June - Life in Okinawa

Okinawa has burst forth into summer with high humidity and hot summer days. I’m praying that God will continue to work in my heart like a flame as I serve Him in Okinawa. 

Last day of school!

End of School Year: School ended for the 2012-2013 school year on June 12th. I was excited for a break but also verysad to be leaving my students. My only was that I had done everything I could to show Christ to them this school year. For the last day of school, we decided to clean our room, have an awards ceremony, and go to the park for lunch and playing. I was hoping that all my students could make it, but unfortunately because of illness and early departures for summer, I was missing about 6 of my students. We still had a very relaxing day enjoying each other’s company for the last time this school year. I sure will miss these students as they hold a dear place in my heart. I am also looking forward to next school so I can iron our any kinks I had this school year and fix anything that didn’t work. 

My beautiful sister's wedding!

Wedding: After I cleaned my classroom and checked out for the summer, I hopped on a plane to head back to the States to attend my sister’s wedding. I landed in Knoxville for a night before flying the next day to Florida. My bags didn’t make it on my flight to Knoxville, but importantly, I had my bridesmaid dress in my backpack with me, just in case! Thankfully later the next day, my bags arrived. I had a wonderful week with my family enjoy the last few days until my sister got married. We drove up to Tennessee a few days before the wedding and had the wedding at a beautiful cabin in the Great Smokey Mountains. The wedding was absolutely gorgeous and even though it rained partly through the ceremony, it continued right on when we moved it inside. Now I have a great new brother-in-law and blessed to spend a week with my family.

Summer School: I flew back into Okinawa on the night before summer school started. I was a little out of it the first day of summer school, but I am well rested up now. I teach Monday-Friday from 8:30-11:30. I have a great group of students about to go into 3rd grade. I’m enjoying the new perspective that comes from teaching students that are a different age then my own students. In the afternoons, my roommate and I have been exploring all over Okinawa. We are also in the process of moving one floor up into a 2 bedroom apartment. I’m excited to see what else the summer will hold. 

June was a blur, but I’m praying God will give me great new opportunities to serve him and that I can make the most of every moment given to me. 

Sending warm blessings to you all during this summer season, Sarah