January Sunshine

I've been taking a blogging break. But I'm back now to reflect on a slight miracle: a beautiful afternoon of January sunshine after a week of dark, dismal rain. It's been raining (and flooding) all over the southwest coast of BC almost all winter, which as everyone knows could pose a huge problem to the coming winter olympics. Here's hoping it holds off for them. Last weekend the 7 day forcast called for at least a week of rain, but this afternoon it cleared up a bit and by the end of the day I was able to walk home with beautiful sunshine pouring over the drenched city. It was certainly a much appreciated break here for us. I've been busy planning for exams and wrapping up the semester, and we've got extra pit band rehersals as the musical approaches. I can feel the stress level of our teachers ever slowly rising, but I know we'll pull it off and it will be amazing. It always is and everybody knows it.

I have spent the past week considering where I stand in life. My friends, my grades, all that I can achieve in my life and the busy spring I'm about to step into. (More on that later) Last night was an open house at school for grade 8's to pick a high school for next year. I couldn't believe how many showed up!!! I was there as a guide. Every time there's an orientation I try to be there to help out. It gives me a great sense of accomplishment (and superiority) to look at them and remember where I was, not all that long ago, and then look at how far I've come and where I am now.

And of course, everybody knows about the tragic earthquake that hit Haiti this week. My school along with the rest of the country has jumped onto the helping wagon. Bake sales and donations jars have been organized for the coming week to raise money towards helping out in any way we can. I'll be sure to put some money in the jar on Monday. If my 5 dollars can help heal the sick or feed the hungry, I'll gladly give it. We often forget how fortunate we are here. Winters here tend to be long and dreary, but on the sunny days, I can stop and reflect on everything I have and for that I am grateful. Grateful for sunshine. It is so beautiful.