It's Time for the First Day of School!

The first day of school is always full of emotions...excitement, nervousness, happiness, terror, joyfulness, trepidation...I could go on and on, but it's clear to see that the first day of school is always a day to be remembered.  :)  This year it was my first day as Elementary Principal.  I was very strange not having a classroom to set up and beginning to lesson plan.  Instead I spent that time helping my staff with whatever they needed.  Looking back I think it was a VERY successful first day of school.  My staff did a FANTASTIC job and the kids responded well to the change in administration.  :)  Enjoy some of the pictures from this exciting day!

Hopping Back Over the Pond

Returning to Vienna for my third year was a bitter sweet experience.  I had a GREAT time with my family, but by the end I was homesick for Vienna.  At the same time, I was excited for the new school year, but I knew I'd miss my family.  If you had asked me two years ago if I would have been homesick for Vienna I probably would have told you, "No way.  California is my home."  Well...obviously I was wrong!  I am blessed to have two homes...Vienna, Austria and Santa Clarita, CA.  Reflecting on this makes me remember one of the sessions from my PFO (pre-field orientation) training that I went to before I left for Vienna.

In the session they talked about the challenges of being from multiple places.  You'll feel torn between the place you used to be from and place where you are living now.  Thankfully, it ultimately doesn't matter.  My "home" on this earth is temporary.  I am a citizen of heaven and instead of being homesick for my earthly dwellings I need to always remember that God has a special place prepared for me.  It is that home that I should desire the most.

Going Home for the Summer

This past summer was spent resting after a challenging school year, catching up with friends and family, and beginning to prepare for the new year as Elementary Principal.  It was a great time full of many memories!


Trip to Visit Amy

Sister Road Trip

At the State Fair

Fun at Six Flags

Fun with Family and Friends

At a Barry Manilow concert for Mother's Day and Mom's Birthday

Dinner with the Millers

Birthday Dinner with Grandma and Grandpa

Dodger Game for the 29th Birthday :)

A special "friend" from my bedroom :p  (Potato Bug)

Final Chapel

Chapel is a special time at ICSV and our final chapel for the 2011-2012 school year was no exception.  Take a look at what some of the students have learned about this school year!