I've got a golden ticket(s)

At Puckett, we take part of PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports). All the teachers have tickets to give to students exhibiting good behavior. The students can then take their tickets and cash them in for something at the Ticket Store or save them up to receive a special prize. I.E. lunch from the only restaurant in town, sit with your friends at lunch, extra recess, things of that nature. 

Now, all the teachers also have the coveted Golden Tickets. These tickets are given to a class as a whole. A teacher can only give golden tickets to another class. So far, I have 2 in my room from our principal! The librarian and the counselor are also giving us one, too. The third graders are on fire! We are the example for PBIS. 

It's amazing that I'm not having to "threaten" like I used to. I only need to warn, take a recess or two, and that's it. It's like a different breed of kids here. They are respectful, they mind, I hear "please" and "thank you". When we go to recess, I have several kids in my class that immediately go to pick up garbage. No one told them to, they just went. It's plumb amazing. 

Have you heard of the book, Jesus Calling by SarahYoung? It's a fantastic little devotional book that reads as though Jesus is talking to you. I love it! I found a children's version of that devotional and was so excited. So in the mornings, after the pledge and announcements, I sit at my desk and read the passage out loud. I don't make them listen to me or call it a lesson. It's just me reading out loud at my desk. I love doing that and even though I could technically get in trouble for it, I really don't care. All they can do is tell me to stop. In which case, I will, and tag it to the leader of the day's job! ;) I'm hoping that I can do more than just read it to them at some point. 

I will survive

Well, I have officially made it through my first week of teaching 3rd grade at Puckett Elementary! It sure does feel good to say that.
My classroom is continuously changing, but that's okay. I am just testing different things out to see what I like best. :) 
I have 19 kids and I am steadily getting to know them. They are all so unique and precious. I feel like I am under a lot of pressure this year, though. This group of kids aren't really where they should be, so we've got a lot of work to do this year. I know they can handle it, I just want to make sure I'm doing what I should be for them. They deserve a good education. 
This week, I haven't been home before 6:30 any night. So, today, it caught up with me and I have been a bum all day. 5 am comes WAY too early and I just haven't gotten used to it yet. 

As far as life in Brandon...I'm getting adjusted. It's weird having Target and Hobby Lobby and Old Navy right at my beck and call. It's really not good for my wallet! I am trying to get to know some other people, but it's just so hard! That's something that doesn't get easier as you get older. If anything, it gets harder. 
I went to Pinelake last Sunday. I went there when I was in Starkville, too. I just love the way worship is done there and the pastor definitely preaches the Word. It's just so BIG! I was apprehensive of going there because I didn't want to be "just another number". I went to a Connect event that Sunday night, too. It was slightly awkward, but thankfully, I met a girl that morning through a mutual friend and we were able to go together. We chose a small group and we all went out to eat that night. I think it's going to be really good. We are meeting this Sunday night and we're going through James. I'm ready to get to know some other people and talk about the Word. 
God is teaching and revealing a lot of things to me. I'm so thankful I have a best friend I can call and complain/whine/cry/vent to on the phone and she makes it all okay. Thanks, Amy. I'm also blessed to be living with a couple of solid, Godly women whom I can confide in, too. 

Romans 8:28 And we know that in ALL things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. 
Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 

ashamed

I am really ashamed as to how little I have blogged during this busy summer of mine. 

My summer started off in London. 

We got to see all the sights in London: Big Ben, Tower of London, Westmister Abbey, St. Paul's Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, Wimbledon. Just so you know, I started to write a post about London when I got back and had all these pictures to post, too. However, I could not get the pictures to work they way I wanted, got frustrated, and deleted it. Sorry. 

We also went to Paris one day. That was when we felt like we were really in a different country. I got to put my HS French to use though. Bonjour! Qui! Haha!! We literally ran to each landmark. We only had about 6 hours in Paris. We went to Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower (where we climbed to the very tip top!), the Arch de Triumph, and the Louvre. By the time we finally got to the Louvre, we were so worn out and didn't have time for an actual tour. Not everyone wanted to go in, but I said I would like to see something. So me and two others went in, ran past all this beautiful, priceless artwork until we reached it. The Mona Lisa. It was small, but amazing. 

Our mission was terrific. We partnered with a family in Grantham (about an hour north of London). They run a summer camp and are also working with the government housing in the town. We did some door to door knocking. That was an adventure. For three days, we had a kids' club. SO many kids came, which was such a blessing. They were so excited and attentive. We played games, shared the gospel, sang songs, and had a memory verse. The kids there are living in such a dark place and they don't even know it. We got to love on them, which they don't get enough of at home. The kids actually learned the memory verse. Such a great and simple way for the Word to get into the homes. We had one child accept Christ that week. Beautiful. 

I would love to tell you about every story, child, activity we were able to do, but I'm sure you don't want to read it all. If you see me, you should ask me about it sometime! :) 

Oh, one story I'd like to share: There was a teenager at the kids club. He was, how would you say it, rough around the edges...he was also deaf. I was able to use sign with him. It was an amazing experience. I was on a sign language team back in HS at FBC. So incredible to see how God can use past experiences to communicate the Gospel. 

My next stop was Washington, D.C..

Will Simmons and I went to see Tara Morgan. It was a really fun get away trip. We got to do and see a lot of sights. It was even better having Tara there to guide us. 

Arlington Cemetery(where we got to see the Changing of the Guards), the Air and Space Museum, the Holocaust Museum, went to a Nationals game, all the memorials, got an inside tour of the Capitol, went to FBC on Capitol Hill, the Botanical Gardens, American History Museum, the White House. We went to Maryland to eat dinner one night. Cracked crabs on the Chesapeake Bay. 

After that (can you believe there's more?!), we went to Gulf Shores, AL.

So this stop wasn't as extravagant as the first two, but who doesn't love the beach? I went with my family and we haven't been in about 4 years. It was wonderful being there, soaking up the sun, not worrying about a thing! 

Once we came back, we loaded up my Jeep, two trucks, and two trailers and moved to Brandon, MS. 

So here I am, sitting in my new house with one of my two new roommates. I think I have finally gotten my classroom finished. I have New Teacher Orientation Monday. Which means, once Monday hits, summer is officially over! Kayla and I are leaving tomorrow to go to Atlanta. We're going to Six Flags, which I am super stoked about because I've never been before. And we're going tubing down the Chatahoochie River. Gotta have one last hoorah before school starts! 

Hopefully, next time I'll be able to post pictures of my house and my classroom!!! 

London

In about 15 hours I will beginning my journey to London, England. 

I can't believe it is finally time to leave. Originally, this trip was to be taken late July/early August. That meant I couldn't go because of school. However, the dates were changed and I signed up for this trip back in December. 

After a lot of fundraising and even more praying, I have the trip fully paid for. That is all because of God's gracious hand. 

We'll be doing our "touristy" activities on the front end of our trip. So, we'll stay in a hotel in London for 3 days. We are doing and seeing as much as possible. Activities include getting a tour of Wimbledon, the Tower of London (where the crown jewels are), Buckingham Palace (the Queen will be there, so we won't be able to go in, but maybe I can get a glimpse of her), Big Ben, the Eye of London, and everything in between. Our last day in London will be spent taking a train to Paris and spending the day there. Yes, you're allowed to be jealous now. 

After that, we'll head about an hour north to Grantham, England. This is where we'll be doing our work. We'll be doing community outreach and playing with the kiddos. Each team member is taking a soccer ball, 2 frisbees, and a basketball. However, we may get there and be asked to do something completely different. It's all for the Kingdom, so we'll put our happy faces on and do whatever we're asked of. 

Our leader asked us to think of some Southern items we could take to give to the couple we are partnered with. They are doing a lot for us, so we want to be as thankful as possible. I am bringing Southern Living, a Mississippi magazine, and cheese straws. That's pretty Southern, right? 

Right now, my apartment is completely full of boxes! I didn't realize how much junk I have accumulated after living here for 2 years. It's going to take a couple of Uhauls to get all of this down to Brandon. 

I also had to pack up and move out of my classroom at Louisville Elementary School. Even in the 5 short months I was there I accumulated a lot of stuff! My very last day I had to turn in my keys and say my last goodbyes to my colleagues. I actually teared up! I honestly couldn't have asked for a better first job. It was a great transition, good comradery among the staff, and a good bunch of kids. Yes, some days were not so good, but all in all, this semester was great. I will not miss that freakishly long drive every morning. 

 I ask that you keep praying for my team and I as we embark on this journey. We are all very excited about what lies ahead for us. Of course, I still have my health issues in the back of my head. I know God has it all under control, it's just those "what if" situations. 

This time last year I was preparing to leave for the Philippines. Little did I know what God had planned for me last summer. Even though I had to come home early, I was able to go back to debrief. As I'm sure you know, it was there that I was baptized. It was in a parking lot outside of a church in Alabama in a water trough. It was the most amazing moment I have experienced. When I think about that moment, the song "Washed by the Water" by Needtobreathe comes to mind. 

If you have a moment, listen to the song. It's pretty powerful. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOjpkqrCEOU

Processed

I went to Brandon Monday after school. I stayed with the future roommate, Kayla. We are still looking for a house. Continuously praying that God will provide. I went to Puckett this morning. Talking with the principal, talked to a 4th grade teacher, saw more of the school and programs. I found out that as a teacher in Rankin County School District I will receive a Mac Notebook upon arrival. Also, as a teacher at Puckett, I will have 2 iPads to use in my classroom. How amazing!?!
I went to the county office to get processed after leaving the school. An hour and a half later, I left. It was ridiculous. Thankfully, the women there were very nice. It was so very tedious and long. However, I have officially been processed, fingerprinted, and photographed. Hello, Rankin County! Here comes Ms. Mattox!


I stole this from Lauren...it looked fun. :)

99 random things

Bolded ones mean that I've done it.

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. Visited Hawaii

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo

11. Bungee jumped

12. Visited Paris (THIS SUMMER!!)

13. Watched a lightening storm

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty (No fair! When I went they wouldn't let anyone in the Statue of Liberty!)

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. Hitch hiked

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. Gone skinny dipping

27. Run a Marathon

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. Been on a cruise

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. Gone deep sea fishing

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris (I'll be there this summer!)

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Been in a movie 

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching

63. Got flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. Gone sky diving

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London (I'll get to see that this summer, too!)

77. Broken a bone

78. Been a passenger on a motorcycle

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous

92. Joined a book club

93. Got a tattoo

94. Had a baby

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee 

Delight yourself in the Lord

We must be getting older because all of my friends are getting married. 

Megan and Mallory Whitehead will be getting hitched this summer. I couldn't be happier for these two. They have always been loving, supporting, and encouraging friends of mine. We threw them a wedding shower and we had a lot of fun. There were TONS of food and I'm pretty sure the couples were showered with lots of goodies. 

The hostesses with the brides.

This past weekend was Super Bulldog Weekend. It's a beautiful weekend filled with almost every sport, festivals, and music. I went to some baseball games, saw a lot of people, went to a tennis match, the Cotton District Arts Festival, the spring football game, and...Sugarland! Even though it was exceptionally chilly for Mississippi in April, I had a blast!

Group of us at the football game.

We got a picture with Bully while on the field waiting for Sugarland.

In case you haven't heard, or just don't remember, I am going to London this summer. I am so very excited about having this opportunity to serve again. (However, I am jealous of those who get to serve the entire summer.) I had the luncheon a month or so ago and got a lot of my trip paid for through that. I'm still lacking a good chunk, though. I thought about doing a t-shirt, but it's just too much of a hassle for not a lot of money. 

In that case, I had to come up with something else. I've seen groups "flock" people's yards with plastic pink flamingos. Well, there are no pink flamingos to be found in Starkville. As I was walking around Fred's looking for something I could decorate people's yards with, I came across American flags on dowel rods. Therefore, my new fundraiser is "You've been flagged!" I am really excited about this, and I think, with the right people, it can be fun. 

I've already struck with the first house. Once you've been "flagged", you get to choose where the flags go next! Haha! I love it! 

School hasn't been too awful lately. We are just reviewing our behinds off; getting ready for this MCT2 test in a few weeks. I am SO ready for it to be over. I'm sure the kids are, too. 

Kayla and I are looking for a house in Brandon. Praying that God will provide. 

Lately

So Spring Break was awesome. I absolutely love being at Give Kids the World. If I could work there, I would. I actually asked if I applied, would I get hired. Response? "Uh, yes. Beth is right there. You remember her, right? She'll hire you right now." Haha. So at least I know that if this whole teaching thing falls through, I've got a future at GKTW.

Speaking of teaching, I got the job at Puckett. Sidenote: Puckett is about 20 minutes from Brandon. So it is still in the Rankin County School District. I'll be teaching 3rd grade in a tiny school. I'll be teaching all subjects to a room of maybe 20 students. Whoa. This is going to be way different from anything else I've known. I am looking forward to it, though. Looking for a place to live. Ready to decorate!

On a more somber note, I had a seizure Friday morning. I was in Starkville alone. It really messed me up. Of course I was pretty beat up after, but it messed with my head more than anything. Mom came and got me. I spent Easter break in much pain, in a groggy state, and sleeping. She brought me back Monday since I had to go back to school Tuesday. This episode came out of nowhere really. So now every little thing that isn't normal scares me. All the "what if's" go through my mind and it's hard to go through the day with all that in my head. However, the good Lord is getting me through this. I could be really bitter about all of this. I am young. I am the only one in my family ever with this. However, He has graciously gotten me through each episode. He has saved me through so much. I praise Him for all that He has done. I mean, it could be a lot worse, right? It's a day by day deal. Even when my flesh fails, my God never will.

What else? Oh, I'm going to London this summer! I'll be gone for about 10 days. I'm going with MSU's BSU. We have partnered with a couple who have a heart for the lost people in their area. We'll be helping them build a church plant, build relationships, hang out with kids, build fences...who knows! I am so excited to see a new part of the world, meet new brothers and sisters, and do some Kingdom work! I never would have thought that this could be my life. God is good.