[Archives 7]

Meeting the Legend April 30th, 2008

Monday afternoon I was asked to represent the women’s track team on a panel of student-athletes. The athletic department is currently in the midst of their 10-year review and they wanted our input and feedback on our experiences. Little did I know that the man running the meeting was going to be none other than George Glass. We had been waiting in the room for a few minutes waiting for someone to come in and begin the meeting. Then I heard the door open and saw that man come around the corner. I couldn’t say anything. Coach Glass came to TU as a student, played basketball and ran track and then came back later to coach a very successful 40-some years for Taylor. In case you’re wondering about the impact he had on Taylor’s running program, our track complex is named after him. It’s been incredible to hear Coach Bowers tell stories about Coach Glass over the past four years. It is completely evident that he has lived his life to honor to Lord in all that he does; it is so clear in his speech and interactions with others. I wonder if anyone else in the room realized with whom exactly they were speaking. I felt honored just to be able to spend an hour in his presence and listen to the encouragements and truths he spoke to us during that time. That is a man who has lived for God. Wow!


[Final] MCC Championships April 27th, 2008

Saturday evening marked the end of my last Conference meet. The end of my fourth and final conference week- the physical and mental preparation- over and done. What a strange strange feeling.

We competed at Goshen College both Friday afternoon/evening and all day Saturday. The wind hindered performances some, but overall it was a great day to be wearing purple, as coach said. It was also the first meet I ran all three relays- 4×100, 4×400, and 4×800. Quite frankly, running an 800 and 100 in the same meet is an adventure; I loved it. Several team members qualified automatically for the NAIA national meet in St. Louis in a few weeks, which is a pretty big deal. We’re all rather excited for that.

Today after church a handful of us had a cookout down by Taylor Lake. We spent about an hour waiting for Deb to show up with the majority of the food. We made good use of our time by identifying plants, listening to Vanna read to us from an Anatomy and Physiology textbook, and munching on brownies and chips on my blanket in the parking lot. If nothing else, I appreciated the time to simply sit back and relax for a bit.

This coming weekend marks my final track meet. Christian Nationals. The whole family is coming down to watch. I’ve been counting down to this weekend for a few months and I don’t think it’s quite set in yet. Maybe it will next November when I’m not attending team meetings or organized practice- at least as an athlete.

Ten days left of class (as a student). That hasn’t sunk in either.

Oh boy, oh boy….


Math Department Banquet April 25th, 2008

We had a silent practice today. Warm-up and stretches with no noise. It was quite the strange experience- and a crazy way to psyche yourself out for Conference meet. Coach was slightly concerned at came over after our team prayer to remind us to have fun and enjoy ourselves. Oh coach, we are having fun. Perhaps that was a little too much silence, but it’s broken now and we’re ready. We’re ready for tomorrow. The big meet of the year is upon us… Mid-Central Conference Championships here we come!

Thankfully practice was a quick one today and I was able to jet out of there by 5:30 and make it to the math department banquet in Marion on time. It was nostalgic to realize it was my last time at the banquet- especially when the graduating seniors were announced. But I had a delightful conversation with Dr. Case’s three daughters (ages 6, 8, and 10). They’re wonderful, even if they did make fun of me for eating shrimp. :P I also received a one-year membership to the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics for my efforts during student teaching. That means that as soon as I have a permanent address I will begin receiving the “Mathematics Teacher” magazine! I am honestly super excited about this. Don’t worry, I called my sister on my way home and she was sure to remind me that I was a nerd.

This afternoon I completed my final team homework assignment for my math classes. The last one of this class and the last one forever. Ironically, it’s also the only one I’ve turned in a day early. We were ready to get it out of our hands. There might have been a happy dance involved in the process. Tomorrow marks the final M&M Friday… last day we eat M&M’s in math class on Friday… rather self-explanatory, eh? Although, it may be a tradition I keep up with my future students. We shall see.

On another note, Susan and I finally finished the bulletin board for the department and it looks stunning. We still need to put up pictures from tonight and eventually pictures from the approaching commencement breakfast, but the title boards are up on the wall now and we met our goal of having it done by Heritage Weekend, which brings me to my next point.

The new prayer chapel is being dedicated this weekend. Please pray for all those who will be coming to campus, for all those who have worked diligently to bring the events of this weekend together, and especially for the families who lost loved ones two years ago in the accident. This is going to be a powerful time. I don’t think it will be easy for anyone, but God continues to move and work in us and in spite of us. To Him be the glory.


Window Visitors from Downstairs April 21st, 2008

voice outside: Psst. Becky.
me: yes?
voice: hi!
me: Leah?
voice: can you tell us apart?
me: Amy?
voices: lean your head out the window.

I perched precariously on my desk chair, which unfortunately rocks quite well, as I opened the screen on the window. I proceeded to lean significantly far out to see the window below mine. There, not so much to my surprise, were Amy and Leah in similar positions. Soon my roommate joined me and the four of us carried on a lovely conversation, primarily punctuated by stifled laughter. Why we had never done this before I do not know. Perhaps because we did not engage in such behavior in the dorms. I’m just sorry it was so late and no one was out there to wonder what in the world those crazy souls were doing.

There are some things you’ll never forget. Unexpected window visitors from downstairs is probably one of them.


Spring Nights April 21st, 2008

It is springtime in Upland. The night air is exquisite. Refreshing. Calming. Soothing. Energizing. My steps always slow as I turn my face to catch the slightest movement of the air. A smile creeps across my face as I’m reminded once again of the joy I have.

Isn’t life wonderful?
In spite of the ups and downs, late nights and early mornings, triumphs and trials… isn’t it wonderful?