Make a Wish!

What did you wish for when you blew out your birthday candles?

As a kid I can remember exactly what I would wish for when it was time to blow out the candles on my birthday cake.  It was the same wish from the time I was in second grade right up until high school.   They say you aren't supposed to reveal your wish, or it might not come true, but I feel like it has come true in a small way because of starting this blog. 

My wish was that all my friends could be together in one place.  I started wishing this after we moved from New Mexico to Virginia.  I hated leaving behind my friends, and I thought it would be so wonderful to have them all in one location.  I dreamed of them meeting each other and everyone getting along.  I wanted my friends to be as crazy about each other as I was of them. 

When a friend reads a post about another friend, it's like I'm transporting one friend to where I am and introducing them to everyone else.   It's not exactly the same as everyone living on the same street or sharing a huge three story house on the beach like I imagined when I blew out the candles, but it's pretty darn close. 

I hope you enjoy learning about my amazing friends by reading this blog.  I told my friend, Amy, that people will get to know more about me by learning about my friends. 

To quote a line from my favorite Shakespeare play, The Taming of the Shrew, "Oh this {technology}, what a thing it is!" 

Meg

If this pool could talk...

I spent three years of high school on the AFCENT/Geilenkirchen Orcas swim team.  If you have ever been on a sports team, you know the intense bond that can form between teammates.  Our swim team was year round.  Practice was five days a week with Fridays optional and Sundays off.  Most weekends were spent at all day swim meets or traveling on long bus rides to all day swim meets.  Swim meets were spent talking to teammates while you waited to swim your event.  Do you see where I'm going with this?  You got to know your teammates whether you liked it or not.

Meg was one of the first teammates I remember meeting, and I was struck right away by her kindess and openess.  She had a gentle spirit and an easy smile.  There is not a mean bone in her body.  We spent many bus rides traveling all over Europe.  Our team was given t-shirts that had the slogan, "I'm touring Europe pool by pool."  So true!   Those charter bus rides were full of fun and lots of laughter.  Our team was elementary through high school kids (most teams are), and all the teens would usually sit in the back of the bus, and the younger kids would sit up front.  Apparently there were some "co-ed issues" with some of the high school students, so when we had an overnight bus trip to Berlin, the coaches made assigned seats.  They basically put all the teens up front and staggered the coaches and parents throughout.  Meg and I were assigned a seat directly behind the bus driver, and our friends, Eric and Carsten, were assigned the seat directly across from us. We spent the entire night in fits of laughter much to the chagrin of the bus driver.  At three in the morning the four of us become quite punchy and had digressed to laughing at the stupidist, corniest jokes ever that Eric and Carsten told. 

Meg and I were known for being silly and having fun, and we were nicknamed Schatz Keks by our German teammate, Stefanie.  Loosely translated, it means, Joke Biscuits.  And we have been Joke Biscuits ever since. 

Meg was one grade level below me, so we only had  two classes together: Mr. Gage's AP History and Mr. Harville's Computer Programming.  AP History was a dream class.   (Read the former post entitled "Mr. Gage" to find out more about that!) Mr. Harville's class was quite a challenge.  Our school required one semester of computer class to graduate.  Most people took Word Processing.  I was unable to because it was only offered at the same time as Journalism class.  I was Editor-in-Chief of our school paper, so missing Journalism was not an option.  I didn't have a clue what I was doing in Computer Programming.  Meg stayed after school to help me with coding and loops and if/then statements.  I never would have passed that class if it weren't for her.  She was so patient and explained things that made sense to my right-brained mind (I've since become more left-brained, but that's another story). 

We were in National Honor Society and Writer's Club together, and we traveled to Ireland for Model United Nations.  We explored as much of Dublin as we could and stayed with a family that lived in the middle of nowhere on a massive estate in Co. Wicklow.  Meg and I stayed in the guest house, and we felt like royalty.   We were both in the Czech Exchange program and traveled to Prague via the overnight train. 

We organized a huge Christmas party for the swim team and their families and felt very grown up reserving the school cafeteria and coordinating all the decorations, a gift exchange, and Christmas carroling around the piano.    It was a great party! 

Our favorite waffle shop in Heerlen

We took advantage of the excellent European transportation system and often took the bus into Heerlen to visit our favorite store, The Body Shop, and to purchase waffles at a local vender.  

Meg gets along great with my family.  They absolutely love her.  She traveled with us to Munich for swim championships and stayed with us in the *TLQ's.   Her house was my second home in high school. 

Meg has been a vegetarian since she was a freshman.  She is an adventurous cook--even in high school.  I remember watching her make macaroni and cheese once, and marveled that she never measured.  She even added mustard!  It was delicious!  I don't mind working with her in the kitchen, which is a rarity since I usually like to have my own uninterrupted work space.  Meg cares deeply about the environment.  She recycles, she takes cloth bags to the grocery store, she hangs clothes to dry to save electricity, and she makes her own cards.  She would never dream of using a product that was tested on animals.

We are both second borns, and we both have an older sister and younger brother.  We both strive to keep the peace and desire that everyone be happy.  We have never had an argument but are both able to remain calm and practical when we have a difference of opinion.  She is not afraid to ask me hard questions and doesn't judge me when I believe differently than she does.  We like to discuss feelings, write poetry, and we both loved to watch "In Living Color" re-runs on **AFN.    At one time we shared a secret ambition to be a Fly Girl.

After high school, I went to Illinois, and Meg went to Maine.  I flew out my sophomore year to spend spring break with her.  Everyone else was going to Mexico, Florida, or some tropical location for spring break to work on their tans.  I opted for Maine...with snow!  So I convinced Meg to go skiing.  Neither one of us had been before, but we went to Sunday River and enrolled in a guaranteed-learn-to-ski program.   After some time on the bunny slopes, we "graduated" to what I like to call the Black Diamond Mountain of Death.  To this day, I don't know how either one of us passed the test to make it past the bunny slopes!  We both knew we were in trouble when we fell getting off the ski lift!  Our instructor pointed to the bottom of the mountain and said, "The only way down is to ski.  I'll meet you at that tree."   Neither of us had mastered the art of stopping properly.   And did I mention we were in blue jeans?  What were we thinking?  It was a difficult task, but we made it!  We were tired, sore, cold and wet, but we made it safely to the bottom of that mountain!   Our muscles screamed in pain that night when we had to walk up stairs, sit down, or stand up.  Neither one of us has been skiing since.

I miss her already.

I was touched when she flew out to Chicago to attend my graduation from college.  She even flew out to Virginia when my dad had a stroke.  That meant the world to me.  She asked me to be a bridesmaid in her wedding, and I flew to Caribou, Maine, and spent the week leading up to it helping her to get ready.    We have spent several vacations together, and we even drove to Wilmington, North Carolina, to visit her grandparents.  The lines are definitely blurred between friendship and family where Meg is concerned.

She just came for a visit with her darling hubby and two sweet children.  We picked up right where we left off, spent lots of time in the pool (of course!), chatted until the wee hours of the morning, and remarked once again how PERFECT second born children seem to be!


More military acronyms:
*TLQ = Temporary Living Quarters
** AFN = Armed Forces Network

She is wearing an Orca team shirt!  Love it!

                                           

Miss DeWitt's Class 5A

I just wrapped up another school year teaching 5th grade about a week ago.  Everyone assumes teachers can't wait until the end of school.  I actually dread it.  Don't get me wrong--I love, love, LOVE summer!  It's just difficult to have children walk into my classroom each September, wrap themselves around my heart, and walk out the middle of June.  I spend almost 8 hours a day with them 5 days a week for 36 weeks.  With some of my students, I see them more than they see their own parents. 

The first week of school is spent teaching classroom procedures, rules, and expectations.  This is not always easy, but it is crucial to an effective learning environment!  As crazy as it sounds, one of the most thrilling parts of the school year for me personally is when those procedures are practiced by my class, and we adhere to the rigorous schedule.   It is like an entire orchestra playing in unison creating beautiful music!  In short it is music to my ears!  (See what I did there?)

The more I teach, the faster each year seems to go, and the harder it is to say goodbye to each class.  I blinked once in February, and the next thing I knew it was June!  The last day of school is an awards ceremony for all the grades.  Each teacher brings her entire class on stage and gives a speech before presenting each student with his or her invidual awards.  This was the speech I gave that morning.  I am usually able to make it through my speech without getting emotional, but this year I was unsuccessful, and my principal had to pass me tissues in the middle.  And by the middle, I mean after the second paragraph...

          Good morning!  What a pleasure it is to stand before you this morning with this delightful group of almost 6^th grade students!   This has been a wonderful year full of growth, achievement, humor, and a lot of sweet memories! 

          If we look back at the beginning of the year, before school even began, we got off to a rocky start.  In the weeks leading up to the first day of school, there was a fire in the Great Dismal Swamp, two local earthquakes, two tornado warnings in Hampton Roads, Hurricane Irene, a flooded chapel (which led to a repaired roof!), no power at school the first day teachers were supposed to go back, and a gas leak at the high school.  I remind you of these events because often the enemy puts huge obstacles in our path right before God is about to do something amazing.

          And this year was amazing to say the least. Even more amazing than I could have imagined!

          I have looked forward to teaching this group of students since many of them were in kindergarten.  They are a talented, bright, inquisitive, creative, goal-oriented group of students.  God used them to minister to each other and to those outside of our classroom as well.  And they even ministered to me.  I sincerely looked forward to working with them each day.  I can honestly count this year as a highlight of my teaching career thus far.

          We have learned a lot about Old Testament heroes, multiplying and dividing fractions, decimals, and mixed numbers, sentence structure, punctuation, parts of speech, character development, vocabulary, and how to get along with each other.  We have learned that God doesn’t want us to fret and worry when troubles come into our lives.  He wants us to put our trust in Him and watch with expectation as He works things out for our good.   Well, I am happy to report, God was victorious, and we made it!  This goes along with our class verse this year, Micah 6:8. “He has showed you, O fifth grade student, what is good.  And what does the LORD require of you?  To act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”    Let God take care of the rest.  We can trust Him when tragedies and hurts happen. 

          We’ve also had many exciting experiences.

          In October, we were outside for recess one day when several large black and red tour buses, a dozen motorcycles, at least a half dozen black Explorers, several squad cars, and two ambulances sped by our school.  It took a minute to register that it was President Obama’s motorcade headed to Anna’s Pizza just down the street for lunch.  We jumped up and down and waved as the procession went by.  I remember this very well because it was the day after my birthday, and I am almost certain the President leaned out the window as he went by and said, “Happy birthday, Miss DeWitt!”   Okay so maybe just the former happened, and not the latter.  But how many other students can say they actually saw the President at school during their recess?

          In January we were able to pray for and raise money for an orphanage in Lithuania.  The crosses in the back of our chapel represent Hope for Lithuania.  We became penpals with students from a school in Uganda.  The students were always so excited to get responses and couldn’t wait to write back.  They became instant friends and shared how their penpals had a very special place in their heart.  We were visited by Totally Bananz where we learned some fun songs.  Most importantly many rededicated their lives to God or committed for the first time after that chapel. 

          We had fun practicing and performing for our own chapel program “Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader” complete with a commercial featuring the Avengers and an insurance duck.   And I have seen them pour themselves into their graduation performance which many of you saw at the beginning of this ceremony and will see in its entirety tonight at the graduation ceremony.   It is beautiful, but I have to warn you to bring your tissues.

          In April, Mrs. Rogers, our music teacher, led the class in a school wide chapel program.  Several students had solos.  When we got back to class after the performance, one of my boys came to me and said, “Did you cry when one of the 4^th grade girls sang?  Because I did.  I couldn’t help it.”  Others agreed they felt the same way.  So we discussed how that was the Holy Spirit touching their hearts and ministering to their spirit.  They were moved by the 4K praise dance program and the song “I Give Myself Away.”  And then the students had the opportunity to go out to the audience and minister by praying for people.  One of my girls said she couldn’t help but cry as she listened to people share their needs and then again when she was able to pray for them. 

          How precious is that for me as a teacher to be able to not only TALK about the Holy Spirit, but to discuss students actually FEELING the PRESENCE of the Lord and EXPERIENCING the Holy Spirit for themselves at such a young age.   It gives me goose bumps just to mention it!  But that’s just normal stuff here at Hampton Christian Elementary School!

          Yes, it has been such a memorable year…one I will certainly treasure as I look back in the years to come.  The verse I Thessalonians 2:8 seems most fitting for how I feel about this class:  “I loved you so much that I was delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but my life as well, because you had become so dear to me."

          Thank you, parents, for the opportunity to teach your children and for the sacrifices you have made to invest in Christian education.  There is no greater gift you can give them.  I pray God blesses you ten-fold for sending your children to a place where the Holy Spirit is welcomed, hearts are shepherded, and education is centered around the Word of God.

          So Class of 2012, ready to become 6^th graders, please continue to do your best next year so that God can get the glory.  Remember I love each one of you, I am so proud of all you have accomplished this year, and I can’t wait  to hear the good reports next year from your 6^th grade teachers!

          I look forward to seeing you all tonight at the 5^th grade graduation ceremony.  Remember to wear chapel dress and to arrive at your homeroom class at 6PM!  The program starts promptly at 6:30!

          And now for the awards!

Mr. Gage

A good teacher is like a candle: it consumes itself to light the way for others.  --Anonymous

Because I mentioned Mr. Gage in my last post (Click here to read!), and because he is worthy of praise and accolades, there is no question that this next post should be about him.  Mr. Gage is the kind of teacher everyone dreams of having, but few get the chance to actually experience. 

My family moved to Germany in July, and I went to a lock-in that the *PYOC was sponsoring.  (Any other military brats out there remember what that stands for?  The military loves acronyms!)  I remember asking two senior girls questions about my new school, **AFCENT International High School, and one of my questions was, "Who is the best teacher at AFCENT?"  Without hesitation both girls said, "Mr. Gage."   I remember tucking that info away into my almost 15 year old brain and thinking skeptically, We'll see...

A few weeks later I got my schedule of classes, but Mr. Gage wasn't on it.   I guess I would have to wait until the next year to see if Mr. Gage was everything people said he was.  His wife, Lillian Gage, also taught at the high school.  They were a beloved couple.  The first week of school, the faculty and staff received a devastating blow.  Mrs. Gage had been battling cancer for some time and lost that battle.  I had never met her, but the school was obviously stunned and hurt by this tragedy.  I remember many tears over the loss of this amazing woman.  The Gages had two young girls who bravely carried on.  Mr. Gage himself continued teaching without breaking stride.  Students marveled at his strength. 

I didn't have Mr. Gage for a teacher until my junior year when I took U.S. History.  Mr. Gage's classroom was in the 500 Building, also called the Senior Building because that's where the seniors' lockers were located.  Mr. Gage greeted students by name each morning.  He knew everyone!  Mr. Gage never raised his voice or lost his cool.  As a teacher myself, I know how hard that is.  I admired him then, and I admire him even more so now for that!   He was always prepared, he knew his subject matter, and he engaged students inside and outside the classroom. 

He didn't know that I was watching him and taking mental notes on how to be a good teacher.  So many of the things he did, I try to do with my own class.  When he graded papers, he would include the student's name in the comment.  "Great job, Suzanne!"   "Excellent paper, Suzanne!"  "Great content, Suzanne!"   I loved that he took the extra time to include my name.  And that he always spelled it correctly.  And that he didn't call me "Susan."   He graded papers right away and got them back the next day!  He never humiliated a student.  He never made someone feel silly for asking a question.  He respected everyone.  He took the time to be kind.   He reminded us to live and let live.

He asked us to read books and give reports on them.  He recommended the books Go Ask Alice and Black Like Me.  He told me I took good notes.   He encouraged me to take AP U.S. History my senior year which he also taught.  I was flattered and so badly wanted to do well so I wouldn't disappoint him.  He was a GREAT teacher!  I got a 4 out of 5 on my AP exam which credited me with two semesters of history classes for college.  Way to go, Mr. Gage!

He had fun activities for us in class.  One of them was where he would take an issue like the Revolutionary War, and ask us go to a certain corner of the room if we agreed, disagreed, or were neutral.  Then we had to discuss with the other students who were in our corner, choose a spokesperson, and then explain our reason.  Discussions were always very interesting because there were American, British, Canadian, Turkish, German, and Dutch students, just to name a few. 

Mr. Gage also taught Government and Economics, which was a required course to graduate.  We had it last period of our senior year.  Mr. Gage was so patient with us.   He had a class full of seniors with a serious case of senioritis, and he never once got frustrated!  I sat by three of my good friends: Serena, Helen, and Jarrod.  We chatted back and forth.  When he caught us (me) talking, he would just say, "Suzanne, please."  I  regret how much I talked to my friends during that class.  (I'm sorry, Mr. Gage!)  My friend, Helen, is British and took the class with me.  She probably knew more about American economics than I did!   But Mr. Gage was determined that everyone learn and pass his class.  He was able to motivate even the senior with the worst case of senioritis!   He had us select stocks and watch their progress.  He required us to choose an issue to debate in class and then had mock judges rule for or against us.  He simulated the stock market crash of 1929.   He asked us to choose a president and write a report about him.  He gave us a survey to see if we were liberal, conservative, or middle of the road.

Mr. Gage was also the senior class sponsor.  He chaperoned prom, he helped organize baccalaureate and graduation, and he announced our names as we crossed the stage to get our diploma.  (Thank you, Mr. Gage, for pronouncing my name correctly, and for not calling me "Susan!")  He made it a point to get to know every single senior and win their heart.  He did this successfully year after year.

One of my proudest moments was being awarded the Lillian Gage Memorial Scholarship my senior year.  It was a scholarship set up for those going into Journalism or Communications in memory of Mr. Gage's inspirational wife.  My minor was Communication Arts, and I was truly touched to receive this significant award.

I had an even better appreciation for my teachers when I started taking education classes in college.  I sent Mr. Gage a Christmas card my freshman year at college basically thanking him for being such a phenomenal teacher, and we have been exchanging Christmas cards every year since.  I asked him to join Facebook a few years ago since so many former students from AFCENT were on it.  He sent me a brief message that said, "I took your advice and joined Facebook.  This should be fun!"    His wall is full of students thanking him for investing in their lives. 

From time to time, Mr. Gage will send me an encouraging message about being a teacher.  If you are a teacher yourself, you know that every once in awhile discouragement sets in, and you feel like no one appreciates your hard work.  Mr. Gage has a radar, and when I am at a low moment, he sends a note that lifts my spirits and motivates me to keep going.  Those girls at the lock-in were right.  Mr. Gage is the best teacher.   I consider it an honor to know him and to have been his student.   I am not alone in my thinking.  Anyone who had Mr. Gage for a teacher considers himself or herself blessed. 

Mr. Gage retired from ***DoDDS (another fun military acronym!) , and he now lives in Texas where he teaches AP U.S. History at a private school.  I am 100% sure his current students love him as much as those of us from AFCENT do.   Thank you, Mr. Gage, for pouring into the lives of students!  You are the true definition of an excellent teacher.  I hope one day to be even half as good a teacher as you are.  

 One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.  --Carl Jung

*PYOC = Protestant Youth of the Chapel
** AFCENT = Armed Forces Central
***DoDDS= Department of Defense Dependents Schools

Mr. Gage's response:

Suzanne,

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for that wonderful tribute you wrote about me--and Mrs. Gage.  Nothing in my 41 year career has topped it.  You know I love kids and teaching as much as you do, and it is so rewarding when people recognize it.  I am sure well deserved tributes come to you each year from your students and their parents.  And many more will come your way down the line.  I hope you are enjoying a very well earned summer vacation.  Thanks again for your incredible thoughtfulness.  It means so much to me.

Serena

My dad was assigned to Geilenkirchen NATO Air Base, Germany, when I was in tenth grade. The base had a school that only went up to 5th grade, so we were bused across the border to AFCENT International School in Brunssum, The Netherlands. I took International Modern History 1st period with Herr Wolff. It ran on the German schedule which meant we got out of class about 10 minutes before the English section classes. So after class was over, I had 10 extra minutes to chit-chat with friends, take a bathroom break, or whatever before having to get to my next class. About a month or so into school, we were told we weren't allowed to be in the halls during that time and had to report to Mrs. Elder's class for that extra 10 minutes. So when my class came in, it was a free for all, and both classes would stand around talking. And that is where I met Serena. 

I had just signed up for Model International Parliament, and she approached me and said she heard I was going. I told her there was a lot to do to get ready, and she offered to help in any way possible. We spent the rest of high school as friends. We were on Student Council together and organized the Mr. AFCENT beauty pageant and brought back the bonfire at Homecoming. We were in the student exchange program and traveled to Praque via train together. I always have a good time when I am with Serena. She is smart, honest, funny, helpful, and direct. I never have to guess how she is feeling. She listens when I talk to her and is good about follow up questions. She is fiercely protective of those she loves, and she pushes me in the areas needed to be my best. We text multiple times daily, and her texts brighten my mood. She leaves in-depth voice mails that make me laugh. She is a hard worker...probably one of the hardest working people I know. She gets more done before 8 a.m. than most people do in a day.  One time she told me I was the "Mr. Gage" of my school.  That is the Mt. Everest of compliments, and if you know Mr. Gage, you'll understand why! 

I just returned from her beautiful destination wedding in Casa Ybel on Sanibel Island in Florida. It was a beautiful wedding on the beach. The waves provided a gorgeous backdrop, and there was a gusty breeze to cool us off. Her son, who just turned five, walked her down the aisle. The bride and groom were surrounded by two dozen of their closest friends and family making for an intimate ceremony. It was perfect. After the ceremony, Serena hugged me tightly and said, "I am so glad you were here. I love that you are my friend." How sweet is that? Made me teary. I am so glad SHE is my friend. She has taught me the beauty of strength through life's hardships, no distance can ever separate true friends, and that retail therapy CAN make you feel better (especially at a Coach outlet with 50% off and a coupon with an additional 20% off!).

Actual text messages sent the day after I started the blog: 

Suzanne:  Guess what???  I started a blog!  I never in a million years thought I would, but I did on Saturday after returning from your wedding.

Serena:  Cool!  Send me the link!

Suzanne:  Okay, but I have to warn you about something first...

Serena: Oh no...what?

Suzanne:  I know you are super private, but the first official post is about you.

Serena:  ?!?

Suzanne:  The blog is kindred-spirits-near-and-far@blogspot.com

Don't hate me.  I hope you like it.  :)

Serena:  (31 {nervous} minutes later)  Never! Love it! Very kind of you!

Meager Beginnings

Whenever someone asks me what it was like to grow up as an Air Force brat and have to move every two or three years, I usually respond with, "I never knew any differently." The truth of the matter is that my life is so much richer for it. I traveled the world, experienced diverse cultures, and met the most amazing people. I wouldn't want it any other way.

My good friend, Christine, told me blogs should be about topics for which you are passionate. I love God, my beautiful family and precious friends, teaching, writing, books, character development, good movies, traveling, summer, the pool, digging my toes in the sand at the beach, and laughter, just to name a few!   But the topic for blogging was crystal clear:  PEOPLE! Each post will feature a person in my life who has made a distinct impression on me, what they have taught me, and fond memories I have of them. These are my kindred spirits near and far.