Sometimes it feels like I've been here in South Dakota for ten years even though I've only been here for 11 months. Sometimes it feels like I've been dating Brady for ten years even though we've only known each other since January. Sometimes I really like both of those feelings.
I'm officially done with my first year of teaching besides kindergarten round up! This is when the new students come in to get tested for next fall and try to make it into Red Cloud. It's crazy. I have about 36 kids trying to get into 18 spots. The parents so far have been great and it makes me feel like staying for a second year will make such a big difference since I have a real year of teaching under my belt. I know what to expect, thank God.
This summer I'm teaching first/second grade during summer school at our sister school at Our Lady of Lourdes. While I'm sad that I don't get to be with the kids that I know so well, I'm really pumped to get to have older kids for a month. Don't get me wrong I love kindergarten but it's nice to have kids that are responsible. Have to say though, I do miss second grade from time to time.
In other news:
I've grown really close to several of my students' families this semester especially. They've talked me in as a granddaughter and daughter in so many ways. This makes me so excited for what could happen this summer-getting to go to Sundances, ceremonies, and to visit with these special people in my life. I've grown particularly close to one of my student's grandmas or "unchi" as they say in Lakota. She is such an amazing woman that's had a very interesting life and she's taken me under her wing to teach me more about traditional Lakota ways. Each week I go over to their house at least once to sit and visit with the family. As my student's dad says, "Don't ever be a stranger, you hear me?". That's how much I love this family. They are blunt, funny, and hard working people who put their family above all else. It's a beautiful thing.
This month marks my two months dating Brady. He's such a dependable, nice, funny and amazing guy. I'm very lucky to have him my life and I couldn't be more grateful. God is good :)
