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!

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.