Questions and Answers

What is the first word that comes to mind when you think about God?

Grace

When did God become real to you?

I remember being saved at either 4 or 5. But it was at 10 years old, that I remember my feeling that my relationship with my Savior was "real." Does that make sense? Over the years, I feel I've continued to draw closer and closer to Him and deeper and deeper in His Word. Now, I can't imagine my life without Him as my personal Lord and Savior. It truly is an amazing adventure. And I'm so grateful for God being my guide every single step of the way.

What is your favorite worship song/hymn?

Worship Song - No Longer Slaves by Newsboys

Hymn - In the Garden or Lily of the Valley

Tell us about your siblings.

I have one brother who's 18 months younger than me. Growing up, we were really close. Moving around all the time does that to you. Anywho - He's an exceptionally hard worker. He is generous and encouraging. He has a huge heart and loves doing good for others. He's an amazing husband and father. If I'm able to find a man one day who is even half as great as he is, I'll be a lucky girl.

Does your name have a special meaning or were you named after someone special?

My first name (Mary) was my mom's mom's name. She died before I was born. Then Elisabeth (with an S, not a Z) is from the Bible. 

If money were no object, and you didn't have to work, what would you do?

I'd still be teaching in some way, I'm sure. I really do love it that much. But I'd probably be finally doing my dream job. I'd be working in an orphanage or children's home somewhere. 

What's in the works, creatively speaking?

I'm working on my next newsletter.

As a child, what did you wish to become when you grew up?

I have always wanted to become a teacher.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you want to have with you?

1) Bible 
2) a Knife (great for gathering/preparing food found on the island
3) Somebody fun & smart (a relative, a friend, somebody...)

What book have you read recently that you would recommend?

I actually wrote about this on here the other day. Did you miss it? If so, you can read my answers here.

What's your most embarrassing moment?

Oh my word... I was sitting on the plane one day, waiting for it to take off. I'd eaten something bad a few hours earlier. The plane was delayed, so we were just sitting there. I was hot. I felt horrible. And right when I opened my mouth to ask the guy next to me if I could get out to go to the bathroom, I threw up ALL OVER him, the seat in front of me, my tray, everywhere... It was awful!

Tell about your last dream.

Short answer... A turtle was teaching me Sign Language. 

What is something you love doing?

Teaching

What is something you hate doing?

I hate packing/unpacking.

Which movie do you quote the most?

I have a few I quote often. I'm not sure which I quote hte most, though. There's Sweet Home Alabama, Forrest Gump, and almost all Disney movies.

Any hidden talents?

very little - I'm an open book.

Are you a morning person or a night person?

morning

Coffee or tea?

tea - I hate coffee.

Which 3 countries would you like to visit?

1) Australia
2) Korea
3) either Ireland or Scotland

What is a favorite line from a movie?

"The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all." - from Mulan

Thoughts on tattoos? Have any? Want any?

I don't have any. Not sure if I want one or not.
As for my thoughts... I have no problem with someone else getting one. I just don't know if it's for me. I typically try to stay as far away from needles as possible.

What is your biggest pet peeve(s)?

Hearing people chewing their food. Ugh! Close your mouth when you eat, people!

If you had one day to live over again, which day would you pick?

I don't know that I have an actual specific day. But it'd be a day when we were younger and my dad was obviously still around. ...a day when we did something fun together as a family. And I had no cares in the world. Life was fun. Life was easy. And we were all together. I love my life. I do. But sometimes I miss simpler times. You know.

What would you like to be known for?

Teaching those who the world pushes aside. 

I love teaching kids who present a "challenge," so to speak. 

Give me the kids who struggle a little. Give me the kids who need a little extra help to master education. Give me the kids who need an advocate to "fight" on their behalf, so they can have access to the education they deserve. Give me the kids who have trouble seeing or hearing or learning the same as their typical peers. Give me the kids who aren't as proficient in the English language. Give me the kids who have issues you and I could never fathom, the kids who are starving for love and attention and are acting out, exhibiting "strange" or very poor behavior. Honestly, that's when I'm the happiest.

If your house was burning, which three objects would you try and save?

Ok, so I'm assuming all people and pets have been rescued from the house already. And I'm assuming I'd already have a change of clothes with me. Right? :)

 So then, I'd go get...

1) my Bible
2) my most special photos
3) my computer or maybe my phone - Let's just pretend my phone is charging and is plugged into my computer. That way I could get both of them at once. That sounds fair. Doesn't it? :)

What do you have planned for tomorrow?

I'm going to be scoring ESL tests and writing reports on those students I'm testing today. Then I'll FINALLY start working in my classroom. I have to completely unpack my classroom, arrange the furniture, and make it presentable. And if I have time, I'll start prepping for my 5th graders' classwork. Then I'm having 3 of the new teachers over for dinner. We're having lasagna. Yum!

Where do you normally buy groceries?

There are a few small stores in my neighborhood. Casino, Mary Market, City Dia - Then I get my fruits and veggies from one of the vendors set up outside these stores. Sometimes I'll go to one of the bigger stores if I need something more specific. And if I need American food, I'll go to the American Food Store (yes, that's its actual name) and will get it there. It's expensive, though. So that one's rare.

If you were a superhero, what would your superhero name be?

Super Teacher :)

What's the secret to a good life?

a real, genuine relationship with Jesus Christ

What are you passionate about?

teaching - missions - God - family