Impressions

im·pres·sion·ism
imˈpreSHəˌnizəm/

noun

a style or movement in painting originating in France in the 1860's, characterized by a concern with depicting the visual impression of the moment, especially in terms of the shifting effect of light and color.

I could stare at this painting for a long time. It causes me to yearn for fall, for a rainy evening. It makes me feel cozy and warm like being snuggled up by a fireplace. I am thankful for the artist capturing this moment from his memory or his imagination and sharing it with us. There is such beauty in the light and the colour of simple moments.

I am thankful for the moments I have lived at Gateway thus far. Just this morning I was caught up in a moment of worship with the students which resounded in my soul. The voices of the students swelling in a chorus of praise, the smiles, and the high school students ushering freedom in worship for the middle school students with their joy and enthusiasm, and the hands that raised to our creator in adoration of his wonder and beauty. It was a beautiful moment full of light and colour. Gateway is a good place to be.

I actually couldn't imagine a better place. There is such a deep desire to love God, and love others that is embedded in the culture of the school. I simply couldn't ask for more. Don't get me wrong, no school is perfect, but my impression as a teacher in training is that Gateway is getting it right as a school and I am blessed to learn in such a place!

I am thankful for the acceptance I feel from the students and staff. They want me to succeed and have been encouraging. It is easy to feel like I fit because it seems people are making a space for me. Could there be challenges along the road? Sure - I have been around long enough to know that honeymoons end. But I have also been around long enough to know that with the type of environment and leadership that I see at Gateway, that all mountains can be moved.

A marvelous impression... a marvelous impression indeed!

The Smaller Pictures Which Build The Big One

Who's idea was it to extend practicum beyond 9 weeks in February? Whoever it is, they are a genius! The opportunity to connect with my mentor teacher, the students, the school, and the families right from the "get go" is a blessing! I am being woven into the quilt right from the start instead of being some vagabond who pops his unshaven face into the classroom in February and attempts to get his thread into the quilt after it is mostly woven! I am thankful for the budding relationships I have found thus far and for the real, live, learning that I am receiving!

So what are my goals here? I suppose big picture it is to learn how to be an amazing teacher and to get a job, but big goals are always built from much smaller ones. During this practicum, areas I really hope to experience and grow in might begin as follows:

• Building relationships. True relationships. Relationships with everybody... well maybe not everybody, but pretty close!
• Absorbing the knowledge and experience of others. The wealth of knowledge and experience that is available to me at Gateway is astounding! My mentor teacher, the staff and admin, the students, the families, and everybody else attached in someway to Gateway has something to teach me. Lord, help me to have eyes to see and ears to hear!
• Reducing my anxieties. Remembering names, lesson planning, start of the school year stuff, assessment practices, and administrative duties are a few on my list. Growth comes with experience and reflection, so bring it on!
• Learning to serve others better. Serving and sacrifice are at the center of my view on teaching. These are tall orders and I hope to grow in my abilities to do both.

These feel like a start. In my head and heart I'm sure there are a thousand more swirling around, but these are a start.