I am exactly where I am supposed to be.

I am exactly where I am supposed to be. This is a mantra that has followed me through all of my life. It typically has been a reminder to myself when I've been in a place that is challenging and, to be honest , I usually associate this mantra with the more difficult moments of my life. However, when you can say, "I am exactly where I'm supposed to be and where I WANT to be"... that's where you find the magic in life. I am privileged and lucky to have found the space where I am now. There are many moments in the past two months that I have looked at Nick (my husband) and said, "We are so lucky." At times, I feel shy to celebrate my successes so publicly, because I know people are struggling. What I also know is that it's important to celebrate, because life will inevitably ebb and flow with challenges and success...so when you're up, I say share it.

During the past two months several opportunities outside of my regular teaching responsibilities have been presented. Fact: Teachers work their butts off. So make no mistake, there are countless opportunities presented that I have gladly and quickly replied with a "No thank you." It's the only way teachers survive...we have to say "No." And as I say this, I will tell you I said "Yes" too many times lately. Two experiences though were entirely worth it.

This weekend, I was invited by SENIM (Special Education Network in Malaysia) to be a panelist at their Rockin' Resource Fair. I was also invited to shared info about Self-Advocacy during a "Speed Geeking" session. Participating in this event reinvigorated my faith in the special education movement in Asia. I was amazed at how much Kuala Lumpur has to offer in terms of therapies, learning centers, and overall support and awareness for this often marginilized community. I was able to speak with many amazing parents, teachers, and therapists. I've only been in KL for 10 months and the amount of specialists and organizations I've been able to collaborate with is at least triple what I was exposed to during 3 years in Ecuador. Malaysia is doing it right and truly serving students with social, emotional. and learning difficulties. I'm so lucky to be a part of this growing network. I am exactly where I am supposed to be (geographically)!

Three weeks ago I chaperoned our middle school's Malaysia Week...this was another case of letting the "yes" flow. Our middle school adventure program was in need of teachers with learning support experience and it helped that I also love learning and teaching outside the walls of the classroom. When I initially said yes, I forgot about creating a week of sub plans before leaving, and answering emails each morning and night from my high school students and teachers. Outdoor education is as good as it gets, so needless to say it was WORTH IT!

We traveled to Cherating Beach and the Perhentian Islands to learn about what locals are doing to protect sea turtles in Malaysia. In the mix of the week we worked with a local school to help educate youth about marine conservation, did beach clean ups, stayed up late to watch sea turtles lay eggs on the beach, went to a local Malay house for dinner, and worked with some amazing young locals making big changes in their community. One of the highlights was at the end of the snorkeling trip when we jumped off the jetty. Nearly every student made the leap, but one student was hesitating. She just learned how to swim this year. Actually another student, Aisha, who happens to have down syndrome, taught her how to swim in our school pool during the past few months. When I saw her hesitating I explained that last year Aisha was on this same trip. I shared that she did the jetty jump and thought it was awesome. After this pep-talk, she took my hand and we (after a few countdowns) leaped together. If for nothing else, that one moment was why I was there. I was exactly where I was supposed to be.