Another College Student

It's Carrie's turn. My 3rd to send to college. She is so excited! I can't wait to see how God shapes her as she experiences college life at Berry and Winshape.

Sending a child to college can be unnerving for the parent. You wonder if they are studying. Are they getting enough rest? (probably not!) Are they getting up for class? Did they finish that paper? Do they have enough money? Who are their friends? Are they making the best decisions? Are they bold enough to go talk to their professor when they need help? Then they call, and you hold your breath that everything is okay.  Have they found a church? Are they following the values you tried to teach them? It's a time to let go, and trust God.

Carrie has always wanted to go to Berry. Maybe because the college kids that have been a part of our family (her whole life!) are primarily Berry students. She is going to love college, but I pray she can focus on her studies, and not just the fun. 

As parents we are grateful for the Winshape College program. Carrie will not only get a great education at Berry, but be in a Godly community with discipleship and leadership.

Berry is not for the poor mountain children anymore, it is quite expensive.  But, Berry gives more scholarships and financial aid than any college I know.  Carrie has been blessed to be a recipient of some wonderful funding.  The verse God gave me was fulfilled!  Jeremiah 33:3 says, "Call to Me, and I will answer you, and I will tell you great and mighty things, which you do not know."  We didn't know how we would fund another Berry education, but God has the answer, we just have to be patient and wait for His timing.


What will I miss about Carrie?
Her sweet smile.

Her laugh.

Her joyfulness, it's a gift from God! She's is such an encourager to those around her.

Hearing her play the piano, I'm glad it's a source of relaxation for her.

The way she takes time with Kate, they like to cuddle. She's a great big sister!

Kate keeping Carrie warm in the snow!

I'll look forward to seeing her on campus (a perk of working there), getting a text from her, and seeing her on Sundays! I can't wait for her to bring friends home for Sunday lunch.  I'm going to need a bigger table!

Alyssa in Mississippi

This past weekend Randy and I drove to Hazlehurst Mississippi.  We took Alyssa the rest of her belongings, stocked her pantry, and explored her new community.  This is rural Mississippi.  I grew up in rural Florida, some things are the same.  People know each other, they take care of each other, it's hot and there are bugs!

Hazlehurst is 30 minutes south of Jackson. Poultry processing is a big industry in this little town. There is a Super WalMart, Fred's, Dollar General, Wendys, Sonic, Burger King, and among other local restaurants and stores.  Alyssa now banks at the Trustmark Bank.  Ms. Rita works here, and is the mother-in-law of the her landlord.  Ms. Rita is wonderful! She informed me that she would take care of Alyssa and Angie (roommate).  She has already brought food on numerous occasions  For all the years that we have taken care of college kids, I can say it is a blessing to be on the receiving end of the local support!

Alyssa banks here

If you go to Hazlehurst let me encourage you to visit Stark's. We ate here twice in our short visit.  It's a local place owned by the same guy for 35 years.  It was always busy with the locals, the food is great, and the service comes with a smile. We seemed to be the "city slickers" eating at Stark's!

Alyssa and her roommate Angie share a strong faith in God, and love for the local church.  We worshiped at First Baptist Hazlehurst on Sunday with Angie's family.  It was a friendly church, and several ladies told me they were happy to have the new teachers with Teach for America (TFA).  Next Sunday, they will have a luncheon for all educators, and give out school supplies to TFA teachers. The pastor had a good message, the choir was great, and I enjoyed the old songs with piano and organ.

First Baptist Hazlehurst

Angie's parents drove from Brownsville Texas and brought much needed furniture for the house.  When we arrived on Saturday afternoon the house echoed, but that evening the Blankenship's trailer pulled in, and instant comfort! Angie's cat, Prince, even came for a visit!!  On Sunday they got Direct TV. Alyssa is excited about the upcoming NFL season, but let's see if she has time to watch it!

Living Room on Gallatin Road

On Saturday evening we visited Alyssa school.  It's K-8 with 18 brand new TFA teachers.  It is the only public school in Copiah County, kids come from many miles to get an education.  Alyssa has 24 on her 3rd grade role.  The school day begins 7:30,  and buses come at 3 p.m.  It is self-contained, so they do not change classes. It's a long day!

It was getting late when we left the school that evening, 
and a storm was brewing!

TFA wants their teachers to stress the importance of college to their students.  They want the children to think outside their community, and set goals for their future.  This is quite a feat considering many of the children have never ventured to Jackson, just 30 miles north.

Outside Alyssa's classroom

Would you expect a different college on her board the first week?

Alyssa classroom doesn't have desks, they have tables.  This means she needed somewhere for her kids to store their backpacks.  Thanks to Aunt Dee in Florida, Alyssa has plenty of storage cubes for the classroom.

Welcome to Ms. Nobles classroom!

Alyssa chose a CLIMBING theme for her classroom.  They are climbing the mountain of success, so everything revolves around mountains.  She even included National Parks into the idea. Each day she has  park ranger and a guide with duties in her class.  Her behavior board also includes the outdoor theme, with slippery slopes, falling rocks and avalanches listed as possible problems that need resolving!

Climbing Theme Continues

Front of her classroom.

For years Alyssa planned to teach in Mexico.  Mississippi has similarities to Mexico. Both cultures have  beautiful brown eyes.  The children she teaches are poor, and many are behind in their education.   There is another parallel here: Martha Berry.  She taught the poor, the disadvantaged and the uneducated.  Alyssa is carrying on in the tradition of Martha Berry, founder of her alma mater.  I read the following quote on my walk down the 'gate of opportunity' drive: "Martha Berry's work is not finished, it is just beginning in your lives and those of others who went before you.  You boys and girls are her real memorial."  (James Kraft, Kraft Cheese Company, 1942).

ALYSSA - Martha Berry would be proud! 

Alyssa with her roommate, Angie