7th Grade Warms My Heart

This week has been one of those weeks where you feel like you've lived three days in one. Each day so far (and it's only Wednesday let me remind you) has had about two to three days worth of stuff in it. Days have been long and there's little to no time to breathe. Not only am I a teacher this week I am a apart of a Caregroup (aka small group), I am a coach for infantile girls volleyball (that's middle school girls) and this week happens to be the week of the art festival. I am bombarded with things to do. I'm exhausted and I've noticed myself running on a very short patience meter. Some of the little things get to me, and the students have felt it. Today however was a blessing.
     Today was one of those days where I see all three of the 7th grade classes in one day. For experienced teachers that might seem normal, but for me, even though I Love them very much, having all three classes in one day is a challenging day. That's 60-some 11-12 year olds all asking questions packed into 8 hours!! Well... back to today... my first 7th grade class acted like such sweethearts. They all came in with smiles (first thing in the morning), I received several high-fives and compliments. It helps that I was able to get a full 8 hours of rest last night, but they knew I was in a good mood and somehow all decided to be in a good mood as well. We worked on the papier-mâché project, cleaned up and have very interesting conversations throughout the class. I didn't even have to say much to them today, they knew exactly what they were expected to do and got straight to it. One 9th grade class down, an 8th grade class, and then on to my second 7th grade class of the day. This class, although a little more on the wild side (probable becauset I had them just before lunch), had the same attitude. They knew the expectations, got to work on the papier-mâché and cleaned up beautifully (this is a very messy process, so clean up can sometimes be a struggle). I was very proud of them. Lunch was next and then onto my last class... my third 7th grade class of the day. By now the coffee has worn off and I'm running on energy from lunch. Well this class just put the topping on the cake. I told them that we needed to really work hard to get the paper-mache done this class and off they went. They separated into their groups, got the materials out and went to work. As each group began to finish they put their work up and cleaned up without me having to watch over them!! And get this.... they ALL sat back in their seats and quietly talked with one another!! :)  By the end of the class, tables were spotless and EVERYONE was in their seats talking... quietly! I couldn't believe what I was seeing.
     To say the least, they impressed me so much. I let them know, and I'm planning on baking something extra special for them for next week. Oh my word, 7th graders clean and sitting!! An art teacher's dream (or any teacher for that matter)!

Have I mentioned ... I Love my job. Even through the difficult times, there are many more smiles that overshadow the frustrations. Today, the 7th graders were the biggest blessing to me.

Separation Anxiety

It's definitely hard when you come to a place without any close relatives, friends, or even common acquaintances and are expected to "fit in". It's hard to find that group of people who will accept you for who you are and nothing less. I keep saying that it's hard because, for me, it is a very difficult thing, but when I find that person or that group of people, I tend to keep them for life. It was very exciting to have met so many people the first few weeks here in Honduras... and to feel like a community. For the first few days it was everyone getting to know everyone, and then we naturally began to break up into closer groups of friends. 

     From then on, I had a feeling of belonging. I guess you can say that I was officially "accepted" and things began to feel more like back home... just with different personalities and more limitations. Well, time goes on and activities become fewer, but I am still getting to know others who are outside of my closer group of friends. 

     Last night we had a farewell party for a couple who has had the privilege of serving here for the the past five years. The Kolmodins have had a huge impact on the life here at Pinares. I've only known them for 8 months and I can't imaging life here without them. Dave and I now have frequent guitar lessons at the end of the day, and just passing him in the halls is always a breath of fresh air. They both really do reflect God's Love and passion for others. They will be missed greatly here. I already miss them and they haven't even left yet. I am also in denial that they are leaving. Going back to Michigan to start up a campground is such an exciting opportunity and I'm sure it will become a place of escape for many of us. Hopefully we can all have a reunion there someday. 

The Kolmodins

It's been a while...

I'm sitting here, chomping down on an oatmeal-chocolatechip cookie with a small glass of milk, and I'm just thinking about the past few weeks that I've had. For sure they have been full of learning experiences. I have had a week full of misbehavior from my students and a week of complete attention and cooperation (this past week). I've had spurts of creative ideas, and times when I can't think of a clever sketchbook assignment. I've felt alone while sitting in the center of a group of people, and I've felt the love from others. I've come to know several students more on a personal level, and have had to remind them that discipline comes when there is misbehavior. I've had a student call me crazy (but in a "good way", so he says), and I've received several hugs from various students. I've tried harder to start ever class with a smile, even when they are not showing their best character, and I'm letting my humor show more and more each day.

A couple of things that are exciting... Family Fun Day (FFD) has passed and the Art Festival is right around the corner. FFD was a headache to prepare for, as I am a 7th grade advisor and this was their first experience participating in the actual event, but the learning experience that they received I think was well worth it. I feel as thought they are learning what it means to take responsibility, or at least some of them. Art Festival is exciting too! Although I'm not too sure of what to expect exactly, the group of students who I have on the list to take are very excited to be participating in the event and I couldn't ask for better attitudes!

Well, for those of you reading, I have a few prayer requests... one is that the students here at Pinares continue to open their hearts towards receiving God's love and that they see that Love shown through their teachers. I ask for prayer for sensitive spirits and willingness to be open and truthful with one another, both as a staff and as a community of believers.

Thank you for all of your support and for your prayers.

Some of the 7th graders advertising for the Cake Walk.