Here in Topeka

I’ve been in Topeka for a few days now. I’m staying with Steve and Marcia who have two daughters, Janine (23) and Elaine (20). Marcia teaches reading at one of the elementary schools. Steve works at the school district’s office. Janine is a recent graduate who is currently substitute teaching and looking for either a kindergarten teaching position or possibly teaching in abroad. Well you may have guessed it; Elaine is also going into education. She’s currently enrolled at Kansas State University and switched her major to education recently when deciding it would be a better fit rather than vet school. I’ve always thought that teaching seems to run within a family. I would say it’s pretty apparent here. It’s still an option that I think of, especially being Professor Bugsy, I think it has a nice ring to it. My classes would be some of the best on campus.

The Topeka connection goes as follows. My mom is the secretary at L’Anse United Methodist church back home. The pastor is John. Steve, my host, is John’s brother. One day when I’m feeling ambitious and have some free time I’m going to sit down and make The Hometown Invasion Tour family tree.

With all the education in the family, Marcia’s collection is quite appropriate. Well, I mentioned she’s a reading teacher. She has a collection of hundreds of figurines, figureines that are reading. Ceramics, glass, clay, you name it, dolls, cats, dogs, people, and many more. It’s a great collection and very specific. There’s been one other collection on the trip that competes with it so far. Aric in Helena, MT has an amazing Matchbox car collection, mostly of police cards and fire trucks. Very cool! I know I have lots of photos of vehicles on this trip, but I don’t think I have a photo of anyone reading yet. I’ll have to be sure to get a nice one that Marcia can hang on her wall.