Living Story

Limbo La-La Land

2012-02-27T23:04:00.000-05:00

People like to ask where I am now and what I'm doing. I certainly can't blame them because I have often (and still do) the same to others. Like college students. And high school seniors. And retirees. Poor people.

They're great questions if you know the answers to them. If you don't, I'm finding, at least for me, answering them requires lots of patience. Or maybe it's humility. I should just say, "I don't know," but I often chicken out and try to prettify my answer by relying on my "facility of language" to make the long explanation of options and choices and dilemmas concise enough to fit into a one-sentence answer.

And believe me, I can create some very long sentences especially when I have fifty things to say and I really want to give you a complete picture of the ins and outs of my thinking because I really don't want you to think I'm a lazy person who has no motivation at all even though some days I feel like that and to prove it let me tell you I've applied here and there or recently found out information about this thing and that thing and, oh, yes, doesn't that sound great? and how on top of that I'm struggling with relationships and figuring out what normal is again and--oh, wait! I'm not finished yet but you have to run so I understand and yeah, we'll catch up again another time. Hope you have a great day!

Whew. That process has been agonizingly painful. Almost every time.

It came to me this past weekend that the best answer for now is that I'm in Limbo La-La Land. I'm limbo-ing between two states and between two vastly different paradigms of life while contemplating another in the name of figuring out what's best for me at this moment. There is some definition on the horizon, but it's amazing how nebulous it appears from different daily vantage points.

The not-too-funny ironic thing is, I fear I may be the one blurring something God sees as purely straightforward by residing in Limbo La-La Land.

Hmmmm...

2012-02-11T17:07:00.000-05:00

Returned home from being out of state and found something very curious on the dinner table:

Bag Balm.

It's in this really cute square tin decked out in holiday colors, though upon closer look it's the green of clovers and the deep pink of clover flowers.

I'll be honest. I wasn't sure what Bag Balm is supposed to be for. I have heard there are several parts of the body that may be referred to as bags, and any of these parts--accurately referred to as such or only in slang--didn't deem this kind of thing something to be out on a table. Upon closer look, though, I realized it is truly intended for the delicate utters of dairy cows.

Last time I checked, we didn't have any dairy cows milling around out back.

Why on the table? Evidently it doubles as moisturizer for human hands. Hence why it is on our dining table, a catch-all for dinner plates and anything else that needs a temporary storage place, like Bag Balm.

Zumba with Jorge

2012-02-05T14:50:00.000-05:00

Jorge is a middle-aged latino man who wears glasses. He wore bright orange exercise pants and used the key word "vamos" to move us from exercise to exercise. He does lead a mean routine. And I loved it!

One of his tricks, I think, is to avoid stopping between songs. He's got the music lined up so that the transitions between songs are barely long enough to grab a sip of water. Cardio is huge, but he intermixes it with a few strength moves and songs to slow down the heart rate after making it race. Additionally, he's got rhythm.

The best part was that Jorge incorporated truly traditional Latin steps--many of the same ones I saw in Guatemala during public dance displays. In Guatemala, the dancers were often in costume. Whether they dressed as a monster or a cartoon character, the costumes are top notch, and the group is practiced. They dance like the music is their pulse, their feet barely moving the ground as they maintain the rapid rhythm. The result is that is looks incredibly smooth and intoxicating, full of energy that seems like it can hardly be maintained or contained.

Having a chance to try out some of these steps was an absolute blast. Intertwined with the occasional jumping bursts of energy, zumba like this is well worth my time.

And yes, I was a little sore the next day.

Meal #2: Breakfast is Served

2012-02-02T15:51:00.001-05:00

Menu: Wholegrain Pancakes (p. 240), coffee, grapefruit

I had a hankering for potato pancakes on a Saturday. Leftover brown rice encouraged me to use this recipe from Clean Food that would incorporate the brown rice with sweet potato as its base. The pancake mix ends up being pretty chunky with the rice grains and shredded potato. I liked that you bake them instead of putting them on a griddle--the only trick for me was keeping the pancakes together when I flipped them and scooped them off. While putting maple syrup on them seemed a little unexpected--the food seems saltier than sweet--I preferred that to an applesauce topping. Mom and I gave it the thumbs up, and the leftovers became a tasty, quick breakfast for a couple of days.

ACT: The Remake

2012-02-01T13:42:00.001-05:00

When one of my former colleagues asked me to assist with an ACT prep session, I figured that the best way to become familiar with the ACT again was to, well, take it. The practice one, anyways. At least the sections I was responsible for presenting.

I found that, as a high school English teacher, my ACT English score was pretty fantastic. I'm sure it would have been absolutely perfect if I hadn't been watching TV at the same time as taking the test.

And as a person who hasn't had any math since the first year of college, my ACT Mathematics score left a little to be desired. (Really, who expects us to remember the quadratic formula and how to solve equations with matrices?)

I find myself often reflecting on our system of doing things, and it sometimes annoys me both how much I am a product of our system and how much it influences my thinking. So much so that acing the English part and not acing the Math part even now, as an adult, still gives me an alternative feeling of superiority followed by shame (and then a little pride that even so, it wasn't that low). And I take a step back from the picture and...ridiculous.

Maybe, then, that's the advice I ought to take for myself and leave with the kids at some point during the session: the ACT may be your ticket to college and scholarships, but don't rely on it to define who you are.

[There it is, that intangible catch phrase--who you are. I'm not sure which is better: the clearly defined path where you just go and do the next thing and it's there--high school, ACT/SAT, college, job--or this nebulous concept of doing those things to succeed in society but paradoxically superseding them to become who you are in spite of them.]

Unexpected Geyser

2012-01-31T12:54:00.004-05:00

It's amazing how one little likeness can make the tears flow. And really, this time it was Undercover Boss?

I only caught the end of the show. Not enough time to get emotionally involved, right? Wrong. The boss sat out on the patio individually with his three really good employees that he discovered. He's generously giving them money and upgrading their positions to reward them for their loyalty, dedication, and drive. The third employee was the hot rock that got the tears boiling.

His story sounded so similar to a man I knew in Guatemala, a man who had worked so hard here in the U.S. to establish a life for himself and his family before they had to return to their homeland. On the TV show, the man had worked 20 years for his company. He had such a great attitude. Just like my Guatemalan friend. And his reactions to the boss's news? "Oh, my God...my wife and I...overwhelmed..." So grateful. In a very similar accent to my friend's.

And then the show of emotion. And his desire to say a word in response to his boss to confirm his boss's goodness, his boss's aligning with the company's principles, clearly considered a "good" in both men's minds.

These are the same words, the same type of response that I saw in my friend Luigi and his wife Mayra. Never complaining, even though life is tough. Grateful, truly grateful, for every gift, every gesture of kindness. And always with a desire to turn around and verbally confirm the giver, often times even pronouncing a blessing on him or her.

I miss them.

Zumba

2012-01-30T14:30:00.002-05:00

I took the plunge last week and purchased a 10-session pass to our local Zumba studio. Located a convenient 1 minute, 30 seconds drive away, this location caters to my inexplicable need to never arrive early at anything casual (and thus, through a variety of extenuating circumstances, means I'm routinely late).

Having already picked up the paperwork, I chatted with two other newbies who were filling out the forms as I waited to get my card. They had the great idea of checking out all local Zumba studios and selecting the top one based on price, instructors, comfort, and classes. I felt momentarily guilty for not having that brilliant thought, but quickly dismissed it when I remembered how much I loathe shopping for anything and how much dealing with details taxes me these days. Plus, the convenient location...well, I can't go wrong.

Nearly thirty or forty women bounced along with our smiling instructor. I found myself frequently wearing a smile, too, as we did a little salsa move here (thank you, Arthur Murray) or a little bit of Cuban walks there (another check for the dance classes) to songs like "Livin' La Vida Loca." The hip movements and shoulder shimmies, on the other hand? My smile veiled my laughter at my inability to move that way with any sort of decorum or rhythm. A good reason to have located myself at the back of the class. Still, I have to admit, I enjoyed it thoroughly. Surprisingly, I wasn't terribly tired after the hour-long session.

I found out at my next class from a well-informed participant that the rigorous workouts are with Jorge. I find myself anticipating this next instructor, the one who leaves your calves sore two days later and knows how to keep a dancer's rhythm.

Inaugural Meal: Good for You

2012-01-30T00:28:00.000-05:00

Menu: Goodness Soup, p. 208; Sauteed Garlic Greens, p. 266; Brown Rice Pudding, p. 273; Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls (NOT in the cookbook, but an appeasing gesture to my father)

For my inaugural meal, I really wanted to pick something that wouldn't scare off my tasters too quickly. Goodness Soup seemed like a hearty choice with familiar ingredients: lentils, navy beans, barley (though I'm not used to cooking this), carrots, celery, and more. I substituted plain white wine for the mirin since we didn't locate mirin until the Health Foods Store and Krogers, I think, on a later date. This was my first experience using kombu (type of seaweed). The dried, nearly-black green piece that I cut off soaked up water rather quickly and stretched out to become a soft forest-green ingredient that I minced and added to the soup. According to Clean Food, kombu helps alkalinize food and prevents some of the less glamorous side effects of beans (30). Dad gave this dish a thumbs up.

The side dish looked gorgeous! I used kale for the first time ever, and after cooking, it became a brilliant green that looked almost too good to eat. It flashed through my mind that Eric would love it. Dad would have loved it, too, if I hadn't--ahem--accidentally knocked the sea salt into it and added a little more sodium than we needed.

The Brown Rice Pudding was selected because it reminded me of a delicious bread pudding I had recently eaten. For this reason, Dad nixed it as a favorite dessert of his, but Mom and I enjoyed it. This recipe sneaks tofu and rice milk into the mix to replace dairy and requires the use of kudzu--a thickening agent--instead of cornstarch. While making it, I remembered why it's never a good idea to put a spoon down into the blender while it's mixing, no matter how much it seems the blender's not processing like you want it to...ruined a perfectly good wooden spoon and found a couple of splinters in the dessert to boot. Noted.

Getting into Clean Food

2012-01-20T22:48:00.000-05:00

Mom and I grabbed a cart and paused a minute to get our bearings in this new grocery location for us: Trader Joe’s. Having heard tales of it from others who rave about how great it is, we were a little surprised to find it smaller than expected. However, size did not impact its reputation. Shoppers filled every aisle, finding their familiar goods as we poked along learning the store layout.

While I’m waiting for what’s next, one of the constants I’m focused on maintaining is cooking one new meal a week from Clean Food, a cookbook my mom gave me for Christmas. The premise of the book is to eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, omitting dairy and meats. The other primary concept is to eat seasonally, paying attention to what’s natural for the time of year since so much of the food available out of season has been treated with pesticides and other unnatural chemicals.

After leafing through the book, I quickly found that my idea of basic ingredients had to change. Instead of my baking basics—brown sugar, vanilla, flour, baking soda, salt—I needed to invest in ingredients like kombu, kudzu, brown rice flour, maple syrup, and sea salt. This pricey restocking of the cabinets has been generously “underwritten” by my mom, who currently has taken responsibility for the initial costs since she bought me the cookbook. Our search for ingredients took us to two more stores beyond Trader Joe’s—Olympia Health food store, where we found the more unique items such as kudzu and kombu; and Dorothy Lane, a fancy typical grocery store. I labeled the ingredients with the date of purchase to see how long these new staples will last.

Reflections

2012-01-11T18:04:00.000-05:00

Now that I've been home from Guatemala for a little over two months, I feel I am finally adjusting to the idea of moving onto the next thing. What it is, I know not. It feels a little bit like graduating from college and having the whole world seemingly at my feet. I have the opportunity to discover the next step and dream new dreams--and since I don't have specific ones at the moment, I have been praying that God will shape the desires of my heart to help lead me in the right direction.

I had the opportunity to share about Guatemala with a group in Ohio and a group in Kentucky. I am so thankful for those who have stayed in touch with me throughout this experience, and it is a joy for me to share what I have done and what I have learned with others. Here in this blog, you've seen snapshots of what I've done. What I've learned? Maybe I haven't been quite as transparent about that.

What I've learned (and am still learning) has made me feel exposed. I think I've tried for many years to create a facade for myself that I approve of through what I do. My deeds have given me value. However, these ideas were challenged in Guatemala. I faced a time where suddenly there was no one there to pat me on the back or check off what I had done. After growing up and working in a system with constant feedback, having this stripped away or minimized forced me to find a new way to find value. The head knowledge of knowing our value should come from Christ needed to become real to me. By the time fourth quarter rolled around, I knew that my motivation to teach and keep going had to be to give glory to God.

Exposure is a little terrifying. But I think coming to terms with myself, that I do have many struggles and challenges and growth areas, has been part of the growing process. At least I like to think it is. Learning to believe that Jesus loves me just as I am, that I can never be that perfect person I want to be on my own, and deriving my value from Him instead trying to make a three-ring circus of my life is a lesson I hope to get soon. Really soon.

So now? Learning about patience and waiting and investigating ideas and opportunities even if I don't know or think they are a sure thing.

Goodbye, Guatemala

2011-11-17T16:13:00.000-05:00

The last week in Guatemala was a flurry of activity. I took three 4-hour Spanish courses to practice the tongue and continue exposure to grammar while I had the opportunity to practice it (I was working on the imperfect subjunctive) and had the privilege of meeting with a variety of friends during the week. Here are a few pic highlights:

I traveled to Patzun with Aura, one of the nannies, on All Saints' Day (November 1). The tradition is to decorate the tombs of loved ones. Some who still hold to traditional Catholic beliefs leave food and drink (often Coca-Cola) for the souls of their loved ones, whom they believe will return to partake of the food. Wandering around the cemetery with Aura, we saw a group of musicians serenading their family member's tomb, families picnicking, families mourning, families flying kites. Like the houses, the tombs are often painted bright colors. Aura's family, as evangelicals, do not believe that her mother's soul will return and thus decorate the tomb to honor her memory.

The other tradition on All Saints' Day is to build and fly humungous kites. Traditionally, the belief was that the kites carried requests and whatnot to the saints above, but many now participate in the kite-flying as recreation, building kites with their families, friends, or other groups. Here, this one is as tall as a man; in Sumpango--the heart of kite-flying--I hear kites can be several stories tall.

Kites aloft! I think they look like jellyfish floating in the air.

Me and Aura.

Aura's sister gave me another lesson in tortilla-making. Here, we are in Aura's family's kitchen--notice cement block walls and the wood-burning stove. I enjoyed talking with her sister because, as a public school teacher, she was able to explain her thinking regarding public education and the teacher strikes and school needs she faces.

Enjoyed a super nice good-bye lunch out with the English family.

The teachers hosted a Lunada of sorts for me--an evening meal. Johana oversaw it and asked them to bring all my favorite Guatemalan foods--chiles rellenos, rellenitos, atol de elote, and a few other yummy treats.


Hermana Miriam, one of the nannies, invited me to her house for lunch.

I hosted a tea for these ladies the day before I left. I wanted to give them a time to relax and fellowship. In my opinion, Guatemalan women are some of the hardest working women around. The women here are all mothers (except me, of course) and all serve in ministry in some capacity.

The kids threw together a little going away party for me with yummy tostados and all.

I flew out on Sunday, November 6, and returned to Ohio to stay with my family. I am thankful for the opportunity to live in Guatemala for the past 16 months. As I've contemplated what to tell people about this experience, two things have occurred to me. One is that it can be challenging to know what to share because it became life as normal. Different from here, of course, but still, life. (Kind of like when I moved to Kentucky and people questioned, What's it like down there? Do they speak English? Do they wear shoes?) Of course, I am glad to tell people about life as normal, or life from my perspective, but I'll take it as my cue that I'm giving too many details if I notice eyes glazing over. :)

However, I have also realized that I have a unique opportunity to share with people the faith of those I lived beside and served with. I read the passage in Exodus last week where Moses shares with Jethro, his father-in-law, everything God did to rescue the Israelites from bondage in Egypt. Jethro, of course, wasn't with him. But his response? He built an altar to the Lord and worshiped him, saying that truly God was the God of all gods. It is my hope that when I have an opportunity to share with others, my focus will not get trapped in the daily living side but will instead focus on obedience to Christ lived out through ordinary people who are choosing to serve God in their daily lives in Guatemala, leading all of us to the conclusion that our response, too, is to worship God for his greatness.

Let's Go Marketing

2011-11-01T02:05:00.000-04:00

Got to take the three oldest girls to the market today. It was a whirlwind trip to buy fruit to makes smoothies for Pam and Steve and family's return from the States. Yaquelin is showing experience in marketing--she knew where to get the best prices. Somehow that market smell of raw meet seems to linger in my nostrils much longer than I would desire it to.

This afternoon I had the opportunity to have lunch with three guys from my Spanish school. They are preparing for their mission in Mexico. It was encouraging to hear their stories and see their enthusiasm for sharing Jesus with whomever they meet.

Last night we had Mystery Dinner night here at La Senda. The kids had a blast sharing their riddles and trying to solve a couple of cases. We also had Sudoku, 20 Questions, and Mafia (lightened a little to just be robberies instead of murders). While the dinner was fairly normal (beans, rice, and atol, with the addition of chocolate cake), we added a secret ingredient to each dish. The kids had to guess what it was. Gerson got the most correct. (Answers? beans--ginger; rice--cinnamon; atol--vanilla; chocolate cake--apples)

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

2011-10-19T20:50:00.002-04:00

I guess it's a little late in the season for baseball, but the game was the theme of the 5th graders' skit in our English Expo. All of the students--from kindergarten through junior high--did a fantastic job presenting. The Prepa class (kindergarten) won best song with their Fruit of the Spirit song Jo taught them, and 5th graders won best skit.

The teachers liked the Prepa performance so much that the kids performed it at graduation, too.

A brief scene from the 5th graders' Take Me Out to the Ball Game Director Skit (sad version)

School ended last Thursday. I also moved out of my house and back into La Senda on Sunday. Thus, the past couple of weeks have been quite busy. Besides the English Expo, though, here are a few other highlights:

Graduation. Last Friday, La Senda graduated 12 sixth graders and 15 kindergarteners.

6th Grade

Prepa

Teachers

Rosita's Presentation. I've been teaching freshman English to Rosita this year, and she did a fantastic job presenting an overview of what she's learned to Pam and Steve and the home kids.

Going over grammar

Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth's love chart

Hangout Time with Dorcas and Mimi. We went to Antigua together and tried out an Italian restaurant and had dessert at Cenicienta (Cinderella).

Dinner with the girls

with happy ending desserts

Goodbyes. Since I moved out of the house, I also made my rounds to say goodbye to the neighbors. It has been a blessing to live there with them.

Last pila washing...it has been a place of thinking and reflection

Some of my neighbors

Astrid sang a song for me

Jo Is Moving On. I took Jo to the airport on Monday morning. She leaves for Krgystan in 2 weeks.

Me and Jo

Hanging out with some of the teachers

Plane Ticket. It's official. I will be returning to the States in early November.

In the mean time? I'll be hanging out with the La Senda kids and taking Spanish classes here--I'm hoping to be able to use Spanish wherever I end up next.

Independence Day

2011-09-16T20:04:00.001-04:00

Preparing for the Acto Civico at La Senda

My roommate Jo and I at the parade

Zucy and me

Costumed dancers--a common cultural event on big occasions

Life Continues

2011-09-15T18:37:00.000-04:00

In the moment, it seemed dreadful. When Jo said, "Nope. I didn't leave the light on. Someone was in here," I think my heart dropped to my toes. Receipts and papers were scattered across the floor; our clothes strewn across the bedrooms; our money and a few other select things gone. The slats were removed from the back window: the entry point. Before entering, they first cut through the barbed wire to allow free access over the wall. Funny thing, barbed wire-topped walls. They don't keep intruders out. (I continue to be reminded of Nadine Gordimer's "Once Upon a Time.")

But life goes on. And really, the losses we took, while I am still frustrated about them at times, are so minimal in comparison with what's really important.

I admit that sometimes we still try to figure out the psychology of the robbers to predict whether or not they will try to return, and more pressing, if it will be within this last month. Hard telling, that's for sure.

Of course, our situation has been put into perspective several times. Most routinely by Guatemalans indicating that our story is not unique here, and, without having been in the house when the intruders entered, rather benign. Yesterday, though, the reality check came through my student. She shared with us that her uncle was killed in San Lucas yesterday morning. A guy came up to his car window, had him roll it down, and shot him. I don't know what more there is to the story. I was in San Lucas yesterday morning, too, paying car insurance and picking up groceries.

As Jo said, there's really no safe place in this world. She would know. She's seen Israel bomb Beirut (for real!), had her passport held hostage by the Russian mafia, had her car broken into in Columbus, OH, and now had her passport and money to live off of for the next month and a half stolen from her bedroom in Guatemala.

I thank God for his protection. I am also thankful for Jo as my roommate. She, along with my student and others here, helps me keep perspective, reminding me that our focus should be eternal. And in that eternal focus, these small things are really just that--tiny.

Refaccion

2011-09-04T21:44:00.000-04:00

Jo and I invited the teachers over for an after school snack. Though we teach together, we don't often get together as a group outside of school. We enjoyed hanging out together, snacking on cinnamon bread and somsas (Jo knows how to make these from living in Uzbekistan), drinking coffee, and playing Uno. I hope we can plan one or two more teacher afternoons before the year is up.

The spread

Teachers and Me

Learning to play Uno

Humpty Dumpty

2011-09-02T00:55:00.001-04:00

At English club, we've been reading a couple of nursery rhymes each week, for the listening skills, a little vocab, a little culture, and a little rhythm. The boys loved Humpty Dumpty because of the sound; they nixed Hickory Dickory Dock, Jack and Jill, and Little Boy Blue, but they LOVED Three Blind Mice. Why? Because the farmer's wife cut off their tails with a carving knife...

I think boys will be boys everywhere.

A Thunderful Afternoon

2011-08-28T19:31:00.000-04:00

Jo and I have been sitting here working on grading and lesson plans while enjoying the low rumblings of thunder and the rain hitting the roof. So much for my laundry drying, but it has made for a good work time.

Yesterday we went to Antigua to go marketing, explore a bit more, eat Indian food, and just relax and read at a coffee shop. This morning we attended church at Vision de Fe.

I am thankful to have a roommate! :)

Check It Off

2011-08-28T19:28:00.000-04:00

Friday we had a half day since it was the last Friday of the month. This means that the kids have a patriotic act and that teachers usually have a professional development time after the kiddos go home.

I had the opportunity to present the professional development. I am thankful that I could do so because it was one of those things that I had been meaning to do but had not yet gotten around to it...until this week. The topic was using videos in the classroom to support learning, particularly with reading comprehension. I got to share a couple of my favorite strategies, including the KWL chart and Somebody Wanted But So (I think I may have learned both from Kylene Beers).

The kicker? I did it all in Spanish! Praise God! Anita helped me fix up my handout so the phrasing actually made sense. It was exciting to be able to communicate ideas without needing a translator. And, it was exciting to check it off my list of Things to Do Before the Next Stage of My Life Ensues.

Teaching Math on a Friday Afternoon

2011-08-12T22:05:00.001-04:00

After the third time of warning the boys to stop talking to each other and threatening to make them write "I won't talk while the teacher is talking" one hundred times--a discipline measure I am fully NOT in support of because I don't want to turn kids against writing but used as an empty threat (another bad practice) because nothing else came to mind at the moment--I finally sent one student out into the hallway.

We moved his desk and his chair out along the railing. It really is a nice view from there--a volcano in the distance, rolling mountains, fields. I fretted a little bit that this probably meant the afternoon was lost for him, but at least these last fifteen minutes would not be lost to the other students.

Back in the classroom, I started going over the practice problem on the board. We were drawing a comparative bar graph of student quiz scores.

"Where should we put the students' names?" I asked. "On the x- or the y-axis?" The students, now working quietly, were nonresponsive or mumbled their answers.

"The x-axis!" a now small voice called out from the hallway.

"Yes," I said, pursing my lips to contain a chuckle as I wrote the names along the x-axis. "What score did Lana get on Quiz 1?"

"Seven!" he cried, in unison now with two of the top girls in class.

And so the lesson continued, me asking the questions, my ornery student and a few of the others answering. Thus, learning was done, even on a warm Friday afternoon.

Comfort in Friends and Family

2011-08-05T01:14:00.000-04:00

I've been so thankful for this time that Mom has been with me! We have kept busy, and she has been a huge help with the English department at La Senda as we wrap up 3rd quarter. We definitely missed Katie the first three days of the week since both Mom and I had to substitute in the preschool and kindergarten classes. Small ones learning English is really not the best fit for me...the 5th graders felt like a refuge! The tykes are cute and fun to play with and help, but a much different challenge when they need to be taught. Little Mynor, all of 4, looked at me yesterday and, with pity in his voice, said, "No habla mucho espanol, verdad?" (You don't speak much Spanish, do you?). I think the little ones feel like we are at a great disadvantage for not speaking their language. Little do they know this is many times how I feel when I try to teach them!

Thankfully, Jo arrived yesterday from Ohio to teach the little guys during fourth quarter. She jumped right in today. We are so excited she is here! She is an elementary teacher and has taught at various schools all around the world.

On Saturday, I take Mom to the airport and pick up my very good friends Matt and Carly Braun. Can't wait for these new visitors! I'm ready to show them Guatemala linda and share with them the ministry I've been seeing firsthand here.

Headed into Rest Week...

2011-07-27T02:39:00.000-04:00

Mom arrived last Tuesday, and it has been fantastic having her here in Guatemala with me. She substituted one day for me so I could observe Katie. She's also run errands with me (including a 6-hour jaunt at the DMV), helped me cook and clean house, and just been great to talk to.

Every last Friday of the month we have Acto Civico, or Civic Act, at school. Since we celebrate Independence Day in July, La Senda held an English Civic Act. We showed and explained four tableaus key in American history.

Tableau 1: Our version of Washington crossing the Delaware

Tableau 3: Women's Rights

This month's fundraiser was sponsored by third grade: Hawaiian Day. Lots of leis, hula, limbo, and fruit!

The preschool fashion participants

Los gringos

La Senda Family, Estilo Hawaiana

Katie and I wrapped up a 5-week VBS stint. It was small, but I enjoyed spending time with the neighborhood girls who came. We focused on who Jesus is via Bible accounts of his miracles, ending with He is our Savior and sharing the gospel with the girls.

Me, Astrid, Katie, and Yennifer

We have a week off from school. Besides taking care of business and trying to plan a bit for fourth quarter, we have some time to relax!

The proof: Mom is here with me! Here, we're in the park in Antigua

Katie's been craving nachos. No better place to go in Guatemala for those than Monoloco.

Mid-water war meeting. We enjoyed playing water balloon capture the flag and then all-out water wars afterwards with the La Senda kids.

Walking down the highway to breakfast...

...at Cafe Cacao

Mama and Me :)

Of Pizza Making, Boat Racing, and Shopping

2011-07-11T01:20:00.000-04:00

Last weekend Katie and I enjoyed a sleepover with all the La Senda girls.

We made homemade pizzas. Yum yum!

5th graders ready for boat racing.

The USS Give God the Glory (Mimi and Almendra's) won at 17 seconds, followed by the USS Killer (Abraham and Victor's) at 24 seconds.

Two of the girls putting their final touches on their boat

Our cheerleaders: several of the preschool students

Lupita working very hard to send her boat down the gutter

Enma with new shoes and necklace, thanks to a friend back in the States. She enjoyed trying on a bunch of shoes in Payless, but she admitted it was a hard decision.

Patzun

2011-06-26T19:30:00.000-04:00

Katie and I had the opportunity to go to Patzun with Aura, one of the nannies, today. Today the city was celebrating the 40th day after Christ's resurrection with alfombras (rugs) made of sawdust and processions, very similar to the Easter week celebrations in Antigua. Only here, everything was bigger.

A rug decorated with all rose petals.

A rug in process.

The procession. Devoted Catholics walked alongside the alfombras, single file on either side. At appropriate times, they kneeled for prayer. Finally, the procession came with the priest at back carrying a cross. He alone walked on the rugs.

Me with Mishell and Aura in the central park.

Mishell and Aura peeking out the kitchen window.

Aura's family treated us to Chuchitos, corn dough with sauce and meat inside (similar to a tomale), for breakfast and Pepian, perhaps Guatemala's most traditional dish, for lunch. I enjoyed watching them cook over the wood-burning stove. (And, yes, we took a day off from the Daniel Diet to enjoy our host's delicious cooking.)

Life Passes so Quickly

2011-06-23T00:46:00.000-04:00

A new purpose for the pila--rest stop.

Can you guess which egg represents me?

Rosita with friends during her Quincenera

Katie and Me--roomies for the summer!

I never tire of this view. :)

Katie's Here!

2011-06-11T22:52:00.000-04:00

Katie arrived last night. She is a volunteer from Asbury University who will be interning with us this summer. I'm excited to have a roommate. :)

Today we spent the morning getting the house cleaned and organized, making key copies for her, getting her a modem for internet, and briefing her on her job for the next week. She will be teaching the kindergarten and preschool classes, as well as beginning work with small groups of students in the afternoon.

This afternoong we attended the birthday party of a friend. She got a fair dose of Spanish today--I'm sure she'll pick up key words and phrases quickly.

Praying Power

2011-06-11T22:45:00.001-04:00

Thank you so much for your prayers, especially this past week. I noticed a huge change in my attitude and outlook that I believe came from God alone. Why? The change was overnight, after intentional prayer from my family and perhaps others who may not have known exactly why they were praying for me specifically this week. Even though I was still tired at the end of this week, it was a physical weariness from the week's work without being compounded by a weariness that blurred and burdened my perception of life.

God continues to teach me to believe in his involvement in my life.

Ian

2011-05-29T20:24:00.000-04:00

Enjoyed running races with Ian, Johana's son, yesterday afternoon. We usually have about an hour or so of play time together a week. He squeals with glee as I jog after him and chase him from one wall to the next in our little neighborhood. As he slides down the not-so-smooth slide, he wiggles his little butt back and forth to try to get some momentum. And he enjoys the classic "oh, no!"-pretend-he-kicked-the-adult while swinging on the swings.

Birthday Week

2011-05-29T20:20:00.000-04:00

Celebrated a big week at La Senda--Dorcas, Pam, and Yaquelin all had birthdays. We enjoyed celebrating the life of each one of these ladies. Yaquelin turned 18, a big birthday here in Guatemala, just like in the States. As this next year progresses, she will be responsible for providing for herself--food, cleaning supplies, toiletries, etc.

We also finished 2nd quarter at school. We are looking forward to the return of one of our English teachers currently out on maternity leave, and the arrival of Katie, an Asbury student who will be working with us for the summer. I am particularly excited to have a roommate--Katie will be living with me for the majority of her time here.

Birthday and Mother's Day

2011-05-13T22:43:00.000-04:00

Officially turned another year older on U.S. Mother's Day. Happy belated Mother's Day to all you mothers out there! I am thankful for the love, guidance, and friendship of my own mother. Love you, Mama! :)

Yep, I turned the big 2-9. Last year in my third decade. Can't believe I am twice as old as (or more) my students! The La Senda kids have picked up on calling me Lizzy--until now, only a nickname from my family. They derive it from Lizzy McGuire, of all things.

Eating with the La Senda fam at Pollo Campero

Waiting for the delicious fried chicken and French fries...

Shout out from Steve at the other end of the table

Birthday party at Silvia's house

The party crew

Mother's Day is a huge deal here in Guatemala. In fact, unless they do domestic work, mothers get the day off. At La Senda, we cancelled classes for all but those students who are behind, and only those of us childless teachers were required to work. Hermana Zucy told me about El Tejar's tradition to serenade all of the moms by driving a truck around with the instrumentalists at 1 in the morning. My friend Johana spent the day in Guatemala City with her mom and sister, shopping and eating out. She said they ran across many other mothers doing the same thing.

Hermana Zucy worked with the La Senda kids to prepare a performance and breakfast just for Pam. It was sweet!

Kids all lined up and ready to sing for Pam on Guatemalan Mother's Day (May 10)

Pam's mother Joyce and Pam--how fun that they were together on this day!

Chatting it up

Group hug for mama

Un Vals Para Mi Madre--the Guatemalan Mother's Day song. It's something, I was told, all Guatemalans know well.

Praise God from whom All Blessings Flow

2011-05-13T21:16:00.000-04:00

I don't feel like I've praised and thanked God a lot lately, but I want to do so now:

I thank him for my house.
I praise him for his faithfulness.
I thank him for his provision.
I praise him for his love.
I praise him for his goodness.
I thank him that I am understanding Spanish better.
I thank him for health.
I thank him for people who care about me.
I praise him that he knows all.
I praise him that he is creative.
I thank him that he wants us to grow and learn.

English Club

2011-04-28T21:42:00.001-04:00

Began English Club today with six students, Chiky's, and a stack of Question of the Week cards. Relying on my experience with helping Academic Team, the kids had to slap in to answer the question correctly. "What is your name?" Slap. "Dara."

"Where do you study?" Slap. "I study at Colegio La Senda."

"What chores do you do at home?" Slap. "I make my bed."

The next two competitors face each other and tensely hold their hand a few inches above the desk, willing it to be the first to make contact.

"What do you like to do on the weekends?" came the next.

Slap. "Clean my room!" yelled Alvaro.

The other five students nearly died laughing. Eduardo laughed so hard tears streamed down his face. Alvaro looked a little confused, until one of the others pointed out the question was about the weekend, not chores. "I guess you could like cleaning your room on the weekend," I said, making the students laugh all over again. Alvaro shook his head and sat down, a little perturbed, but in good spirits nonetheless.

Every Thursday, starting today, I look forward to working with these students after school. They are the ones who are below the language level of their peers and who are, I'm afraid, many times in their own little world for the English portion of the day. Through English Club, I hope to boost their language skills by covering the basics that they have not yet mastered and help them study for their Friday quiz. I also hope it continues to be a lot of fun. I have found that my lowest language level students really show more of their personality when they aren't in the presence of their more intimidating, nearly fluent classmates.

Resting at Breakneck Speed

2011-04-24T00:23:00.003-04:00

Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Guatemala is synonymous with the beach.

For the La Senda kids, it was no different--Hermana Zucy planned a trip for the kids to a beach house on the Pacific, and I got to accompany them. Besides playing in the biggest waves I've ever seen (and, along with Lito, serving as live life vests for some of the kids), we swam in the pool at the beach house, saw beautiful beach at the estuary, observed the salt beds, and took a boat out to waters where sea turtles swim. And with frequent applications of SPF 50, I actually managed NOT to get burned.

La Senda at the Beach

Pool time!

Observing the sea salt harvest

Headed out to see a few sea turtles

On Thursday, Anita invited me to accompany her to tour the Easter celebrations in Antigua. We attended mass at her church, where the homily was most enlightening, and ate dinner with her family. At 9:30 in the evening we began our walking tour of several Catholic churches that feature scenes from Jesus's life during Holy Week. After the first church, we ran into a drenching rain and attempted to wait it out under the eaves of a neighborhood bar, but the water never quite abated. So, we continued to the other four churches. Later, we witnessed parts of the late-night processions, including gigantic floats (of sorts), carried by parishioners, entering a church, and later, men dressed as Roman soldiers running in formation through the streets to stop at intended locations and announce the death of Jesus. After observing this, we toured some of the sawdust rugs families were creating in the streets, an Easter tradition here. Normally they'd be completed by this time, but with the rain, the artists were just beginning their labors. We returned to her house at 1:15 in the morning.

My favorite church display

The Roman guard traipsing through Antigua--on horse and on foot

A sawdust rug in progress

Friday night the five youngest boys stayed at my house for a sleepover. We made pizza, and they had a pillow fight and watched the movie Robots. I had intended to have a campout on the roof, but the rain cancelled those plans; hence, the boys constructed forts of sorts in the living room. This morning we dyed Easter eggs, used Resurrection Eggs to tell the Easter story, and had an Easter egg hunt. My neighbor Litzy joined us for this part, which made all of the boys fall over themselves in their shyness of having a pretty girl their age among them.

Pizza making

Pillow fighting

Egg coloring

Manhunting the last egg

So, I learned very quickly that a house full of boys is quite the experience. After the third time of going into the bathroom and seeing a seat wet with what I'm sure was not water, we had a lesson on how to use the bathroom at someone else's house. And tonight I'm pretty sure it was a booger I cleaned off the bathroom wall. I guess they thought they could take a mini-vacation from all the good hygiene skills they teach at La Senda. Nevertheless, it was a good time with them.

I got to relax with friends--Vero, Christian, and Heidy--this afternoon. They wanted to show me Tikel Futura, a large mall. I'm thankful to have people to laugh with and who are quite patient with my Spanish. They can tease me mercilessly when I say things incorrectly, but they are also quick to help me figure out how to say stuff and ultimately wait for me to make myself clear. That's nice. Our highlight of the afternoon? Climbing into the glass elevator in the adjacent hotel and riding it to the top floor and back down again. Felt like I was 15 again. :)

Tomorrow I look forward to church service and Sunday dinner at La Senda.

Sunglasses and Dirty Socks

2011-04-17T23:51:00.000-04:00

Even though I am teased about wearing my white sunglasses with the fake diamonds in the sides and having dirty socks, I am grateful to spend time with Veronica and her family. They love to joke around, enjoy being in each other's company, and love the Lord. And they have extended their love to me, letting me feel right at home with them.

Together, we ate tons of yummy food. We talked much, played games, and took walks. Unfortunately, Veronica lost her cell phone along the way, quite possibly after she played Ding Dong Ditch and we had to run away fast from that house. It was quite unfortunate. We also attended church this morning and made cookies this afternoon.

Tomorrow I am going with the La Senda home kids to the beach for three days. It's Holy Week, and here everyone has vacations.

Sadly, this week is not without its sadness. I hear more people have accidents this week than almost any other. Already tonight I arrived home to my mourning neighborhood. One of the women was hit by a car as she was walking home along the highway. We knew the news couldn't be good when we drove past the police and ambulance and saw a sheet-covered body lying along the side of the road. Please pray for comfort and peace for her family during this week. And pray for protection as we and many others travel.

The Davises

2011-04-10T21:40:00.000-04:00

Joey and Me

The Three Brothers: Tom, Joe, and Tim

Cousins: Jenny, Christina, Me, Sarah

Renea, Cousin Joe, and Joey

Piper, Julia, Little Gabriel, Darrell, and Cousin Lisa

My family with Brent, Doneda, and Jonathan Downs

Twenty-Seven? You're Halfway to Heaven

2011-04-10T21:14:00.001-04:00

So said my grandpa to me the last time I saw him. Probably twenty times. Every time he asked me how old I was (he forgot quickly, given his dementia), he reminded me promptly of my proximity to death. At first it was surprising and funny, and then it started to bother my growing consciousness of my age. However, when my mom pointed out that Grandpa was probably saying this because it rhymed, I felt much more at ease.

Grandpa was always one to have a witty saying on the tip of his tongue. Whether we visited the OK Café for breakfast and he bantered with the waitress or he greeted one of us kids, he was always ready with an expression that made us smile. He loved to tell us a tall tale or exaggerate some truth just enough to make us wonder about the veracity of it, until he let us in on his secret that he was pulling our legs.

Some of his tales were true, though they sound more like they sprang from the novels of western writers. My personal favorites were the buffalo stories. As a boy, his father owned a buffalo who had a penchant for running away to find himself some lovely cows. Many a time the neighbor farmers called his father to tell him of his delinquent buffalo, and they had to work hard to trick the buffalo into coming home. Finally, the fellow was laid to rest and placed in the Hastings museum, where we visited him from time to time on our vacations out west.

The other fantastic Grandpa story was of the Hastings hold-up. As the son of the mayor, Grandpa was perhaps privy to a bit of the investigation of the now-famous bank robbery where the robbers left with $27,000. The police couldn't find any of the money; but Grandpa, at eleven years old, and after receiving permission from his father, searched the robbers' getaway car and found $10,000 of the missing money. A month before he passed, the local news aired an interview with an author who has used this robbery story for fodder, including an interview with Grandpa. He looked good.

Last week I travelled with my family to remember Grandpa and his adventuresome life. He was a man of many accomplishments and great intelligence, but above all, I will remember him for his love for us and how he, along with my grandma, always made us feel special when we visited them.

Bank Heist Author, Grandpa Interview

I'm a Shrimp

2011-04-10T20:46:00.000-04:00

True, in the States, I am a bit on the shrimpy side height-wise.

Here, though, "Estás pura camarón" [You're pure shrimp] means that you're lobster red.

And after spending the day at the beach with Johana and her family, that's exactly what I am. What more can you expect from the white skin of a gringa?

When Typos Turn Gangsta

2011-03-22T22:24:00.000-04:00

Imagine how the chapter titled "The Hot-Potato Man and Other Mothers" would play out.

I see the main character as a big round man who is known for sweating, aka The Hot-Potato Man. In his gang along Market Street, we'd have Corn Dog Bob, the skinny and pimply street vendor; Here Boy, the short old man who grunts for his answers but comes at the shortest whistle blown just so; and, of course, Salsachup, the slick youth whose ways are as greasy as his hair. Average, or sub-average, people during the day, terrors to the neighborhood by night with their revolvers and penchants for attempting to rob any living and moving creature.

What a twist to the The Whipping Boy's chapter titled "The Hot-Potato Man and Other Matters."

Antonio-ism #1

2011-03-22T22:15:00.000-04:00

While playing with the kiddoes, I knelt down to pick up something Antonio dropped. He studied the top of my head while I studied the ground, and then he announced that my hair was gray.

"Gray!" I exlaimed. "I don't think so! How about yellow or brown?"

"Hmm," he said, thinking seriously over the matter. "Yes, you're right. It's gold. Pure gold."

I about died laughing right there.

Tonight he joined our teenage Bible study. He's 5. But he sat quietly and listened, later helping me prepare the snack. He laid out the napkins for each person, carefully straightening each one on the table and then counting and recounting to make sure there were enough.

I think I should nickname him Sombra--Shadow.

"Street" Evangelism

2011-03-19T23:08:00.000-04:00

Antonio, Ian, and I were playing together this afternoon. We'd already played by the swings, and now the boys were flipping through a Toy Story 3 coloring book as we sat along the curb. I was reading to them from the children's Bible, attempting to translate it into Spanish.

We landed on the story about the lost sheep. Antonio was very attentive, coloring quietly and interjecting a question or two. Ian, at three years, ran around, interested neither in the coloring nor the story about the sheep.

I started to read a sentence that said, "God loves us so much..." when Antonio announced he had some bad news about God. "What is it?" I asked him.

"God dies," he said, his face downcast in due respect for the dead.

"Hmm," I said. "Well, I have some good news for you. He raises from the dead three days later." And we talked a little more about Jesus and our sins and forgiveness and God's love for us and Easter.

We returned to the story of the lost sheep, and then kicked around a little green ball that was too hard for soccer.

Weekend Buckets

2011-03-19T02:54:00.001-04:00

An opportunity came up to help out church families in a nearby town that is known to be fairly poor. With the home fifth graders (Mimi, Yeny, Phillip, Victor, and Brandon (4th)), we worked together to put together food bins, using money that someone had donated to be used here. Johana helped us out a ton in Chimaltenango's market, negotiating lower prices given the quantity of product we were buying. We also enjoyed the excitement of a scuffle breaking out four feet from us. As I shooed the kids to the car to drop off some purchases, I was reminded that high school isn't the only place fights break out.

With $200, we were able to make 26 bins with a little money left over to give one family whose cow died--the animal was their primary source of income. Each bin had a pound each of rice, beans, oatmeal, and sugar; soap for the pila; and cooking oil. Pam and Steve also donated avocados from their trees and maseca, corn flour Guatemalans use to make tortillas.

The kids and I attended the church service last Saturday night and delivered the goods to the church. The pastors texted the next day to let us know that there were enough bins for each family and that the people walked away with smiles on their faces.

Brandon

Measuring out the maseca

Ready to go!

Expectation

2011-03-11T02:11:00.000-05:00

The buses had already left. Only a handful of students played around the principal's office, shooting marbles or running back and forth to the treehouse while waiting to be picked up. Prof William and I sat on the cement against the office wall; Anita stood guard at the imaginary line separating the anxious students from the dangerous driveway of moving vehicles.

One little boy spotted his mom pulling up to the gate at the bottom of the hill. He quickly picked up his lunchbox and shouldered his bookbag. He took a forceful step forward, as if to run; then, checked by an unseen hand, stopped abruptly. He shuffled his lunchbox in his hands and stared longingly at the white SUV just now passing through the gate and past the guard, and sighed at the delay. His eyes, locked on the vehicle, with his thoughts surely on the person within, followed it to the top.

The three of us exchanged grins as we appreciated his intensity and unabashed anticipation. Miss Anita extended her hand, and he eagerly rushed forward to grasp it, his ferry across the invisible line separating him from home.

Post #200: Beating Me to the Punch

2011-03-05T23:03:00.000-05:00

One of the highlights of the day is being in charge of the hand-washing line in the preschool room prior to their morning snack. The kids are super cute (as long as I don't have to teach them). I've decided this is a good time to help them practice their English.

We're working on answering the question, "How are you?" instead of simply repeating it.

This past week we began working on manners. I prompt students to say, "Soap, please," when it is their turn.

On Friday, one kid finally had it figured out. Before I even had a chance to ask him how he was, he put his little hands out together in front of him, looked up at me, and quickly said, "Fine, thank you. Soap, please."

He knows how to get things done.

Afternoon Tea

2011-02-25T22:45:00.000-05:00

Last Sunday I had the pleasure of having a few La Senda and neighborhood girls over for a tea. They came dressed in their favorite clothes, and with the new tea set my Spanish teacher helped me find in the market, we had a delightful tea with all sorts of goodies to eat. We also talked about true beauty, the gospel, and who we are in Christ, with the overarching idea that we are daughters of the king.

Ready for the tea party! (No, it was not political. :))

Several of the lovely young ladies.

Yumminess! Litzy helped me cook the night before.

Astrid shared she always wanted to be a princess.

One of the teenagers.

Yenifer's eyes lit up when she heard as daughters of the king, we are princesses to God.

Post-tea relaxation time.

La Senda chicas

Overheard...

2011-02-25T19:15:00.000-05:00

Just heard the little neighbor kids whispering outside my door before they knocked. "Only a little kiss [of greeting] and then we go!" They kept their visit that short. :)

On the Outskirts of Mourning

2011-02-25T19:10:00.000-05:00

I drove down dirt roads for the first time yesterday. Canvasing the bumps and different grades of dirt was a bit challenging, especially given my low-sitting car with all five of us inside. Lito made a face as I scraped the bottom of my car--again--only to reverse and let him guide me through.

We asked the man who had his cows tied to the tree if we could park there, because there was no other flat space. He said yes.

We walked from there through the little neighborhood, with its pentecostal church, tienda, visiting neighbors, and houses built from cement block with tin roofs. We found her house up the lane. She was sitting up in bed, watching TV.

We came, my colleagues and I, because her husband was killed this week. My colleagues wanted to pay her a visit since she used to work with us; though I knew who she was, I was more the chauffeur. We sat all together in her room and listened to her story. How her husband had left at the normal time. How he hadn't returned home. How she had decided not to worry about it. How she found out the next day of his death. How the newspaper had picked up its story, and how her young son had rifled through the pages under pretense of looking for futbolistas only to end his search when he found the article about his father's death.

She shared that she is feeling sad, of course, but she has a sense of peace. And these last few months had been good months in her family, having made good memories, ones they can pass on to the little one due later this year.

She is my age. With one son and another on the way, and now a widow.

Guatemala Linda

2011-02-25T00:00:00.000-05:00

Sunrise from my roof

Sex Ed

2011-02-15T20:51:00.000-05:00

In college I breathed a mental sigh of relief every time the professors alluded to the phys ed majors' resposibility to teach health--and with that, sex ed. Glad I don't ever have to teach that in English! I thought to myself.

Well, wouldn't you know. God has a sense of humor.

I started teaching about human reproduction today. Okay, I don't have to get into all the nitty gritty details about sex, but as one who blushes at the name of those body parts, it's going to be an interesting three weeks.

Before we get to the science of it, we are starting off with what the Bible says about our bodies. We are created in his image. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. Some parts are designated by special modesty, as are some parts in the body of Christ. We are the body of Christ. And, our speech--about anything, including references to sexuality and others' bodies--should be uplifting and glorifying to God.

With this unit, we [Pam has given me a lot of good advice] hope to give the students a healthy framework to learn this material, so not only are their educational and intellectual needs met, but also their emotional and spiritual needs, too.

Education. Rarely a dull moment.

Finding Humor in their Mistakes

2011-02-15T20:45:00.000-05:00

Seeing how I add almost daily to my growing list of Spanish faux pas, I don't mind chuckling at a few of my students'. Most recently, from their quizzes:

May I go to the badroom?
Sure, but make sure you put your nose in the corner once you're there.

May I go to the batroom?
If I get to be Robin!

I'm dreaming...

2011-02-06T20:47:00.000-05:00

Can dreams get any weirder?

During one of my 12 hours of sleep in the last 24 hours, I dreamed I was in a delectable bakery where every bread and cookie item was covered in chocolate. White chocolate, dark chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate. Oh, the choices! I couldn't decide which two to pick to put in my basket.

And in a new twist on my recurring dreams of making painstakingly careful revisions to the blueprints of familiar buildings (most notably, the building for Christian Tabernacle and the house of family friends I used to dogsit for), I rearranged geography last night. I was in search of Estonia. I zoomed in (Google Earth style) on a country I was sure to be it. A little later I realized, no, I was wrong, and that Estonia was on the other side of the body of water. Hmmm, I thought. That's an odd shape. Which was when I realized Russia had moved all of the population of Estonia to the other side of the continent. Why? I don't know.

Weird, I tell you. Weird. But I'll take these over dreams that prey on my fears.

Prayer

2011-02-06T20:38:00.000-05:00

Prayer has been something that I have been trying to figure out since high school. "Why do we pray?" I remember asking my youth pastor while studying Know Why You Believe. Yes, Jesus prayed. So we should follow his example. Yes, Paul encourages us to pray "on all occasions." Somehow, though, these answers and several others weren't enough for me.

I still wondered why we should pray when God already knows everything.

As a result, my prayer life has gone in cycles. Very disciplined at times, I've made lists of people to pray for, which in high school turned into 5 pages long. Thus, I ended up having a separate list for each day of the week. Later, trying to move out of my legalistic ways, I decided to pray "as the Spirit led." Well, this quickly turned into praying very rarely--evidently, I was not tuned into when the Spirit was leading. Other times, I made shower times my prayer times, or bed time, or when I first woke up.

Always in search of what prayer should look like and be, I am always eager to hear other people's opinions or to learn something new.

Today, then, when it was time for Day 4, Week 3: "The Obstacle [to living a victorious life in Christ] of Failure to Pray" in Beth Moore's Breaking Free study, I knew that it could be a big deal.

In her commentary she pointed to a familiar scripture: Philippians 4:4-7.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

I thought to myself, that's it! An answer I've been looking for for nearly 15 years--right in front of my face! What joy!

Why pray? One solid reason: so we know God's peace.

For some reason, I find this answer more sustaining, more satisfactory, than anything I've heard or learned before.

And I continue to be pleasantly surprised at how God knows these little things about me--my doubts, my fears, my confusion--and how he surreptitiously meets these needs through Bible studies or church services or an encouraging word from another.

Which leaves me feeling thankful. And humbled. And excited.

School Life in Full Swing

2011-02-04T18:12:00.001-05:00

What a busy week! One teacher quit this week to attend the university, and another of the English teachers was sick for four days. Since our only "substitute" is also the school secretary, we all had to pull a little extra weight this week. Hence, I'm tired. :)

Notable notes and quotes:

One little 2nd grader cried in the bathroom yesterday. I asked her what was wrong, and she said she missed her grandparents. "Where are they?" I asked. "With God," she sobbed. "I just want to be with them!" How heartbreaking!
A 5th grader had written a note to me in her notebook, which I noticed while walking around checking homework. My high school experience put me instantly on alert as I read: "Miss Elizabeth, I have something very important to tell you. I know I have told you before I have something important to tell you. But I just want to say--" the big reveal? [big intake of breath] "I love you, Miss Elizabeth!" Whew!
Tattling, tattling. "Angel's chewing gum!" "Dara is eating!" "Mimi's talking!" I've got to figure out a way to prevent this. It's amazing how interested everyone is in everyone else's business.
I broke a little 2nd graders' pencil sharpener. Oops. Don't worry, I replaced it.
I told my 6th graders that I would be running late since I had to stay with the 2nd graders. Would they please start their handwriting when they returned from devotions? One of the boys responded, "Don't worry, my life [an expression of affection]." Cheeky already.
A 5th grader was extremely surprised that after biting off the end of a red pen, he had red ink running down his tongue and on his lips. Of course it looked like blood. As he ran to the bathroom, I couldn't help but laugh at the memory of his expression. Mimi chided me, "Don't laugh, Miss Elizabeth." Me? "Sometimes," I said, "you just have to laugh when somebody does something stupid."
"Miss Elizabeth, he writes so slow," the girls complained of our new 5th grade student. "Well, how fast did you write when you first started learning English?" I queried. Props, though, to the group--they abided by the philosophy "Leave no man behind" in spite of suffering from impatience.
Still getting used to doing the little things for the little people: putting their hair in ponytails, putting earrings back in, tying shoes, opening food containers.
Several of the 5th grade girls make it their mission to spy on me while I'm heating their lunches up in the microwave. Not sure what the attraction is, but they have a blast sneaking around, hiding in the bathroom and ducking below the windows when I look their way.

Glad to have some time for rest and friends this weekend. :)

Cositas

2011-01-30T02:07:00.000-05:00

Yaquelin helping me bake cookies. Looks like she's learned all of my techniques, even how to decorate herself with flour! She definitely won the tortilla making contest...

Gabriela and I are shoe twins.

Mimi and Yeny

The younger boys are ready to play futbol.

Dorcas, hard at work studying.

Weekend with the Kids

2011-01-23T21:52:00.000-05:00

Enjoyed spending time with several of the La Senda kids this weekend. On Friday, Gabriela, Lupita, and I went to Eskala--the mall--to hang out and go grocery shopping. We also found our way to the movie theater there and watched Tron. Not my favorite flick, but the girls loved it. On Saturday, I got to take Gerson, Jefy, Carlos, and Brandon to a birthday party. Today, Steve let me ride along with him, Gabriela, Yaquelin, and Samy to drop Samy off at school. His school is nearly 3 hours away, a little farther than Lake Panajachel, and a little higher up in the mountains.

The boys' present was a hit--one big bag from the four of them, dubbed by the parents as the "Bag of Surprise" for the birthday boy.

On the way to Quiche (I think that's the city's name). Lake Panajachel is somewhere in the background...

Anita: The embodiment of patience and discipline

2011-01-22T23:55:00.000-05:00

Anita and I share a classroom. She has patiently explained things to me in Spanish when I have questions, many times repeating herself for me. She is also very disciplined in her work habits, which is good for me considering my New Year's resolution is to be more disciplined in various areas of my life.

We attended a birthday party for one of our students. He turned 10. We took four of the La Senda boys with us--evidently, it was the first off-campus birthday party for several of them. They had a blast!

Antigua

2011-01-22T23:43:00.000-05:00

Thankful to have started Spanish classes again at CSA in Antigua.

McDonald's! After finishing the Daniel Fast on Wednesday, I've really been hankering for a cheeseburger. It was yummy!

The most beautiful McDonald's in the world? I think so. Check out Ronald chillin' on the bench. In the background, the volcano, though today the clouds covered much of it.

Bright Spots

2011-01-15T22:46:00.000-05:00

This week has had it's ups and downs emotionally--at one point, I felt not much different from the little 2 year old crying for her mother. However, I'd rather focus on the many bright spots I've experienced this week:

Visiting Veronica's House and Meeting Her Family. Last weekend I stayed with Veronica, another teacher, and her family in Chimaltenango. It was such a blessing! It definitely afforded me the refreshment and time with people I needed. We were able to walk around the city, go to the mall, eat yummy food that her sister prepared, play cards, and watch movies. I was also thankful to meet her sister and brother-in-law, who have moved back here to Guatemala from the States to serve as missionaries. I am hopeful that I will be able to spend more time with this family in the future.

Making it to the Pacific Coast in Daylight. I got to tag along with Steve on a trip to Hawaii--no joke, the pueblo's name--to pick up Brandon, one of the little boys who boards here. Here, we met Alex, a 12 year old who is in the third grade. Education there, evidently, is not nearly as systematic as other places. A half day of school. Maybe a few times a week because sometimes the teachers just cancel. But as he showed me the ocean and explained about the numerous fish they catch and the different types of shells and the process of the endangered sea turtles a few hundred yards up the beach, it is very clear what an intelligent boy he is. And he was intrigued that I was a teacher. He asked me five times, I think, if I was.

Zucy and I had the same idea. It's grown a little bit over the course of the week. Wouldn't it be great to go there on the weekends? Maybe open up a learning center for the kids there, sort of an extension of La Senda?

Getting my Car Fixed. Now, the bill's not so much a bright spot. But driving home from Guatemala City today, I could already feel the difference with new breaks and ball bearings. No noisy sound. No pulling on the breaks. I feel safer already. And, it was the first time I drove to the city. There's much the city has to offer if you can make the time to go there and deal with the traffic. So, that's another goal for this year--get familiar with it.

Realizing I Do Love Teaching. Sometimes it's easy to get bogged down by the rhythm of teaching--all that planning and grading stuff. And sometimes after a long break, I start to get nervous and wonder if I really can do it another year. But then when school starts, I remember how much I enjoy it. I love seeing the students. I love seeing them learn to be organized. I like the material. I am glad when they ask good questions and show interest in what they are doing. It's exciting to plan for them and think about ways to help them learn.

Washing Clothes in my Pila. Not only is it a good muscle toner for the biceps, but it's a good thinking spot. Right before the cold spell hit, I had a pleasant afternoon enjoying the warmth of the sun and the mindless work that let my mind take a break and think and pray a little.

Participating in the Daniel Fast. La Senda is doing the 10-day version of the Daniel Fast (only eating fruits, veggies, anything grown from seeds, and drinking water). Pam and Steve have been reading a chapter of Daniel a day with the kids. I've been reading it on my own, and I have been so intrigued by Daniel's genuine faith, resolution to serve God, and humility. Today, I loved what Daniel said in Chapter 9 because it speaks to me about prayer and perspective: "We do not make requests of you [O God] because we are righteous, but because of your great mercy" (18).

Amen for bright spots.

Teaching Week One...Completed!

2011-01-15T15:21:00.001-05:00

"Good morning, dear teacher, we're all in our places with bright smiling faces."

I've already started teaching my new students this phrase, something I must confess I completely stole from my awesome Junior year history teachers, Mr. Hathaway and Mr. Maenza. It works well to signal the kids that class is starting, and they get a kick out of it (especially when I mimic the words with them).

My favorite thing about the beginning of the year is that I get to see the best side of the students. I think especially at this younger age. They are so eager to please, especially the new students who do not yet know me. I see it in their eagerness for my approval of the notebook they've selected for class, or the diligence they show in completing their handwriting practice for the day--something I've heard from other teachers can sometimes be quite the chore to get students to complete.

Some of the most energetic sixth graders from last year have moved up into the basico (junior high) program, giving that class a fresh face. However, I am fortunate to be able to work with students on their English in small groups during the mornings when the tutor is here. I also get to work with the group as a whole in the afternoons twice a week, which is when I look forward to helping them more with their writing and verbal communication skills--you know, those things book learning itself can't teach you.

I am thankful to be sharing a classroom with Anita. We seem to have a similar working style, and her everlasting patience has been good for me as she sometimes has to explain things to me in Spanish multiple times. Plus, I have my own little corner in the school now instead of being up in the fourth tower, which makes me feel more a part of things.

The grading has begun, but somehow I still don't think it will be to the same tune as Dunbar grading, though I have a fuller load this year. We'll see. :)

On the First Day of School...

2011-01-13T00:01:00.000-05:00

The 2011 school year officially began yesterday. With half days every day this week, we are easing into the school year.

Almendra's spontaneous hug with an "I love you, teacher" was certainly the highlight of day one. This, in the middle of a name game where we stood in a circle and tossed a ball around to remember each other's names.

Today's highlight? A little preschooler eagerly waving to me. My only involvement in her life up to this point? I opened up her drink and yogurt cup during snack time for her.

I am thankful to be teaching the older students. It is nice to already know the majority of them. We have a few new students, who have much catching up to do with their English, but who seem good natured.

Thanks for your continued prayers and support! Colegio La Senda 2011 is under way, and with an all-time high enrollment of 140 from preschool through junior high.

Identity

2011-01-06T21:05:00.000-05:00

I was thinking today that many times when I am feeling restless and even a little useless or worthless that it's because my focus is in the wrong place: me. Instead, I need to focus on God. Take my identity from him. And for starters? "...know that I am God." All other things pale in comparison.

Spoiled Rotten

2011-01-06T21:02:00.000-05:00

Suffering today from a minor case of being spoiled. Adapting again to the system down here: flexibility and resourcefulness. Most notably missing custodians and printer/copier ease of access with a plethora of "free" paper.

First Day of Work

2011-01-03T23:40:00.000-05:00

Enjoyed meeting our new English teacher, Cesia, today. She will be teaching the preschool and kindergarten classes, and she seems quite apt. It was also fantastic to see all of the other teachers. Steve and Geovany cooked us a delicious welcome back breakfast of quiche, fruit, and coffee. Then, we spent the day preparing for next week.

Johana and Ian came over for dinner tonight. Changes in her schedule made this the first day I was able to see her since I've been back, and boy was it good to spend time with her! We are looking forward to doing the Beth Moore Bible study Breaking Free together.

Losing My Marbles

2011-01-03T00:10:00.000-05:00

"This is your opportunity, Lizzy. Kill him."

With those words of encouragement from Jefy, I shot my marble at Steven's. Missed it by a hair. In spite of Jefy's patient tutelage, I still didn't master the marble shot tonight. Even the marbles he loaned me ended up back in his pockets--my beginner's luck only lasted the first few games, and then I lost all the marbles I had borrowed and won.

Good thing I confiscated so many last year. Maybe I'll learn to make a good shot before the kids win them all back. :)

Settling In

2010-12-31T13:09:00.002-05:00

I thought it was freezing here when I left, but somehow weeks of snowy weather put things back into perspective. The days are sunny and warm--the evenings are still chilly, so my vests will come in handy, but it feels so nice to bask in the sun. I'm hopeful that the rays will drive this winter cold I brought down with me away quickly.

The neighborhood children gave me a huge warm welcome. Crysta and Litzy made me a welcome back poster and stuck it on my door for me. Litzy and Rocio gave me a welcome back gift of stuffed animals and a Horton Hears a Who CD; Jenifer, Astrid, Moises, and Antony gave me candy; Astrid sang a song for me about how much she missed me and loves me. How sweet! They wanted to know if I was starting Saturday school again tomorrow. I think we'll wait another week, though.

Things at my house are looking good. I've gotten my arms working in the pila again, washing a few things here and there. My neighbors were looking out for me while I was gone; one turned off the water for me and another parked his truck in front of my house (at least, I'm assuming that since he did so last night, not knowing I was home). I am thankful for good neighbors, that's for sure!

The newest addition to the 'hood is a basketball hoop. It's fun to see the teenagers out of their houses and playing--many times it's only the littluns that are running around the streets.

Tonight I am spending the night with the La Senda kids. They are short a nanny, so the adults are taking turns sleeping in the children's home. Tonight's my turn. I'm looking forward to it, though, because between settling in and their busy schedules, I haven't seen them much since I got back.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Guatemala Bound

2010-12-29T12:11:00.001-05:00

Currently sitting in the Houston airport, waiting an extra hour for my flight. I should be in Guatemala by 3:20 Central time today. :)

It has been such a blessing for me to be home. I was surrounded by people I love and who love me, and my soul feels refreshed. I feel whole. I am happy in Guatemala and thankful for the new friends I've made there, but I didn't realize how much I had missed those who know me well until I got back home.

Now, though. Now I look forward to continuing relationships with those I already know. I look forward to another school year. I look forward to feeling like a real teacher since I'll be at La Senda from the beginning of the school year instead of diving in half way through. I even look forward to faster internet at home (no hard feelings, Dad :)).

Thanks again for joining me on the journey.

I had a friend--ahem, Mr. Salyer--talk about living a life that shows God's faithfulness. This sounds like a pretty cool life, the kind I hope to have, one that I see he lives out with his family. So, I am hopeful. Our God is faithful. And I am excited to see God's continuing faithfulness to me and to we who believe play out this next year.

Stateside Travels

2010-12-13T22:52:00.000-05:00

My mom let me borrow her car for two weeks. It's the nicest set of wheels I've driven, I think. And I sure put some mileage on them.

Had a great time returning to First Alliance a couple of Sundays ago. I've missed worshipping with my home church! I also got to meet with Kerry, the mission pastor, and Beth and Pat and Art, the people who take care of all the money stuff for me.

Additionally, I was able to meet with a number of friends. We had dinners together, met for coffee, and just hung out. I visited Dunbar to say hello to my former colleagues; I also visited the classroom of one of my elementary teacher friends to see how she makes magic in a first grade classroom. I put on my dancing shoes again, too--I still love dancing. Got my teeth checked, eye glasses adjusted, and shots up-to-date as well.

In North Carolina, I got to relax a bit from all of this catching up. I spent some time with my brother, who is off work right now trying to recover from a bad spell with MS, and with one of my college roommates.

I also returned to FairCreek for a visit this past Sunday. Though I didn't get to see everyone I hoped to see, I enjoyed catching up with a few friends whom I have known since childhood.

This week I get the privilege of meeting with a few more friends here in OH, and then I'll get to go back to First Alliance in KY for Sunday services. This time the 'rents are coming with me.

Thanks for making time for me, friends! It is such a blessing and encouragement to see you all and to remain a part of your lives.

Escuelita

2010-11-22T13:33:00.000-05:00

Had the last Bible/English school until January at my house on Saturday. Seven kids came. Litzy showed up at 8:00 with her puppy Nacho to help me get ready. I was still in my pajamas. "Why don't you come back in thirty minutes?" I suggested, since it doesn't start until 9 and even then not until 9:15 or so when the kids actually arrive. She didn't think it was necessary to leave and come back since she doesn't have a watch. So, we prepared together--made little diplomas, prepared materials for the craft, swept the garage, moved the table and benches out into the garage.

When the kids arrived, we played a few games to practice English and talked about the Christmas story.

In Country

2010-11-22T13:25:00.001-05:00

Two things I've noticed thus far:

1.) I'm short again.

2.) I can eavesdrop really well.
"Just calling to say thank you..." "How ya'll doing?" "So I was talking to this security guard. Not the security security, just one of those ones that helps..." "Uneventful..." "And I was like, what the *, I mean come on. I'm not putting up with that..." "Were you visiting friends?"

Celebrating Don Cristobal

2010-11-16T10:14:00.000-05:00

Had a fun little neighborhood get together at my house last Friday night. We were celebrating the completion of our neighborhood--the last house is finished--and the neighborhood construction manager, Don Cristobal. He's also the go-to guy for any problem. Your sink is linking? Call Don Cristobal. Your window broke? Call Don Cristobal. Your pila's backed up? Call Don Cristobal. There was a break in? Call Don Cristobal. He'll fix it. He's earned the trust and respect of the neighbors, and he has been a good friend to me as well as I've transitioned to living down here.

Thus, Johana and I sent out the invitations and several of the neighbors were able to come. They brought dobladas and taquitos and tostadas with all of the toppings (beans, salsa, meat, vegetables, cheese), Johana brought the Christmas punch, and I brought the Texas sheet cake. The neighbors spoke words of appreciation to Don Cristobal, led by the neighborhood president, and Don Victor said the grace and blessing. I am thankful for my neighbors.

About 1/4 of my neighbors--but the ones I know the best. In my garage.

Don Cristobal and Me

Me and Johana

Christmas at La Senda

2010-11-16T09:56:00.000-05:00

I arrived at school yesterday afternoon to see three tables laid out on the porch, Christmas decorations strewn across them. The La Senda kids were scattered around the various banisters, wrapping them with greenery and fitting the strands of lights among them just so. The girls diligently checked each strand before putting them in place. Rosita learned a fun little trick from Lito for fixing the fuses--simply put a piece of copper inside instead, and the lights are as good as new.

Pam told me the intention was not to start decorating. But the kids all got mad at her when she suggested they just bring down the decorations from the attic and decorate another day. Christmas fever has struck.

Dieting

2010-11-16T09:51:00.000-05:00

I've been saying I want to diet. Guess I didn't specify which one. Somehow the BRAT diet isn't what I had in mind, but it does seem to be a bit more--compelling--to stick to.

I think I'm on the upside of this, though, so that's the good news.

The La Senda Kids Are Growing Up

2010-11-06T01:32:00.000-04:00

Wow! What an exciting day for La Senda! Geovany graduated from high school this morning—La Senda home’s first high school grad. He graduated in the field of tourism and has landed a job at Holiday Inn, where he had his practicum. All of the kids made him a gift, and Zucy planned a special dinner and service in his honor. Pam made a delicious lasagna. We sang praise songs with a guest musician, Steve shared a bit, Dorcas and Jefy prayed. Everyone dressed up, and even though it was probably the coldest day that I’ve felt here thus far (I’m guessing in the high 40s or low 50s), we ate outside.

Saturday Samy takes an extremely important test to get into the high school he would like to attend. Please say a prayer for him. If he passes, he gets to follow the career path he’s chosen (they choose it in high school here); if not, he has to come up with another plan for next school year. He’s been studying nearly a month for the test, so pray the knowledge sticks with him. Thanks!

English Camp

2010-11-05T01:03:00.000-04:00

The last day of English Camp is tomorrow. We've had a good two weeks with a small crew of kids who I think have enjoyed themselves. We've gone on bear hunt, visited where the wild things are, learned the true story of the three little pigs, and fed a very hungry caterpillar. The kids have played all sorts of games--from parachute to The King Needs to relays--made all sorts of food in the kitchen (dobladas, cookies, tortillas, vegetable boats), and made keepsakes in crafttime. We've also learned about compassion and the armor of God in devotionals.

Hoping to post pics and videos soon.

Spanish Misspeaks

2010-11-05T00:56:00.000-04:00

Well, they keep piling up. They seem a little more embarrassing in retrospect--in the moment they just provide a good laugh.

-Evidently today I said, "Don't lick me" instead of "Don't call me." Of course, in this case saying the negative instead of the affirmative is preferable, but it gave my teacher a good laugh nevertheless.
-I told a guy once that he was hot when I was asking about the weather. To avoid this problem, don't use the adejective "caliente" with the verb "estar." Instead, use "calor."
-I told my friend Johana that I had dreamed of a man. What I really meant was that I sounded like a man--my voice was a little hoarse. Silly tilde and stem-changing verbs (sonar and son[n with a ~]ar).

Live and learn, live and learn.

A Day to Rest

2010-11-01T13:49:00.000-04:00

Praise God. I'm tired.

In Guatemala, today is a holiday--Dia de Los Santos (All Saints Day, or Day of the Dead). Zucy dropped off fiambre, the traditional dish, for me to eat. Yummy! I'll let you know how it is.

La Playa: Puerto San Jose

2010-10-23T01:50:00.000-04:00

Seeing 12 kids bobbing in the ocean waves at night is enough to make my stomach tighten with a tiny bit of fear. But boy, did they have a blast! Franz and Lito served as the buoys; kids clung to them as they waited for waves to come in, and the two men acted as the barrier between the shore and the great depths of the Pacific. Little Steven clung to my hand, and we "surfed" by jumping each wave that slapped the shore. At least until he decided sitting down was far better when the waves came in, forcing me each time to cling to his hand a little tighter as the current swept out, wanting to carry his little body along with it.

Jefy loved being tumbled by the waves. Several times he was the picture of being washed ashore: arms and legs akimbo, yellow swim trunks billowing out as he flipped several times until he stopped on the sand. Then he stood up with his wrinkle-nosed grin and ran back into the water for more.

Even Victor tested the waters. Usually, I understand, he prefers to stay dry on the beach. But this time the waves enticed him, and, after playing at the water's edge, he decided to join the rest of the crew in the wave-catching game.

On Wednesday, a holiday here, we swam in the pool at the house near the coast. Fearless Yeny tried any trick Franz or anyone else put her up to--being thrown in the water, learning how to dive and do handstands, swinging from a branch of the nearby tree and timing her jump into the water just right. She also improved her strokes. Carlos and Mimi did, too, both feeling confident by the end of the day to swim from one end of the pool to the other without any balls or clinging to the side. Progress! Rosita also perfected her handstand. Lito and Franz got the award for bad idea tricks, as they jumped into the water from the wall surrounding the house, over the concrete walkway.

Zucy cooked delicious food--meat, chermole, tamalitos, beans, salad, and many more yummy Guatemalan things.

The heat felt wonderful. It was nice to wear tank tops and shorts again, though I must say my pasty white legs are much better covered up. :) Sometimes I forget how white I am after looking at all of these beautiful brown-skinned people all day.

The only heart-stopping moment of the trip occurred on the way to the beach. Lito parked the car to run into the store and buy a few last-minute things. Suddenly, the car started rolling. No parking break employed. Franz and Zucy yelled from the back, "Brake! Brake!" So I slammed on the brake (after first mistaking the clutch for the brake and realizing it did nothing to help the situation, haha) and threw us all forward, but fortunately we did not roll down the hill after all. And it didn't turn out to be an omen of things to come, either.

La Senda Home kids at the Pacific Ocean

Victor's flying leap. Awesome picture taken by Rosita.

Yaquelin, Rosita, and Me

Sweet boy Jefy

the house where we stayed

Carlos's proof

Summer Break Is Here!

2010-10-17T20:28:00.000-04:00

Yippee! This is the first extended break (longer than two weeks) I've had in two and a half years. Of course, I realize that many professions don't get such a privilege. So I'm doubly grateful. Now, don't get me wrong. There's still plenty to do. Here's what I'm looking forward to:

Planning for next year
English camp, during the last week of October and first week of November
Saturday Bible/English school for kids in my neighborhood
Weekly dinners/Bible study with my friends
Weekly meal with some of the kids from La Senda home at my house
Tea with E (Or Te con E, if you will) with the teenage girls
Spiritual retreats in November that Pam is planning
Weekend trip to the beach with the teachers
Time with the kids at La Senda
Whatever else crops up

Martin Luther

2010-10-17T19:56:00.000-04:00

Just watched the movie Martin Luther with the teenage kids here at La Senda. It's well done, and it gives a good picture of Martin Luther's heart to find truth and be able to share that truth--Jesus--with the common people. The kids were intrigued by it. They've studied Luther, so they are familiar with the story. What most impressed them were the extremes--the colleague of Luther who turned his ideas into blood by physically attacking worshippers at Catholic churches (not Luther's intent), the priest who resorted to extreme emotional appeals (fallacies, really) to get people to give money to the church, ultimately resorting to crudeness.

I'd recommend it. It's PG-13.

La Clausura

2010-10-17T15:04:00.000-04:00

Thursday was graduation for the sixth graders and the kindergarteners. It was a beautiful, chilly morning, and we were able to hold the ceremony in the garden here at La Senda. Parents and students enjoyed an authentic Guatemalan breakfast (eggs with some sort of fish, bread, sausage, coffee, plantains, and beans).

Me and Brenda. She's the only home kid who had a graduation this year. This may be the only time we see her in a dress. Isn't she beautiful?

The sixth grade class.

The kindergarten class.

Entertainment provided by some of the 2nd and 3rd grade girls.

Message by Steve. Carlitos is so attentive!

Some of the teachers. If you think they look young, you're right. The youngest is 18; the oldest here is 32.

Redemption

2010-10-17T14:34:00.000-04:00

Maybe not with Parvulos (preschool). But teaching Prepa (kindergarten) science for the last week and a half was actually fun.

We had day six of creation to cover, specifically God's creation of Man. And the five senses. What fun lesson plans! We listened to music, we smelled good and bad scents outside, we tasted sour lemons and sweet candy and salty crackers, we felt smooth and rough objects, we played I spy. They are a fun group.

La Senda Home

2010-10-16T20:29:00.000-04:00

Jefy is running around chasing Yaquelin; Carlos has his mattress up against the entrance to his room to prevent others from entering; and now, it's time for devotionals. I've bribed the boys with a sucker to see who can be the quietest as we wait for Brenda and Mimi to join us. They're finishing up chores and their shower. Ah, the tranquility is nice. But it sure is fun watching them run around with so much energy.

Don't. Mess. With. Marbles.

2010-09-29T23:36:00.000-04:00

A very serious marble match ensues during recess.

Politics in ESL

2010-09-29T23:23:00.000-04:00

Banish. to force someone to go elsewhere. to send away for good.

As we were working on writing a sentence for banish today, the following conversation ensued:

Me: Who has the power to banish someone? to send them away forever?
Paula: the president.
Mimi: Jesus.
Yeny: God.
Me: Good. Yes, they all have power. A king, too, has lots of power. So, let's talk about the king. Who would a king want to banish? to send away for good?
Jefy: Obama.

No joke. Jefy didn't skip a beat. I couldn't stop laughing--the unexpected answer just went straight to my funny bone, and I couldn't start class again for a few minutes. Each sentence came out, "Okay, let's try that again. Who would a king want to b---tee hee hee," my shoulders shaking and everything. As my friend Becca would say, I was tickled. My students started laughing, not quite sure what the joke was, and one student continued to point out, "Miss, your face is red. Your face, Miss, is red. Your face is red, Miss."

I guess we know how his parents vote.

English Fair

2010-09-29T23:13:00.000-04:00

If Jefy's reaction of exuberance is any indication of how the English Fair went, then I think it was a success. I was working with the 4th graders while the 3rd graders--Jefy's class--attended the fair. Ten minutes before it was time to switch, Jefy careened into my room at full speed, and his pure delight is etched into my mind forever: smile from ear to ear, with a few missing teeth; nose scrunched up, as he only does when he's extremely happy or up to no good; hair gelled and spiked from the Beauty Shop booth; and five bags of candy and popcorn clutched in his hands. I don't think he knew what to do with himself in his ecstasy--he put his bags first on one desk and then another, and then raced back out without hardly saying a word.

The women from Bee Creek Unite Methodist Church in Texas surely outdid themselves. They brought all of the materials they needed for their booths and went to town--and the kids enjoyed it. Some kids wrote in their reflection that they learned how to pronounce words better; others wrote that they learned how much things cost. Nearly all said they are excited about learning more English. One boy told me he's saving his deposit slip that he received from the bank.

Here's a quick glimpse into the day:
Students picked up their passports. It had their picture and name in it, the Guatemalan flag on the front, and a page for each booth, where they collected a stamp if they visited.

The older students then received money from the bank so they could purchase their goods.

Students could visit the Beauty Shop, Face Painting, a Department Store, the Doctor's Office, the Movie Theater, the Post Office, Donna's Diner, and the Sporting Good's Store.

Face Painting

Beauty Salon--Gel in the hair was a big hit with the boys

Department Store--picking out new jeans

Writing letters to friends at the Post Office

Donna's Diner--cookies, anyone?

Enthralled by Pixar's Short Films

Buying sports equipment at the Sporting Goods store

Yes, the Doctor's In. And you can't ask for better meds--tootsie rolls and other sweet things

Samy and Gerson are rockin' the punk band look

Bee Creek UM Church ladies. They made it happen!

Grateful for Friends

2010-09-26T03:14:00.000-04:00

Hosted a pj party at my house. Fun times with the teachers of La Senda!

Luisa, Johana, and Me. La Senda friends.

Had the opportunity to tour Finca Filadelfia in Antigua. This is where your Starbucks coffee from Antigua comes from. Pretty cool! Did you know that coffee is a red fruit when ripe? And that the fleshy part tastes sweet?

Me with Hermana Zucy, Director of La Senda

Me and Pablo

Johana and Me

Thankful for a Car

2010-09-26T02:40:00.001-04:00

The handle may have broken off this week, I may only be able to unlock the driver's side door from the outside, I may have to fill the front right tire with air on a weekly basis, and there are a couple of cigarette holes in the seats, but boy am I thankful for a car. On Monday it has a doctor's appointment to make sure everything in the engine, etc. is on the up and up.

Doctor's Visit

2010-09-16T02:18:00.000-04:00

First time to the doctor on Monday. Got to take Brenda with me. We sat in the waiting room for three hours, and then had time to drive in circles around Chimaltenango looking for the lab. Fascinating to watch the myriad of people pass by the narrow wood door. Located on the main street of the city, the doctor's office spies the lives of many--ice cream men; innumerable cars, tuk tuks, and buses; women hurrying buy on foot, baskets on their heads; business men and women strutting by in their suits; children tagging along with their mothers.

Brenda is still waiting word on her knee. Fortunately, I'm fine. Just need to avoid acidic food for a while. Goodbye, coffee! It's been fun. And my back? Praise the Lord, it's better. I no longer want to cry when I get out of bed in the morning.

Tweety Bird

2010-09-16T02:12:00.000-04:00

Life in the Colony

2010-09-16T02:08:00.000-04:00

Experienced our first neighborhood fiesta last night in honor of Independence Day. True to Guatemalan form, the meal was ready at 8:30. Johana and I had shown up just a little late at 6:45. But boy was it rich--corn on the cob (helote), plaintains with mole, arroz con leche, tostadas, taquitos, and more.

While running to and from the house getting things I forgot to bring, I quite simply locked myself out. It was one of those moments where the door slammed shut and immediately I thought KEYS! Normally, I leave them in my pockets, but I just knew that my green alligator key chain was providing a nice contrast to my purple table cloth. Inside the house. On the other side of the metal door.

What am I going to do? It's not like they have Pop-A-Lock for houses down here. And somehow I didn't think the old credit card trick would work so well. Fortunately, Johana's brother helped me break in through the front window. Good to retrieve the keys. Enlightening to learn how easy it is to break in when the front window is open. Noted.

Failure

2010-09-16T02:00:00.000-04:00

As I leaned up against the wall of the classroom, I wondered how it could come to this. I watched the kids squirrel around, play wrestling or going back to their seats to cut and paste or, in one case, running around the room like a hellion. It was not working. I was not working. Let them paste all the pictures they want. Who wants to learn about the color blue or the fur and paws of our favorite pet dogs anyways?

The whole kids-don't-speak-English thing is challenging. Little A. just looks at me, his big eyes staring at me intently. "No entiendo," he says to everything I say. Then, when his buddy starts rubbing his face with a toy as if he were washing it, A. closes his eyes and acts like he's in a spa. E. continues running around the room and stealing other students' crayons. C. dresses and undresses her Minnie Mouse doll. J.P. pretends he can't hear me say his name. Only tiny J.A. shows me his picture, trying to obey. I've ceased being the novelty in the classroom and am now just one more person to ignore.

The preschoolers won. I admit it. The score was twelve to zero, all in their favor. Later, another teacher came in to take over--we were subbing for the preschool teacher this day--and she asked them what they had learned with me. Nothing. Bless those children, they burst out into song, curly-headed K. jumping up and down, most enthusiastic of all. Of course, not one I had taught them. But it is something they have learned nonetheless.

P.S.--You may be waiting for a happy ending. I don't have one yet. Hopefully I will soon--I get to sub regularly in the classroom in October. Bless you, preschool teachers of the world.

Guatemalan Independence Day

2010-09-16T01:42:00.000-04:00

Enjoyed celebrating my first Guatemalan Independence Day. The school hosted a celebration yesterday. All the students wore traditional clothing and performed a song or skit with their class about Guatemalan heritage. Today, I had the opportunity to spend time with Zucy and her family, the director of La Senda. We watched the parade pass by in front of her house.

3rd grade girls

my 4th grade math class

6th grade skit

1st grade skit--los caballeros

1st grade skit--the market women

the teachers

beginning of the parade in El Tejar

Call 502-5555-5555 Now for Your Membership!

2010-09-08T04:29:00.000-04:00

The Guatemalan Singles Club is now in session. Meetings will be Tuesday evenings, dinner hour. Plan to provide food on occasion. Bring good conversation. Expect to drink rich coffee.

This evening I had the pleasure of having Johana, my good friend and neighbor, and Cristobal, the neighborhood builder, over to my house for dinner. I made homemade pizza, which thankfully turned out just like it does back in the states. Yummy! We had a great time talking and laughing and telling stories--anything from the neighborhood robbers to people we had met to the war in Guatemala back in the '80s to childhood memories. Before we knew it, we had chatted for nearly three hours!

Apparently this will be a regular thing. At least I hope so. Next stop: McDonald's in Antigua. (Before you think woop-de-do, realize that fast food here is equivalent to the Cheesecake Factory. The Mickey D's in Antigua has a courtyard with a fountain, and amazing view of the volcano, and free Internet.)

Robbers and Thieves and Ladrones, Oh No!

2010-09-08T04:23:00.000-04:00

Please continue to pray for safety and security for La Senda and at home. A couple of weeks ago, five people came into La Senda during the school day and stole some checks from the office. Fortunately, nobody was injured or even directly threatened, but sorting out the money situation appeared to be a little challenging. The incident particularly unnerved Pam and Steve, understandably so.

They hired a new guard (the old one let the people in without receiving permission to do so). Good news: the new guard is doing his job. His first weekend of work I arrived at La Senda for Sunday church service. I found Hermana Dora, one of the nannies, and her daughters waiting outside the gate, slightly exasperated. The guard wouldn't let them in. After waiting ten more minutes and still not being permitted to enter, I called Steve to let him know that his guard was doing an excellent job and asked him to please radio the guard to give permission for us to enter.

This past weekend, the house across the street from me was robbed. There are a lot of theories rolling around about who did it and why, but the end result is that we had a neighborhood meeting. This was advantageous to me because I got to meet many of my neighbors for the first time. They talked for over two hours about various solutions. I think they settled on changing the lock to the front gate, reminding everyone to lock the gates when we enter and leave, and installing cameras around the perimeter. Right when I was feeling secure, God reminds me that it's not fences and barbed wire and locks or even neighbors who keep me safe.

Middle School Chicas

2010-09-08T04:13:00.000-04:00

Pam and the middle school girls invited me to go to dessert with them recently. I loved Lupita's hand-made invitation: "Miss Elizabeth. You are invited to go to coffee with us tomorrow. It will be at 3:00 something." When they dropped me off, they got to see the digs, too. The curtain ties inspired a little bit of fun...

Pam and the girls

Ninja Brenda

Lovely Lupita

Great Gaby

Rosy Rosita

Civics Day

2010-09-08T03:52:00.000-04:00

First grade was in charge of the last Civics Day. They are adorable in their native Guatemalan attire!

Self-Diagnosis

2010-09-08T03:41:00.000-04:00

It's 1:30 here, Guatemalan time, and here is the Elizabeth update:

-Her soul feels refreshed. Her mind feels rested. Her need to socialize has been fulfilled. Her spirit still seeks God.
-She is still awake. This could be due to several factors, most notably two cups of coffee with dinner along with a little bit of Pepsi. It could also be due to her body's pains.
-Given the pain in her body, Elizabeth has been self-diagnosed with the following (in collaboration with WebMD):

Sciatica. Nothing says good morning like the knowledge that as soon as you try to sit up you'll feel a sharp pain in your back side, followed by a nice, steady pressure and pain once the spine compresses as you stand. Hello, world!
Kidney Stones. This diagnosis is still flexible. It has been upgraded from a diagnosis of appendicitis. However, confirmation with sources has proven to be inconclusive, rendering this diagnosis potentially inaccurate.

***Can you tell I'm a bit of a hypochondriac when I don't know what's wrong? I may soon be visiting a doctor...that should give me more to write about! :)

Teaching Snapshots

2010-09-03T00:51:00.000-04:00

I've enjoyed some good teaching moments this week. Here are a few:

In my English for teachers class, we covered the phrase "Ladies First." This came up when the only guy in the class decided he could eat the popcorn first since he was the first one there. We teased him about this and thus taught him the phrase. However, he ended up liking it--not everyone arrives on time, so with each new arrival he practiced his phrase. She got popcorn, then he got popcorn. He decided this concept wasn't so bad after all.
Movie theater terms this week lent themselves to being taught with a video. With my 3rd/4th grade group, then, we took a field trip to the great room to watch excerpts from Up. We discussed scenes, concessions, previews, etc.
My sixth grade group is often one of two extremes after lunch: completely lethargic or bouncing off the walls. They are almost never up for reciting and practicing their verse for the week. Thus, under a moment of inspiration, I decided Psalm 139:21 needed to be recited preacher-style, in the vain of MLK, Jr. Alejandro, who sits in the back of the room, cracks up every time I say it; I haven't quite convinced them to join me in this manner of recitation, but they have at least done the motions (talking with the hands) with me.
Thank you, Leslie Robinson (?), for flashbacks. Started doing these with my 6th graders, and I feel like now we are actually learning something from the getgo with class.

Going to La Senda

2010-08-30T00:17:00.000-04:00

As I was going to St. Ives,

I met a man with seven wives,
Every wife had seven sacks,
Every sack had seven cats,
Every cat had seven kits -
Kits, cats, sacks, and wives,
How many were going to St. Ives?

As I was going to La Senda,
I met a man leading a donkey,
a boy with a machete at his waist,
a woman with a basket on her head,
a teenager in her school uniform,
and a busload of passengers overflowing out the door.
Men, boys, women, teenagers, passengers,
How many were going to La Senda?

I'm Learning

2010-08-30T00:15:00.000-04:00

Got the bus driver to drop me off across the road from La Senda. Saved me a 10-15 minute walk down the highway with all of its potential adventure, including imagining myself as a squashed bug on the pavement.

Also caught the bus assistant trying to rip me off. I know that the way to my house costs Q3. So don't think, little buddy, that you can give me Q1 change for Q5 bill. He knew what he was doing. I could tell by his guilty smile when I questioned his work. For shame, for shame. He's just as bad as my students who lie about their homework or cheat on their test and then get caught.

I Baptize You...

2010-08-30T00:02:00.001-04:00

Today was a special day. I know this because

-I have been excited all weekend for this morning.
-I woke up early and wanted God time, feeling no need to wash clothes in the pila (remember, I'm a tasky sort)
-I dressed up for the first time since I've been in Guate. Makeup, even.
-The Great Room at La Senda was decorated with flowers.
-The La Senda kids practiced yesterday for this morning's service. They do all but the sermon.

There were nearly 50 people in attendance at service this morning. Lissette, a woman who has become a friend of La Senda; Geovany, one of the teenagers who has lived at La Senda for eleven years; and Daniel, a student of La Senda, all decided they wanted to be baptized this morning. It was a fantastic celebration!

All parts of the service revolved around the theme of baptism. The choruses, the verses (from new and old testament), Yaqueline's children's sermon, Phillip's testimony, Samy and Co.'s drama, Steve's sermon. And of course the baptisms themselves.

Lissette's fiance also bought pizza for everyone post service. What a beautiful time of worship, celebration of faith, and fellowship!

Daniel

Geovany

Ms. Lissette