Sunday, December 26, 2010

Merry Christmas from Indiana

I've only been in Indiana for a week and I have to admit, it's been one heck of a week. It's been a week of celebrations: my homecoming, Christmas Eve, Christmas, and Mrs. Dutton going home to her Lord and Savior.

I've been struggling with jet lag. The first night home, I went to bed about 6 pm. I woke up at two thanks to my dad's countless (OBNOXIOUS) alarms. My sister woke up about the same time. I told her "I'm so awake right now! Wanna help me wrap Christmas presents?" Sadly, she didn't like the idea, but I decided to do it anyway.

I was determined to not be a prisoner to the day and night difference of Indonesia and Indiana. I failed. Miserably. However, my family has been very understanding. They are just thrilled to have me home, that it doesn't matter if I am awake at random hours of the day and night.

It has been a joy to be with my family for Christmas. A year ago, we were one short in our Christmas celebration. My brother was stationed in Afghanistan. It's amazing how so many things can change in a year.

Christmas is truly the most wonderful time of year; not because of the snow, decorations, presents, or family time, but because one special baby was born. A baby that changed the world forever. A baby who grew into a man who loved all sinners. He loved us all so much, that he sacrificed his life in place of ours. What a great gift to the world!
Merry Christmas to all!

Reflection on a Special Person

I transferred high schools between my freshman and sophomore years. I wasn't too keen on the idea (and that was an understatement). I hated the idea of making new friends and moving away from the home that I spent most of my childhood in. However, I had no choice in the matter.

I kicked and screamed and had an attitude that only a mother could forgive. I started school in the fall with a chip on my shoulder. However, it wasn't long until I met a very special teacher who helped pave the path to where I am today.

She wasn't your ideal teacher. She was full of controversy and a straight shooter. Her name was Mrs. Julia Dutton. The woman was anything but a saint, but she had so much life experience and love for her students that allowed me to push myself beyond anyone's expectations academically, socially, and spiritually.

Mrs. Dutton spent much of her spare time sharing stories from her haunting past but also funny stories and life lessons that she learned along the way. Some of the things she told us, I thought I would never encounter, and now as I sit here typing this, I realized that she was prepping me for my career in teaching.

Not many teachers cared for my class. To this day, I can't figure out why. However, Mrs. Dutton took us under her wing and taught us how to think for ourselves and how not to settle but to fight for something that we truly believe is right. She had a dry sense of humor and appeared to be a crusty, cranky woman, but deep down she was genuine and Christ-centered role model.

I was able to talk with her a few times after graduation. It was joy to see her face light up about how I have recognized my calling by God to be a teacher. She told me that she knew I was going to be a teacher, and I never believed her. She told me that we can't fight against God's calling because in the end, it's going to happen. We shared lots of laughs of funny things that went on the classroom, and also shared heartaches that we were burdened with about our students and our professional roles as teachers.

Just before leaving for Indonesia, Mrs. Dutton had a heart attack. I was graced with the opportunity to visit her in the hospital. Though she was struggling to recover, she was determined to get out of the hospital and return back to her daily life.

As time passed, she was diagnosed with N-stage cancer. My mom spent time visiting and caring for her with a few other women in the community. She was a fighter but she knew that her time was limited. She kept telling my mom that she was going to spend Christmas with Jesus. She did indeed. In the early hours of Christmas morning, Mrs. Dutton passed away in her sleep.

It's hard to believe that she has left this earth to join an eternal celebration in heaven, but she left some impacting footprints in this world. Some of which I will cherish in my heart forever.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Homeward Bound

I cannot believe that I've been in Indonesia for a little over five months. It seems like an eternity. But here I am, five months down the road with my first semester of teaching under my belt. I have learned so much in this short period of time, but I only hope to learn more and apply what I now know next semester.

Tomorrow I head out on my long trek home. I fly from Jakarta to Abu Dhabi (8 hours), Abu Dhabi to Manchester (8 hours), and finally Manchester to Chicago (9 hours). I am not looking forward to being trapped in a loud metal tube with wings for these long flights, but I know it will be worth it in the end.

I am so excited to see my family and spend time with them during this joyous time of year! However, I know I'm going to miss my Indonesia family. Despite the fact that I will miss these wonderful people here in Indonesia, I know I will relish and bask in the entertaining and loving atmosphere of my family back in Indiana.

Please pray for safety as I head home tomorrow. As long as I get home, it will be mission accomplished (however, it would be absolutely fabulous if the winterized Midwest doesn't affect my flight).

Okay, so I should finish up my last minute packing. Blessings to you all! See you stateside very soon!

Faith and Hope in Indonesian Hospitality

Sometimes I browse through stories in the Jakarta posts of "Good Samaritan Frauds". I'm sure there are more out in the world than what we realize, but what happened to me was anything but that.

This morning while I was driving to school I realized that I was below empty on gas. Usually I would fill up before the little ticker gets in the red zone, but I hadn't had the time in the last few days. I made a mental note to fill up after school.

Not to anyone's surprise, that mental note vanished with the excitement of the last day of school before holiday. I rode across town to visit Dini (who has since moved back home from the hospital).

After sharing Christmas greetings, I decided to head home. However, I didn't make it farther than outside her neighborhood when the engine went dead and I was left coasting down the slight inclines of Sentul. When all movement stopped, I got off Leona and started walking her.

Moments later an ojek driver pulled off to see why a bule was walking on the side of the road with her bike, rather than riding it. He started rambling in Bahasa and making motions. I caught a few words, but not enough to figure out what he was saying.

However he flagged down a SPD (Security Patrol Detail) and helped me get my bike to headquarters. After the ojek made sure that my bike was safely locked and secure, he took me to remote roadside stand just beyond school to get gas (it was the nearest place where I could get some).

He bargained the price for me and drove me back to my bike. He was even kind enough to fill it for me and make sure my bike started. He accompanied me to the gas station to make sure I didn't have any problems.

The gas attendant, who spoke proficient English, told me that despite his lacking English, he frequently assisted people who ran out of gas. She told me that not many ojeks are willing to do that because they are too focused on getting their next customer. Usually they would just pass by and not think twice about it.

I thanked the ojek driver and paid him 35,000 (equivalent of three dollars and fifty cents). Now that may seem skimpy but considering the fact that most people would pay a maximum 5,000 rupiah, it is a small fortune. When I told my friends what happened, the only thing they told me was that I overpayed the ojek driver.

Being in Indonesia, I really find it hard to pay the bare minimum for services given by individuals. It just doesn't seem fair or right, especially when they work so hard to make ends meet.

However, I am grateful that the man decided to help me out when I was so far away from the gas station. It seems like a small gesture of kindness, but after experiencing it first hand, it's the smallest gestures of kindness that seem to make the greatest impact.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever


Our pageant honestly lived up to its title. However - it took a lot to get to this point.

This morning I woke up late after a night of fretting and thinking of worst case scenarios. I skipped morning devotions to prep the gym and organize everyone's costumes one last time. I had a class full of excited kids fifteen minutes before the bell even rang. I spent that time giving a pep talk to them (they had tummies full of butterflies) and getting the Herdmans ready. The Herdmans had wet coffee grounds smeared across their faces (to make them look dirty), the girls had their hair ratted, and the boys had their hair sprayed in so many different directions that they looked like porcupines.


By 7:45 we were in the gym and ready to do one final run through before the performance. We had to do some last minute adjustments because one of our main characters was sick. It was truly a good thing that we pre-recorded the audio because kids had to double up on lines and switch roles. However, I managed to keep my cool and a great attitude. I set my mind on the fact that the kids were going to do their best and that was all I could ask of them.

As the gym began to fill up with elementary and middle schoolers, I tried to keep my mind focused and keep my girls under control (Budi was in charge of the boys). They started off with a bang and carried intensity throughout the entire show. They were exquisite and ended up superseding my expectations.

When it was over the audience erupted in applause and cheers. Parents were thrilled with the performance and so proud that we were able to pull it off with such success. After 2 months of hard work, we were able to put on the best Christmas pageant ever.

I don't think I've ever felt a such a surge of pride as I do right now. I wish you could all see it (and you would have too, except our cameraman forgot to push record - bummer). However, this is one thing that I will never forget!



Saturday, December 11, 2010

Beauty in the Dark

Some people relish melting sunsets, others the blood rush of dawn's rays emerging from the horizon. These are very beautiful, I do admit, but nothing compared to the sapphire twilight that glows through the quiet town of Sentul at 6:07 every night. There is something magical about the last light of the day fading and the ever thickening blanket of blue skies. The colors of the trees and exotic flowers and shrubbery seem to illuminate a particular boldness, only seen for a few minutes each day.

Lingering rain clouds blossom a polka-dotted cloak around the nearby mountains like smoke dissipating from an extinguished wild fire. With each moment passing, they grow thicker as if to close a curtain to the magnificent view.

I was driving my motorbike down the main stretch of Sentul tonight in utter marvel at the beauty my eyes feasted upon. A rush of cool mountain air chilled my body, giving a heightened sensation to the beauty around me.

It is such a blessing to live in a place that basks in the beauty of God's creation. I can't imagine a place or sight with more beauty that this. I was grinning ear to ear as I pulled into the neighborhood. Riding on a mountaintop of adoration, thinking nothing could sweep me blindsided and push me down this high.

No such luck. Just as I turned into my driveway, a mosquito flew into my eye. An irritating sting jack hammered through my eye and nearly caused me to crash into the garage. It was after a thunderstorm of eye-watering blinking concluded that I realized something. Our God, the meticulous and glorious creator designed this place that I call my home. However, after the fall, sin tainted his creation. Although we are able to still enjoy the countless wonders of his masterful creation, sin inevitably creeps in and hinders us from partaking in the full beauty.

I anticipate the day when Christ returns and sanctifies the earth to it's original sin-less state. How amazing will that be? Come Lord Jesus, our world belongs to you!

Monday, December 6, 2010

Crunch Time

Monday's are my most hated day - and yet there seemed to be something good about today. I'm not sure if it was because I woke up on the right side of the bed, or those yoga pilates that I added to my yoga workout (which I am still in pain from - but it was definitely a good pain), or the fact that tomorrow (Tuesday) is a random mid-week holiday so there's no school. Maybe all three combined helped me today. With report cards out of the way, I am able to devote my undivided attention to our Grade 3 Christmas Pageant.

After a morning of meetings, I was able to start the day. I took the kids downstairs to the computer lab to do research on their project about modern day communication (aka twitter, facebook, cell phones, skype). I made them a graphic organizer to help guide them in their research and most kids plowed right through it. I also made a point that they were getting graded on time management. Now, this is something that Budi and I usually don't grade on - but we have some space cadets that could sit in front of a blank screen for an entire class period and not let it phase them. How that works, I have no idea!

Anyway, as the kids worked, Budi and I set up a recording session for our Christmas pageant audio. Due to a few select kids not knowing their lines or getting stage fright and the lack of properly functioning microphones, we decided that the audio would be recorded pre-performance and the kids would lip-sync and act. Brilliant idea kudos to Budi - I wish I thought of it myself. But hey, I'm glad he did. We make one heck of a team.

After break time I had to head to Grade 6. We are closing up our unit for the semester by focusing on some random skills that happened to get tied into the curriculum. Today we focused on dictionary skills. After discussing very important means and functions of dictionaries, we did a relay race. It turned out to be fun and the kids loved it. I know they really needed a break after we buckled down for the autobiography and persuasive papers for the last 2 weeks.

Lunch was really relaxing until I discovered someone left a wet paper on top of Baby Jesus' face and ended up tattooing the word "orange" on it's cheek. There was some major scrubbing in the bathroom sink and many chemical substance attempts to remove it - but no such luck. Baby Jesus is stuck with a tattoo! The kids had a cow when they realized Baby Jesus was tainted! My goodness talk about over reacting!

Anyway - we spent the better part of the afternoon getting dressed in our costumes and doing last minute alterations (thank goodness for safety pins). They looks so stinking adorable! Teachers were popping their heads in after seeing random children book it to the toilet to get changed and come back wearing angel wings or man-dresses/togas for the shepherds. They were absolutely picturesque! I cannot wait for them to sport off their costumes next week.

However there is one minor thing we have to get through - 16 people through costume changes in under 3 minutes. Sometimes those kids work backwards under a time constraint - which definitely doesn't help the matter. We've recruited some of the specialist teachers to help with the costume changes, so I think that will help.

We did a quick read through and explained some of the logistics. With each day that comes closer - I realize that we have limited time and that it's time to crack the whip (as I tell my students). I think they are more nervous than I am. They have no reason to be though, they have been working diligently on this pageant and they will do great (especially now that we are pre-recording the audio).

With tomorrow being holiday, I have to make duplicates of stage blocking pictures so I have a few books the students can page through. Also I am doing some online recruiting of my Grade 6 students to help me label each character's placement on the stage. So that will keep me busy for the most part of the day.

Blessings to all of you! I look forward to seeing many of you soon (although I don't particularly look forward to the air travel it will take to bring me home).

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Grade 5 and 6 Retreat

On a random whim, I was offered the chance to chaperone for the Grade 5 and 6 retreat. Since I am the English teacher and am familiar with at least half the students, I was given priority over other teachers. I accepted willingly and was ready for an eventful overnight escapade.

At noon yesterday, Leanne and I were driven over to SLDC, a conference center that shares property lines with our soccer field. We arrived just in time for lunch (however, I opted out because we had a surprise birthday party in Grade 3 for one of my students and they brought personal pan pizzas for everyone).

Just as lunch finished up, Dianne, an expatriate middle school teacher led a session about being a servant and how we can be a servant in everyday life. The students just began working on posters when an electrical fire broke out in the ceiling, causing black smoke and flames to ooze out of the ceiling.

All the kids were in a panic - and not about their safety. No they were concerned that their hand phones might get burned or their cameras might get stomped on. It took quite a while to get the kids out - it's a good thing the fire was small or disaster could have taken over.

For the duration of the afternoon, we worked outside and played games (marble pass, blindfold shapes, and holes in the water tube). We were drenched with water and sweat by the time the bus came back to pick us up and bring us to the boarding house or PHH (Pelita Harapan House). We were given time to shower and chaos errupted.

Leanne, Rosma, and I were assigned to the boys dormitory because there were no male chaperones on the trip. We staked our claims, near the front of the room for ventilation purposes, and then headed to the women's showering area.

While we were gone, one of the boys pooped in his pants just before showering. He wiped himself with someone else's towel and folded it up, giving it back to the other person (not having the decency to tell him about using it). When the other boy opened the towel to wipe his face, you can imagine the surprise he got when he realized what was smeared on his face. It was the talk of dorm. Smells seared out of the bathroom and into the bedroom. Trying to conceal this to only the directly affected people was an even more difficult task. You'd think you'd want to keep it quiet if you accidentally wiped poop on your face, right? Wrong. This kid shouted it to the rooftops. So much for being discrete.

The rumblings and laughter died down as we went to dinner. After dinner, we had a bonfire and Leanne and I taught them how to make smores. They had never even made them before. The closest thing to making them, was "seeing them in the movies." This was really a mind boggling thing for me considering I used to make them all the time when I was camping with my family. The whole concept of all three ingredients together petrified them. It was as if you were saying a good refreshing drink consists of soda, ketchup, and pepper (ew gross, but they couldn't believe that these three things actually went together to make something tasty).

After smores Leanne and I did a ad-lib sporatic story about how we were cousins and went on an African Safari before coming to teach in Indonesia. The most craziest thing about this story was that I told them I was wearing a zebra print dress and orange high heels and a rhino saw me and almost impaled me because he thought I was a zebra. Oh the funniest thing was that the kids bought the story. They thought the whole thing was true. They talked about it all night and all the next morning. Who would have thought they would have believed a wild and lie-weeded story? None of the teachers told them it was a "tall tale" and so now the kids are telling everyone they see about Leanne and Marie's safari adventure.

When the bonfire died down, we split up and headed to bed. I tucked in all my boys and comforted a few boys who were scared of the dark or who had never spent the night away from home before. It took about ten minutes when the giggles erupted. I let it slide because I was amused at the boys next to me laughing like hyenas. They even had me in tears from laughing so much. The lights flipped on and Rosma started reprimanding the boys angrily (I had to cover my face because I was laughing so hard - I didn't want to let her see that I was in stitches).

Once she yelled at them, they were quiet the rest of the night. I fell asleep quickly after that. The room was 16 degrees (Celsius) - which was perfect temperature for sleeping, but perhaps not too fun to wake up to.

I woke about 3 a.m. to go to the bathroom. I walked sleepy eyed to the nearby boys bathroom. There was no way I would make it across the building to go pee. I walked in and stopped dead in my tracks. One of my grade 6 boys stood in front of the mirror stark naked. I quickly backed up, thinking if I stayed silent, he wouldn't know I saw him and be embarrassed. I sat in the lobby area and tried to think of reasons why he was naked. The best thing I could think of was that he was sleep walking.

Then the unexpected happened. This boy strutted out of the bathroom and saw me, and turned toward me. He looked at me and said "I hope you don't mind that I'm naked, Miss Marie. I love walking around naked." I cowered in my seat, trying not to lose my cool. I was flirting between the emotional line of insanity and hilarity. I nodded, avoiding all eye contact and told him to get in bed.

As soon as the door shut, I roared in laughter. Never in a million years would I expect something like that to happen to me. Honestly, if I was a grade 6 student, I would be mortified if my teacher saw me naked. Oh but no, he thought it was completely normal and comfortable! That takes guts. I couldn't even look him in the eye this morning when he said hello to me at breakfast.

We had devotions and took a group picture before they left for the orphanage and I to the classroom to teach grade 3. The retreat was great - but I definitely got more than I bargained for.



Wednesday, December 1, 2010

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

I have been so amped about decorating my classroom. It's so hard to be jolly when there is no snow - but I guess I have to make do with what I have - hot weather and AC :) The last two weeks I've incorporated my English lessons into Christmas themed lessons. We have paper chains, 3-D snowflakes, regular snowflakes, hand print holly berries, snowmen shape poems, a sparkley hand print Christmas tree, and even a mini 3 footer tree in our reading corner. I have to say its the most snazzy looking classroom in the whole joint. With all that and the continual playing of Christmas music, I can tell the kids are anticipating the Christmas season.

Today I got observed. Which always seems to make me jittery and nervous. It went surprisingly well (considering I bribed my naughtiest boys with candy to ensure they were on their best behavior). We learned about monologues and character perspective. Then I preceded to do a dramatic monologue (in costume mind you) of King Herod. It's been a long time since I put on a theatrical performance. It was a blast and the kids loved it.

They started writing their own monologues and I can't wait to hear them tomorrow. Of course they are only a few sentences long, but they are fantastic!

We're also wrapping up our English unit a week early so we can focus solely on our performance. I know it will go fine, but I am really nervous because the kids can't sit still to save their lives. I hope it works out.

Christmas time in the classroom also means one other big thing: report cards. Since I have had ample free time, I decided to kick start my report cards a week early. That being said, I'm about 60% done! I'm really pleased with the progress my students have made over the course of this quarter.

Each day is a day closer to coming home for Christmas. I am beyond thrilled that it is coming so fast! Only 10 days of school left! Can't wait to spend time with my family, but I have to admit, I'm going to miss it here - even just being gone three weeks sounds like an eternity. But at the same time I am wiggling in anticipation to see my crazy (and awesome) family! They always bring happiness and laughter into my life.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving

As I sit on my couch listening to Christmas music, I know that at this exact moment my family is at church commencing their celebration of Thanksgiving. It's strange to think that they're doing this without me. This is the first time in my 22 years that I've missed a Thanksgiving.

There's something about this particular holiday that always seems to get me in all smiles (and it's not because of the random couple of days off of school - although that always seemed to help). Spending a whole day with family, eating some of the best food you could eat all year, and dwelling on all the blessings and thankfulness that we so readily forget is a great way to spend a day.

I can't help but think of all the things I'm thankful for. The holiday is instilled in me, even if we don't celebrate it in Indonesia. I want to share some of the awesome blessings that I am thankful for.

  • My family - they bring so much laughter and encouragement to my life.
  • Having a job that I love doing, especially with the tough economic times.
  • The military who defend our country and sacrifice their time, talents, and lives for us.
  • My brother Brad coming home safely from Afghanistan.
  • Modern medicine that allows my Grandma to fight against cancer.
  • Jesus dying on the cross and giving me the ultimate gift: salvation and eternal life with HIM.
I hope you all have a great Thanksgiving! May we not only be thankful for one day, but every day - all year long!

A One of a Kind Day

Today I woke up thinking it was Friday. To my sheer disappointment, I quickly got slapped with the reality that it was only Thursday. However, the day turned out to be quite exciting in more ways than one (whether that's a good thing, I'm not quite sure).

The kids went to PE right away, leaving Budi and I an hour to plan and prep for the upcoming week (which is stressful for the single fact that we are being evaluated and assessed - as all teachers are). Its a widely known fact that our classroom is messy and usually reeks more havoc than Gotham City, which works for us. However, with knowing that we're getting observed, you could probably see why we are stressed. At least we know that the principals commend our "taste of creativity" so to say. I'm sure they'll be in for a real treat when they sit in.

Anyway, I took the time to work on some centers that my kids are going to do. In Unit of Inquiry we are learning about communication and one of the ways we can communicate is through codes. Some of the codes we are learning in our centers are Morse Code, Pigpen Cipher, Backwards Alphabet, and Invisible Ink Codes (which will ultimately lead us into a discussion about treasure hunters and prep us for the awesome movie "National Treasure"). We joked and laughed, which I think helped us through the hour because we're both feeling tense (as everyone is about this).

When the kids came back, they were spitfires hopped up on caffeine to say the least. I honestly can say that I've never met a bunch of more hyperactive kids in my life. They're good behaviorally - but sometimes I feel like I'm in a room full of superballs. I got them settled quickly and we began some Christmas decorating. The good old Christmas paper chains got them hooked quickly. Gotta love those!

By break time we had hung our masterpiece across the room (with the hopes of making more quite soon). After break we had chapel. Nothing new to report except some wiggle worms and chatty cathys :)

By lunch I zoomed off campus to head to the bank. Today is the best day of the month. That's right, you guessed it: payday. There is a lot of paperwork that goes into banking in Indonesia, especially when transferring funds to my bank back in the States. However, I am becoming the excellent little banker.

After the bank I still had a half hour to kill, so I went to Hypermart in Bellanova (our mini-supermall). I decided that I would budge and buy some Christmas decorations for my classroom. The whole reason I've been holding out is because Christmas decorations here are quite costly because not many people celebrate it. I know Christmas is not about materialism, but there's something that always seems to brighten the holiday spirit with decorations.

Roaming through the half isle of Christmas decorations, I was stalked some short Indonesian man who kept touching me and following me. Now I'm used to people staring at me and occasionally asking to take a picture with me (because I'm white), but he was really getting on my nerves. I was trying to make the best of my break and here I was getting harassed by this random man. I was getting really edgy and started giving him evil looks and pushing him away (probably a little bit more forceful than was necessary). Anyway, I turned the corner to look at the wrapping paper and thought I lost the creeper. No such luck. I found him standing behind me. I did some kind of double take and then did the speed walk of lightning to the cashier.

As I was checking out, I talked to one of the security men (one who I knows speaks English) and was telling him about this guy. The guy ended up getting kicked out. I made my way out and headed back to school with a three foot Christmas tree in hand while steering with the other. I'm sure it looked a sight!

I parked in the back and started decorating the tree when one of the Grade 6 teachers I work with came to help me. I was telling her about this guy and she knew who he was. She said that he is always harassing people in Bellanova and gets kicked out frequently.

Anyway, long story short - got back to my classroom in time to teach my Bible lesson. We're trying to take objects that are tied in with Christmas and seeing the deeper meaning behind them. Today we talked about holly. (The white in the leaves represents the purity of Jesus' birth. The green leaves represent the crown of thorns. The berries represent the blood and nails that Christ endured). We made handprint/thumbprint holly as part of our decoration.

Apparently the paint texture freaked out one kid so much that he puked. He made it to the sink, but not before puking on my feet. The day I decided to wear sandals I get puked on. Oh, I get the heebie jeebies just thinking about it. We cleaned him up and when we finally did, we realized that two of the boys decided to smear paint all over their uniforms and faces. They don't make it easy on me :)

Budi and I tagteamed them and scrubbed them down just in time for the final break. After duty I taught Grade 6.

When the day was over, I sat back in my chair and realized that this had been one of the most eventful days I'd encountered in quite a while. A creeper in the super market, getting puked on, and a paint war tops the list of highlights of the week. Gotta love teaching in Indonesia and in Grade 3. Never a dull moment!

Monday, November 22, 2010

Bravery Comes Naturally

Who am I kidding? I am the biggest wuss to walk the earth. In my head I tend to play the worst case scenario game more frequently than I realize. I hate creepy crawlies and being home alone and the power going out from a ferocious storm. All these things give me the heebie jeebies just thinking about them.

However, since being here, I feel like I've stepped up my game and stared my fears in the face until they are conquered. Last month I killed a beastly scorpion that stung my cat (although I admit slamming it with an art canvas was not the most graceful way to kill it - but then again - is there a graceful way to kill a scorpion?). For the last two months I've been living in a ginormous house by myself. I used to dread being by myself (what if I pass out and no one's there? what if someone breaks in my house and tries to kill me?). And yet, these thoughts have seem to fly away like dust behind a moving vehicle.

Tonight I faced my greatest fear: the power going out. Yes, I admit, I am afraid of the dark. Every shadow makes me jumpy and kick starts my imagination. It didn't help that there was a booming storm outside. My concrete walls were trembling with the thunder and I could see the lightning bolts in my backyard (and that is not an over-exaggeration). It's a good thing I bought some tea lights a few weeks back for my burning oil.

Immediately I pulled them out and placed them in glasses (might as well be precautionary considering I am not the most graceful person on the planet). I strategically placed them all over my bedroom (barricading myself in a confined place) and surprisingly found a sense of peace. The power stayed out for a good 3 hours and by the time it came back on, I decided to bask in the candle light a little longer.

I guess sooner or later you have to face your greatest fears. I always used to think that if I was faced with a disaster I would neither fight nor flight, but freeze, but now that I think about it - I guess I might be a fighter. Running away from a problem or a fear only intensifies it.

A Refreshing Holiday With a Not-So-Refreshing End

In light of my last minute (forced) cancellation of my trip to Vietnam, I decided to make the best of my time off of school. On Thursday I spent the day relaxing and watching movies. Something I haven't been able to do in quite a while.

On Friday I went out for lunch with my neighbors. We went to this fantastic little Middle Eastern restaurant in Bogor. It was probably the most delicious meal I've ever eaten in my entire life. The spices were like a party in my mouth. Soon after I hitched a bus and a taxi over to Siloam Hospital in Karawaci to see my friend Dini.

It was good to see her and spend time with her. She is healing quite well but still in quite a bit of pain. I spent the night there and for a hospital it was quite enjoyable. I walked out of the hospital room in the morning to get the nurse for Dini and realized that I looked like the Bride of Frankenstein. Of all days to have bad hair days, it had to be in front of a ton of gossipy doctors and nurses. I'm sure it caused a lot of chatter amongst them - seeing a bule with some wild hair roam out of a hospital room.

After the morning, I took a cab in to meet up with my friend Mandy. We did some shopping in the tunnels (which is this underground mall that has all kinds of handmade scarves and bags). Then we went to Plaza Ambassador to buy some DVDs and jewelry. I got some beautiful accessories for my Christmas Eve outfit. Can't wait to wear it!

On Sunday I woke up with a case of raging and painful food poisoning. It is to your advantage that I spare you the details but long story very short is that I ended up at the doctor's office with numerous medications to take for the next five days.

I spent all day (Monday) re-cooperating and resting up for my return back to school. Aside from the food poisoning, I'd say it was a fairly serene holiday. And now as I head back to school tomorrow, I realize that I will be home for Christmas in less than a month. Life from here on out until the end of the semester will be busy - but in a good way.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

When Life Gives You Lemons...

Have you ever heard that saying "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade" ? I'm pretty sure everyone has. However, when I got denied entrance to my flight for my holiday in Vietnam - I'm pretty sure the only thing I wanted to do with those lemons was chuck them at airport security. Sure, you can make something good out of a bad situation - but I just wanted to get rip roaring angry! And I did. Did it help - not even a little bit.

The truth is, I couldn't change anything about what happened. I was told conflicting information from the US embassy and when it came down to it, I was a prisoner in my own country (okay - the country that I am a current resident of).

I rode home literally weeping in the back seat of a taxi. God bless the man. He was so distraught that this crazy white chick was losing her cool. He tried to talk to me in broken English - but when I responded in sobbing incomprehensible jibberish phrases, I think he gave up. I made sure to give him a good tip for putting up with me.

After a couple hours, I finally calmed down and decided to construct a monumental backup plan for the holiday. Sure, it wouldn't be as exciting as Vietnam, but it would be better than moping around my lonesome house for six days.

To kickstart my holiday off on a new note, I did some yoga. Gotta admit - it definitely brings a sense of ease and serenity especially in a tense situation. I think after doing that it was the most relaxed I've been in weeks. It was as if I was shot with a tranquilizer. Cool as a cucumber.

I went to bed and slept like a lion - tossing and turning (having terrifying dreams of killer spiders - sadly this is a reoccurring dream). I woke up to my maid poking me. I shot out of bed, nearly missing a potential head injury and literally fell to the floor. I forgot she was coming today. Actually I think she was just as shocked to see me as I was her (as she expected me to be out of the country). However, her visit did bear some good news - the school maintenance men were here and had fixed my internet (after 8 days of trying to pinpoint the problem). They wanted to double check that it worked.

I sauntered down the stairs with my computer in hand, praying I didn't miss a step. Thankfully I (and my computer) arrived in one piece. And the best part of it is - my internet is officially fixed! You never know the importance of something until it's broken (especially for an extended period of time).

After dwadling on the internet, I went into Bogor and decided to treat myself to a reflexy (otherwise known as a foot massage). Best choice I made all day. It was just what I needed. Afterwards I felt like I was walking on air.

So now I sit here, updating this blog. I still have to admit it would be way more exciting exploring the exotic lands of Vietnam - but I'm determined to make the best of my situation and relax and unwind so I can be rejuvenated for the final four weeks of school.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

The Final Curtain Call

I woke up yesterday to the sound of absolute silence. No rushing around trying to get ready. No cat trying to gnaw off my toes. No stress. At least not yet. I rolled out of bed and pushed open my blinds and laid back in bed under the rays of the sun. I'm not quite sure how long I stayed there. An hour or so, just relaxing, knowing that the last performance was coming close and the mayhem of a drama schedule was coming to an end.

The serenity of a relaxing Saturday morning came to an abrupt end when a massive storm surged through Sentul and caused a city-wide power outage. The rain slapped against the window harder than a handful of rocks. I had just finished getting ready when I had to face the wicked weather. So much for looking nice.

I rode to school through large puddles of water (nothing compared to Jakarta flooding) with rain pelting against my body. It was very painful. By the time I parked my bike, I had bruises on my hands.

The power outage also affected the gym. It was pitch black and quite scary. I was admittedly very jumpy and waiting for someone to come behind me and attack. I always seem to play that "worse case scenario" game in my mind when something like that happens.

After using flashlights to get things organized and eating dinner, we were graced with the lights once again. Still behind in the schedule, but not terribly. All the actors were able to get dressed, painted with makeup, and went through sound checks by 6:30. We pushed back the showtime about a half hour so we could to some last minute things.

The performance went amazing. So much better than Friday's. There was a lot less running around, however, there still seemed to be some confusion. We accidentally flipped ahead a few scenes and had a character in the middle of a costume change when she was supposed to be on stage. However, with four people getting her undressed and redressed, we fixed the mishap in minimal timing.

When the curtains closed and opened one last time for the actors, crew, and directors to take a final bow, I felt overwhelmed with pride for these kids. They put on a great performance. Even despite the stress it brought - it definitely was rewarding.

After countless thank yous, flashes from cameras, and hugs from people both known and unknown, I walked out of the gym. Nothing but photos and a basket of memories left to look back on this experience.

The Cast, Crew, and Directors of "A Little Princess"

Friday, November 12, 2010

Comic Relief in a Chaotic Drenched Classroom

Sometimes I get overwhelmed just stepping into my classroom. I know my students love having me as their teacher, but some of them drive me to a whole new level of insanity that I never knew existed.

Today was one of those days. After a morning of hard work, I walked to the threshold of my classroom and hesitated for a few moments. I was enjoying the day out of my classroom and yet, I missed my kids and my teaching partner dearly. Two polar opposite feelings seething through my veins, debating what action I should take. I undoubtedly chose to reunite myself with my kids.

When I walked in I found three kids sitting in front of my desk with their chins against the front, looking at the ceiling. The music teacher was at his wits end and decided that a new course of consequences should be developed, thus the chin-to-desk strategy emerged. I almost fell to the floor laughing. Probably not the best course of action considering it belched a stream of laughter through the entire classroom.

From there I was surrounded by a mob of students, my paparazzi of fans. With hugs and hellos, even from the naughty ones, I knew that there was no other thing I'd rather be doing with my life than teaching them. Even despite the days where I want nothing to do but crawl into my bed and sleep the week away, I always seem to find joy in them. They see the world with innocent eyes and smiles pasted on their faces, no matter what the circumstance. They find joy where adults can't. It is contagious and I find catching their joy and reverberating it at a whole new decibel. I am so blessed.

A Means to An End

Today was the day. The day of our first production of "A Little Princess." I feel like I've had an out of body experience for the last three weeks with all this stress this production has caused me. However today I finally felt a surge of energy sweep through my body like a comet travels through space.

The day started off at 7:45. I was gifted with my first ever director shirt. Gotta say I felt pretty darn special and important as I sported the t-shirt. Anyway, after slipping on the shirt, I slipped into drill sergeant mode.

I was in charge of getting the actresses dressed (all 10 of them). With the ill fitting costumes, it was quite difficult getting them zipped and buttoned up. However, the difficult task was successful with only minor injuries (to both the costumes and actresses). The next step was makeup. We were blessed with five extremely talented mothers who volunteered their services to our drama department. They were very patient with my incessant requests for changes and alterations of different characters.

By ten o'clock, otherwise known as showtime, the makeup was finally completed. I talked with the office boys and initiated curtain cues. I also happened to have to do platform and stage cues. For those of you that do not understand what that all entails, it basically means running around a space no bigger than a bedroom like a crazy woman.

The performance itself was pretty good, considering it was the first one. Sitting in the role of the director and watching practice after practice, it's easy to be skeptical and see all the things that go wrong in a short period of time. However, there was nothing but positive feedback. The actors and actresses worked extremely hard and performed great. There are some changes that will be happening tomorrow for our final performance, but overall, I am anticipating a fantabulous show. It's so neat to see how God has gifted these students with a passion and talent for acting.

It also brings back some great memories of when I did dramas in high school. I do miss participating in acting and back stage work, but there is something cool about being in charge and putting everything together. Watching this production being knit together to the final product is almost magical.

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Pray for Indonesia

Since coming to Indonesia I have become a hardcore news junkie, especially pressing issues that are occurring in this country. After all I am officially a resident of Indonesia, I might as well know what's going on, right? However the news can be depressing after a while. Honestly, how many natural disasters can happen in one week? In case you weren't counting, we had five.

#1 - Volcano eruption in Yogakarta (going on four times already).
#2 - Earthquake in Mentawai
#3 - Tsunami in Mentawai
#4 - Flooding in Jakarta
#5 - Obama coming to Indonesia (okay so this one doesn't really fall into the one week category or a natural disaster - but it sure was something that Indonesia would rather have avoided)

It's so strange to be subject to such natural disasters that are practically unheard of in the States. These occurrences happen all too frequently considering that this country (a chain of over 27,000 islands) lays right in the middle of the ring of fire (the most active tectonic plates in the world).

SPH has been praying like crazy for our country, as I'm sure most of you back in the States have too. We also have been cooking up a plan of action. In two days our kids raised over 3,000 dollars and a truckload of clothes to be sent to victims of all these disasters. How great is that? It was so moving to see all these kids so involved with helping their fellow countrymen.

Please continue to pray for Indonesia. It's gone through so much hurt and agony in past weeks, and there will be much more as the volcano seemingly continues to erupt and the ash spreads farther and farther outward (even into Sentul where I'm living). However, God is faithful and he has a plan. Sometimes in the midst of chaos and mayhem, we forget to see that. God is in control and he knew that all these things were going to happen long before they actually did. He knows what he's doing.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Just Another Day in Paradise

Life never goes as planned. You wake up and you think, "this day is going to be a great day - nothing could go wrong." Just saying that always seems to jinx your day. At least that's what happens to me, I don't know about you readers. However, I am so thankful for all the ups and downs that happen in my life each day. I can testify that it definitely builds character and also helps me count my blessings.

This song that I named my blog title after "Just Another Day in Paradise" is written by Phil Vassar. All these crazy happenings occur throughout the day, yet it is just another ingredient to every day life. Sure, nothing goes as planned, but it's all about how we respond and improvise. "Well it's okay. It's so nice. Just another day in paradise. Weather's okay. There's no place I'd rather be. Two hearts, one dream, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I ask the Lord every night for just another day in paradise."

As I look back on the day, there were some crazy things that didn't go as planned. A short devotional that somehow turned into a discussion about aliens, an English lesson about bibliographies that ended up being dreadfully boring, a student deciding that the only way to communicate with others was through mooning them, kids forgetting their lines for the middle school drama production, and my cat thinking a scorpion was a chew toy and ended up getting stung in the face. All these things weren't planned, yet it made the day so interesting and comical - making it just another day in paradise.

Life these last few weeks have been rocky with all the things happening at school, but I have decided to take it with a grain of salt and appreciate all that God has given me. I really wouldn't trade this for anything, despite the many things that seem to go wrong in one day. It truly is another day in paradise.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Exhaustion Is My Biggest Enemy

What a trying week it has been. Can't say it's been one of my better weeks. But then again, they all can't be gleaming with rockets red glare and laughters that reach the mountain peaks. I've been trying to extract every ounce of energy, patience, and creativity I have left and devote it to my kids, but to be honest, it's like trying to squeeze juice out of a dried up fruit.

The kids have been good sports though. I have to give them a lot of credit. With all the natural disasters that have this country up in arms, Dini being in her accident, and crazy incidents that happen in the classroom - they have shown a lot of patience and bravery. Sometimes they seem too grown up for Grade 3 and Grade 6 students.

It's hard to get through a day this week without being dead tired by nine in the morning. Most of my co-workers and friends are in the same boat as I am: plagued by drooping eyes, black circles under the eyes, and utter exhaustion. We have taken turns helping out in Grade 5 until the substitute starts, and made several rounds to Jakarta to visit Dini in the hospital. Let me just say, going to Jakarta has been a test in patience. With all the flooding and traffic, a round trip (travel time alone) takes 5 - 6 hours, when it should 2 - 3.

Tomorrow is Friday. Usually on Fridays I think, "how did this week fly by?" This week however, I am think "This was the longest week of my life and it's only Friday!" The weekend will be something all of us need.

As I look over this emotionally draining week, I realize that this has probably been one of my low points here and it can only get better. In my mind, there's a celebration going on (although a very wary and sleepy one at that) because I pressed on and didn't give up.The administrative staff here has been an abundant blessing because they recognize all the teachers are struggling.

Even though this has been a rough week, I wouldn't trade it for the world. I have learned so much and bonded with people that I have never had the chance to do so before. When God closes a door, He opens a window. In this case, a window of opportunity. How awesome is that? God is so awesome! Even amidst the pain and suffering, I am still able to find joy.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Gunung Pancar Field Trip

Although there is no update on Dini and lots of rattled nerves about what happened on yesterday's field trip - Grade 3 went on their field trip to Gunung Pancar (Goo-nung Pan-charr). This place was comparable to a local national park that we would find in the States.

The basis of this field trip was to explore the area and find out new things (based on the scientific method). The kids had a blast and I have to say I did too. It was quite relaxing for the most part. The kids found unique plants, insects, and a monumental amount of rocks to climb and slide down.

After exploring the pine wood forests and valleys, we were able to go to some hot springs and unwind. I don't think I've ever felt water so hot - but it definitely was soothing. However there was one problem: we lost Ho Hyun - our Korean kid who speaks no English or Bahasa. It was suffice to say that Budi and I both freaked out (and that's an understatement). We hiked all over the surrounding area searching for him. We would call out his name and all the kids would echo. The kids were convinced we weren't going to find him. That was reassuring - NOT!

After nearly an hour, we found Ho Hyun. You'd never guess where we found him. Sleeping on the floor of the van. Apparently no one saw him and the driver just locked to car, thinking everyone was out. When we brought Ho Hyun back to the hot springs, one of my girls looked at me seriously and said, "I knew he was in the car the whole time. All you had to do was ask!" She didn't think to tell us this when we were looking for him - my goodness. I was so overwhelmed that all I could do was laugh.

Now, all accounted for, we could throughly enjoy the hot springs. There was one designated for men and one for women. All of my girls forgot change of clothes but wanted to swim. I just let them go wild and jump in with all their clothes in. Note to self: never again! When it was time to go, they all stripped and I wrung them out so they weren't a walking waterfall. When I wrung them out, I had them whip them against the stone wall to get every last bit of water out. We met the boys at the car and headed back home.

Aside from some minor "bumps in the road" it was a very successful trip. The kids enjoyed exploring the forest but also relaxing in the hot springs.

The Fearless Chaperones: Pak Haroon, Pak Budi, and Myself

Class Photo : Decked Out and Ready to Explore!

Going Wild in the Women's Hotspring

Monday, October 25, 2010

God Is In Control - Especially When Life Gets Messy

Today started out like any other day, aside from the fact that I have a raging cough and temperature. Putting a smile on my face, I tried my hardest to be my happy self with the kids. It was harder than I thought. Who likes to be happy when they're sick? But the kids realized that I wasn't feeling well and they made an effort to be extra helpful and on their best behavior. Gotta love them. They made it a little easier.

About midway through the morning, we got some bad news. The Grade 5 students and teachers (including one of my best friends here, Dini) were on their way to Jakarta for a field trip and got in a bad accident. A truck tried to pass them and slammed into the passenger side of the van. Windows exploded and kids got glass stuck in their faces and bodies. Most got jolted and whiplashed but Dini got the brunt of the impact.

We didn't hear much more information than that. There were a lot of unanswered questions and fears of Dini's condition. Tears overtook our lessons, even despite being brave for the kids.

Finally this afternoon we got word that she has multiple fractures as well as a broken leg and broken wrist. She was transported to a few different hospitals until arriving at Siloam Hospital in Lippo Karawaci. She was immediately brought into surgery and we haven't heard much except she's heavily sedated and won't be conscious until at least the morning.

It's hard to know that God is in control, especially when hurt and pain hit so close to home. But the fact of the matter is, that HE is in control and he has a special plan for all of us. I feel so blessed to know this and that he keeps us under his care in the good and bad times.

Please keep her in your prayers. We will hear more tomorrow and I will pass on the news to you.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Welcome to the Land Crankiness

Today started off like any other good day should be: a beautiful sunrise, happy neighbors waving friendly hellos, and familiar faces waiting to chat the day away. However, the happy-go-lucky life made a screeching halt the moment I walked into my classroom.

Budi was stressed out and rightly so, seeing that he had to teach all day without a break. My role in the classroom on Wednesdays is to be crowd control. It's my easy day. He informed me that my Korean student's tutor wants to be in the classroom and "help out." My question is how can someone "help out" when they don't even speak the student's native language. The lady spoils him, mostly because of the language barrier. "Oh XXXXXX, (name withdrawn for the privacy of the child) you can't do this, let me do it for you. Oh XXXXXX, you don't want to learn right now, you can go play. Oh XXXXXXX, you want to have a hissy fit, okay. As long as you don't do it where people might trip over you." And this is just the tame version.

After making a small time escape out of the classroom, trying to keep my fresh and happy morning intact, I found out that every single teacher I came across was crabby for some reason or another. Let me tell you, it is really hard to be happy when everyone around you is all doom and gloom.

On top of all the negative attitudes, we got a surprise lesson plan book inspection. Our principal sent Pak Alim, one of the office boys, to collect our books. My lesson plan is my life support, without it I will fall to pieces and die. My memory is not that sharp that I remember every thing I plan for the day (after all, I plan my lessons at least a week in advance. By Friday afternoon my brain goes on a hardcore vacation).

All the teachers recieved their lesson plans book at lunch and were in for a big surprise. No one had positive feedback what so ever. I was told by one teacher to take it with a grain of salt - but when you have nothing but criticism to encourage you - you're screwed. At least Budi and I know we write lesson plans that are effective and help students learn.

All day we had struggles with our Korean student. He kicks and screams when he doesn't get his way. Most times he throws himself on the floor and flails his limbs in all different directions. The kids get so uptight when he does this. They try so hard to play and work with him, but his reception is far from embracing. Nine times out of ten, he usually decks someone or kicks them to the ground. Now, trying to step in his shoes, I would be frustrated too if I couldn't get something across in the only language I knew - but there is absolutely no need to get violent about it.

By the end of the day Budi and I made a "Bang Your Head Here" poster and tacked it up on the backside of the teacher's lounge door. At least it got a laugh out of the office boy. I was about one step away from smashing my head against it.

We all have days like this, it's inevitable. Even when we try to be positive and smiley, it just doesn't do the job and you fall into the trap of a spiral blackhole of crankiness and misery. However, tomorrow is a new day and a fresh start. There was a verse that popped in my head, but I only could remember one phrase of it. I looked it up and it brought me hope for a renewed tomorrow. Psalm 90:14 "Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days." This is a verse that should be our stepping stone to starting the day off on the right (and happy) foot.

Monday, October 18, 2010

The Rumor Weed

Do any of you readers remember the story of Larry Boy and the Rumor Weed (Veggietales)? If not, it's easy to figure out what it's about - rumors. Rumors are always interesting when they aren't about you - partly because you aren't sure if they are true or not - so it stirs a lot of discussion.

Apparently my Grade 6 students started a rumor that I was getting married and today I received a letter from one of my parents congratulating me and asking for more details about the wedding. Well that was news to me - and the first time I've heard an outrageous lie of the sorts. I laughed really hard, but then after I though about it for a while, I tried to figure out how that rumor ever got started.

The best thing I could come up with was that someone asked if I was married and I said "not yet." Now just to give you a heads up - in Indonesia when someone asks you that - you are recommended to say "not yet" instead of "no." Why? I have no idea - I just do what I'm told so I'm not socially awkward.

Anyway despite my best efforts to teach through all the questions about my engagement and pending marriage, I have to admit I did not deliver the most effective lesson. In one 30 minute period I got the question "who are you marrying" three times and "what's his name" four times. I wish I had a nice quick sarcastic answer - but even as I sit here I can't think of anything. I'm not a good on-my-toes thinker. Never have been.

I believe I finally clarified the idea that I am not getting married because I don't even have a boyfriend. Then questions started flying about an ideal man. Sure, I ignored them but they kept coming like fastball strikes over home plate.

I told Dini after class what happened and she laughed and laughed. She said it was a "sign" - she thinks everything is a "sign." She's determined to help me find a nice Javanese (not Japanese but Javanese) man.

Well only time will tell in the scheme of God's great plan. And don't worry - if I am getting married - you'll find out in good time.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

The Most Relaxing Weekend

I'm sitting on my couch cuddled up with Scamper and watching one of my favorite movies, Father of the Bride (who knows, perhaps I'll make it a marathon of FOB 1 and 2). The scent of cinnamon is tickling my nose and a thunderstorm is rolling by growing more fierce every moment. I love spending my Saturday nights like this! You honestly couldn't ask for a more serene environment.

This weekend I devoted to doing absolutely nothing. Last weekend and this past week was very tiring. Friday night I made dinner - which is a rare occasion because I usually just have apples and yogurt. I caught up on some emails and facebook messages and hung out on youtube before going to bed.

This morning I woke up at eight and laid in bed before getting a phone call from my friend Dini at nine. She wanted to go biking through the non-modernized villages in Sentul and go exploring. Since I had nothing better else to do - I was quick to take up the invitation. We met up at a food stall that is owned by one of SPH's bus drivers. We had fantastic food - rice, green beans, chicken, and jackfruit (which if raw is a sweet fruit and if cooked it is a vegetable - crazy!). It was absolutely delicious! Everything we wanted and for 7.500 (which is about 75 cents).

With our bellies full, we started off on our trip. We drove through many villages and as we passed there was a parade of children waving because the "bule" was travelling through the village. Talk about being a movie star! Their faces were brighter than the sun and their shouts and cheers were heartwarming.

After countless twists and turns, we managed to get get to the outskirts of "modernized" Sentul and headed back to Dini's house. We hydrated ourselves, talked, and watched a bit of tv before heading to Bellanova. We split up and I went to the salon to get my haircut. I tried to explain to the stylist that I wanted my hair trimmed and thinned out. What I ended up with was 2 inches off my hair - however, I got some pretty nice layers. I am still not happy that my hair is 2 inches shorter - especially after struggling to grow it out - but it does look nice.

Dini and I did grocery shopping before parting ways. When I came home I visited my neighbor and well - here I am now - kicking back and relaxing.

Life here is always adventure - but I am beginning to feel that life here is really normal. Sure it's not the everyday bustling midwest - but something that I find myself adapting to and calling my own. To all you readers - don't worry - I will continue to update my blog. I know that you enjoy the crazy happenings of a girl half way across the world doing what she loves most - teaching kids and making friends. Love to you all!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Celebration!

It is now 1:45 and officially every last one of my student-teacher-parent conferences is over! What a long day. It started off like any other normal day. I woke up late (after an earth shattering night of karaoke) and ran around my house like a crazy mad woman making mental notes along the way: buy milk, change the kitty litter, out of toilet paper, REALLY change the kitty litter, don't let the cat out - things like that.

I made it to school five minutes before my first conference. Whoever decided conferences should start at 7:15 in the morning should be smacked (oh wait, that was me). The first three conferences went fine because the kids were not at school yet.

Then came mayhem! When the bell rang and the students came - we had to balance doing devotions, getting them ready for swimming, and two conferences at the same time. As I sit here at the computer trying to figure out what actually happened, I realize I have no clue. This morning was a blur. The conferences weren't but the in between madness seemed to melt into a black hole of forgetfulness.

I learned a number of things about my students. Some of their parents provoke academic competition between their children, some parents openly admit they don't have time for their kids because they have so much to do for themselves, and some parents gifted us the title as "second parents" in the Christian faith (which is because they are Muslim and believe that their child should have the right to choose their faith - not have it forced upon them). Talk about eye-opening experiences one after the other.

Now I'm sitting here trying to figure out what I'm going to do for the next two hours. My whole afternoon is free - no meetings or chapel or professional development. We are allowed to take one hour every week and go out for lunch. I may just do that and go home and make myself lunch.

Friday, October 8, 2010

A Progressively Delicious Dinner


Tonight was the night of the annual expatriate teacher progressive dinner. This was a blessing in disguise for me - as the only food I have in my house is apples and a half a jar of peanut butter.

To be honest, many people were leery about going for the simple fact that everyone has an inservice professional development workshop to attend tomorrow (aka Saturday). The PYP teachers got the misfortune of having to get up early and travel to a campus far from here. We have to be at school at six o'clock. To some that may not be excruciatingly early - but let me put this in perspective for you. I roll out of bed at 6:25 every morning (fully knowing I have to be at school at 6:45 - which only happens on rare occasions). Thankfully I'm not the only teacher that has trouble getting out of bed in the morning.

We started out at Scott and Dianne's house. They are teachers in the middle and high school. We had fresh veggies, tree roots (which sound nasty but they are actually really tasty), and fried banana. We talked there for a while and moved on to our next course: bread and soup.

Becky and Jared's was the next stop for bread and soup. Becky is a phenomenal cook and made homemade lentil soup as well as homemade cream of potato soup with ham. She also had homemade oatmeal bread. We talked for a while and then commenced a game of Bible charades. I was the second one to go - and I must say that it was the best one of the night. My slip said
"Talking donkey." I want you all to think hard and guess how I did that - it was quite creative using a significant body part. Just think about it...

After Jared and Becky's we went to the principal's house and had a main course. There was a variety of noodle and meat casseroles that were quite tasty.

Lastly we went to Leanne and Brittney's house (for those of you that don't know - my old roommate Leanne moved into a different house). We had icecream peanut butter parfait dessert as well as apple cobbler. Talk about a high point of the night. We played a few games and called it a night after ferocious yawning and lingering (and bitter) feelings of a Saturday inservice that was ahead of us.

All in all, it was definitely a great night of eating, fellowship, and fun.


A Dance Class In The Classroom

In Grade 6 I am known as the dancing English teacher. When I get excited I bust a move or two in the classroom. My kids get a kick out of it. I'm not sure how or when I started doing it - but I guess it stems from my mother who has this fantastic way of gliding and dancing in front of people (particularly when they are watching TV at home). It's quite comical if you've ever seen her do it. I guess I am my mother's daughter.

Anyway, for weeks I've been doing alternative Zumba online. It's one of the funnest workouts I've ever been involved in (and since then have lost over 25 pounds since being here). Some of my students caught wind of this and have been on my case about showing them my newly learned dance moves.

After days and weeks of avoiding it, today I finally gave in. I posted on facebook that there would be a dance party/class during lunch break. Since most of my Grade 6 students are my friends on facebook, word burned around the classroom like a wildfire. At lunch break I had 15 students in my classroom ready to learn Miss Marie's famous dancing. Ha!

I reviewed the steps and started with a simple dance. Within minutes they got it down pat and all of us were dancing in sync to Selena Gomez's "Naturally." It wasn't just girls either - there were a lot of boys as well.

Before I knew it the office boys were looking in our classroom watching this madness. This got my Grade 3 girls interested and they too joined in. By the end I had over 25 students learning alternative Zumba moves.

I can only imagine what was going through Budi's mind as he sat at his desk laughing and watching with a smirk on his face.

Apparently this was the highlight of many students' recess and they scheduled Zumba dance classes every Monday, Tuesday, and Friday lunch break. Haha! However the more I thought about it, the more I really enjoyed my time doing this with them. It's like there is a new level of connection between my students and I. I'm so blessed to be able to not only teach but interact with them on a personal level.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Grade 3 Christmas Production

So on a random whim I decided to concoct a plan for a Grade 3 Christmas program. We usually have a caroling program and there was murmurs around the school that there should be a change. I got this approved we are going to present one of the best Christmas stories ever told.

The "Best Christmas Pageant Ever" play is based off Barbara Robinson's book from 1979. It is about these six kids called the Herdmans that terrorize a church Christmas pageant and bully kids so they can have the main roles. Everyone thinks this is going to be the worst Christmas pageant but to everyone's surprise it becomes a heart warming tale of the nativity that leaves everyone in smiles.

After meeting with the Head of School and Principal and I think they were more excited than I was that I was willing to step up and do this drama production. It is something different that the kids will enjoy.

Tomorrow we have try-outs. I told my Grade 3 students about this today and they were ecstatic. They cannot wait. I hope this turns out good - because excitement is bubbling from all corners of the school.

The "P" Words

The craziness has just commenced in every classroom. As if we haven't seen enough chaos in these last few months, we are about to go wild. Portfolios and Progress reports are the only subject of talk amongst teachers these days.

In Grade 3, I think we have more fun than we should filling out these things and issuing comments for each student. We are able to fish through funny stories that happened throughout the first few months of school.

Thankfully we were graced with no meetings this afternoon (since today is Wednesday, our designated half day). Budi and I plowed through our progress reports and portfolio preparation. From what I've been talking with teachers - we seem to be ahead of the ball game. That's always a good sign.

Conferences take place next week. I anticipate it will be quite an interesting experience seeing that only a few number of my students' parents are bi-lingual. Thank goodness I have Budi - otherwise I wouldn't know what to do.

Friday, October 1, 2010

Just Call Me a Zoo Animal

Well today was a day for the books. SPH commenced their two day long evaluation of triple accreditation. Our classrooms were deep cleaned, lesson plan books flawless, and anticipation for a surprise inspection visit was on our radar.

I was on my guard most of the day, hoping and praying that somehow grade 3 would be somehow opted out of the visitation schedule. No such luck. In fact, I was graced with the presence of over 20 men and women that were at school for a Biblical Studies conference, and a handful of men from the accreditation team. All at the same time! Talk about intimidating! There were more adults in my room than students. There is never more than three people over the age of 8 in my classroom at a time.

Thankfully my kids snapped into "be on your best behavior or you'll be in hot water" mode. Somehow Budi and I instilled this behavior into them - I'm still not quite sure how, but it was a relief. Sure, my kids know that we don't tolerate a lot of monkey business in the classroom, but when people come in to observe the classroom, they think they are the ones that are under the microscope. I think Budi and I will let them keep thinking that :)

Anyway, with all of these people in my room, cameras were whipped out like pistols in a shootout. Everyone wanted to interrupt my lesson to snap a picture with the bule (white girl). Of all the bules in the school, apparently I stick out like a sore thumb with my bright blonde hair and blue eyes.

One picture after another and I'm starting to get dizzy from all the camera flashes. It's like I'm a celebrity - actually no - like a zoo animal. Everyone just staring and pointing and snapping pictures. It's like they've never seen a white person before and they need documentation as proof. Okay, so I may be a little bit dramatic, but today I really felt like I belonged in a zoo.

What makes it even more comical is that information of my Dutch heritage oozes out and they begin asking if I speak Dutch and if I could speak it for them. The only Dutch words I know are cuss words, so I refrain from saying them and simply tell them that I cannot. You should see the disappointment on their faces. It's like a group of kids finding out that there is no such thing as Santa Clause (which from a heart wrenching personal experience is the very upsetting).

The pictures continue for quite some time. It is suffice to say that my lessons for the day landed in the porcelain express.

The moment all they stepped out of the classroom, there was total anarchy and chaos. Apparently bottling up all that rambunctious behavior can be explosive mayhem. Oh well, it was good while it lasted.

Later on the staff got an email saying that day one of accreditation went extremely well and the school had a positive outlook on tomorrow's conclusion and results. I'll keep you all posted :)

Thursday, September 30, 2010

A Busy Thursday

0On Wednesday I came home early from school with the world's worst migraine. After sleeping most of the day, I felt refreshed and ready to start a new day at school.

It started off like a regular Thursday. We had PYP devotions in the ESL room. Surprisingly, I was one of the first ones there (which is very unusual - because usually I am one to walk in late). After prayer and discussion, we headed back to our rooms to begin the day.

Tomorrow our elementary program is getting re-evaluated for triple accreditation. We have government representatives due on our campus for the better part of the day. They will be reading through documents and walking through classes (checking up on teachers and lesson plans). It is a tense time and we are looking forward to it being over - but we are also praying for a good report. Hopefully we will find out soon.

Since our first quarter of school is completed, we have been working on student portfolios. The first and third quarter of each year has no report cards, rather we create a collection of student work and show them to parents and students in conferences. It sounds quite easy - and in all actuality it is. However, it is incredibly time consuming. There has to be rubrics for every piece of work as well as teacher and student reflections. Then after this, work has to be separated so that one person's work is all together rather than specific assignments all together. Budi and I are so thankful to have a student teacher right now - because we need the extra help (everyone does) and she is a hard worker. Today we were able to plow through about two and a half days of work, thanks to her.

Conferences are another tricky thing. We have one day to schedule conferences (and still have a full day of school). It took a lot of moving things around, but I think we finally have a (hopefully permanent) schedule that caters to the parents and to our availability. It's going to be a hectic the next week or so, but after that, will be the holiday (which means off to Vietnam).

These sorts of things you cannot gain adequate knowledge during college years. Sure, I remember talking about them once or twice, but it is completely different once the time comes to actually do this. However, I am so lucky to have an amazing supporting staff and one of the best teaching partners in the school. Not only do we get lots of work done, but he have lots of fun doing it.

Oh, and a miracle happened today! Grade 3 won the chapel spotter award. Truthfully, the kids weren't on their best behavior. In chapel they never are - even though we practice it. However we won our first award. I was beginning to think we would be the only class that would not be awarded this honor. Then I found out the truth. Pak Budi was in the back with the spotter and gave her a guilt trip into picking us because we were one of the only classes (aside from the class who did the chapel - which disqualifies you from winning the award for the week). If only we got the award because we really deserved it. Okay, to be honest, it did feel good to get the award - even if it wasn't on the proper terms. The kids don't know that - what they don't know, won't hurt them :)

Anyway, have a great night! Pray for a good accreditation visit tomorrow. I will keep you all posted! Love to all!


Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Meet Scooter and Scamper

It's been quite a week and it's only Tuesday! Yesterday was a day of ups and downs. My computer adapter cord was severed after much wear and tear. Most of the wires fordisconnected. I'm not quite sure how it happened, but after teaching Grade 6 English, there was absolutely no function. I was up in arms because everything we do at school is done in the computer. Since we have IB curriculum, we make up our own worksheets and papers. Usually I back up everything on a flashdrive, but I haven't updated it in quite a while so I had a lot of important documents on it with no access to them.

My teaching partner, Budi, was the hero of the day. He made a few calls to some people he knew and was able to find a new adapter cord for me. It was delivered to me at school this morning. What a relief. He knew that I was stressed and that I do most of the documents that get sent to parents like our newsletter.

Yesterday I also got my two kitties. My friend (the grade 2 teacher) has friends in Bogor that had a litter of kittens and were looking for good homes to put them in because their cat was pregnant again. She brought two of them to school for me. They are very sweet and have a great temperament.

Scooter is a golden and white tabby female. She's my cuddle bug. She likes to sleep on my shoulder or burrow under my chin. She's a whiny thing, and for good reason, because Scamper, my other cat is very aggressive and likes to wrestle and nip at her.

Scamper is a grey kitten with black tiger stripes. He is beautiful but quite the trouble maker. He's an attention hog, and nice for the most part. However, he gets quite restless and pounces Scooter, looking for a good war of physicality. By the time they get all their rambunctiousness out of them, they are curled up on a pillow and fast asleep.

For those of you that don't know. My neighbor is nursing a four week old kitten back to health and it will join my house, now dubbed Kitty Kingdom. He's a precious little thing. He is white with black and brown clusters. His name is Scout.

They are a great addition to my house. I love the companionship that they provide.


Saturday, September 25, 2010

A Shocking Discovery

Today I went to Jakarta with Dini and Putri, two of my dearest friends here. Despite the vast age differences between us, we know how to have a great time. We laugh, joke, and can totally be ourselves. It's so great to have friends like this.

Since it was Saturday, Putri had to go to University before joining up with us. So Dini and I mapped out our day - each with a goal in mind. Dini had to get her wireless fixed and I was on a mission to find a cat.

Dini's wireless took a lot longer than either of us expected. Nearly two and a half hours passed and we were coming up with nothing. We took a break and decided to look into finding me a kitten. We were told by a vendor in the basement of the mall to take a taxi to a certain address.

We were fortune to find a taxi, however our taxi was lacking in common sense. That's putting it nicely - he was an idiot. Even with Dini speaking Bahasa and giving directions, the man was adamant that he knew where we were going better than we did. He ended up getting us lost and we had to ask for directions three separate times (racking up our taxi fair). Finally we convinced an ojek driver to guide us (for a small price of 10,000 rupiahs - 1 USD). He led us to the "cattery". We paid our fair of 21,000 rupiahs and entered into a whole new realm of human life.

As we walked up the mucky clay drive, we were graced by the presence of two rare albino monkeys that were fighting in a cage. Keeping monkeys in cages and selling them here is not illegal - but it is not ethical either because they are animals that should be left in their natural habitat.

As we approached the house (which was rather ritzy for the part of town we were in), we found many children slaving away in the muck, working on an addition to the house. There was a foreman yelling at them pushing them around. Dini and I were wide-eyed and shocked at the lack of respect for human life (especially a child's) here. Dini told me that they were most likely trafficked children and not paid anything for their labor.

Dini and I smiled and waved to them. They were so excited to see us and waved incessantly to us. It was as if they had not seen even the slightest bit of kindness. It was heart wrenching. How can people live this way? I guess if they don't have a choice, they don't know any different - but this is not how it's supposed to be.

We were ushered in to a "show room", which was an ammonia smelling room with about 35 cats of high-end breeds. Some were well kept but most showed signs of abuse and reproductive exhaustion. There was one kitten that followed me around. He was precious. If I stopped he stopped and tried to curl up against me. I picked him up and immediately could tell (without being a professional) that he was malnourished and was slapped around as he winced at the sight of my hands.

I then found a kitten that I fell in love with. It was a few months older than the rest and was extremely playful and cuddly. It wasn't like the demon kitties I met the day before. I was convinced this would be the perfect kitten to bring into my house.

Then the owner came in. He was an Asian-American and quite snobby. He was told me a lot about the cats and their breeds and then he started talking about prices. Holy shnikes! My kitten was 5 juta (which is the equivalent of 500 dollars). I loved that kitten - but not enough to pay 500 dollars for him. I carefully put him down and asked a few more questions. I found out that basically the "cattery" was a kitten breeding mill of high end cats and that most of them were not vaccinated or had papers.

I thanked him for his help and told him I had to do "more research" about what I was interested in before I made a decision. Surprisingly the answer seemed acceptable to him - thank goodness. Then he began asking questions of what Dini and I did for a living. We told him we were teachers. He found out that I was an American and that Dini was Australian. Immediately he ignored Dini and began talking my ear off about the "American way of education" - whatever that means. He yelled for his five year old son to join us in the show room.

He asked me to consider teaching his son so that he could be released from his (rich) Singaporean school. He wanted his son to speak English with an American accent rather than a Singaporean accent. His son came sobbing and clinging to his nanny. Then the man informed me that he was severely punished for not wanting to practice his math skills. His son was terrified of even coming close to his father or me.

I talked with the son for a few minutes, in a very consoling and soft voice. He seemed to stop crying and actually responded to me. The man told his son that I may be his new teacher. I looked at Dini and was mind-boggled. I didn't agree to that or even infer that I was the slightest bit interested. He asked for my number so he could contact me further about the cats and teaching his son. I gave a made-up name and wrong number, knowing that I could never work for a man who treated children (even his own) like crap (and not to mention the animals).

Dini and I somehow finagled our way out of that hell hole. We were shell shocked and at a loss for words. It was a sight to see, that's for sure. Talk about an eye-opener. Neither of us had ever seen something quite like what we experienced. Not once did we feel our safety and wellbeing was compromised, which was a good thing, but to see the things we did makes my stomach churn. I will never (as long as I live) forget this.

After catching a taxi and going to Ratu Plaza, we met up with Putri and told her all about our nightmarish adventure. She couldn't believe it. We spent the rest of our day dwelling on the disregard for human life that some seem to think is okay. Even as I sit back at home, typing this, I am overwhelmed that this really happens. Sure I've learned about illegal breeding mills and human trafficking, but I have never experienced it first hand until today.

In Asia this is a very common problem and one of the most booming (illegal) industries world wide. Human trafficking makes more money than the drug trade. I ask all of you readers to keep this in your prayers.

Friday, September 24, 2010

A Friday of Firsts

Today has been an interesting day to say the least. It was an eternal day at school. I don't think I've ever been bored at school until today. I only had to teach 2 classes: English 6 and English 3. In English 6 the students presented their advertisement posters of self-created products (demonstrating persuasion). They were very creative and quite comical. In English 3 we watched the cartoon of Robin Hood (from the 1950's - what a great cartoon) and discussed doing what was morally right and morally acceptable. We also divided the story line into Setting, Characters, Conflict, Solution, and Conclusion. Sure that sounds interesting and it was. However I had a lot of free time and I had nothing to do but dawdle. I guess that's what happens when you're an overachiever and a week ahead in grading and planning. Time just seemed to stand still. I'd rather be busy than sit around.

As my title said - it was a day of "firsts" - and all of these firsts took place after the school day. I had my first big disappointment. I was supposed to be adopting kittens from the vet. However, when I went there - there were only 4 to choose from (which apparently is very unusual because usually there are 2 dozen or so to choose from). Kitten number one had an amputated leg and could barely walk. Kittens two and three were too young to be taken away from the vet. Kitten number four (I am convinced this is true) was a spawn of Satan. I'm sure that kitten number four and my high school baby-think-it-over baby would be the best of buddies. My baby-think-it-over baby, which was named Lucifer, was an evil doll that cried every fifteen minutes on the dot for five straight days. I left the vet feeling really sad. I know it is a little bit lame, but I was looking forward to getting them all week. It was all I talked about. We are supposed to go back in two weeks because the two babies will be ready to go and there are supposed to be a better choice of kittens. In the mean time - I have many eyes looking out for me - just in case :)

My next first was trying a new Indonesian fruit called Rambutan. You buy it on the side of the road, and recently vendors have been popping up because they are finally in season. The fruit looks like a golf-ball sized strawberry with an outside that looks like a blow-fish. To eat it, you crack the skin and out comes a fleshy white ball (which looks like a translucent plum). It has a really sweet taste. There is no taste that I can compare it to. I'll try to think of it as I eat my way through the bunch my neighbor gave me.

My last first (and probably the most reckless one of them all) was carrying a three-tiered end table in my arms while driving a motorbike in the rain. First of all, you have to understand, when it rains here - it blows horizontal and pelts you before a splash explosion. Driving in the rain is always a challenge - but try it with a table cupboard and you'll think again. The end table was considerably light and easy to weave my arm through so I could hold on to both handles. However, it was heavy enough to make the weight on my motorbike unbalanced. It wasn't the smartest thing I've done while I've been here - but it was the last end table in stock and I am in desperate need of an endtable in my basement. Besides - it was on sale - 7 dollars! Who could pass up a deal like that? Not me!

Anyway, that was the extent of my Friday in a nutshell. Now I am just lounging around, trying to figure out what to do with myself until bedtime.