Tammy Whitworth 54 Do people ever really tell others what they think of you? I don’t think so. I think it’s more of an impression of what we project to others. I met Tammy when she came over from America to teach in the secondary school I was working at. She is such a beautiful soul, and I am blessed to still have her in my life despite her being back in the States. Warm, selfless and kind- her faith shines through. You always feel better after you've spoken to her, and I have so enjoyed learning more about her back story for this interview. How would you describe yourself? I was born into an Italian American family in Connecticut in the late 1960s.We were Catholics but when my parents divorced we were not allowed to have communion and felt ostracised. My younger sister and I had terrible allergies that prompted my parents to move us to a drier climate, and so we moved to Arizona in the mid seventies. I come from a divorced household and as the oldest of three I took on many of our household responsibilities for my working mom. I was a “Tom Boy'' riding motorcycles and shooting targets in the high desert. I was encouraged to excel in school and attended Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, before following my family to Georgia. I met my husband at my first teaching position in South Georgia. As a Southerner I developed a relationship with God. Our two beautiful and smart daughters were born in this rural area. We moved North to Atlanta for my husband to attend seminary and to have better healthcare for our girls. I have been an art for 27 years in this state and one year as a supply teacher in the lovely Peak District, where my husband received his PhD in Mission Theology. I transitioned from a public to a private school in the second half of my career. I am a recent dog owner and soon to become a grandma. How would others describe you? I feel people would describe me as hospitable, personable, caring and friendly. I am those qualities- I love getting to know people from all walks of life. I love connecting with folks and discovering what their lives are about. Which question was harder to answer? I found the first part of my description of describing who I am necessary to share because it shaped my heart and life choices. I find that question easy. The later question of “how others describe me” is more tricky. Do people ever really tell others what they think of you? I don’t think so. I think it’s more of an impression of what we project to others. There is a quote that I used to have in my bedroom that read, “Your friends will know you better in the first minute you meet than your acquaintances will know you in 1000 years.” I believe that is to be true. What were your first impressions of England? My first impression of England was very comforting. Rain greeted us- surprise! Well, we had to prepare you for what was to come! It was a gentle rain that was so welcomed! In our home state of Georgia we were in a terrible drought that summer. We were not allowed to water our lawns/gardens, wash our cars or even enjoy public pools and lakes. Where did you stay? We stayed in Eyam for our first week, and the day that we arrived there was a well-dressing ceremony. I found it so beautiful and meaningful that people would recognise the huge blessing of water! My second impression of England, particularly where we were living, was how kind, hospitable, and witty British people are! Was anything difficult to adapt to? I was so frightened to try to drive on our narrow lane, leading to our house in Hope Valley. But when I observed how thoughtful and mindful drivers were, it gave me hope that I could master it. I am afraid such manners are not employed where I live in the metro Atlanta Georgia area. What were the differences and similarities in the American and British teaching styles? I honestly felt like there were more differences than similarities between British and American schools, in my opinion. That was a factor in why we returned home when we did. We highly appreciated and valued the primary school education and experience that our children received in our village school. We loved how children were taught how to learn instead of what to learn. We loved the fact that other than “spelling” there was no homework for them. We found they could be children and not have the heavy workload and constant pressure of weekly quizzes and tests. As their headmaster told us when we questioned why there weren't “Friday Folders” brimming with worksheets, quizzes and tests throughout the semester, he replied “the pig doesn’t get better the more you weigh it.” We loved that! And how about secondary schools? I saw the secondary experience at Highfields and that concerned me. I felt like the children had to grow up very quickly taking public transportation and kind of a hands off approach to families partnering with the schools. And what we appreciated in the younger years we didn’t think was as successful in the secondary schools-without quizzes and exams until student’s GCSE, there weren’t short term assessments that help navigate courses. Our systems are just different. My eldest daughter lived in Paraguay, South America during her last year of high school. Now granted, she was coming from a private Christian school and transferring into a private Christian School, but we found their school system more similar to America than the British system. Did you take any traditions back with you? 1) Jacket potatoes with tuna fish 2) Curries 3) Christmas crackers One we did not continue here was driving on the left side of the road!! Was God always at the centre of your life? Not during my high school and college years. My interests were mostly self serving. When I moved to South Georgia in the early 90s I became more involved with a local Methodist church. Is that where you met your husband? Yes, I met him in South Georgia and he became a believer after we began dating. Years later he accepted the call to ministry. Our daughters always grew up in the life of a church community. How do you deal with people who mock Christianity? I notice a surge on social media during Christmas and Easter which can be quite hurtful… Have you heard of or read the book “Live No Lies” by Comer? I haven’t... I've read it once and want to deep dive into it again. It’s a fantastic Christian book that explains how culture has shifted and turned the brunt of jokes and criticism towards Christians. You mentioned before about being a Catholic and how you were treated after your parents divorce… did it ever make you question your faith? I was so young to fully understand my faith. I saw how upsetting it was to my parents and grandparents but it didn’t affect me too badly. In this mess of a world, what brings you hope? My own grown children bring me hope because they are strong in their faith, loving and hard working individuals. But certainly all little children bring me hope! Children are such pure souls that learn so quickly both good and bad. But their purest state is one of love and wonder. And you get to teach the next generation… The older I get the younger I like to teach, because children are fearless in learning… They want more and more of it! I once taught an adult group and it was so sad to me to keep hearing “I can’t do…” children don’t say that until they are told they can’t. We need to embrace their energy… Words of affirmation are so important... “you can’t do it yet” is my reply! Where is your favourite place in the world? I love variety! Can you imagine if every place you went to was the same? How boring! For this reason I can not pick my favourite place in the world. Here are my top 7. In heaven I hope to be able to experience the best parts of each of these at the same time, with my favourite people and foods! #1)Santorini, Greece #2)Southern Caribbean (Tortola, Grenada) #3)Coast or lakes in Maine, USA #4)Hilton Head, South Carolina, USA #5) Jerome, Arizona, USA (Haunted Hamburger Restaurant) #6) Cliff Lane, overlooking Hope Valley, Derbyshire, England #7) Cabos, Mexico What is your ideal weekend? My 94 year old mother-in-law lives with us and has for eight years. My husband preaches on Sundays and I teach during the week, so weekend trips are hard to come by in this season of our lives. When we travel we like to explore the North Georgia Mountains and into North Carolina where there are hiking trails and lots of waterfalls! Bed and breakfasts when we weekend travel is ideal. Do you have a favourite song or piece of writing you return to? This morning I wept singing “The Goodness of God” by CeCe Winens. It’s powerful! Toby Mac’s “The Goodness” is a foot stomping fun song that my heart leaps at! But I love so many styles of music… I still listen to Classic FM from England, but also enjoy jazz, contemporary and pop, especially 1980s! Film: Knight and Day Song: "Canon In D Major”by Pachelbel Stage Show: The Lion King TV series: The Durrells of Corfu Book: The Bible Word: Hope
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