the year 2006

It is the new year and as I consider the prospect (usage of this word is ironic for obvious reasons) of returning tomorrow to life at the Admissions office, I reflect on what the last year has brought in my life. If you will allow me, I will take just a few moments to reflect on the year that was 2005...

January brought the beginning of my student teaching, first at the elementary level (those kids were the greatest) and I then moved on to the junior and senior high levels (also super kids at these levels as well). Highlights of my student teaching experience included preparing my high school Chorale and Chambersingers for an important concert with the Grand Rapids Symphony and attending Jenison's production of "Seussical" in which many of my students performed.

The spring season saw my return to the single life. At the time, it was pretty devastating, but quickly I realized that it was very much for the best. At this point, I really realized that there is contentment in singlehood.

May brought my graduation from college and a tour to France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. It was a real treat--an awesome trip to cap off my college years. From there, I would return to Holland and begin my search for a teaching job. I found myself at the Orlando Convention Center in Florida, where I would have interviews, visit schools, and eventually be offered a position which I did not take. Incredible that I went all that way really for nothing, but it was as if I needed to go down there to find out if it was the place for me.

A position as Admissions counselor at Hope became available and I pounced on it. At that point, I had had no other options come up in the Holland area, and I needed a job that would provide me with good experience and a positive financial situation. This was it! I spent the months of September, October, and November traveling across Michigan and New York recruiting students at high schools and college fairs. Since then I have been working on recruitment programming, attending Hope basketball games, and enjoying a restful winter break.

I am excited to know what the next twelve months will hold for me and what thoughts I will have at the conclusion of this year. For now, I will enjoy every minute of every day and hope that my every action glorifies my God. I am thankful for a loving family, caring friends, the ability to establish myself as a professional in the working world, and the hope that reminds me that someone is waiting who I will someday be able to share my life with. I won't lie--I am excited for the person God has waiting for me, and I pray that he will prepare me for her to enter in my life.

To borrow the lines from one of my favorite songs:

Someone is waiting...


Would I know her even if I met her?
Wait for me,
I'm ready now,
I'll find you if I can!
Did I know her? Have I waited too long?
Maybe so, but maybe so has she.
Wait for me--I'll hurry!
Wait for me--I'll hurry!


Wait for me.