The Assistencia of EarthHaven-Kildare

woofrrrgruff...."me too!"

2009-02-16T13:51:00.000-08:00

So, we get up and head to the zoo, where I will wait in the truck, and they will visit the critters. Suddenly we stop and I jump out to scout out the area for safety. There was something wrong. The ground smelled odd, was covered with white, wet, hard stuff.

Then I checked out a puddle, ready for a nice drink. It was solid water!! Something had gone terribly wrong with California while we were gone. I ran to the far end to see if it looked the same from the far side.

On the far side, things were either getting better or worse. There were normal plants and some ground overcoming the white plague.
Luckily we were back in the truck quickly, so I didn't have to watch out for both of them for too long. Who knows what might have happened if they had started wandering around in this stuff.

---Boston

Current news

2009-02-16T13:20:00.000-08:00

Pictures of Ideky

People have kindly asked about my announcement that I quit. It's really a good thing, I'm feeling happy to be released.

I had no idea how much I had taken over to my classroom since August. Today I packed it all into Pam's truck and brought it home. Tomorrow is my final day, I think. It's a little unclear. I will be writing reports and putting everything in order for my students. My current aide, Brownwyn will be staying on and working with both students. I don't envy her. She's great, and can do it if she can get support...please pray for her.

So, what's next? A few options.

I worked for Lutheran Special Education Ministries while in CA. They are out here and not set up in the Austin area for services. I can help find schools in need and get the program going for special education services in the area schools...and teach as well.

Also, I could sub again at Texas School for the Deaf. I want to keep up with my signing, I feel it slipping.

Finally, the dream of starting a school is becoming more and more clear.

That's about it as far as work goes.

A picture of my dad and Boston on Pam's scooter

I get to go to CA. for a wedding of two good friends in March.

I'm attaching pictures of Ideky, for those who haven't met her, and of course Boston and the others just because it's the right thing to do

Work etc.

2009-02-15T16:31:00.000-08:00

My goal here is to write and try to tag others into it to see how to get comments.

Are there any friendly bears out there?

2009-01-08T17:48:00.000-08:00

I'm not sure if anyone is listening (reading), I can't hear echoes, quiet footfalls, or stifeled breathing (the Mute button is on).

Here's life latley. The school decided to stop having 9th grade. So, one of my students is gone. The school fired one of my aides, Friday is his last day. Not only will his ability and strength in th eclass be missed, but so will his humor and calming spirit. His departure caused hte withdrawl of another student. That leaves me with 2 students. I still have an aide, who is my classroom lifeline becasue of her great instincts and quiet resolve. But, I am still exhausted and can't help worrying about what's next.
They say more changes are happening next week.

help me dream

2009-01-03T09:42:00.000-08:00

I'd love feedback, ideas, tweaks, and especially prayers.
There has been this dream in my heart for many years. It began as a desire for a Christian school for Deaf students, morphed into a school for all special education needs, then into a school for D/deaf & hearing students with and wiithout special needs, with a Montisori-like structure educationaly, langauge enriched (Vygotsky), and Christian focus.

So, I though when we moved ot Texas that it would be a charter school, since they ar easier to start here. But, I'm realizing how improtant it is to me to be able to talk directly to and about God with the children.

There is a population nearby of pre-K students who are hearing kids of deaf parents. Most have siblings, some deaf, some hearing. These parents are in a bind that early childhood intervention for language development ends at age 3, and school starts at age 5. So, for kids who are skilled in their first language of ASL, and may not be skilled in English must wait a year for school, unless they go to a preschool.

What if we could create a place, or settle in an existing place, where pre-K and Kinder. classes exist that use a bi/bi approach? ( ASL & English Bi-lingual/bi-cultural)

What would it look like? There are so many details to consider. Location, staff, money, curriculum, scope and sequence of learning, already existing school that do this. I know it would start small, and have a very limited client base, but is it doable? Please pray with me.

California ruminations

2009-01-01T11:52:00.000-08:00

What a trip!!
Boston had her first try at snow (in the San Diego mountains)
Pam had her first return to CA. since moving out here.
We saw babies, kidlets, and freinds of the two, three and four legged-kind

Lots of stars, lots of animals, lots of love. Thank you all

especially:
Larry and Betty for letting us use the Canal House
Carl and Elisa for sharing their hearts and family
Bruce and Christy for good cheer, and Godly wisdom
Paul for making time, listening and being real
Elias & Jarod for joy
Andy for technical support and the cute factor
Jen for freindly, honest caring
Mom for love
Dad for freindship and care
sorry we missed the Swingles, they are loved as well.
Let me know if you want to hear stories from the trip.

Thoughts from California

2009-01-01T11:06:00.000-08:00

I've heard from some of you that I haven't kept up on this project enough. Well, I could blame you...any of you who do keep up on writing. How can I compare with some of the word pictures and emotional honesty in your blogs? Oh well, I guess I'll just have to be myself.

Boston, Pam and I went to California for Christmas.
As usual, we worked at keepign a travel journal. Primarily it has lists of all the animals and oddities we saw on the way: Cats, roadrunners, cows, pandas, snow, ostrich farm, hoodoos, rocks, ravens, etc.
Boston had her first expedrince of walking on snow and frozen water in the mountians above San Diego. We visited our friends at the San Diego Zoo, then went north to see more friends and family.
It felt so natural to be with those we visited. Thank you all for welcoming us, and making time to be together.

Boston enjoyed meeting new friends (human and canine).
I can tell you more vacation stories if you are interested...just let me know.
Here are just a few memories I've got from our 13 day trip.
Giant roadrunner
Red skies
32 dollar hotel
On-line while driving
Driving at night while it snowed in New Mexico & Arizona
Canal house visitors
Ping Pong
Carl's stars
Prada in the desert
Bruce's beer
Dan in Sacramento
Poor, sick Swingles
Honest, admired Jen
Christie's wisdom in God
Elisa's comfortable heart
Mom's joy and love
Dad's freindship and care
and lots of other things.
hmmm, I've avaoided keeping a journal latley, maybe this can help me get back into it.

Christmas in California

2008-12-09T13:41:00.000-08:00

It's been long enough it's time to come and visit.

Boston

2008-08-29T09:08:00.000-07:00

Ignore the second paragraph....here is the most recent information. The ultrasound vet called and said Boston is fine this morning. Eating, playing, zooming. The vet found no lumps or other signs of cancer, the bloodwork is fine. We will pick her up this afternoon and keep an eye on her this weekend. No real idea what caused the dehydration, constipation, bloody stools, etc. Pray still that we can figure out if there is something we need to change here at home to help her stay healthy. Thank you

Dear friends,
Yesterday we learned that Boston may have an invasive form of cancer. If it has metastasized from the spleen, the prognosis is 6-8 weeks at the most. We will have more details today. Please pray for us and her. She doesn't feel good, but wants to make us happy by putting up a good show.
Thank you

WOOF

2008-08-21T15:48:00.001-07:00

When Boston learned that we were writing to our friends in CA., she wanted something about her as well. When the cats hear about it, I'm sure they will want to be included too.

For now, here is a picture of her guarding the wheelbarrow and watching for lizards.

New Job

2008-08-20T09:25:00.000-07:00

Well, I love TSD, but rather than just be a sub. there, I'm going to teach full time at another school. Yeah, I got the job, but sad to leave my friends.

I'll be at a charter school with 60% special education kids (only 3 Deaf). The classes each have one regular ed. and one special ed. teacher, working as co-teachers. My part will be to work with 6-7 grade class primarily teaching Language Arts and Social Studies, and helping those who need it with the other subjects as well. I'm excited to be able to work with all of the kids, whether or not they are "identified" as needing it.

School for teachers starts Sept. 2 and for students on Sept. 9. I get to use the Texas standards to create curriculum, lessons etc. however it will fit the kids' needs. Using the textbooks and/or whatever else will work. Lots of freedom, but also lots of support from other teachers.

the backyard corner

2008-08-20T09:17:00.000-07:00

What's it mean?

2008-08-20T09:13:00.000-07:00

EarthHaven has become the name of our community/family. In Long Beach, the house itself was "The Priory". Here it is "KIldare", meaning church of the oaks. Since we are part of the church and have bunches of oaks in the backyard, it seemed fitting. We have a short statement containing our individual and collective purpose, but more on that later.

Seminary ...

2008-08-20T09:07:00.000-07:00

Well, it's just about time to start school again (Sept. 2). I covet your prayers. I pray that I don't get too discouraged. I don't seem to have the kind of brain to do seminary. Ah, well! When God calls you to do a thing He does not promise that it will be easy. He just says to do it. (Big fish to follow if the invitation is turned down.) I still feel the call. So, here I go again.
In the mean time aren't the Olympics great. Do you think Nike will get in trouble for their commercial? "I got soul, but..."

First try

2008-08-19T18:34:00.000-07:00

Well, just on the off chance that someone will be interested in keeping up with life here in Austin. I'll work at as time allows.