Day 1416: Surprises in SC

Our student meeting in Silver Creek was a hit.  Josh's classroom was full of young ladies and one young man.  He never told us the schedule changed so our time was cut to only twenty-five minutes.  He also hadn't given out the DVDs we gave him a month ago so the kids haven't seen it yet.

We were delighted to hear from Lily and Moraima that they both want to serve as student leaders!  We expected Lily would apply but never thought Moraima would because she is such a quiet, reserved girl.  If we get five or six eighth graders, we can certainly take two student leaders from SC.

On Friday morning we're speaking with the eighth graders in Brocton for a whole hour!  That will give us enough time to view part of the video besides reviewing the packet and answering questions.  We're hoping to increase enrollment a great deal since we now have an in-school adviser who has been promoting Quest in her classes.  Once we return from NYC, we have six parent meetings scheduled between the first and the twelfth.  That will give us a better indication of our numbers.

We had a great time at book club tonight.  Nancy prepared a lovely meal, a feast really.   It was the first time that we unanimously hated the book!  At the Water's Edge by Sarah Gruen was set during WWII in Scotland where two of the main characters were hunting for the Loch Ness monster.  An adult book about a quest for a monster.  Ridiculous.  It was my least favorite book of all our years together.  Anyway, the conversation that followed was so much fun.  I have really missed these old friends and it reminded me of all the joy life has to offer.

I took one of those Facebook quizzes that identifies your personality based on the colors you are most drawn to in a dozen different photos.  It was no surprise that I am idealist.  I knew that and it's why I am so devastated when the world is insane, when violence is directed against innocents and people are hurt.  School shootings, theater shootings, bombings...  So much hate, so much pain.   I'm not naive and I understand a great deal about global geopolitics.   It doesn't matter where victims are from, whether it's Beirut, Russia, Paris, my heart breaks each time.  I don't get angry and lash out.   Instead, it crushes me and it takes time to rebound.  The only way to stay sane is to compartmentalize the violence and reach for the constants in my life that provide joy and purpose.  Family, friends, writing, hiking, travel, photography and working with kids on Quest and musicals.

Only the willow still has leaves, but the sky was so magnificent.