So, instead of updating in two or three weeks, we waited about a month and a half...cool.

Unfortunately this post is not a joyful post. We need your prayers. I know alot of you have heard bits and pieces of the story, so here's the whole scoop.

Kyle had the flu at the beginning of March. Since then Kyle has lost about 30 lbs, has been thirsty constantly, and has had regular leg cramps. I didn't think anything was wrong at first...(I know...the thing the nurses keep asking is "How can he lose 30lbs and you don't suspect a problem?! Hindsight is 20-20). But by the beginning of June we were beginning to worry. So we made an appointment for him on Monday (July 6th) with a family doctor. At that appointment we requested that Kyle be tested for diabetes. I had done some research and realized that the symptoms he was having lined up with diabetes, and I knew he had a family history of both types of diabetes.

The doctor sent us to have blood work in another part of the building. After that, Kyle went home and I went to work. That afternoon I received a phone call from the doctor saying that the initial blood test indicated diabetes. He had me contact his nurse to set up an appointment with an Endocrinologist. That appointment is August 10 (long time). In the meantime, we were sent to the diabetes center, which is a branch of a major hospital down here. At the diabetes center we met with a nurse who told us every bad thing that could happen. She also tested kyle's blood glucose level and found it to be 324. 80-110 is normal. She taught us about eating correctly and how to check blood glucose daily. By the time we left, we were discouraged and concerned...

This morning we met with the dietitian at the diabetes center. She taught us more about nutrition and helped us understand meal planning, etc. We definitely felt better after the meeting with her.

Next we dropped by the church. You see, Kyle was supposed to leave for Jamaica tomorrow (Friday) morning. He has over 60 Bibles and arts and crafts that are supposed to go to Jamaica. Every doctor and nurse we have spoken with said that the trip is a bad idea. So we are trying to figure out how to get the stuff there, and how to cancel his plane ticket, and possibly get the money back.

Ok...then we went to the family doctor again to get a prescription. We were told it would be a prescription for a pill which treats type II diabetes. However, when we arrived, the doctor called us back to a room and told us that after receiving more blood test results, he was convinced that Kyle has type I diabetes. THEREFORE, Kyle is now taking insulin shots once daily. This could increase, but right now we are on a trial and error basis to find out how high of a dosage he needs.

Sooooo then we went back to the diabetes center to learn how to give the shot.

After that crazy day, we went back to church, where the incredible office staff had sorted out the mission trip fiasco, then home to eat and make a shopping list, then to Wal-Mart to completely restock our pantry and fridge. Kyle took his first insulin shot a little while ago. We checked his glucose level right before the shot, and it was the highest we've seen...434. That was discouraging, because we followed allll the rules in planning supper. However, the blood sugar is going to go up and down and cycle for a while...so we are trying to keep our chins up.

Praises:

Kyle is not in the hospital!!

We got the plane tickets credited for future use!!

Our insurance company is ALOT better than we thought!

The diabetes center is allowing Kyle to participate in $300 classes for FREE!!

We have each other!

WE SERVE A POWERFUL GOD WHO HAS PERFECT TIMING!!

Prayer:

That Kyle will manage his diabetes successfully and live a LONG healthy life.

That Becca will learn nutrition facts quickly and be able to feed Kyle correctly.

That we will continually feel God's comfort through this process.

That God's name would be glorified through our lives.

We love all of you and appreciate prayers and encouragement!

Summer is here!

Wow, it has been a VERY long time since we updated the blog!  Life definitely got in the way.  Hopefully things will slow down for a while, now that summer is here.  Kyle is finished with his third year of Seminary.  He has one assignment that is due on Tuesday for a workshop he took in March.  I will be finished with my first year of teaching tomorrow.  Isn't that strange that the last day of school is Memorial Day?  

I can't believe I survived my first year.  I got another new student in April, so I ended the year with 32 children in my class.  What a ride it has been.  I have seen things I thought I'd never see, said things I thought I'd never say.  It is incredible how pressure from testing can affect teaching style and student learning.  Speaking of testing, it looks like I will have a small class next year.  Many of the 4th grade students failed the big test, which means they also fail 4th grade.  As of now, I'll have between 15 and 20 students in my class next year!  I'm trying to keep a level head and not get too excited, haha.

You know, if I had it all to do over again, I would still take this same job at this same school.  Even knowing what a huge class I would have, even knowing the crazy number of fights I would break up, even knowing the disrespect I would endure from time to time.  I can't help but love my job.

I love my job because one of my students came to me hating reading.  After I read the book Hatchet with the class??  HE LOVES TO READ!  He is constantly looking for another book to read!  I love my job because one of my students came to me and she could barely multiply.  In two minutes, she could only answer about 5 multiplication facts.  But now?  After about 2 weeks of math intervention and timed tests where she tracks her own score, she can do over 50 problems in two minutes! 

It is amazing what these kids have accomplished.  I wish I had more time with them...there's so much more I want to say.

Don't get me wrong, though.  I need a vacation!

Kyle and I will be celebrating our one year anniversary next weekend!!!  This year has flown!  We are driving to Dallas to stay in a cabin bed and breakfast for a few days.  While we are there we are going to a Rangers baseball game.  Then we will head up to Keyes, Oklahoma to visit Kyle's Granny and Gramps!  I'm quite excited.  I've never been to Oklahoma!  We are hoping to visit Kyle's Grandma and Grandpa on the way home later in the week. 

Then in June we are headed to Jacksonville for a small "family reunion" with my mom's family.  We have rented a house on the beach.  Kyle and I can only go for a weekend, but we are looking forward to seeing everyone!

At the very end of June we will drive to Birmingham to spend a couple of days, and then (hopefully) stop in Hopkinsville, Kentucky to visit Mistie and Randy Shoemaker!  After that we head up to the Washington DC area to visit friends and tour the capitol!!!  

Immediately after we arrive back home in New Orleans, Kyle will repack his bags and drive to a camp in Mississippi to hang out with the kids from our church.  He will be home for one night after camp before flying to Jamaica for a mission trip with the church.

Our last trip of the summer will be at the end of July or beginning of August.  We are hoping to visit Kayla, Kyle's youngest sister, at Crier Creek!  I spent three summers working at Crier Creek while I was in college.  The camp is beautiful, and I miss it so very much!  I can't wait to see it and to visit Kayla for a couple of days!

It is going to be a whirlwind summer, but hopefully restful as well.  I will attend Montessori training daily for 6 weeks.  Don't worry, I'm thankful for the extra paycheck and the reason to stay busy!  

I will try to update again in a week or so!!

School has been out for a couple of days now, and I have finally caught up on my sleep! The three weeks between Thanksgiving Break and Christmas Break were wild.The first week after Turkey day was supposed to be our first class field trip. I spent quite a bit of time and energy planning the trip, only to find out THE DAY BEFORE that the trip had to be canceled because it was "too far away." I was a little frustrated. However, I knew that we had another field trip the following week that would soften the blow a bit. The kids were disappointed, but they didn't tie me up and gag me like I was afraid...hahha:)

The rest of that week passed without too much madness. Week two between the breaks was totally crazy. We took a field trip on Wednesday to a Cabildo (it's like an art history museum) in the French Quarter. If you have ever been to the French Quarter, the Cabildo is directly to the left of St. Louis Cathedral. This part of the trip was interesting, but most of my students enjoyed the unplanned part of the field trip more. After a quick lunch, we ventured into the cathedral. It was incredible! The ceiling is painted, there are candles everywhere....It was like nothing I had seen before...and it was definitely nothing my students had seen before. They were totally silent, completely in awe of the beauty of the place. We found someone to give us some information about the cathedral. After that, it was time to head for the bus. On our way there, a couple of street musicians called out to us and taught the kids a song. We sang and sang and then sang some more. We were standing in freezing rain, but every one of the students wore a huge smile the rest of the day.

Thursday of that week, I left for school around 6:45am. The streets were dry, but low clouds filled the sky. I remember looking at the sky and thinking, "If I didn't know better, I would think those looked like snow clouds....but not in New Orleans." I pulled up to the school and got busy preparing for the day. At about 7:20 it started to sprinkle. Then at 7:30 the rain turned to snow. Snow! In New Orleans!!! Snow!! Nan (a friend who teaches next door) and I ran outside to play in the snow. The kids started arriving at the school an hour later, and it was STILL snowing! My students were so excited that they practically tackled me to give me a hug. One of my students walked in with a look of wonder and said, "Mrs. Kelley, it's a miracle." Out of my 32 students (oh yeah, I forgot to mention, I have 32 now) only 16 showed up that day, and one student went home early! It was a fun, very laid back, wonderful day.

Finally, only one week to Christmas break!! Monday started off well with the discovery of a dead mouse IN MY PRINTER. The whole day I couldn't figure out why the printer kept getting jammed...turns out my classroom mouse finally ate the poisen and found a quiet place to die...hahha. The week that followed had many moments that were difficult for me. These stories aren't appropriate for the internet, but what I will say is that God reminded me that there are hurting people in the world, all around us. He has me at this school, in this overflowing classroom, to serve his purposes.

Thursday night was our Christmas Program. I was like a proud parent watching my student on stage. They were soooo great! They sang a few songs and gave a presentation on Kwanzaa (an African tradition that begins right after Christmas). My favorite part was when my students wanted to meet "Mr. Kelley." A couple of the boys even came over to shake his hand. It was cute! Friday was the craziest day of the year so far. I got several gifts from students, which I am very thankful for. We ended the day with a Christmas party, and then it was over!

I survived my first semester of teaching! It was nothing like what I expected...but when is life ever what I expected??

Merry Christmas!!!

blown away

Two times in my life (that I can remember) have I ever been so blown away by a sermon that I actually stayed in my seat for 5 or 10 minutes afterward. The first time this happened was last October when I was listening to a pastor named Francis Chan preaching at the Catalyst Conference in Atlanta. The second time happened just a few days ago as I was in my car listening to a sermon given a month ago by David Platt. Both times, they involved the Christian's biblical response to the poor.

I want to caution you. Some of you may think you know where I'm going with this blog, that Bec and I exemplify your typical married couple that is learning how to live for God while starting married life dirt poor, like most couples. This, however, is not my aim. Instead, I have again started walking down a journey that God started with me a little over a year ago. I'm not quite sure how I fell off the wagon, but I gradually grew away from that journey in all that was going on with me leaving a church, moving back home to Birmingham, preparing for a wedding, and moving to New Orleans. But that doesn't matter. What matters is that God has led me back to that journey. And, I feel led to share it with you. I warn you, though. It may not be easy to hear.

In the beginning of this journey, God began to open my eyes to what He says in the Bible about the poor. This probably does not come as a shocker to most people, but God cares about the poor. The part that may shock some of us, including myself, is the realization that we are rich. And I'm not just refering to the upper middle class individuals who live in 5 bedroom houses in the rich area of town. I include in the category the single mom who works two jobs, the college student struggling to get by, and the four person family struggling to make endsmeat. Because, when compared to the world, even these are considered rich. Afterall, they are not dying of starvation and preventable disease like many in the world are. The reality is that what we pay to get a meal at McDonald's is more than what some people in the world have to live on in a week's time, some even longer.

Why do I bring this up? Because God cares about the poor. And those of us who are Christians have been charged with caring about what God cares about. Just consider these things Jesus said:

- It is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 19:23)

- Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me...I tell you truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me. (Matthew 25:41-43, 45)

There are more passages that deal with this topic, but I think Jesus' point is clear - If God cares about the poor, then how can you say you know and love God if you do not care for the poor?

I can't say that I have all of this worked out in my head right now or what it is supposed to look like in my life. All of this is just a huge part of a practical realization that everything in my life should revolve around bringing glory to God - and this includes my bank account and my budget. And if God cares about the poor, then that should be taken into account.

prodigal writer, marriage novice

The prodigal writer has returned! Not that I have been spending my money or time recklessly (which is the real definition of "prodigal"), but I have left all of you hanging for quite some time now. I think that it is about time that I end the waiting. Well, I know that the most obvious question is, "What have you been doing all this time?" Well, I'm glad you asked because I was planning on telling you! To put it plainly, school started. It's funny that two words can really capture the essence of my absence from this blog. But, for those you who thrive on detail, you will be interested in knowing that, as of October 17, I have:

-- read 6 books (though there are 2 that I didn't finish completely by the due date)
-- written 1 book summary and a full-blown book review (10 pages)
-- completely outlined a four-hundred page book
-- turned in a 10 page budget project
--and by the end of October, I will add two more books and book reviews to that list.

Needless to say, I have been busy. And, just so you know, I'm not complaining. I just felt like you deserved at least a decent reason for my lack of contribution to the blog.


Well, enough of that. I actually do have something for you:

In exactly two weeks, Bec and I will have been married for 5 months. Quick show of hands: anybody else feel like time flew by on that one? Thought so. I feel like it was just yesterday that Bec and I were traveling to Gatlinburg for our honeymoon (Bec would probably say, "It feels like the wedding was just yesterday." But, that just shows where the priorities of a man and woman lie...wink...).

Anyyay, I bring it up because I have been learning a very profound lesson over the past 5 months. It's one that you 'married folk' probably already understanding, but for the sake of you blessed singles out there, I'm going say it anyway. You ready? Here goes: marriage isn't easy.

Profound, I know. For those of you who are either laughing or thought, maybe even uttered, the word, 'duh,' let me explain. I entered marriage with a wee bit of arrogance. I know that those of you who know me well know that I am never in the least bit arrogant (I totally just lied), but it is true. So, to my dismay, I have learned that marriage is not, in fact, as easy as eating a bag of doritos while lying on the couch and watching TV.

For instance, I can no longer stay up to watch tv after Bec gets off the phone with me so that she can go to sleep (We kind of live together now). Neither can I leave the tv on while I fall asleep. Time management is more difficult because you have to line things up with your spouse, and decision making...well, remember when you had to have your parent's permission to do something? To be honest, one of the things that does get easier is your ability to annoy to other person...

You can probably imagine that this was a little bit of a shock for me. Even more shocking, though, was finding out that neither one of us was any good at it (contrary to what any of you may believe). I have really struggled with this part. Many of you know that there is probably nothing that frustrates or depresses me more than being bad at something I care about. But there it was: my seeming inability to be the good husband that I desire to be. You may think I'm weird or raise an eyebrow at me, but it got bad enough at one point that I started thinking of myself as a failure as a husband. That scared me. I just couldn't figure out why.

To be honest, the answer is simple. We're not very good at it...because we have only been married for five months! Simple, I know. Yet, it is so profound.

And then it got me thinking. Marriage was given to us as a gift to show the world what it means to have a relationship with God (I could go into more of this, but I will save that for another time). That means that it marriage is not all that different from a entering into a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Here's what I mean. We sometimes have this misconception that an individual automatically becomes a good person when he becomes a Christian. This is evidenced everytime we say, "He's not the same person," or, "I can really see an immediate change in him." I'm not saying that this can't happen. After all, Paul did have a radical conversion. I do, however, think that we miss the fact that this radical conversion is not the normal pattern of scripture. Why else do you think Paul had to admonish Christians in the church to flee the sexual immorality of their past?

You see, salvation is a process. It's called sanctification, and it basically infers that you're not going to be very good at being a Christian when you become one. It's why we have a concept called discipleship, because we recognize that the Christian relationship with God needs to be developed. I've known Christians that have fallen away from the faith simply because they were not developed as believers. They fell prey to the fact that they weren't any good at the whole Christianity thing.

In my opinion, it's not all that different from a couple getting divorced. Why do couples separate? Because they come to the realization that marriage is hard, and they aren't any good at it. So, they leave each other in hopes of finding something else that is easier. It's a tragedy, especially when the husband and wife are both Christians.

There are a lot of us who scoff at these people. We can' believe they would do such a thing. But, here's the deal:

---If marriage is a gift from God that He uses as a picture of what it means to have a relationship with Him,

---and we recognize that we aren't very good at the whole Christianity thing and need discipleship to get better,

---then shouldn't the church take up the responsibility for discipling couples on how to have a successful marriage?

We as a church should stop blaming the couple and take some more responsiblity. The question at at the forefront of our minds should be, "Where did we go wrong in discipling them?"

Please hear me. It's not always the church's fault when a couple gets divorced. But, this should be our first response. I'm thankful that I have a pastor who recognizes this responsibility and takes it very seriously.

Christianity is not easy. Marriage is not easy. Both take work, and both require a church willing to disciple in both areas. But, I have found that there is no greater pleasure than growing in both my relationship with Christ and in my marriage to Becca because both bring honor to God. I may not be good at marriage yet, but "God's still working on me to make me what I ought to be." And you better believe that He is using His church to do it. Man, I love marriage.


your prodigal writer,

Kyle

P.S. Sorry for making you read a sentence with the word, 'know,' used three times.

31.

I've discovered that life is always busy. There is always something to take your time, something to finish. It has been a busy month, but a good month.

In my last update, I told you about the class combination. Overnight I went from a class size of about 15 to a class size of 28. That was quite a transition. Learning to manage such a large class has taken a few weeks. I finally felt like I had things under control...until this past week. Last Tuesday I was enjoying a nice extra hour of free time while the students were at art. The office secretary knocked at my door and introduced me to my new student from Texas. He was displaced from hurricane Ike.

Deep breath. 29. I can handle 29. I have 30 desks, after all.

That same afternoon, I learned of the possibility of one of the fourth grade students being moved to the 5th grade (long story). There was to be a meeting Friday to make the decision. The teachers and principal agreed that it was a bad idea...However, the final decision would be up to the parents. I was out of town for the meeting, but received a phone call that evening. The student would move to 5th grade on Monday (today).

30?!?! I did NOT sign up for this.

This morning on the way to work, I was praying...begging God to help me. He reminded me that this job...at this school, in this city, was HIS idea. Not mine. That means that HE will give me what I need to survive...and not only survive, but succeed. He has to. "But...but...there isn't enough time in the day! I don't have enough time, enough energy. How can I love 30 kids all day and still have love for my husband at the end of the day? I'll run out." Unfortunately, He wouldn't let me off that easily. He reminded me that if I love students with His love, I will still be overflowing at the end of the day. He will give me what I need. He has to.

Well....after school today, I found out that yet another student would be moving from the 4th grade to 5th grade. This student was supposed to be placed in the 5th grade to begin with, but when she moved, her test scores were...lost. They have now been found, and it turns out that she passed the test and should have passed to the 5th grade. She will move grades by the end of the week.

31.

God will provide for all of my needs. Don't worry, I still love my job. Today was still a wonderful day! Please keep me in your prayers! I need all the support I can get!

Adjustments

Well, I (Becca) suppose it's time for a quick update.

Ike sent us quite a bit of wind, but nothing serious. There were places in southern Orleans Parish and Jefferson Parish that flooded, though, and they need prayers. It was so windy that school was canceled in Jefferson Parish (where I teach) on Friday. It was a blessing for me, though, considering some changes I needed to prepare for...

On Thursday the other 5th grade teacher, the 4th grade teacher, and I were called into the principal's office. Even as a teacher, I felt like a guilty student who was trying to remember what I had done that deserved a trip to the office...Our principal announced that due to the lower than expected numbers, we had to combine the 5th grade classes into one class. Wow. I am to teach this new class of 28 students, and the other 5th grade teacher will fill another position at the school. I will now teach all subjects except Social Studies. The 4th grade teacher and I will trade classes for Social Studies and Science. This means that I have twice as many students to manage at a time as well as twice as many lessons to plan and papers to grade. It will be an adjustment, but I'm just thankful that we all still have jobs. I was the last one hired, and could easily have been fired.

I must go to bed now. Tomorrow will be a long day. Kyle promises to update soon...I'll keep reminding him;)