Blog 9 18 Aug 2015

Back to School Next Week!

As the start of school draws closer, I am spending more time in my office and classroom.  One morning this week was spent going over plans and procedures.  So, I guess that was our in-service meeting.  Jenny's lunch definitely topped any Subway catering I have enjoyed at previous Christian School in service meetings, though.Those of you familiar with the ACE program know that also means PACE orders!  Then, of course, all of the regular back-to-school excitement of cleaning, polishing, and all-around readying goes on as well!

Interesting Tidbit: One young lady Serah who lives too far away to attend the Christian school has started learning English from me in Sunday afternoon tutoring sessions.  Her grandmother is Hermana Rosalinda, my friend from choir.

Trip to the Border! part 3

Two weeks ago, Jenny and I drove to the border for the sole purpose of "legalizing" my vehicle. Previously, I have told about starting my car and getting it inspected. I was just turned away from  the Texas department of Safety and denied an application for a driver's license because I had failed to first register my vehicle . . .

Here is the list of items I was given to bring back the next day:

1. Passport

2. Driver's License from previous state

3. Social Security Card or W-2 with my SS# on it
4. Proof of vehicle registration
5. Proof of vehicle inspection
6. Proof of insurance 

When I questioned the necessity of all three forms of identification, the lady asked if I had a passport.
"Yes."
"Do you have a driver's license?"
"Yes."
"Do you have a SS card?"
"Yes."
"So, what is the problem?"  
Ugh!

So, of course I messaged Jenny to come and get me.  What luck that it was only 5:10 pm and the registration office was open until 5:30!  Knowing I could not complete the process, but hoping at least to get the proper forms to fill in and return as soon as they opened the next day, we hurried over.

Well ... the office to which we had received directions from two separate people had moved!  There was no sign as to where or even a phone number.  I was a little discouraged.  We had arrived to switch vehicles before lunch, yet had accomplished nothing but the inspection!  Later that evening, we googled, checked the phone book, and finally found the correct address. With plans to arrive as soon as the doors opened in the morning,

Jenny and I went shopping ...

At 8:10 am the next morning, Jenny dropped me off at the tax office, where thankfully, I could pay the taxes due and get my registration and license plate.  The first thing I noticed was a large plaque stating that those who did not have the correct paperwork should first go to the information desk.  Unable to see a sign for the information desk, I approached a lady to ask where it was located.

"Excuse me, could you ..."

"You have to wait in line."

"Yes, ma'am, but I  . . ."

"You have to wait in line!"

"But, you, see, I . . "

YOU HAVE TO WAIT IN LINE!!"

In an effort to diffuse the situation, I said, all in one breath, loudly and quickly, in a sing-song voice, sticking my head through her window:

"I-do not-have-any-paperwork-please-could-you-direct-me-to-the-information-desk?"

The lady of course laughed at me and then informed me that they had not had an information desk for over two years, and I was the first person she had known of that had actually read that sign.

I had to wait in line for the paperwork, fill it out, then wait in line again.  The second time, the lady said that she did not realize I was changing states so she gave me another form and sent me back to the end of the line.  Though I was not happy, I feel that my blood pressure was still only slightly elevated at this time.  It is now 9:20 am.

Now, the third time to speak with the same person just to get paperwork, I think I am finally done.  But, if you know me at all, you know that this is only the beginning.  

"Ma'am, which vehicle will you be registering today?"

"1998 Infiniti QX4."

"Do you have your title and registration for that vehicle?"

{somewhat irritated} "I just gave it to you."

"No ma'am; this is for your 1997 Chevy Venture.  Did you want to go ahead and register both vehicles today?"

And don't forget, I still have yet to return to the Department of Safety to apply for a driver's license.

I I arrived at the tax office at 8:10 am: it is now 9:45 am
& it is all I can do not to burst into tears.  I am certain my blood pressure is now dangerously elevated.

(to be continued . . . )

Ladies' Soulwinning! (still the silent partner)

Mrs. Carrie Suhl was my partner this week.  I realize that some of you reading this blog attend churches that send regular support to Mrs. Carrie.  She is an incredible lady, a faithful soulwinner, and a good friend.  One of the two ladies she led to the Lord was also celebrating her physical birthday, so now she has two birthdays on same date.  Thirteen ladies attended soulwinning.  The eight in Mrs. Carrie's van led five souls to Christ.
To help with follow-up efforts, each bus captain will be given an opportunity to turn in a street for the soulwinning group to visit.  He will receive the decision cards the next morning in Bus Meeting.

Soulwinning Related Story:

While running errands one day this week, one of my shoes broke (the sole just came off).  We happened to be only a few blocks from the shoe repairman, so we went to ask him to fix it.  When he was all done, Jenny thanked him, asked him how much we owed, and handed him a tract. He looked at the tract and handed it back.  He said he already had one of those and went on to tell us that Mrs. Brenda had previously won him to the Lord! 
*Also, he said since it was just a "quick fix" on the shoe; no charge until we bring it in for the proper repairs!

Church Highlight:

This group of young people (accompanied by a few adults) recently sang the special on a Sunday night.  I commend their practice time and willingness to use their talents for the Lord.  

New Food of the Week:

Chili Relleno

This is a stuffed jalapeno pepper.  They are served with various meats or cheeses.  You see I also chose cactus with my meal and a glass of Jamaica tea.

Jenny also treated me to an agua de pina this week!

Language Update:

I am doing better with my pronunciation, but no fear yet of developing an actual Latino accent!  Please continue to pray for me regarding my learning of the language.

8 Reasons I Enjoy Having the Twins Visit My House:

1. They obey. They are only 3, so they need reminders to share and have good manners, but they genuinely obey.

2. They want to help. They carry things for me and help keep my yard clean.  They clean up their own messes (which sometimes makes a bigger mess for Aunt Emily, but that's OK).

3. Everything is exciting! Whenever they see their Aunt Emily, or their Granny and Papa, or anyone they love, they run and give them a big hug! They enjoy soccer and frisbee outside; they enjoy painting and crafts; they enjoy building blocks and board games. Whatever I get out to do with them, they enjoy. 

4. They love to read! OK, they love being read to. But Tommy thinks he can read already because he has many of the pages memorized.

5. They give me an excuse to watch Sesame Street. (The original, educational, ones) Jonathan loves Ernie :)

6. They think I am smart.  Or, at least they must, because they ask what everything is, what it does, how it works, and why I have one.

7. Keeping them for any length of time results in a home-cooked meal from their parents.

8. I love Jonathan and Tommy.  And I love that they love me.  I love being their Aunt Emmy.

Craft Time!

T & J love painting!

A Emmy can't tell us apart when Mama dresses us alike.

These paint and assemble race cars took two sessions and came with stickers!  Even more fun!  We have been doing these and playing outside on Saturday mornings while Dad (Jon) is on his new Bus Route and Mom (Jenny) has some one-on one time with new baby brother (Lucas).

Prayer Requests:

1. Please pray for me to quickly learn the language.
2. Please pray for all of the teachers as school starts.
3. Please pray also for the 14 students (PreK-9th)