It's almost over

Where has summer gone? I remember the days when it was 3 months off for the summer...the lazy days of beach, camp, and play. Or was it that my perceptions as a kid are seen through "rose-colored glasses"? I am already getting ready to get my department up and running for the new school year. I have a sense of anticipation and hope for a new school year. It really is a new beginning and a fresh start. Yet, I do feel that the summer has very quickly gone by. I know that in the north, school still does not start until after Labor day...that's how it used to be when I was a kid. Now, in the state of Florida we begin in mid August-our first day this year will be August 11 for faculty and August 18 for the student body. That is really early! Hopefully this beginning will not be marked by the usual hurricanes that usually get us in a panic. (The kids sure do love those hurricane days) I heard from a very old friend today-apparently she got in touch with one of our old school mates-MJ-we haven't heard from her in over 15 years! I can't wait to see what she's up to...
In the meantime, I am going to enjoy every moment of the final days of freedom I have left!

I'm Baaack!

It's hard to believe that I was counting down the days before my trip and now in the blink of an eye....I'm back. It was simply amazing! I cannot begin to express just how overwhelming an experience it was to visit the Holy Land. I did just fine on the airplane rides...just a little nervous at take-offs and landings. I flew on a prop plane for the very firt time between Baltimore and Newark-that was scary! Jet lag really kicked my butt, but the experience was wonderful. The Anti-defamation league took care of us as if we were dignitaries. I've never seen such respect and admiration shown to teachers. We met many that are trying to make a difference in the lives of children that are in war torn areas. Why don't we hear about that in the news? My visit to Yad VaShem (Holocaust Museum) was one of the most impactful for me. I will absolutely try to return there. Can you imagine hearing Sunday Mass in the church of the Holy Sepulcher? I did-and feel as if such a gift was given me. I know that I haven't yet realized processed all aspects of this experience, but I am truly grateful to have been chosen to participate in this seminar that will make me a better teacher. This picture was taken while we were sailing on the Sea of Galilee-I really have to pinch myself to believe that I really lived this experience!