My friend, Scott, gave me the terminology “strategic procrastination” for sometimes putting aside the priority for a bit while other things–but good things–are accomplished. Yes, there was some strategic procrastination this week, but I got stuck in my argumentation a bit. I had to step back and think through my approach. I finally figured it out and was able to progress, but then it was time to prepare for the Tanzania mission team youth movie night at our home.
I forgot to get a picture of us all making Chinese dumplings, jiao zi, or boiled “pot stickers” like my friend, Ruth, from Beijing taught me. However, the preparation took longer, because I had to snake the kitchen sink drain.
I do have a picture of the sweatshirts that I screen printed for Anya’s soccer team, which then each rubber banded their item for tie dying. Interesting that a uniform look can be individualized–and have fun doing it! A post-modern touch. It isn’t the most flattering picture of Anya, but she wouldn’t let me take her picture at other times.
Thursday night was her last home game for this season. Anya played well and was excited with all the events for the seniors night. It was great that the varsity won their last home game.
This team has a combined GPA of 3.801! Amazingly, this is the fourth place! (The boys tennis team is #1 with 3.922 GPA!)
In contrast, I heard that the incoming class at Trinity is really struggling with academics this year. While I miss teaching and sparking interest and effort in all students, I realized this week that I see how God has opened a window for me to move on. I was informed that the administration is proposing a change of the mission statement. The proposal removes “biblically-centered education” and “Jesus Christ” from “serves Jesus Christ in church and society.” It would be difficult to keep on with this move to secularization.
On Saturday, Anya asked me to help her get her room reconfigured. A couple years ago, I lofted her bed. Now, she was eager for a change to have more room between her mattress and the ceiling. So, now she’s got another place to lounge (though, while I’m writing this, she’s doing her AP World History reading and notes right now–so she isn’t lounging).
On Sunday, Anya was able to go to a Seattle Sounders soccer game. Besides being a fun time with her friend, Amanda, the Sounders won and have cemented a place in the playoffs!
While she was out, I was invited to a movie, The Martian, with friends because Kathi is in town from Asia! How great to see her! What a gift! And thanks to Richard, who gave me a gift by paying for my ticket!
I received two other gifts today.
I asked my former boss, Pastor Jim, if he had a specific commentary I could borrow. He has a vast library and has generously passed on many books. He didn’t have the one I asked for, so I went to the closest Christian college to buy borrowing privileges. Then, Pastor Jim buys me a copy! How thoughtful!
The page with all the notes in red are the gift of Marv’s words. I couldn’t imagine this journey without Marv’s gracious critique and proofreading. He is my grammar guru! I have heard it said that “no one writes a book alone.” Well, that is especially true in my case. It takes a village to raise a child and it takes a community to write a book. But, you can see, I have lots to do to strengthen my writing. Pray that this week is especially productive.
Off to add to my 28-day streak in Swedish learning on Duolingo.com!