A Job Well Done

I learned a few things on our trip to Jamaica.

1. It's absolutely beautiful. It was picture perfect, the weather was perfect, and the resort was perfect.

2. I have an awesome best friend and husband...we had a great time with our friends, but it was especially fun to be able to spend so much of our time together. He's the same fun guy I met so many years ago...only we have decided we can't seem to drink as much or stay up as late as we once did...at least not for more than one in a row! :)

3. A job is worth doing well. Yes, I've known this last one, and I preach it to my students. Nothing was more clear to me than when I stopped to watch the employees on the resort. All were clean-cut and well dressed. All worked hard and were friendly. All seemed to appreciate and enjoy their job.

There were many employees who broke out in song during our stay at Secrets. I was amazed by the voices and the courage to do what they seemed to love. Why did they do it? I think they were happy and wanted to show the world what they can do! There was not a single employee, and there were TONS of them, who did not seem to enjoy and appreciate his job. Each was willing to go above and beyond the expectations and was sincere and friendly. As we flew home, Sean and I both commented about this. I know the scenery is amazing, so that is something that leads to the happiness. However, these people came from a poor, poor world. Yet, they would never let you know it by their actions. (For instance, the guy above was the cook at the Japanese restaurant where we spent our birthday evening. He was entertaining, happy, friendly, and cooked a great meal. He also told us he has to ride a bus one hour each way to work!) Here's the kicker...these employees know tips are not encouraged! So they do their job for the sake of doing their best. Amazing.

It is my hope that one day the McDaniel boys will be the kind of employee I witnessed at Secrets. No job is too small or too little. All are important. Just like human beings.

More Evidence of Growing...

Here are Myles and Max before their first Building Blocks Spring Program. (It was a western theme.)

Below are the boys before their second program. I guess I did not get one of them together.




Now look how big they are this year!! They are becoming sweet, responsible boys. We're so proud of them!

The Newest Kindergartners

These are two pictures I took of Max and Myles on the first day they went to Building Blocks. As usual, they were not excited to have me take their picture.


Here they are on their last day at Building Blocks. (Myles is standing on the sidewalk, so he looks taller!) We celebrated the last day by going to Orange Leaf.

It's bitter sweet. Max and Myles have blossomed, thanks to Building Blocks and the great teachers. We know they will do the same at Ascension, but we were sad to say good-bye to such great people. We are blessed to have had them take care of our most prized possessions for 3 years.

We're looking forward to a great summer. I know I'm going to love spending time with these NEW Kindergartners!!