Camp, an experience that is hard to put in words

How do I start this epic entry series about the amazing Strong Rock Camp...
right now it's one of the hardest things to do...

...It seems too soon to be writing about my 2011 camp experience, because in writing about it that means it has come to an end. I hate it when camp comes to an end.
It's an experience that has the potential of captivating the essence of the butterfly effect, of changing the world.
An experience of being unaware in the moment, but pouring out in humility and even sometimes seeing the fruit that comes from abiding in the Lord.
An experience based on the simple yet complex ideas  of loving unconditionally and being loved in return.
An experience that doesn't compare to any other.

There  is no other place and group of people that I cry about leaving as much as when I leave camp. There is no other place where I have felt an immense amount of encouragement, joy, and freedom in the Lord.

Simply, Strong Rock is a place incomparable to any other....

This entry serves as an introduction...but just that, it will take many more days to write about all of camp, so stay tuned...

I'll be there for you...cause you're there for me too.

I can't believe that it's all coming to an end. The end means tears and crying, laughing and hugging, because of the blessing so many people have been to my life.Though I'm not graduating many of my dear friends are, many things are changing, and many people I love will be far away from here in the fall. Things will never be the same as they are right now. I've found out that I'm not really one for change, because change means people moving away, some people even moving out of the country- change means such a sweet season coming to an end.

 Time has gone by faster than ever, and I know that nothing else in life will compare to college and the many experiences that have shaped me to be who I am today.I don't know how I could ever summarize the many memories that I will never forget. So many things will never happen again, but I am so glad that they happened. I wouldn't change much about all of those incredible moments that I got the opportunity to be a part of. Change means cherishing the many moments that have made college what it's been, reliving the moments with friends, and desiring to always keep them close to my heart.

It's hard to think about it mostly because so many of my college memories have revolved around the amazing community of people I have been blessed to know. So many of my friends have helped me to grow in ways that I never thought possible when I was walking into the doors of Brumby Hall 4 years ago.If I were to articulate my love and appreciation for all of the incredible people I have had the opportunity to know in Athens, I don't think the words I could write would suffice. I do know that there are amazing, passionate people that I have been so blessed to get to know. I also know that I regret not getting to know some people better. There are some people that have never ceased to make me smile, and some people who always challenge me to be more adventurous. Some dear friends have challenged me spiritually and have shown me what it looks like to walk in the Lord's freedom.Others have helped me to see that there is no room for me to judge others because we are all in need of grace. Many friends have opened my eyes to what life is about, and what it means to be sporadic, but also what it means to rest and cherish moments. Some people have been placed in my life for me to love unconditionally and vice versa, even when my heart isn't in the right place. There are people that have only been in my life for a season, a moment, but aren't any less important than the ones I've known since the start. Change means saying goodbye for now to many people who I have known, but forever thanking the Lord for placing them in my path. Change is also keeping perspective that many people will not be leaving my life even if they are going far away. Sometimes when you are far away, keeping in touch becomes more of a priority as opposed to the chaos that can sometimes consume us in college.

This season of change is hard, but it's helping me to see the many amazing people I have been blessed to know. I have been thinking back to so many times I will always cherish. I sit here feeling undeserving of the many opportunities I have been given. I find it hard to say goodbye, but I am overwhelmed with thanksgiving for the time I've had here.

The Fall will be different- but I know it will be great. With this change, Athens won't be quite the same but it will be quite amazing as it always  is. With change comes tears, but with new seasons ahead adventure, growth, and more memories are sure to come.

Throughout this week I'm going to try to recap highlights of the past 4 years....get ready for flashbacks, crazy pictures and reliving  fall 2007-spring 2011 :)

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Passionate about writing

I think that this course has increased my passions about writing. It has helped me to see the importance of writing in the classroom, as well as the importance of writing in my own life. I have always leaned toward writing and journaling as a hobby, but I feel like I now have an even greater knowledge of different types of writing I can use to express myself. Beth, the passion that you express as you teach and share about writing has really motivated me to dig deeper. I really love the many ways we have learned to use writing to express our thoughts and feelings.

I have also loved learning about the many different writing resources that can be used in our classrooms. I have learned so many ways that writing really effects students learning. I have learned how writing can empower. Most importantly, I have learned how to engross each and every student in meaningful writing. I think that since my passion has grown for writing, I will be able to more effectively teach it. I will make writing workshop a consistent element of my classroom. i also think that home journals are a great way to interact with the students families and am strongly considering using that idea to make my classroom more of a community.  The students in my class will see themselves as writers, and I will make sure they know that their writing is wonderful! They will hopefully constantly want to write more, learn more, and express themselves in many ways!

I can't wait to be able to implement a writing workshop in my classroom, because it is something I have never really seen in actions. I know it can be done and I can't wait to see how my students respond to it's surprising uniqueness.

Writing Blog Comments

http://kidblog.org/Powell4thGrade/claireh10/if-i-could-move-some-where-new/#comment-780

http://kidblog.org/MrFillner2010-2011/ellie131/writing/#comment-201

http://kidblog.org/MrsHuebnersClass2/danielle69/who-i-would-skype-with/#comment-3623

the importance of writing

I think that it is important that students are able to relate what they read to themselves, in other words, to make text-to-self connections. When students are writing to express their feelings or opinions that means so much more than just meaningless writing assignments. They are able to truly express themselves. If their writing time is set up in a way where there aren't strict grading rules they feel free to experiment in their writing. I think too often classrooms take this approach. I have seen my mentor teachers use writing in this way. It can be quite frustrating because then the students don't write for anything besides an assignment. They feel constantly constrained and frustrated. They write for work, never for fun.

That is something I think i will be really important in my classroom. I don't want my students to see writing as a chore, but rather an adventure. I want them to experience and be constantly be exposed to many types of text, many types of writing. I want them to enjoy each step of writing, even if it sometimes is a challange. I cant my students to write outside of class, and learn to write to epress who they are and what they believe. One thing I loved growing up was having a writers notebook, and I think that every student should have one. Each student should feel comfortable writing without the consequences of getting a bad grade. I think tis a great way to get to know students and be able to constantly encourage them in who they are as people. They can make a difference and sometimes writing can help them realize that.

In the rush of life take time to smell the roses

I feel like too often we all rush, way too much.

Do you ever notice the sunset, it's beautiful as you drive into my apartment complex- perfect view of the horizon.

Spring time approaching brings many beautiful colors..If you live in athens, have you seen the blossoming tree on the corner of Milledge and Baxter that is so pink and vibrant? (I plan on taking a picture next week)

To ease the stress, take some time to rest in the presence of the Lord...

How about venturing to the Botans, going down the purple trail and laying on the rocks? You see a perfect view of the river, it's serene, peaceful... You could also take the white trail, walk for a bit and then find the huge rocks near the stream, perfect for reading on.

If you sit at Two Story coffeehouse on a warm day, upstairs, with the windows opened it can ease any studying.

But if its raining go to the prayer chapel , and listen to the rain fall from the secret window.

There is a bench in the founders garden near bushes full of magnificent flowers that start to bloom around this time. Take an afternoon to go there and explore.

If it's a Wednesday you should get an energy boost from Expresso Royale and enjoy a $2 latte :)

After that Tribe Issachar is another great place to go to rest, pray and just get away from things.

Take time to rest, enjoy life, dance, smile, read, pray....rejuvenate. God has so much in store for you this spring, you don't want to miss the simple blessings.