32 the age to be!

Wow!  I can't believe that I am 32!  It seems like each year just keeps going faster and faster.  We have finished up one week of training, and will now have our final week before meeting the kids and getting this school year started.  I still can't believe I am celebrating my 32nd birthday in Kuwait!!!  Last night I was able to jump in on someone else's party and although I still don't feel quite like I belong here I am so thankful for people in the international community.  Its not exclusive, it is an open and welcoming community...no matter where you go and no matter what type of school you are at.  I am truly thankful for a chance to meet people and experience life in this part of the world.  I may not understand why things are run the way they are, or when taxi drivers think they need to haggle prices.  It is so annoying!  But I am thankful that I get the chance to teach again, to be able to have a classroom of first graders that are eager to learn.  To change lives, a little bit at a time, so that one day they might be able to say...she made a difference in my life.  

I know that we will meet hundreds of people in our lifetimes...but each one is important.  Our community is important.  That's my focus this year, to help my students realize that they make a difference.  They are important and their choices impact more then just themselves.  So...32...wow!  I am sure this year is about to bring many adventures...we will see how it goes!