Friday, August 25, 2006

I made it!

Okay, I finally got to audition for the worship team for the Spanish Venue at our church. The audition was very casual. I had to sing a couple of songs to three guys in a small office. I almost freaked but made it through. My voice is so out of practice. I have a sore throat just from practicing for the audition. I've never experienced this before. I guess it's because I've been singing all my life. This last year is probably the longest I've gone without using my voice for singing purposes. Anyway, one of the men I auditioned for is a guy who collaborated with Marcos Witt on a CD. It was pretty interesting!

Well, today we practiced with the group I will be singing with. It was so wonderful to do that again. The ladies I sang with today did a fab job. We did a three part harmony in most of the songs and it sounded really well.

The man leading the worship is a Juan Salinas. He looks and sounds very familiar. He is very talented. I know he has produced records but I don't have all the 411 on him yet. We are practicing tomorrow with the actual band. I am excited since our Spanish Venue services resume this Sunday. If you can, please pray for our service.

Calling All Teachers

Another school year has begun! I just can't belive how fast time passes. I am very glad to say that my classes, even though large are quite good. This year seems so different from the last. I don't feel like I'm completely lost anymore. Our district and more specifically our school are just so organized and on top of things, it's fascinating. I have the same schedule as last year which kind of bites because I have my time off in the morning. We have lots of new teachers at our school since we now have a Senior Class. Last year was the school's first year in operation and we only housed 9th-11th grades. So, we have a full house! There are approximately 2,300 kiddos.

My classes are very large, anywhere between 25-32 teens. I teach Spanish I six times a day to about 180 bodies. Whew! As you can imagine, I am pooped! This year my classroom is being used for After School Detention! Why? I really don't know or understand it but when asked I said "yes." Call me crazy. Hope this gets me a good evaluation. Well, we'll see what this year has in store for me.

To all teachers out there, may God bless you and keep you! Take time to rest up, take a walk, get a massage and most importantly fuel up on Spiritual strength. I pray that the daily tasks and struggles don't distract us from the mission set out for us. Honestly, some days I really don't know how I make it through. Surely, by God's mercy and grace things are possible.

Thursday, August 17, 2006

acenar


Ooooh! I have cool news. If you are ever in San Antonio you have to visit a new restaurant on the Riverwalk called "acenar." Phillip's aunt Lisa owns this and another restaurant called "Rosario's." Both restaurants are awesome but the new one is gorgeous with three floors and beautiful patio seating. You've got to try it! (Sorry about the bad picture!)

A Shower for the Bride


Sylvia and Gilbert will wed on October 14th this year. We were able to get together for an intimate shower for the bride-to-be in the Valley. It was really cool to be able to take pictures with our childhood friends as well as our moms. The shower was a success and now begins the countdown to the big day!

Sunday, August 06, 2006

Grandpa Jimenez is no longer with us.


Phillip's grandfather Edward Jimenez died this morning at 6:30am in San Antonio. He had suffered various illnesses in the past months. He collapsed yesterday and was taken to the ER where he never regained consciousness. Family from all over came to see him and shortly after his blood pressure decreased until no more.

Grandpa Pooch (as Phillip called him) took Phillip under his wing when his parents divorced. Grandpa introduced Phillip to bowling and soon it became his hobby too. When Phillip lived in San Antonio he'd pick up Grandpa once a week for a night of league bowling. Phillip says that he is grateful for Grandpa's care, concern and patience for him. He was and always will be a powerful influence in Phillip's life.

Grandpa Jimenez was the cutest and sweetest little old man I knew. When Phillip and I began dating he was the first to make me feel welcome. I remember a time when I was still trying to impress the family. I had offered to iron a shirt for him. He gave it to me hesitantly. As I attempted to iron the shirt I noticed that the iron had leaked and made a huge stain on the front pocket. I was so embarrassed and was certain that he knew exactly how to work the ancient iron. He was willing to risk losing his shirt in order to help me feel useful and accepted. He took the shirt and hid it so no one would know. What a sweet man! We will miss him greatly.

Please pray for a time of reflection and unity during this time. Also pray for peace and strength for the family, especially for Grandma.