the stars at night

the key to successful indoctrination is to start young.

the last 3 days at work have been tiring because of the rain. no sun = no playground. they have literally been pulling each other's hair out.

today's lesson plan was to have a nature walk, and collect leaves and sticks and things for a collage. we couldn't do that because of the rain.

plan B?

i chose to teach them about texas instead.

i have a coffee table book with pictures of texas. it is filled with beautiful images of the great state. i marked several pages with pictures of flowers and trees, so we could still learn about nature.

it went a little something like this:

"what do you see in this picture?...that's right, flowers. a very special kind of flower. it's called a bluebonnet. everyone say 'bluebonnet.' this is the most beautiful kind of flower you will ever see. it's really quite breathtaking. this kind of flower grows in texas. everyone say 'texas.'"

"...that was a really tall tree! oh, what's this? silly me, why did i mark this page? well, while we're here, you should know that this is the capitol building of texas. it's actually taller than the nation's capitol building."

i'd like to pretend that this is the first time i've done that.

when i was a summer missionary in hawaii (yes, hawaii, i was originally assigned to guam...God works, things change...), i spent one week leading vacation bible school. it was my favorite week that summer. the kids in my class were so sweet. they'd ask me amazing questions like "where is Heaven?" and i'd remember how big and awesome God is.

i don't remember how, i just remember one day we veered off topic. they must have asked me where i am from. i remember talking about mexican food, and impressing upon them the importance of visiting texas when they get older.



and hey, while you're reading my blog:

Texas, Our Texas! all hail the mighty State!
Texas, Our Texas! so wonderful so great!
Boldest and grandest, withstanding ev'ry test
O Empire wide and glorious, you stand supremely blest.
(chorus)

Texas, O Texas! your freeborn single star,
Sends out its radiance to nations near and far,
Emblem of Freedom! it set our hearts aglow,
With thoughts of San Jacinto and glorious Alamo.
(chorus)

Texas, dear Texas! from tyrant grip now free,
Shines forth in splendor, your star of destiny!
Mother of heroes, we come your children true,
Proclaiming our allegiance, our faith, our love for you.

Chorus

God bless you Texas! And keep you brave and strong,
That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long.
God bless you Texas! And keep you brave and strong,
That you may grow in power and worth, throughout the ages long.