FCAT Week!

Well, tomorrow starts FCAT week #1. Yikes! People keep asking me how I'm feeling about it and if I'm ready. I don't really have a frame of reference for it--sure I've taken standardized tests, but nothing as built up as FCAT; at least, not in elementary school. I have all my students' desks separated and with as much space as possible in between them. I still need to figure out what I'm doing with them tomorrow for our instructional time and make sure I understand my directions as a test administrator. And I need to get to school early to sign for all my students' test booklets, etc.

This weekend has been relaxing. Yesterday we went to a little town north of here to look around at neighborhoods. It seemed like all we found was really, really old houses that are probably only 2 bedrooms (and we'd like 3) with no garage or brand new houses about the right size, but on HUGE parcels of land--which totally prices us out. So, unless a realtor finds something out there unlike what we've seen, we'll probably stay closer to Gainesville, Lord willing.

Last night we went to a dessert at our pastor's house for people new to the church. It was a really sweet time--they were intentional about getting to know the people who attended and letting those who attended get to know each other. We left with one couple's phone number and some unbelievable God-orchestrated connections! We found out one of the wife of one of the bosses at Exactech teaches one of the pastor's children. And Matt's direct boss lives next door to one of the pastor's friends. More incredibly, the pastor here went to seminary with Alan, the pastor who married us and for whom I babysat weekly!! :) How fun!!!!! AND, the man whose house our small group meets at grew up with Tullian and was part of his church when he recently lived in South Florida! Isn't that all incredible? As I told my mom and Matt, I've really struggled with missing home this week. And it was like God saying to me, "See, I'm the God of these people just as much as I'm the God of those you love in Knoxville. How much, you ask? They even KNOW each other!" It made Knoxville seem much closer and within reach to be around those who know the dear ones we miss!

Today we had worship and then a lazy afternoon before our small group had a community service project. We cleaned up a lady's yard through one of the ministries our church supports. She was really sweet and even gave us an armload of fresh oranges from her trees. I don't particularly care for oranges, but Matt says the ones she gave us are delicious!

We had yummy stew for dinner that cooked while we were out working. Now Matt's on the phone with Tyson and I'm looking at house stuff (big surprise) and getting ready for tomorrow.

We hope you have a great week! I'll keep you updated about FCAT!

Love,
Becca

P.S. I did go to school on Friday, a little hoarse, but I made it through the day. I realize looking back that I had been feverish and achy last week too... hmmm, feverish, achy, upper respiratory stuff going on.... sounds like the flu! Praise the Lord I didn't come down with it all the way--just struggled to fight it off. We are very thankful! My voice is only a little hoarse now and I'm getting my energy back. :)