When I first got to Indonesia, it took me a while to get used to the staring. But it was like Robbie-staring. When my brother Robbie stares at people, he looks at them (even when they look back) and turns his whole head and body around, just to continue staring. I have since gotten used to it, but then something interesting occurred to me.
Whenever I see boulet (aka white people), I stop and stare and gawk. Usually I turn to my friend and say "hey look - there's white people in here!" I usually get laughed at and get reminded that I too am white, and that people are still staring at me too.
I guess I'm so used to seeing Indonesians around here, I forget that I am a stranger walking amongst them in a sea of color.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Reflections from a First Week
Well, it's been quite an adventure here in Sentul this week. The first day, as most of you readers know, was excellent. It couldn't have been a better day than it was. I was dreading the start - mostly because of nerves, but I easily got into the swing of things and I love my classes.
In Grade 3 English we are learning about nouns and pronouns. We went on a noun scavenger hunt (which ultimately turns into a game of Scattegories - if you don't know what that game is - ask a parent or a grandparent....it's old school). For Bible we are beginning our focus on the theme of the SPH this year - Saved to Serve (the verse comes from Revelations 1:4-6). For our Social Studies (which Budi and I are teaching together) - we are focusing on one of the (27,000) islands of Indonesia. It's called Nusa Tenggara. Out of all the islands we had to get this one - there is literally no information on it. However - the only bit of information we found out was that it was the home of the man eating crocodile. The kids got a kick out of that.
Those are the only subjects I teach in Grade 3 (Budi takes Math, Bahasa, and Art). I also teach Grade 6 English. They are wonderful kids - very rambunctious - but a ton of fun. As of Tuesday we are beginning a novel study of the book "Holes". I'm so excited - it's a great book and I know they are going to love it.
On Wednesday we had a half day. In fact every Wednesday we have a half day. At 12:30 we usually have a half hour of professional development, then get an hour or two to plan, and then end the day with staff chapel. All of the new teachers had to give their testimonies - which included me. I was almost sick about it - just because I hate public speaking (teaching is not public speaking in my eyes). It went fabulous. I focused on how I never wanted to be a teacher, but then got convinced by my late professor to join her education class. The rest is history. Then I told about how God has made me really content and happy with serving kids so that they can be further educated. I ended with how I got to SPH, and now as I sit here thinking about it, I realize just how extremely providential God has been in this journey of application, acceptance, and change. I am so blessed to be where I am right now. I have never been happier. This is truely my calling from God.
The week ended with celebration. A few of us teachers ordered our martabak manis (which basically translates into the cake that will be the death of you by means of heart attack). We went to a stand and they fried about a stick of butter, added cake mix, a gob of sugar, more butter, an obscene amount of chocolate, more batter and condensed milk. I only needed a piece to feel be satisfied.
The weekend will be nice to kick back and relax. All of my lessons are made and all of my homework is printed out for the week.
Thanks for all the prayers and encouragement! What a week.
In Grade 3 English we are learning about nouns and pronouns. We went on a noun scavenger hunt (which ultimately turns into a game of Scattegories - if you don't know what that game is - ask a parent or a grandparent....it's old school). For Bible we are beginning our focus on the theme of the SPH this year - Saved to Serve (the verse comes from Revelations 1:4-6). For our Social Studies (which Budi and I are teaching together) - we are focusing on one of the (27,000) islands of Indonesia. It's called Nusa Tenggara. Out of all the islands we had to get this one - there is literally no information on it. However - the only bit of information we found out was that it was the home of the man eating crocodile. The kids got a kick out of that.
Those are the only subjects I teach in Grade 3 (Budi takes Math, Bahasa, and Art). I also teach Grade 6 English. They are wonderful kids - very rambunctious - but a ton of fun. As of Tuesday we are beginning a novel study of the book "Holes". I'm so excited - it's a great book and I know they are going to love it.
On Wednesday we had a half day. In fact every Wednesday we have a half day. At 12:30 we usually have a half hour of professional development, then get an hour or two to plan, and then end the day with staff chapel. All of the new teachers had to give their testimonies - which included me. I was almost sick about it - just because I hate public speaking (teaching is not public speaking in my eyes). It went fabulous. I focused on how I never wanted to be a teacher, but then got convinced by my late professor to join her education class. The rest is history. Then I told about how God has made me really content and happy with serving kids so that they can be further educated. I ended with how I got to SPH, and now as I sit here thinking about it, I realize just how extremely providential God has been in this journey of application, acceptance, and change. I am so blessed to be where I am right now. I have never been happier. This is truely my calling from God.
The week ended with celebration. A few of us teachers ordered our martabak manis (which basically translates into the cake that will be the death of you by means of heart attack). We went to a stand and they fried about a stick of butter, added cake mix, a gob of sugar, more butter, an obscene amount of chocolate, more batter and condensed milk. I only needed a piece to feel be satisfied.
The weekend will be nice to kick back and relax. All of my lessons are made and all of my homework is printed out for the week.
Thanks for all the prayers and encouragement! What a week.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
The First Day of School
Ever since 1st grade, I struggled sleeping the night before school commenced. When I finally drifted off to sleep, it ended up being anything but restful. The same thing happened last night, even now as I am in the teacher's shoes. My mind kept rolling and things kept coming into my mind. I don't think I've ever been this stressed before - to be honest, I guess it's not stressed, it's more nerves.
I woke up this morning to a demon alarm. I have the old school alarm with two bells, except it rings and screams "Good morning, Wake up!" I set my alarm for 5:10, as I always do. However somehow it went bazerk at 3 in the morning. When I finally got a grip on reality and turned on my light, I couldn't understand how my alarm clock was ringing when it was still set for 5:10. Oh my! Then it started making animal noises. (This is not a joke - I think in attempting to turn it off, I switched the alarm to animal noises and it went off again).
Well long story short, I finally got my life together, slept for a few more hours and eventually got up. Leanne and I took back to school pictures in front of our house. I felt like a little kid again. It was kind of fun.
Leanne and I drove in with our neighbors (their daughter has her first day of school in Kindy today). We got the last things ready in our class and crossed our fingers. Then the LCD (projector) went out and I kinda lost it. I kept saying I need LSD, I need LSD, and my teacher kept laughing at me. Whoops - I meant to say LCD. We got it working just in time for the parents to come.
The parents come for the first two hours of school for a presentation and information session. We also work with the kids and try to keep them busy here. The parents were amazing. I have been told the parents have a little bit of an issue adjusting to new international teachers, but they were very open with me and extremely talkative.
My friend Dini said that in Grade 5 parents really liked my teaching and presentation style. What a blessing to hear that. It was so reassuring to me that the parents approved (especially being a new teacher and all).
We played people bingo, filled out some get-to-know-you sheets, and talked about birthdays and other important events. By then it was lunch. The day was half over - wow! I ate lunch with the principal and Dini, as well as the PE teacher Febri. We had a nice chat and it was refreshing to talk to other people around my own age.
After lunch I had English - Grade 6 for three periods. We played the toilet paper game (they have to take as many squares as they want and for each square they have mention something about themselves). We also played the stranded on the deserted island game (where they choose one thing, tell why, and form groups of how they would use their items for survival). This transitioned into how we in Grade 6 will work as a team and a family to make English 6 work. We made some class rules and then went to the library for the remainder of the period.
I came back for a break (while Budi taught Math) and then took my Grade 3 students to the library as well. I had a blast with my Grade 3 students. We started the book, "The Best School Year Ever" - which is a follow up to the "Best Christmas Pageant Ever" (however you can read the books in whichever sequence. The students thought it was the funniest book ever - and actually I laughed aloud a number of times. It's a great book to start the students out with.
Now I have the rest of the afternoon off because Budi is teaching Bahasa language. It's nice to sit down for a while. I'm totally wiped. What a day! I'm so glad it was good, but I'm also so glad it's over. So much stress and anticipation for one single day! I feel very content and calm now.
Thanks for all the prayers and encouragement. God is good! Love to all!
PS - enjoy the 1st Day of School Pictures below!
Classroom and 1st Day Teacher Photos
First Day of School Photo - oh the memories!
Pak Budi (my teaching partner) & Ms. Marie (aka me)
Since we are an IBO programmed school we need these traits to be posted anywhere in our classroom.
This is the start of our "Learner Profile" bulletin board - to be finished soon.
Math Bulletin Board
Note the misspelling of milliliter :)
My wonderful desk (which has a view of the pool)
Kudos to Mom, Dad, Gramps, and Gram for giving me some awesome desk decor!
Grade 3 Photos
Working on Holiday (Summer) Postcards
Working on Getting to Know You Sheets
Not-So-Big Smiles
Ziankha reading "The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles"
Kudos to Julie Andrews for writing such a neat book!
Geronimo Stilton Fans in the reading corner!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
My Parents Rock!
One of the biggest struggles I've faced in Indonesia is not talking to my family everyday. In college I would call my mom and dad every single day, and so now that I'm here, it's difficult making that transition. It's a good thing I'm keeping myself busy or I think I'd be going through severe withdraws. However, I think I've made big strides.
Finally I was able to touch base with the parentals this morning at 5 am (their time) which is pm my time. It was so great to hear and see them. They are pretty much the most amazing people I know. Anyway, I took skype pictures of them...and they're pretty funny. I hope they make you smile as much as they do me.
Alright, well I need to get ready and head to my neighbor's for an ice cream social. Selamat Mallum (which means good evening for those of you in the east) otherwise Selamat Pagi (which means good morning for those of you in the west). Love to you all!
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