Teaching Sunday School

I have been teaching Sunday School in my ward for the last couple months and have learned more about the teachings and nature of Jesus Christ. It has been a privilege to teach and I will be sad to leave this ward and this calling. There are a number of lessons I've learned in regards to being a better teacher and I want to write them down here before I forget them:

• I've learned to start the class even if there are only a few people there.
• I've learned to ask open ended questions like "What are your thoughts on this?"
• I've learned to be present and in the moment when people are commenting.
• I've learned to relax in front of a crowd.
• I've learned to let people talk and to talk less myself.
• I've learned to always keep the purpose of the lesson in mind.

Today I taught about the parable of the unjust steward. Imagine my joy and surprise when I found out that my sister Raquel was also called to teach this week and would be teaching the same lesson! She shared the link above with me. I think one of the biggest lessons I can take away from teaching the New Testament during all of these months is that Heavenly Father doesn't just care about the things we say or the things we do even, he cares about us becoming and being. He wants us to be, not just to do. I love that. I sometimes wonder if I am becoming. I've tripped and failed many times. I do need to work harder at becoming. Teaching this class has helped me see where I fall short so I can strive to be better.

Rock Climbing

This weekend I went rock climbing with three other girls from work. We went to Sport Rock in Alexandria and got a pass and rented shoes. It was fun to be with the girls. I really had never done rock climbing in an indoor place before so that was a good experience. I actually got to the top of a rock pile! It was fun to cheer for the other girls and take pictures of everyone. At one point they mentioned going drinking and I had to explain about my religion and how we don't drink. Later we went to Olive Garden and celebrated. It was a good weekend activity. Rock climbing takes lots of strength and determination. It reminded me of my dissertation and how that's taking me so much strength and determination. As I watched some of the other rock climbers, it was evident that people really enjoy the challenge of getting to the top and I realized that when things get tough, we can change our perspective to learn to enjoy the challenge. Here is one of my friends:

Virginia Beach

I went down to Virginia Beach last week. It was a three hour drive from where I live but it was so nice to see the beach. I am happy to say that now I have been to the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. It was fun to walk on the beach and to see all the water and be in a beach town. I didn't see any surfers. I don't think there are many surfers out here on the east coast. It didn't feel completely like Cali, but it was better than nothing:) I didn't really get any pictures of the beach, but I went down to visit a friend at the Marine Base so I got to go into the base and to see some of the marine monuments and history. It was a good trip.

No More GPS

I am starting to be able to get around without a GPS. That is a great accomplishment that I wanted to share with you. I went to visit a friend this week and realized that I didn't even use my GPS when I got home. I was amazed at myself!