School jitters, getting older, exchange students...

The school caution lights were blinking and the parking lot was filled as I passed the school in Leverett's Chapel Thursday morning earmarking those good old school days have arrived once more. Meet-the-teacher nights and first day jitters have come and gone and students are now attempting to settle back in to the routine of school. Jacob Lucas, son of Mitch and Jenna Lucas had his own cheering section team to help offset his jitters. KNH Reporter/Photographer Les Murray was at the school taking pictures and Jacob gave him a high five and walked right on in like he knew what he was doing and Greg Collins was there cheering him on from the sidelines. "But, you know what?" asked Mitch with a bewildered look upon his face. "I think he was ready for us to go on and leave him alone." (Now, we know who had the jitters, don't we?)

First day of school was disastrous for the Wyatt family Friday morning. "We have two bathrooms in the house but both girls were so nervous they were in mine trying to get dressed. We ended up being late for school and I virtually just shoved one out of the car and pointed her in the right direction. (I'm sure she is not the only parent that was in her shoes.) Some things don't change and reminds me of some "hair raising days" of my own during school days.

Rev. Bill Baker has denied knowing anything about anyone turning eighty. In fact, he refused to discuss it with me and turned the phone over to Ms. Melba. We know two things: (1) Someone in that family is turning eighty and it is not Ms. Melba; (2) there is a big birthday party in the makings from 4 - 6 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27. We hope he arrives (whoever he is) however, it would delight him to see all of his friends on this particular day. No gifts, just smiling faces.

International student Kin Chung Li has arrived in the United States from Hong Kong. He will be attending college in Kilgore. He likes to be called "Eric" which will make it much easier for all of us. Eric was picked up from the airport by Ronnie Spradlin. Spradlin tells us it took him thirty hours to get to us. In order to save money, his mother booked him on four flights...

The last we heard, Cathy Baker was in search of ftimiture to help furnish an apartment for four foreign exchange students from Spain. The ladies were sponsored by her daughter, Charity Townsend and will be in the United States for one year. The ladies are required to receive so many hours in the teaching field before becoming certified. If you have some good household items these ladies could use, you may want to check with Cathy to see if it is needed. She may be reached at 903/984-2636.

Also, Helping Hands is still in need of fans. "We have already given out about 78 fans in the area this year and still have a request for more. What is not needed this year can be saved for next year," said Robbin Hopkins. They may be reached at 903984-1796.

Ruby Spivey and the Lydia Class provided the following: A minister was teaching a classroom of children about the Twenty-third Psalm. He told the children about sheep, that they weren't very smart and needed lots of guidance, and that a shepherd's job was to stay close to the sheep, protect them from wild animals and keep them from wandering off. He pointed to the children and told them they were the sheep and needed lots of guidance. Then the minister asked, "If you are the sheep, then who is your shepherd?" A young visitor said, "Jesus. Jesus is the shepherd." Caught by surprise the minister asked the boy, "Well, then, who am IT' The little boy frowned thoughtfully and then said with a shrug, "I guess you must be a sheep dog."

May His Love and Laughter Fill Your Hearts and Your Homes Throughout The Week. I may be reached at 903/984-2593 or by e-mail at chitchatlinda@aol.com.