By now everyone has heard that we here in Richland Springs are virtual schooling for the next two weeks. What you may not know is the agonizing that everyone went through especially our leadership, Mr. Fowler and Mrs. Wyatt. Although I hate being absent from my kids, there was no other decision to make. In a larger school system, a few teachers being absent would make little difference.
Here, in our tiny little education community, it is devastating. We could perhaps have continued school for the elementary, but it would have been diffcult to say the least. So, we will be handing out packets and working with Google classroom for those with computer capabilities. The positive to this scenario is that with our four-day school week, we will only miss six instructional days. My heart grieves for all the little ones who need one on one teaching.
There is no Monday school this Monday, but we will have it next week, the 9th. We may take one hour out of our 10-2 time frame and work with kids who need some help. If you are a parent or student who needs assistance with the work that was sent home, please let me know, and I can arrange to have Chromebook and teacher help one day towards the end of this week. We teachers are ready to do what we can. The high school is supposed to stay close to home, but elementary students and teachers are free to come and go. This will be an extremely stressful time for our football boys. They are not allowed to practice, and they will have had only one day of practice before their next game. They are dedicated young men, so I have confidence in their abilities to overcome this issue.
By now the election night is over. We are either announcing a victor or facing days or weeks of confusion. This virus is causing complications, to say the least. I hope everyone voted on the bond election for the upgrade and improvement of our campus. I wrote last week that many folks wanted more information. If it does not pass, I hope we will have some serious meetings to explain the plan more thoroughly to our community. If it passes, we will still need those meetings to clarify some issues. I work in the school every day, and I realize that our high school building, locker rooms and guest restrooms need some serious updating and repairs. Most folks I have spoken with recognize the need for those repairs; others question the cost of those repairs at this time. I hope we will be able to have those meetings and set worried minds at rest. May God bring peace to our community, our nation, and an end to this virus.
I have finished the topper for my great-granddaughter’s quilt. The funny thing is the color choice was picked out by mom. It gave me heartburn for two months. I finally found a way to make it work, but doesn’t look like the original design at all. Perhaps that is why I like it. I gave mom a choice of five quilts after it was done, and to my surprise, Mom picked a totally different quilt full of color and life. That made me much happier. Our ladies’ group often relates life’s little moments to our quilts. In this case, even though this quilt seemed impossible and ugly; a little time and thought and prayer opened a new way. Isn’t that what life does to us? Friday, my work week ended abruptly, and I was angry. Today, I have prayed and thought, and I feel I can find a way to make this break in our work schedule work for my kiddos. I can also take the time to get over this sinus issue without having to go to school, and I can finish some of my quilting projects. I must remind myself continually, that God is in control, and He doesn’t need my help to get the job done.
I will have a little more time to spend in prayer as well. My heart was touched by the number of obituaries in the newspaper last Wednesday. The First Baptist Church hosted the Robert Lewis family on Saturday. The local ladies showered the family with a delicious meal. There was food to take home for the next few days, and the family had time to visit with one another and the friends who came to the funeral. We know Robert was greeted with joy. He has been a good and faithful church member, community member and devoted Coyote fan. He will be missed. We want to extend our condolences to the James Ellis family, the Gloria Lusty family, the Sharon Vogel family, the Gary Killion family, the Richard Ferguson family and the Mary Webb family, as well John Mayor. I’m not sure I have spelt his name correctly. This Thanksgiving will be diffcult for many families.
Please keep them in your prayers.
Please keep our country in your prayers; pray for the safety of our medical and emergency personnel. Pray for rain in our area and a good vaccine for this virus. I haven’t heard how Hutton Lusty is doing with his broken arm, but I know he has a loving family praying for his healing. Most of all, pray for our precious troops and their families. Have a blessed week.