3...2...1...Blast Off

Like any Friday, the kids are filled with the wiggles (although I'm starting to realize that this isn't just happening on Fridays). The day was quite productive despite the anticipation of the weekend.

Recently the kids started on their movie theater company and are separated into different departments so to plan an all PYP movie event. I have to admit that I am pretty impressed with their hard work and determination. They were very concerned about every little detail and worked with other departments to make sure everything was accounted for and running smoothly.

By the time their work dwindled down for the week, it was time for English. I was definitely not prepared for what happened today. I was in the middle of talking about sequencing when one of m kids started sneezing. After four times a lake of snot blasted out of his nose and landed about two feet in front of him and the remainder of it oozed down all his arm. I had to bite my tongue to the point of bleeding to hold back the laughter that was throbbing inside of me. It wasn't but a few moments later when one of the girls saw the jungle of snot and began to puke. She was holding it in with her best effort but it was spurting between her fingers. She raced to the bathroom so to not make a display of her lunch on the linoleum floor.

I couldn't hold it in. Not even a little. Neither could Budi. We were literally laughing so hard that we were wheezing, trying to catch our breath. An orchestra of laughter followed and there was no turning back to the lesson. Everyone was far gone.

In a desperate attempt to get them back to a peaceful state, we started to do yoga. It worked for about two minutes but the giggles kept bursting out of them. So we did the invisible wall sit. This is where you put your ankles and knees together, hands above your head, and bend down to half of your height. Keeping a straight back is a must in this exercise. Kids were dropping on the floor like flies. They tried so hard to hold their stance but their muscles were burning and shaking.

There were four boys left and I said that the winner will get chocolate. This made them work harder, but the longer they stayed in this position, the harder it was not to give up. Four quickly became two; one of those two being one of my more naughty boys, Braven. Sweat was dripping down his face and all over his body. He kept screaming "chocolate!" to keep himself motivated. After about six minutes (no joke) we called it a tie. The two fell over and laid on the floor. Their clothes were soaking in sweat and a pool of it was left behind when they got up.

Everyone got in their seats soon after and laid their heads on their desk to rest while I read our class novel "Pelican Cove". They were wiped out.

At the end of the day, all of my kids told me, "Ms. Marie, we are going to practice all weekend so that Monday we can have another invisible wall sit contest. Bring chocolate." I had to laugh. Their determination seems to brew a contagious concoction that affects their peers.

It definitely was a day for the books though. Lots of laughs, lots of exerted energy trying to calm kids down, and of course snot rockets and upchucking. The kids were already talking this afternoon as if it was some untouchable historic event. Gotta love the enthusiasm and humor of eight year olds!

The Fruit of the Spirit

At the age of five I already knew the fruit of the spirit by heart, I even had a handy dandy song to help me remember. It wasn't until years later that I realized what each of them truly meant.

In the last few weeks we have taken each"fruit" and dissecting what each one means to my kids in Bible class. It wasn't until recently that I realize the importance of incorporating every single one of these every single day (whether it's a good day or a bad day).

Today we worked on a very intensive project that is tied with our digital portfolio and our upcoming chapel. The project sounded simple - create each word with our bodies - it definitely was more stressful than I initially thought.

The kids all gathered in the atrium (our outside courtyard) and strained up to see me as I was on the fifth floor balcony shouting out orders of how to create letters by twisting and turning their bodies. Budi was a big help but to be honest, I think both of us are partially deaf - which in turn stirs up confusion and chaos (it's no surprise to me anymore that chaos is a natural element in my classroom).

As I was snapping pictures and losing my voice with every command, I realized that applying the fruit of the spirit to my daily life is something that I struggle with. Sure, some of them are easy like love, gentleness, and self control (I guess that's the teacher in me).

However having joy bubble out with every waking breath I take is a little more difficult task to get a handle on. I really try to choose joy but some days I want to just give up and say "Today I just want to be miserable, let me wallow! Feel free to join me if you want - misery indeed thrives on company!" Yes, not the best attitude to take, but don't you ever feel like doing that sometimes too? Oh and don't get me started on patience. That is a daily struggle, especially with the few select rambunctious fireballs I have in my class.

However, as I reflect on these thoughts of my mental conversation, I realize that not everything in our Christian walk is supposed to be a piece of pie.If it was, well that would be stinking amazing; but then as we fight incessantly to keep these fruits ample each day, God reveals himself in ways we never thought possible.

This unit and this project have really made an impact on the kids, but to be honest, I think it made an even bigger impact on me. Teachers are meant to teach, and that's true, but I really think teachers are meant to learn too. I have discovered more about myself, my character, and my identity in Jesus Christ in these past months of being a teacher than I ever have in my entire life.

Operation Destruction of Creepy Crawlies

I hate anything that creeps and crawls - especially when that something creeps and crawls on my floors. I definitely took my Dad's fearlessness for granted when I lived at home because I could just shriek and he'd come (sometimes from a dead sleep) to kill even the most minuscule insect. Now I live on my own and have to deal with all the scary creatures of the world that burglarize my house.

Yesterday there was a ginormous scorpion that greeted me as I was getting a glass of water in the morning. I've learned not to shriek because them my cat (who thinks he's a dog) comes racing down the steps and slides everywhere (because he's bow-legged) and usually gets a nasty counterattack from the teeny beast, even though it's about 1/100 of the size of the cat. Instead I took my handy-dandy art canvas (why I actually have that in my house is even something I am curious about) and smacked the scorpion to smithereens.

Tonight I got a surprise visit from the loathed cockroach that lives in the corner nook behind my bathroom door. I only see him on rare occasions, and every effort to destroy him has been an epic fail. I was convinced that tonight would be the night that I would be able to slay the crunchy leaf-looking villain. With a toilet brush in hand I frantically darted around my basement bathroom trying to crush him. It's harder than it sounds. There are not that many places to turn around in that refrigerator-sized commode. I was one swat away from killing it before it scurried off in retreat to its hideaway. Next time....he will surely die.

I like to be creative with my attempted assassinations of the assailants that try to take over my house. Next time I pick off another creepy crawly, I might even just take a broom and play golf with it in the back yard. Who knows, the iguana that lives in my backyard might like the appetizer!

Yes - it sounds malicious - but don't doubt that you wouldn't do the same thing if you were all alone with no one to do petty disposing of invasive creatures.

The Annual Age Growth

My birthday has always seemed to be a big event every year. Not with parties, not with presents, but with the people I spend it with and all the mental build up of getting one year older. I tend to convince my family that we should celebrate my birthday for the entire month of January. I'm not quite sure how that all started, but I've milked that philosophy dry to the point where it's a joke rather than a reality.

This year was a little different. While being home at Christmas, I celebrated a few weeks early with my family, only to come back and with 2 weeks until my actual birthday. However, upon waking up that morning, it felt like birthday had come and gone. I was not expecting anything out of the ordinary, but I was in for a surprise.

My teaching partner, Budi arranged for a cake to be made for morning devotions and we had a small party with all of the PYP teachers. The cake was delicious but gave me quite a sugar jolt that seemed to reverberate through the better part of the day.

All throughout the day while I was teaching, random students interrupted my lessons with presents from other teachers: chocolates, jewelry, cards...It was all so sweet. My students got a kick out of it as they tried to figure out who all was sending these gifts.

In the afternoon I had break duty. During this time, my students decorated the room and made cards for me. When I came in they all sang happy birthday and we had more cake. At this point I was flying high in the sky from all the sugar I had.

To end the day, my neighbor had a big birthday party for me that included all of the expats. It was great food (baked potato soup, homemade bread, and salad), dessert (chocolate chess cake), presents, and fantastic fellowship with my other family home away from home. Then just before bed, I got to talk to my mom and dad on skype for some of my last birthday wishes of the night.

I realize that a birthday is just another day that really isn't all that special except for the fact that you get one year older (which tends to freak me out every year). I was truly blessed to have such an amazing birthday. The Lord has put such amazing friends and family in my life. Thanks for all the birthday wishes! Love to all of you!

Missing my Wingman

Thursdays seem anything but ordinary at school. There is usually anticipation for the weekend, chapel misbehaviors, and lapsing of specialists classes with regularly scheduled classes. Today there were a few extra happenings that led to a crazy, but rather enjoyable day.

Today was the first day without Eldwin. He was taken out at semester and it is very interesting how classroom dynamics have changed. There are still the crazy naughty boys (he was one of them) but the level of mayhem that they caused seemed to be less of a burden. It's interesting how the absence of one person changes a group of kids.

There was another absentee that was dearly missed - my right hand, my wingman, Budi. He was sick and so I had the Grade 3 Zoo all to myself. Now usually when one of us is sick, there is absurd amount of misfortune and lunacy that occurs. However today seemed to go rather smoothly (in a very unusual fashion). I don't know if it is because the kids were on good behavior or if I'm just getting used to the typical imminent pandemonium. Whichever it was, I am thankful for it.

I was busy organizing the Easter production while kids were working on projects for English and Bible. It was one of those days that everything seemed to click with the kids. If only everyday was like that. However, I'd be out of a job quickly if that happened all the time.

By lunch, I couldn't believe how great the day had turned out. I thought this just in time to jinx myself. As I was passing out math worksheets that Budi left me, one of my Grade 6 students came into the room and told me that Rosma (their teacher) needed me ASAP in her classroom.

To give some pretense to this next event, I should probably explain a few things. With being a Grade 6 teacher, I am automatically on the Exhibition Committee. The Exhibition Committee is a group of Grade 6 teachers and a specialist teacher that is in charge of the Grade 6 exhibition. The second semester of the year is devoted to this exhibition in which students choose a current problem that out society faces (children's rights, drugs, pollution, etc) and they do research on it. After their research, they come up with a plan of action and implement it in the community. At the end of the year they hold a fair to show the results and demonstrate their learning.

Our committee had recently assigned partners and groups based on academic ability and topic similarities. We worked really hard on making sure the partners and groups were feasible.

Now flash back to the classroom. I came into the class and was met by a group of weeping (literally) girls who clung to me like they were in fear for their lives. Rosma had just announced the groups and all of the girls were upset and bawling their eyes out. They did not like their partners. Rosma called me in, not because of all that, but because their was one girl that was beside herself. She was sobbing to the point of blacking out (in which she did once). She is quite difficult to reason with, but however, I seem to be able to touch a chord of reason with her. After calming her down and helping her become rational, I delivered the most blunt and punching impromptu speech. I have to say it was one of my better ones.

Somehow through that, I seemed to settle them down and accept their assignments. As I sit here typing, I honestly don't know what I said. Whatever I happened to say worked because in a short matter of time, everyone was fine. I was quite pleased with them, and I have to admit, I was quite pleased with myself.

I headed back to my class 30 minutes later, realizing that I had left my third graders unattended for a time that was way too long. I half expect to walk into screams and something on fire. To my surprise they were working on their weekly homework, reading, and practicing their Bible skits in pure silence. I almost started crying. I have never been more proud of them (aside from their performance in my Christmas production). They were rewarded with stickers for their good behavior incentive snowflakes and extra break time.

After their extended break, we all returned to class with the addition to all 25 of my Grade 6 students. Since Budi was gone, I was in charge of both classes. We paired up Grade 6 and Grade 3 students and did a science experiment about surface tension. Some of you may ask, why are you doing science experiments in English class? The answer is simple: we are learning how to write experiment procedure reports in class and we needed some experiments so that we could initiate the new writing process.

Despite the fact that my classroom was practically underwater by the time the experiments were completed, it seemed to be successful. Both groups loved working with a different age level. There was enthusiasm from all corners of the classroom. It was truly a blessing in disguise. Who would have thought one teacher's absence would kindle a fire of cooperation, excitement, and new friendships among various grades.

After this was all said and done, I was ready to bring the day to a close. The kids left saying that it had been the best day ever. That's always great to hear as a teacher. After the classroom was empty, I was able to have some downtime and get tutored in Bahasa by my friend, Fany (prekindy teacher). It went well and I have retained so much!

As I reflect on this day, I really can't help but smile. There were some rather large bumps in the road (more like potholes actually), however they turned out to be just what each of my classes needed. It's days like these that make me say "and this is why I became a teacher". In contrast to that though, I can't wait to have my amazing teaching partner back tomorrow. We really do make a fantastic team.

New Developments

Well two days into school and so much has happened that it's almost mind boggling. It's as if people are having a contest to see what will stress me out to the point of breaking. It's a good kind of stress, if there is such a thing, because it keeps me on my toes.

In Grade 3 we have been having issues with a particular student, who will remain unnamed. I guess not so much the student as his mother. She is a real piece of work. It's difficult to be around her because she tends to be a black hole and brings everyone down who is in the remote vicinity. For the past few weeks she has been causing a lot of ruckus and making Budi and I dread tomorrow's report card day. However, word came today that she has pulled her son out of school to send him to a national plus school (if you're interested in an education-based terminology lesson, that means it's one step above a national school but one step below an international school). There have been many murmurings about her reasons, but I think the majority of people are glad to see her go. I know that's not the nicest thing to say, but dealing with her has shown me how not to be a parent.

Today was library day for both my Grade 3 and Grade 6 kids. That's always a refreshing escape from the classroom environment into something a little more relaxed and quiet. Bad news was that the air conditioner was broken and it was suffocating in there. We dubbed library time nap time because no one could keep their eyes open (I'm sure that even if I tried to tape my eye lids open, it wouldn't have worked). It was exhausting just being in that room, I don't think I fully recovered, even hours later!

As I was putzing around in my classroom, my principal came for an unannounced visit. I was in full panic mode. I have never seen her step foot in my classroom except once when I was being evaluated a few months back. This was a surprise to the fullest extent. She informed me that we needed to start working on the Easter Drama Production for Primary school. This was news to me. I knew I was in charge of the Easter committee, but another drama. I'm not sure I am fully recovered from the last one. In any case, I stuck my foot in my mouth and accepted it. After all, if you want something done right, you do it yourself (even when that something may not be something you really want to do at the given moment). However, I have found the cutest script and it is quite comical.

On your mark, get set, go full speed into chaos. It's no shocker that something like this happened. However, I was hoping I'd catch a break and at least last a full week without mayhem interceding into the better part of my sanity. No such luck. Since there's no sense in moping about it, I am going to kick start my creative genius into gear and conquer this new challenge without even breaking a sweat (I'm just going to pretend that's realistic). Wish me luck - I always seem to need a little extra of it on these projects!

First Day of the New Semester

It's hard to believe it's January and semester two just began. It was this time last year I just commenced my student teaching at Crown Point Christian School. So much changes in a year, it's unbelievable! I kept thinking about this as I hugged, laughed, and chattered with my awesome Indonesian friends. I am so blessed to have them in my life! They always seem to sugar life with a little extra zing.

The kids were so happy to be back in school. They seemed to have very adventurous breaks (Europe, Asia, America) but ready to get back into the groove of things. We started a lot of new things in English. I really think the kids will get a lot out of this semester, especially in English.

I honestly was thankful to get back to work. I had a really fun time at home, but I was running out of things to do. Can you believe that? I'm sure there was plenty of things, but I'm not used to that life anymore. I felt like a fish out of water at times.

I had a few good laughs that kept me smiling through the day, mainly receiving a package of "sex tea" from on of my grade 6 kids. Who gives their teacher that? Honestly! I've been poking and prodding around, trying to see what it actually is (because it is anything BUT tea). Finally I bit the bullet and tried it. I came to the conclusion that it was something similar to those Dutch bread sprinkles, at least I think. It had pizazz and so many flavors exploding in my mouth that I couldn't even identify all of them. I guess "sex tea" is a fitting name - but I still don't understand the tea part. I even attempted to persuade Budi to try it but he said, "Marie, you're my best friend, but this is not an a good reason for both of us to die." Well that argument lasted only a few minutes before curiosity got the best of him.

Anyway, it was a great day back and I'm ready for another day like it again tomorrow. However right now I just want to take a warm bubble bath and hope for my legs to finally stop swelling (they have been so swollen since I stepped foot off the plane on Saturday). Now if I could only find a functional bathtub, I'd be in business. Guess I'll have to improvise, but that's life; right?

Best Way to End a Holiday

After a long day and a half of traveling across two oceans and three continents I finally made it to Indonesia with all luggage accounted for. I breezed through customs and immigration and hitched a cab home. I got home to an empty fridge and an angry cat who promptly bit me in the nose. I unpacked, watched half of a movie before fading into such a deep sleep that even a kiss from prince charming wouldn't awaken me.

At six o'clock this morning I woke up and felt so incredibly relaxed and refreshed. Despite the dreary weather, I made the best of my day by showering and heading to school. I updated bulletin boards, rearranged desks, and planned my week as best as possible. At eleven, I went to visit Dini and ended up having lunch with her. It was great to see and catch up with her. She has improved greatly since I last saw her.

I left Dini's house with every intention of going to the Hypermart to get groceries since the cupboards and fridge were bare. Instead, after pulling into the parking garage, I decided to get my hair done. Best choice I made all day, hands down. They only gay man I have ever laid eyes on in Indonesia was assigned to perm my hair. However shortly into it, I was starting to doubt his abilities. I kept thinking to myself, "He's gay so it has to turn out good; oh but it looks so bad!" At one point I was convinced that my hair was going to be a train wreck and I was going to have to go to school with a paper bag over my head. But after he finished taking the curlers out of my hair, I was shocked. It looked nicer than any perm I had before. All of the hair stylist ladies kept telling me "cantik bule (beautiful white person) and complimented this guy on his handiwork. Even now, as I sit here typing this, I am impressed with whatever he managed to pull off.

So after my two and a half hour detour, I finally made it to the grocery store. The biggest happening there is that they reorganized the juice refrigerator by type of juice rather than brand. Yes, I suppose that's not overly exciting, but I was peeved when I found out that while I was on Christmas Holiday they discontinued my favorite juice "Apple Love Juice" - 100% squeezed, no additives. Now I had to find a new favorite. I brought home some make-shift wannabe and experienced the biggest epic disappointment since first arriving here (if that is really true, which it is, I guess I'm doing alright).

I really couldn't ask for a better day to end my holiday. It was relaxing to the Nth degree and I could probably conquer the world if duty called. Since it probably wont, I think I'll focus this hyped up energy toward my first day of the new semester tomorrow. Can't wait to see the kids (even the naughtiest ones) and start some new things!

The End of a Busy Christmas Holiday

Sitting in the Abu Dhabi airport, I can’t believe that it was only three short weeks ago that I sat in this same spot after just finishing the first leg of my journey to the States. However, now the opposite is true, I am 2/3 of the way home to Indonesia. However, today I was not able to tap into the airport’s wifi so I am updating my blog on Word and will transfer it later.

It’s hard to believe that the holiday is over. It was everything I hoped for and more. So many things happened that the time home seemed like three months, not three weeks. To do a quick recap – jetlag (times ten – I should have slapped myself silly thinking that I would not suffer from jetlag), Christmas eve and Christmas Day celebrations, a funeral for my former teacher, a wedding for my high school bestie, countless shopping trips with my mom and sister (target should pay me to be a professional shopper at their store), many meals out to catch up with friends and family, and an early birthday celebration for yours truly. How did that fit into a three week span? Well I’m still questioning that, but it did.

The most difficult part of the trip happened this afternoon when I had to say goodbye to my family. I know that Indonesia is where I’m supposed to be, but saying goodbye is always the hardest thing for me. I tend to drag it out and get depressed about leaving about a day before it actually happens. No matter how hard I try to be brave – I fail epically. Every time.

My mom and sister brought me over to my grandparents’ house. With it being a chaotic time in the middle of the afternoon, my grandparents offered to bring me all the way to O’Hare. They’re pretty cool like that. Just as I was about to load up in their van, I was all sobs clinging to my mom. Cue a surprise goodbye from my dad who got off work just in time to say goodbye one last time until next Christmas (even though he woke me up in the early hours of the morning to do that very same thing). After saying goodbye to everyone one last time, I jumped in the van and we soared down the highway to O’Hare.

After saying my last goodbyes to my grandparents, I checked into the airport. Now twenty some hours later, I’m back where I started this blog entry – the Abu Dhabi airport. I feel refreshed; although I’m sure my greasy hair and body odor tell a different story to those around me. That’s probably because I slept my entire flight (no joke – Tylenol PM works some serious magic)!

I underestimated my layover – I still have four hours until I board. I guess that gives me plenty of time to explore the airport. I already found a sweet baguette place and ate a turkey sandwich. Onto my next adventure – tapping into the wifi system so I can post this. However, I’m not banking on anything. It might just be that I’ll have to wait until I get home (at which I’ll probably have to head to the bank to pay my monthly internet fee to get service since it was shut off during Christmas holiday).

Whether I post this now or later, I hope you all have a good morning or night. I’m so turned around about time (trying to figure out Jakarta and Chicago time here is overloading my brain). Thank you for a great holiday at home. It was good to see all of you – and to those of you I missed seeing – I’ll make a mental note to catch you next Christmas. Love to all of you!