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....