"From the Jump"

You'd have to be from the "hood" to understand what the title of my blog means. Or have family that is in the same genre as from where it comes from. I was talking to my JenniferRae and she said "from the jump" and it struck a nerve in me. A happy nerve.

From the Jump, I was born with a purpose. From the Jump, He knew me, even in my mother's womb. He knew what I was to do, when I was going to do it and why.

From the jump, children have always made me happy. The sound of children's laughter is by far one of the greatest joys I have. I can sit on a park bench and watch them play. I'm happiest in my classes when they look at me, confused, then ask their friend for help or when they say "ahhh wakata!" I love when they figure out what needs to be done on their own (after a little push from me); it's like they are a little tiny person (or sometimes a big person).

Anyway, as per my last post...I talked about seasons and reasons and all kinds of rhyming words. I decided to get over myself and keep pressing on. However, I still won't settle for bull. Life's too short to do so. Why do it? Why not expect the best? Why settle? Why not have a back up plan? Thank you JenniferRae for helping me realize that.

So... Over the last week or couple days since my last post, I've been praying a lot more and just sitting back and looking at my own actions (thank you Ana for your message). I cannot personally control anyone or anything. I can't control the fact that my iPhone hates me or that the Japanese bank hates me lol.

However, I CAN control the type of teacher I am. I can ask God to change situations, to change the hearts of others (that they focus on what's important and not just money). And I have. I know I was brought here to Japan for a reason. And I KNOW that reason is not just to teach. Or play volleyball. Or make new, great friends.

And I feel so selfish lately that I've been so blessed here. My kids are great. Seriously great. Even ones that I've complained about have changed since last month. My JTs are ridiculously amazing and fun and compassionate. And I've been surrounded by some of the greatest people in Japan, I'm sure! Thank you all for just being so nice lol. And again, the selfishness is overtaking me and I feel like: what can I do to give back???!!!!! How do I help others?

And duh. Just be me. "Do you girl, get you some," was what Emilee wrote in the card she gave me. Lol. And doing me: A silly, hungry, loving girl who will pray for you with or without you noticing. How do I give back? By doing what God called me to do:
To teach to the best of my abilities. To make sure the kids in my classes are learning as much as they can, but having fun doing it. To pray for ridiculous decisions, even if those people are older than me or make more money or make decisions. And to get over myself and trust God. Because when I truly do this, I know that all things will come to pass. BECAUSE they ALWAYS Have and ALWAYS will. It just is what it is. It's how my life rolls.

So, from the jump, I've set out to teach. And here I be.


Then I listened to this:



Thank you Keena, for posting this on Facebook btw.

And realized that my friends and family are amazing. Seriously amazing. I can honestly say that I am a blessed woman. Undeservingly blessed. I have some great confidants. Who kick my butt, but hug me when I cry; love me when I'm wrong and are patient with me when I'm ridiculous. I have confidants that get all up in my business to let me know: hey...it shouldn't be that way. oohh weee!

And here's to a coat of many colors. To stepping out of my comfort zone. To showing my thanks by working as hard as I can and knowing that things will be okay. Peace.