The 2015-2016 school year has begun at Santiago Christian School!! We are currently in our second week of school. What a busy time of transitions. I have 22 students, each with unique personalities and so much to offer. My first day was as nerve wrecking for me as it probably was for most of my students. I had put so much time into making sure things were ready, but I still didn't feel completely prepared. My students arrived early and filed in with their parents, carrying backpacks full of school supplies. I tried to learn names and remember what parents were with which students (I quickly forgot). Parents took first day pictures of me with their students. I put on the front of being a confident teacher while quaking inside. We were off. The first week was spent going over and over procedures and classroom routines. It wasn't until this year that I realized the importance of spending a good amount of time on procedures. We are still continuing to review and practice often this week. My days consist of teaching, lesson planning, and early nights to bed. The heat has been a major factor in the energy level of students (and this teacher!). This makes afternoons difficult for teaching, but we are learning to adjust one day at a time.

Teaching here has been quite different in many aspects. We start each day with morning meeting, which is a good way to begin the day. The students greet each other and we do an activity as a class. Each morning I write a morning message to them to encourage interaction and remind them of what is going on that day. It sets the tone for our day. I've been teaching them the procedures for games from the Everyday Math curriculum each morning. Next week we are starting Everyday Math lessons, and having pre-taught them some of the math games will make it easier to play the games that go with the lessons. They are gone for most of the morning to their special class of the day (Art, Music, Technology, Library, P.E.), Spanish (which is daily), two recesses, and lunch. My core teaching time is in the afternoon, which is when I teach the Reading Street curriculum (including grammar/spelling/writing) and Bible. 

We were desperately praying for rain from this tropical storm to cool things down some, but we haven't gotten any yet. There is another round coming though. I used to think the 80s were hot, but after having temps around 100, I'd take anything cooler. There was a slight breeze the other day and one of my students commented that he was cold- I had to laugh. Low 90s cold?

I'm still learning to be very flexible. If I have something planned that worked in the states, but doesn't work here, I find a different way to do it. Getting frustrated or impatient doesn't help me reach a solution. Besides the heat, the noise is taking a while to adjust to. There is the constant sound of the fans, the older students playing outside the window, water bottles clanking on the desks, etc. Complete quiet doesn't exist. Even when my students are quietly listening, my voice is straining to be heard. 

I'm also learning to ask questions. At first I didn't want to bother anyone and am used to being completely independent, but that wasn't realistic. I didn't know what to do in an earthquake drill (we didn't have them in Illinois), I haven't taught ESL students, and I hadn't taught this curriculum before. I need help! And God's given it to me as I've humbled myself and asked.

Balancing school and home life has proven to be difficult. I told someone that it seems I eat, breathe, sleep school. There just wasn't a break. She reminded me to be patient with myself as I adjust and that it's only the first week. I've had to make an effort to give myself time for other things, even if it's simple things like going out to eat with friends after a long school day, reading a book, or watching a movie on Netflix (thanks to my roommate). This past weekend I had the option of lesson planning all day (in a hot apartment) or having a girls day out seeing all the great stores in Santiago and I chose to put aside schoolwork for a few hours. I chose to eat out with friends and try an ice cream called "My Love". By Monday I felt refreshed, ready for a new week. I learned I have to find and maintain balance for me and for my students.

My days begin early. I could complain about how hard it is to get up, but there are so many positive things that only come from early mornings. I'm thankful that I get ready before the sun rises and the heat kicks in. I'm thankful for the time I get to spend with God before my day gets crazy. I'm thankful I have time to be prepared for my students to walk into the classroom (usually). I'm thankful for the times of staff worship and devotion two mornings a week that set my mind in the right direction for the day. I ask God to turn my complaints into praises.

At the end of each day I look for the blessings in the midst of my tiredness. I remember the short one on one conversations with students at recess, I hear the laughter as I fall off the sidewalk trying to make sure they walk on the sidewalk, the smiles after success, the chance to encourage a student having a rough day, the excited chatter about after school plans, etc. God reminds me this is why I am here. So tomorrow I will get up and see what the day holds....

I want to share with you what I experienced today. Please forgive my spelling if it's incorrect. I do my best to get the names of people and places correct. The staff split into groups and went to four different schools in the Santiago area that SCS partners with: Caminito de Jesus (which is very close to the SCS), Palo Alto, FESSIF, and Hogar de Crecimiento (in La Yaguita). I was on the team that went to La Yaguita. There were approximately twenty of us. As we drove through Santiago, across the river (that is quickly drying up), and into La Yaguita, I noticed a distinct difference between the area I've been living in and this area. This area is much more poor. It amazes and humbles me to see how these people live with so little! We arrived at the school. It is sharing space with the church. We were greeted by Ramon (the "big boss") and Karina (the "boss" as she puts it). They introduced us to the staff. Ramon told us a little bit about the school. He even mentioned that human trafficking is a problem in the area. Within weeks of the school being open, the enrollment doubled. The school is completely run by Dominicans.

Karina told me later that the school opened in 2008. This will be their 8th year. They have two sessions each day- a morning and an afternoon. There are currently 90 students enrolled- 45 in each session. About thirty of the children are ages 3-6 and the other fifteen include children ages 7-12 that aren't accepted in the other schools. She said they are children that are from a foreign country or don't have an official birth certificate. It saddened me to hear that children can be turned away from education. She took me on a tour of the "school". It consists of two classrooms (one room/ one entrance with a dividing wall) downstairs by the church auditorium for ages 3-4 and 5-6. There is one classroom upstairs for ages 7-12. They are very simple with only desks and a chalkboard. I saw very few teaching resources or books for the children. They don't have educational toys. I can't imagine 3 and 4 year olds sitting at a desk for several hours with little hands on learning, yet they feel privileged to be in school. We are blessed with so much! She went on to explain that the pastor moved out of his office so it could be a classroom. He is working at home and they are in the process of building him a new home. They eventually want to move the church and use the "auditorium" for more classrooms. They are working on getting teacher certificates and a certificate from the government for the school so they can add grade levels. She said it only takes six months or so. Their goal is to have six classrooms by next year. There is a lot of thought and planning that will have to take place though.

My group painted the concrete block wall by the playground. Some of the ladies used rollers and I used a brush to fill in the cracks and holes the best I could. The others went around picking up trash (the difference before and after was great). It was awesome to look back from painting and see the kids running around playing or helping pick up garbage. I noticed they are trying to put up a wire fence around the playground. This will help keep the area safer. I found out later that the playground had only been installed one month ago because of the generosity of people in the states! Before that it was just a dirt plot. I'm so happy that these children will have a safe place to play, run around, and be kids. They said kids are always there, so it is getting much use. We finished the wall by the playground before lunch.

After lunch we did the side of the same wall that faces the church/school area. I will admit it was quite hot and painting in the sun wasn't easy, but the walls looked a lot neater. I heard Ramon sharing that they now can paint the logo/design on the wall. While my group was doing this, others groups were moving desks and resources up and down the stairs and cleaning the classrooms. They start in September. Others were painting the boys and girls bathrooms and the kitchen area. Ramon told us before we left that the building the restrooms and kitchen are in was completed only a month ago. Praise God that work is continuing and this place is growing! It is awesome to be a part of it. Also this afternoon, as we finished up painting, we could hear the kids (a bunch of them) running around and laughing as they played relays and other games with some of the staff. I loved peeking over and seeing them just have fun. Their lives may be really difficult, but in that moment they could forget about it. Before we left, we split into grade/age levels and prayed for each teacher. These teachers give so much of themselves with so little. I have no room to complain. Ramon thanked all of us and left us with a story about how SCS gives food that is distributed to the community. He described one family's reaction to receiving that food. The father (I think) took Ramon into his house and showed him a pot of boiling water and said that was going to be their meal- water. I'm sure the stories could go on and on of how the willingness of others to give sacrificially blesses this community and others immeasurably.

My mind has a hard time fully comprehending what I experienced today (as it always does), but it left me with the feeling of incredible thankfulness- of all God has blessed me with, of spending a day with these selfless people, and knowing God has great plans for this school (because we've already seen huge improvements). It challenged me to think about how I/we can practically help this school, whether it is resources that they lack greatly, training for the teachers, or planned activities with the students. It also made me think about how I can get my  class involved in serving not just this community, but any community, even if it's starting with small steps. Most importantly, I can pray for the teachers, administration, and students. Things happen when we pray. To me it all starts with committing to get involved wherever and however God shows me, and to pass on to my students the importance and privilege of reaching others through service.

You may notice that the time between my updates is getting longer. That translates to "the school year is fast approaching"! I still want to keep you informed though, so I'll do my best as we begin school to do just that. It may not be as much of what I do daily, but what God is teaching me and prayer requests in this transition. Last Wednesday a staff member shared about the life of Moses at devotions. God had prepared Moses from the beginning- God had spared his life, God had allowed his mom to raise him, God had put him in the palace, etc. But when the time came for Moses to go before Pharaoh, he began questioning God. God was so patient with him and replied, "I will be with you." Many times when Moses was faced with a big test, he failed to see who God really was (the God in control of the universe). He missed out on experiencing God in that moment.

This week the magnitude of what God has called me to do had begun to surface, and like Moses, fear and insecurities crept in. I've had my share of questions for God, and God's response to me was the same response to Moses, "I am with you. I will give you what you need to accomplish what I've called you to do." God is teaching me that living a life of faith cannot be based on emotion/feelings, but must be based on truth.

Wednesday in orientation we talked about the SST and ESL services at our school, and how we work together to help each student reach their fullest potential. It amazes me that around 90% of our school consists of ESL (English as a Second Language) students. My view of how I must teach in the classroom shifted after hearing a lot of this information. I was reminded that I'm teaching these students in their 2nd language.

Thursday and Friday Kathy Walcott came in and presented a packed two day training on SIOP (Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol). She gave us a lot of information about strategies and tools we can use to build on the students' background knowledge and connect that information to the content we are teaching. There was a lot of information she introduced us to, but it will be very useful to incorporate a little at a time.

My classroom is taking shape little by little. I am reminded that flexibility is key as we find out what curriculum books I have or don't have at this point. I may not have all the materials available here in the Dominican Republic to make my classroom exactly as I envisioned, but that's okay. It is very helpful to have Amber (one of the other third grade teachers) back so I can see how she sets things up and plans her schedule. One more week before school starts!

Friday night we went to a restaurant down by the monument to hear a lady from SCS sing. She's been filling in for someone else for a month. She has a beautiful voice and I'm glad we had the opportunity to go support her. A large group of us went and it was nice to visit with everyone (even some new ones I hadn't met). It didn't start until 9:30, so many of us just ordered desserts and coffee. It was a late night, but well worth it!
Saturday I spent a lot of the day working on school stuff at home. My roommates and I did take a break to walk down the street to Lumijor (a bakery with fresh pastries, donuts, and many kinds of bread). I think we all agreed that those were some of the best donuts we've ever had. Of course, La Campagna, a coffee shop, was just a couple doors down, and I had to get some cafe frio (frozen coffee). It was a little pricey, but worth it on a very warm day. Saturday evening we went with Allison and Melissa to the local mall that has a movie theater. We bought out tickets for Mission Impossible then went to the food court for dinner.

 

We chose Domino's, which was fine with me since I can't ever eat too much pizza. I hadn't been to a movie in a while, and this was my first in the Dominican. It was a nice theater with nice rocking seats, much like the ones in the states. It was awesome that the movie was in English with Spanish subtitles. I was able to relax and enjoy the movie. A couple of parts were in another language and I couldn't read the subtitles fast enough, but Allison was quick to lean over and fill me in (for which I was very appreciative). It was a nice evening hanging out with friends. Another late night, but I won't have many of those for a while once school starts.

As the beginning of school draws close, there are more and more staff that are coming back from their summer vacation. It is helpful to meet as many staff as possible before school starts, but slightly overwhelming with the number of names and their positions at SCS to remember.

So, what am I learning... One, to not be surprised by anything that happens here. Two, to be really flexible. Three, to not turn down opportunities to go out and try new things. Four, to not try and do this alone, because it just won't work. Five, to make the best of what life throws at me. Six, to never complain about the heat because it can always be hotter. Seven, to find blessings in the midst of trials. Eight, there is no rushing anything here in the DR, so you might as well sit back and get comfortable. Nine, water and electricity are not things to take for granted. And ten, in the midst of all the busyness and wanting to be with others, I have to take time alone, just me and God, to refill and keep going.

Another day, another adventure....

I know I need to catch up a few days on here, not just for you all (my readers), but for myself too. Saturday we were invited to lunch by another teacher at SCS. I've found if someone with a car invites you to go somewhere (even if you don't know them at the time), you go! She took us to a little restaurant called Squeezed. They had a bunch of different sandwiches and smoothies. This is definitely a place we will have to return to, because there are several things I want to try. I'm beginning to figure out basic words on menus to know what options are available at restaurants. (And if I'm clueless I ask so I can figure it out.) I'm finding the longer I'm living here, immersed in the culture and language, the faster I am picking up on things. That is really helpful for me. After we ate and visited a bit, she took us to a couple of stores for groceries. Most of the stores are within walking distance from where we live, but it is a little hike to some of them, and we can't get too many things when we walk. It was nice to stock up and start to figure out better meal options. In the evening we were invited to Hugo and Selina's apartment for an authentic Dominican meal. Selina works in the school office, so meeting someone else on staff at SCS was really nice. They have a beautiful view of the mountains from their apartment. We were joking that since they had two pools, a gym, and a basketball court, we were all going to move to their apartment complex! One of my favorite foods here is plantains. Selina made a dish called mangu (mashed plantains). Supposedly it is a very popular dish in the Dominican that is frequently served with eggs and salami. She also made fried mozzarella. I love cheese and frying it just makes it better. And of course it wouldn't be complete without salad. It was all so good! We visited for quite a while and watched videos on some incredible creatures (like a lizard that shoots blood from its eyes in self defense). The night ended with dessert- arroz con leche. It was great to see that cooking Dominican foods does not have to be terribly difficult. They are a great couple and we thoroughly enjoyed our time at their house. 

Sunday we went to Iglesia Bautista de la Gracia. It was a larger Spanish speaking church than the ones we had visited the last couple weeks. When we got there, several members were giving their testimonies in preparation for their baptisms that would take place at the end of the service. I've said before I always love the worship part of the service, because I can translate a lot of the words from the songs easily (and knowing a lot of the tunes helps). They have a room that you can go into during the service to hear the message translated into English. Many from our group went in there, but I chose to stay out in the main room and pick up what I could. I must admit it is tough to listen to preaching in another language, but I did catch some and I needed to challenge myself. It was awesome to witness the baptism of 10 people! I heard there's going to be another 10 baptisms this next Sunday too. I also found out that many of the children that were at church were from an orphanage in the neighborhood. After church, Paul took several of us to Oli's Room- a nice restaurant that has a large variety of menu items such as salads, pastas, and sandwiches. I got a chicken salad that was amazing. Again, meals are my favorite times, because it is centered around relaxing and visiting. I am grateful for those that endure my endless questions about the menu and are patient as I give the waiter the "deer in the headlight" look as he asks me a question about my order. 

Monday we were back into orientation. Paul gave a great devotion about how we were made in the image of God from Genesis 1:27 and we need to respect His creation. He had us name groups of people we need to respect like our students, government leaders, other teachers, etc. But there was one group we didn't name, and for me it was almost the hardest- myself. I find it easier to love and respect other people, but when it comes to myself I find excuses- mistakes I've made, times I've messed up, the way I look, etc. He made the point that this is where it begins. This is something I need to be reminded of every so often. It was a good challenge to all of us to view every person we encounter on a daily basis as a person created in the image of God. This will cause us to respond to them in the way Christ would want us to, and not based on our natural reaction. We spent most of the day split into groups according to Elementary, Middle, and High School teachers. This gave us time to focus on classroom management for our grade levels. We, at the elementary level, learned a lot about the morning meeting time and how to use the Responsive Classroom techniques. I also spent time walking through my curriculum figuring out how the different components work together. In the evening we were invited over to Dave and Stacey Pope's house for a taco bar. There was a good group of us that were able to enjoy each other's company. After dinner the games began. Somehow I was roped into dominoes with three of the guys. I had little idea of how to play and no strategy (except to get rid of all my dominoes with a lot of dots). Somehow my lack of strategy paid off and my partner and I won two games out of three. It was fun to see the reactions of the other players as dominoes were played. I don't know if it was just beginner's luck, but I really enjoyed the game! Driving home in the dark was interesting, because you have to know what streets to turn onto without seeing the signs, while paying attention to the cars that drove with no headlights and the motorcycles that were driving on the wrong side of the road. Driving (or riding here) is definitely an adjustment!

Today Jose and Victoria (two Dominican staff members) spent time talking about the Dominican culture. It was very informative and they shared some really important things we needed to know. We learned about the history of the Dominican Republic first. Then they went into some of the many differences between the North American culture and the Dominican culture in areas like food, greetings, dress, meal times, transportation, music, etc. I loved how they concluded with a list of places we need to visit during our time here. Each place they described was so beautiful! Out of the fourteen things they listed, I can check one off the list- Sosua beach. My goal is to visit every one of these places on the island. 

Then Paul talked some about cultural transitions. Every person's experiences are different and therefore each will respond to cultural changes differently, but he was able to give some overall important tips on how to transition into a new culture, which is the case for many of us. He warned us about negative tendencies that can occur such as expecting perfection from ourselves, to quit on learning the culture when things get difficult, or to be owned by your fears. I love how we are frequently reminded that there are fundamental truths that we can stand on: God's brought us here, my relationship with God must be alive and active, my experiences must be filtered through a Biblical perspective, and I must be honest but gentle with myself. These are just some snippets of what he shared. I think sometimes I set my expectations, especially for myself, too high. I want to be where I think I need to be in an instant. But I'm learning that is unrealistic and I'm setting myself up for failure. God is teaching me to take one day at a time. Some days are easier than others, but each day I'm learning to embrace what this amazing culture is teaching me.