love the questions children ask and the comments they make! It doesn’t get old. Everyday is a new opportunity to be amused. I’ve had so many people tell me to keep a journal of all the crazy things kids say, which I plan to do. I also thought it might be fun to share some of them with you. So far nothing extremely entertaining has been said, but I did have a girl make a funny comment today. As we were playing outside on the playground, one cute little girl was complaining to me about how hot is was. While she was asking if we could go inside another girl came up to me and said, “Ms. Pruitt, I wanna be cold.” Hahah. I just kinda laughed. I loved her way of telling me she was hot. I may be easily amused, but it made my day.

Why can’t you plan for the unexpected??

(big sigh)

I am so tired. Sorry I haven’t updated in a while (yes, that is intended for you Josh), but it has just been one of those weeks. You know, the kind where no matter how organized you are or how many lists you make, things keep popping up! My favorite was when I was on my way to an impromptu meeting on my lunch break yesterday and got pulled over by a cop. Seriously?!? I went through a checklist in my head. I wasn’t speeding. I didn’t run a red light. My seatbelt was on. Oh no, was that a no right on red intersection? No, definitely not. What the heck did I do?!? I calmly pulled over, rolled down my window and waited on the officer. “Did you know your right headlight is out?” Well, um, NO…it’s broad daylight!!! Okay, so maybe those were not my exact words, but I definitely thought that. He tells me the ticket won’t cost anything, yet takes my license and goes to his car. As I attempted to wait patiently (while checking my watch since I was on my way to a meeting), he proceeded to take his time. He returns with a ticket (wait…what??) and tells me that I have 72 hours to get a new bulb, have it installed, find a cop, and then get the cop to sign the ticket and remove the warning so that I avoid a fee. Ugh…that was like three things added to my to-do list!! Not to mention the last time I got a headlight changed the people at Autozone didn’t even know how to do it! Some rando from the parking lot offered to do it for me. Anyway, crisis averted. I bought the bulb and changed it myself (kudos to me!). Now I just need to track down a pesky cop. Of course, they’re probably never around when you NEED to see one.

Jehovah Jireh

I am eating my words right now…and they taste so good! I said in my previous blog that I didn’t think I would get the job at Cornerstone. Well, I got it!! I am excited beyond words! I don’t think my body is capable of processing the excitement and million other emotions I feel right now. I’m definitely in denial. It seems too good to be true. At any moment I fear getting a call from the school saying, “Sorry, we’ve had a change of heart.” Everything has worked out way more perfect than I could have ever imagined, and there is no one to thank but my Heavenly Father, Provider, Protector, and Friend! He is far better than I deserve and I am so thankful He is. His ways are definitely not my own and I am grateful for that too! Since my words cannot do justice, I give up and leave you with our Father’s words:

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, 
neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, 
so are my ways higher than your ways 
and my thoughts than your thoughts.” -Isaiah 55:8-9

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” -Romans 8:28

I love this crazy tragic, sometimes almost magic, awful, beautiful life

So much has happened lately! Okay, maybe not so much in actuality, but definitely in possibility. The past week has been filled with realizations, confirmations, and excitement about the future. As you know, I am in school working towards obtaining my masters degree in elementary education. I am almost finished with the program and am so excited to become a teacher! I can’t wait to have my own class of little kids running around! Well, maybe not running around, although I do want to teach kindergarten, so running around will most likely be involved. Sorry! I get on tangents. Anyway…as you probably know, I also have a passion for urban ministries and hope to have a job opportunity one day that combines my loves. Since moving to Birmingham I have been working with a school in Woodlawn that has captured my heart. Through volunteering with this school in different capacities I have come to respect the work they are doing to make God’s name greater and these children’s futures brighter. Last week it occurred to me that as a friend of mine is leaving her position there, they will need someone to fill it. I inquired and have an interview tomorrow. I am writing about this because I know God is going to use this experience in some way and I want to have it in writing. I may not get the job. In fact, I probably won’t, but God has used this experience to confirm in me that this is my passion, my gift. This is the purpose He has intended me for. I am doing His will and it feels so good. Don’t misunderstand me, I would love to get this job, but no matter what happens tomorrow I have had so many positive things come out of this experience already. I know I want to work with this school, or one very similar one day. I have made the decision to stay in Birmingham for my student teaching. AND I was reminded, yet again, of God’s amazing ability to take my seemingly hopeless circumstances and floor me with His goodness, love and faithfulness.

Thursday's Thoughts/Tangents

It's been a loooong week and I am so glad I can almost say TGIF! Not only is it a long weekend, but it is the opening weekend of football season (does "opening" apply to sports or only to hunting seasons...oh well, I'm a girl so I think I get a pass). Woot woot for Auburn football!!!

War Eagle!

I am so excited to sit in Jordan-Hare with my "family" and cheer on my alma mater! The chill bumps I get on my arms during the pre-game video are...well, titillating. I hate that word, but it's kinda fitting.

As you probably know (if you actually know me), I have quite a few friends that are Alabama fans. I know, I know. Why, right? Just kidding. I love you guys! Seriously though, I have deliberated over what I should do about this. I could choose to shun the majority of my friends for four months out of the year...but that may get lonely. I could talk a bunch of smack, but then that would make me one of those annoying fans I don't like, so that's no good. Plus I'm no good at the smack talk thing. That really only leaves me with one option. Learn to be tolerable. hmmmm. Am I ready for such a mature act? We shall see! I have developed a twelve step program (not really, but it sounds prudent) and the first step requires me to discontinue any negative comments I may wish to make regarding The U of A, the words "roll tide" (it was really hard to type that btw), the color crimson, the houndstooth design, Bear Bryant, or Nick Saban. Okay, maybe not Nick Saban...let's not go overboard. This may take me the entire season to accomplish, but I will try. I need you to keep me accountable but also extend some grace. Remember, this has been a difficult decision.

And more than ever....

"I believe in Auburn and love it!"

For You

Won't you take this cup from me

Cause fear has stolen all my sleep

If tomorrow means my death

I pray you'll save their souls with it

Let the songs i sing

Bring joy to you

Let the words i say profess my love

Let the notes i choose

Be your favorite tune

Father let my heart be after you

In this hour of doubt i see

But who i am is not just me

So give me strength to die myself

So love can live to tell the tale

Let the songs i sing

Bring joy to you

Let the words i say profess my love

Let the notes i choose

Be your favorite tune

Father let my heart be after you

-NEEDTOBREATHE