It's Snow Wonder!

Hello Friends!!!

I write once again in a wonderful winter mood!

We received quite a few inches of snow last weekend, beginning on Thursday- and for some reason (which seems to be at odds with the winter depression phenomenon)... I find myself in very good spirits lately! This past Saturday I tromped (with the occasional frolick) through the snow, enjoying an afternoon of solidarity with nature. The grounds here and around the Red Cloud campus are quite conducive to establishing a peaceful state of mind.

I also have a scary winter story, for all those who enjoy the fact that I'm a bus driver. I must admit, on Thursday- I was NOT glad that I was a bus driver...in fact, I would have traded with just about any other position available, and here's why:

We had a normal winter day on Thursday- nothing particularly exciting to speak of, yet around 4pm it began to snow- but wait! First came the sleet. That's the unfortunate, yet necessary precursor to the winter conditions. Okay, so around 4:15 I receive a call at my office from Jenna, to say that we will be running after-school bus routes early, at 4:30 rather than 5:30. I am set to drive this particular day, so I do... I get the bus, and as the previous bus driver is returning late from his run, he hands me the keys and says, "Be careful, Emily, it's extremely slippery out there!" Well, great, I think to myself... my very first encounter with winter road conditions in a bus! So, as I ease out of my parking space and head to the Field House (to pick up the kids)...I realize the extend of 'slippery'- and it's not good!

The going is slow, with an occasional slippery stop- but the students are dropped off successfully, all until I enter the driveway of the 4th-to-last student to be dropped off. Actually, she made it home fine, it was the bus- as we tried to back out- which didn't fare so well. In the process of reversing, the bus takes a 90 degree turn (almost as if I were doing a 3-point turn, only without the 3-point turn...just ice). And so I sit perpendicular in the driveway for awhile, praying my little heart out... and some girls even get off the bus to see if pushing will help... no such luck with the back tires off the drive and in no way of catching grip. So- the brilliant Becky suggests that I turn my wheels a certain way and back up even further to get some grip....and sure enough- she was right! The bus trundled it's way back onto the pavement, and I was never as glad at that moment to actually BE ABLE to drive the bus. Whew, close call, God's goodness revealed. Definitely.

After that excitement, I realize that attempting to see the girls' first b-ball game in Kyle that same night is out of the question for me. So, I sit listening to the game on the radio- and they won! I am so proud of them, especially the girls I know well from weight lifting (who also happen to have received a good luck note with a granola bar attached from their weights teacher!) :) Thursday evening I also spent my time with three young kids, which is actually a treat for me, after being with high schoolers so much! It's not to say I prefer one above the other, just a variety of ages seems to best fit my personality. So, Bear, James, and Manny all ate dinner at the gray house, Manny beat me multiple times in different card games (despite the fact that his blessed 6 year-old self kept trying to help me win!)... And Erin and I drove home with them on icy roads- so, quite slowly in fact.

On Friday the school day was wonderful, and some friends and I ventured to Martin for the guys' first b-ball game of the season vs. Bennett County. The guys did really well, and I can tell the b-ball season fever has begun to infiltrate the veins of many students and faculty here. I am sure you will hear much more about the season as it unfolds.

On Sunday I brought John my housemate with me to the Episcopal church, and I again realized how grateful I am for this little church community. Robin is a friend of mine from church, and her weekly good cheer and questions always delight me and make me realize how much I appreciate simple kindness and smiles. I shall continue to read for them, in addition to possibly playing piano, if it works out that I am able to procure a keyboard of sorts over Christmas break... if you have any suggestions, I'm listening! :)

I think that's about it. And the time is drawing near for LNI, then Christmas break! Really only one week left of the first half (well, minus the 2 weeks once we return in January).... and I am feeling quite at peace here, enjoying simple conversations and such.

Oh, a few more happenings I forgot to mention. 1. I have no fruit this week, as a result of some misbehaviors occurring with smashing banana on the wall, etc.... 2. I am putting together (along with the student council) some poem and candy gifts for the faculty and students for Xmas... it's a pretty splendid little treat, really. :) 3. I will be having a student teacher next semester, for which I am really excited- and I was able to meet him yesterday. I think we'll get along well and have a great time exploring the policies of an effective weight room together. :)

Until next time, I wish you all a bit of God's joy- as you find it in various places.....

Much love, Emily