Wednesday, June 30, 2010

A High-Energy Evening in the Children's Home

"Jack! Jack! Hurry up!" Annie said.

"Is he still there?" Jack panted.  He ran up the hill as fast as he could.

No, we're not talking Titanic here (though we seriously did belt out a couple of rounds of "My Heart Will Go On" tonight.  Geovany is a kid after my own heart).  It's something akin to the text in one of the Magic Tree House series, and tonight we're on an adventure in Dinosaur Land with seven and eight-year-olds Annie and Jack.  I'm reading Annie in a high-pitched voice that makes Jefy look at me from time to time with a big smile--he's evidently delighted but not quite sure what to make of it.  He chimes in as Jack.  We switch turns reading the narration, something I suggested since we're on reading #2 of the chapter book.  Jefy reads extremely well, conveying expressive intonation with the dialogue and tackling most of the pronunciation correctly.

Two pages til the end of the book, we're distracted by an opportunity to play Dutch Blitz.   Shortly after, Pam (aka Mommy) walks in to take a few kids back to the apartment for a discussion.  Gerson and Lupita go with her.  They don't know it yet, but they get to go to the movies tomorrow, potentially seeing Toy Story 3.  It's a reward for doing their chores two days in a row without being asked.  It's a little experiment Pam and Zucy decided to do, seeing if the kids would maintain their daily responsibilities without being reminded.  I think five of the 20 kids received the reward.

On the table next to us, the nine-year-old boys are playing the card game Sleeping Princesses.  I can't pick up on it by watching.  Of course, after looking after Carlos's shoulder, I'm pretty sure they were all cheating as he rifled through the stack to pick one of the better cards--the magic wand. They end their game with ear-deafening cries of "I won!"  "No, I won!" "Just lay the cards here!" and "Quiet!" 

Teenager Brenda plays DJ, turning the dial from Spanish rock to Reggaeton-sounding to English stations.  The fork antennae is periodically adjusted.  Nothing funnier than hearing eight-year-old Steven belt out the opening lines to a pop tune about girlfriends.  Sammy and I discuss favorite artists (yeah, okay--not a topic I'm well-versed in, but Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" isn't too bad, right?), and the rewarded kids return.

Then Carlos brings out his yarn ball and bounces it off walls and other people.  Perfect analogy for his state of being at the moment. I confiscate it for a minute and stick it on the fridge and eventually in his room, though he continues to accuse me of having it on my person until I prove to him it's on his dresser box.  By now, Brenda is snoozing on the couch.  They're up later tonight since there is no school tomorrow.  Several girls come in from watching a movie in the meeting room, and I take my cue to head out, a little curious how the nannies will corral them.  I think someone fed them sugar pills tonight...of course, having no school the next day does that to you, too. :)

Sunday, June 27, 2010

A Saturday in Guatemala

One of the student's fathers, who is a mechanic, showed me two car possibilities today.  One is a Toyota and the other a Nissan; both are manuals (thank goodness for stick-shift driving lessons, though I was too scared to try driving them today!).  Both also have cracked windshields and are over 150,000 miles.  The Toyota has new tires and looks decent on the outside; the inside is a little rough but manageable.  It also has a nice radio.  The Nissan is a couple years newer and looks better overall.  It's a four door instead of two; this one has no radio, which could be good since that is a commonly robbed item. They sound like they run well.  I hope to look at another option later this week.  I'm starting to think that my car choice may be dependent on my living situation and it's likelihood of being broken into.  Honestly, though, I don't know how I can really judge that.  Here's to praying about it.

Met with Pam today about English curriculum.  We had a good discussion for two hours about our observations and my suggestions.  We made a game plan of what to do next and also figured out my schedule.  I'm excited about it!  I'll teach Level 4 English, 4th grade math, 6th grade English, and Basico English (junior high).  Suits me well.  Additionally, I'll be observing/collaborating in the K-3 science classes and helping with oral math exams for grades K-2. 

The other two ideas I'm excited about are the Conversation Cafe and the English Life Activity (I really need a new name for this--any suggestions?).  The CC will take place during lunch, and it's purpose is to give kids opportunity to practice informal English in a loosely structured manner.  Pam suggested we reward students for their participation by giving them a slip to prove their attendance that allows them to earn extra credit in English class.  The English Life Activity is based on the Reality Store idea I've seen done at Dunbar the past few years.  Basically, we'll have a day where students will come with their class to live life English style--they'll have to take care of business, entertainment, and family issues in English only. I'm thinking we'll have a cafe, a bank, a school, a movie theater, a game center, and other booths where students will have to practice their skills.  Since the demand for English speakers will be high to run this activity, we thought it would be good to do when a group was here.  Pam thinks there's a group coming in September who will be perfect for the task.  So, now it's time to plan it!

Gosh, I always mean for blog entries to be short, but it is not to be tonight.  The last thing to share is that tonight I was able to participate in a small group Bible study.  Several families meet here on Saturday evenings.  They played a couple of games, prayed for each other (and me), studied a lesson about the 4th spiritual law, and ate.  It was refreshing and so familiar to be around a group of people who meet together because they love Jesus and each other and desire to learn more about their relationship with him.  While I didn't feel particularly comfortable with my Spanish tonight and thus didn't speak much with the adults, I ended up playing rummy with some teenage girls.  They were elated to play with me and put up with my terrible Spanish grammar and vocab as I gave them instructions.  It was good.  I look forward to seeing these same girls again when I visit Hermana Dora's house on Wednesday since there is no school that day.

I'm missing dancing this weekend.  I'm also missing my conversation buddies.  Distance from friends and family is more noticeable when time moves slower, as it is this evening.  It's been a while since I've had to figure out what to do with myself!

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Teacher Day at Colegio La Senda

I made it just in time for Teacher's Day in Guatemala.  The students and teachers were kind enough to include me even though I haven't officially started teaching yet.  This means a few gifts from the students and a magnificent lunch provided by Director Zucy and Principal Frida.  Anita's sixth grade class was also in charge of today's Civics Day assembly, and they tagged on a ceremony in the guise of a TV recognition show, cameraman and all.  Since the lunch was relaxed, I had good opportunity to speak with and get to know a couple of the teachers.

Student snapshots:
Even PreK kids are great at showing their personality.  While drawing their fish and fish skeletons today, one little boy added ferocious fangs to his fish while a little girl added long eyelashes to hers.  Another insisted his was not a fish but a shark.

Pool Party!

The home children have enjoyed splashing around in a place where bushes used to be planted.  They were charged with cleaning out the muddy water first, which they did with glee to achieve their ultimate goal: a clean mini-pool.

Wagner arrived home from Bible school for a half-week visit on Wednesday.  He and his friend have both taken turns leading the afternoon devotional for the older home kids.  What a cool thing to see how he has matured and grown in just a year since I've been away.

Recess time continues to amaze me.  They have one soccer field, but there are always at least two soccer games going on simultaneously.  The little ones have their own, and they run in and out and around the older students' game.

Dorcas showed me her room and all the changes she's made to it this last year.  Jonas Brothers still play a prominent role in her decor, though Justin Bieber is making his way into things.

The Other English teachers and me

Friday, June 25, 2010

Living Space and Security

Checked out two more living spaces today with Pam.  One is in Sumpango with a family of five.  It is a three story house in the middle of the city.  I would have my own room and bath, and they would agree to provide food as well.  It has a great view of the city from the third floor. :)  This one looks like a great chance to really learn how native Guatemalans live.  The only negative is that if I buy a car, I would have to park down the street and around a corner since the streets are so narrow.  Security becomes a concern, especially driving and walking down the street at night.  However, this family has offered the most economical rate so far.

The other place is in a little neighborhood close to La Senda.  It is probably the most similar to our idea of suburban housing I've seen in Guate.  It is in a gated community with a guard.  The family has two small children.  There would be a place to park a car, and they too would provide meals.  This house, however, would cost twice as much and does not include a private bath. 

I hope to decide by Wednesday since a group will be coming early in July and could use my current living space; also, I need to let the families know if I accept their offer or not.

Thinking about people's safety in Guatemala overwhelmed me with sadness today.  It is pretty much expected that everyone will be robbed at some point (if not multiple times).  In the States, being robbed is a big deal, at least where I've lived (Walmart purse snatchers, anyone?).  Here it seems like it's nothing but an "oh, that's too bad" when someone's business is completely liquidated by robbers.  Not to say that people don't care--it's certainly sad and upsetting--but it doesn't seem to come as a surprise.  This realization gives new meaning to the verse, "Some trust in chariots and some trust in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God" (Psalm 20: 7). Sure, they have guards and gates (horses and chariots) here, and while they provide some sense of security to those who live behind them, they don't necessarily rely on them because they can't. God truly is the only source of security for those who believe in Him.

How does a society overcome this constant threat from its own?  Why do people have to live like this?  I am aware of it here, yet I know that here is not the only place this is common.  I also have lots of ready-made answers, but they don't seem to help too much with the practical application.  So, what does this mean for me? 

Bloggets (Not!): Guatemala: Day 3

Snippets* from the past few days:

Traveled to Chimaltenango to check out living spaces.  Picture this: Toyota van, white.  Driver with baby in his lap; baby has full control of cell phone.  Passengers: Two little boys stand next to the window, letting the wind tussle their hair.  One third grader quietly sitting.  Two university boys home for break, excited about going to the mall.  Two teenage girls anticipating their first drama/choir rehearsal at church.  Three teachers who are curious about one of the homes I'm visiting and so have decided to come along.  And me, up there in the front bench seat, next to the window.  I'm pretty sure we could be a children's book somewhere--maybe a counting one?

And the houses?  Looked decent.  I'm not committing yet because there are a couple more places to check out.  The first is with a family with three boys and one ferocious street dog-turned-pet.  The second, which I didn't know I was visiting until we had an hour to kill and one of the teachers knows the lady, is more like a boarding house for international volunteers.  The advantage to both:  they are in the middle of a city with a few teachers I know relatively close by.

As for the rest of that hour to kill, Miss Zucy invited me to her in-laws' restaurant where she made a beeline for the back kitchen.  There, they made me dinner, which was delicious.  Eggs with salsa, black beans, corn tortillas with cheese between them (quesadilla style, only smaller), and coffee.  It was also the first meal I've eaten with a Guatemalan family in their home.  Grandparents at opposite ends of the table, Miss Zucy across from me and later her husband to my left, two of her four children flanking her.  A large, wood-burning stove sat in the corner; a huge bowl of beans and a basket of eggs sat on the middle counter; a window for customers to order and pay took up a portion of the left wall.  Conversation was good.  Mind you, it was all in Spanish, and mine is not strong.  Periodically I would say something, and they would laugh and repeat it as if no one had heard me the first time.  Maybe one day I'll learn why they were laughing. Regardless, it felt really good to be with them.  Their hospitality is much appreciated.

The school days have been good as well.  Today I continued observing, though I worked more on talking with the students and trying to get them to explain to me in English what they were learning as well as review some concepts with the kids.  This is helping me roughly place where their English levels are.  I've enjoyed talking with the English teachers, too, to get their take on what they think could be improved about the curriculum. My goodness, I feel like those scary FBI Agent-esque walk-through people. I don't think I'm scary, though.

Thanks to everyone who has responded to my e-mails requesting information and advice.  I'm looking at relying on the SIOP model to guide the way I plan and my suggestions for the other teachers.  I'm thinking of pulling a bit from Kylene Beers and other reading and writing greats for some vocab lesson ideas.  I also looked at the TESOL website today to try to find some ESL standards, which they have.  I'm thinking of writing them to receive permission to use their standards as standards for the school since I'm not sure the English program currently has specific standards.  I need to check into this tomorrow.

Thanks, too, for your continued prayers.  Wisdom and ideas for this new curriculum are much needed right now.  Also, Pam wants me to revamp and rearrange the schedule as necessary.  This is probably what I feel least uncertain about given that I have never worked with scheduling and feel that making changes like this is a huge responsibility.  Please pray, too, for housing and a car.  How do I decide which living situation is best?

Much love,
E.

*P.S.--I will have to try bloggets another day since this is an epic fail at being concise.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Bienvenida! (Guatemala: Day 1)



Nothing like the view from a plane window to remind us of how small we really are.  As I peered out from the last rows of the planes today--yes, the rows right in front of the bathrooms, though it turned out not to be a bad deal--I marvelled at how much the view really does look like those replicas model train builders create.   The earth was cast in every hue of green imaginable, neat little delineations of trees and roads cutting across the landscape.  In Cinci, the lines seemed to snake and curve, much like the river nearby; in Houston, perfect little geometrical shapes marked one field from another; in Guatemala, the land was characterized by declivities and ridges alike, winding roads cutting through trees and fields, straight ones introducing the city. And the clouds?  Brilliant white cotton, mountains high, dappling the sea beneath with dark spots, so large they could be part of make believe or Alice in Wonderland.    

Landing in Guatemala City felt familiar.  Excitement and anticipation buoyed me through the landing.  After a day of good travel--on time flights, peaceful layover, and even an empty row to sprawl across to rest (that's where being by the bathrooms pays off, I guess, on a flight not quite full)--Pam and Steve met me at the airport.  Poor Steve offered to lug all 120 pounds total of my luggage, which he may have been regretting by the time we arrived at their car.  Then, off to the mall for lunch and to the supermarket for groceries and other needed supplies.  I was also able to purchase a cell phone for a good price (much cheaper than trying to pay for Global services.  Drat my purchase of a global phone last year without knowing the ins and outs of how they try to con money from me).  After some gelato, their treat, we were off to La Senda.

After spending two months here last summer, driving here felt very comfortable.  Familiar.  Good.  The school day was over by the time I arrived, but the home children were here along with some of the teachers, and they gave me an incredibly warm welcome.  Hugs all around, help carrying my bags up to the fourth floor(again, poor Sammy and Steve!), and a nice surprise in my living quarters: they'd decorated it with streamers and a welcome sign, a balloon and flowers!  The warm welcome was just fantastic.

Tomorrow I started observing English classes with the objective of figuring out a way to help the students learn English more efficiently and effectively.  I'd appreciate prayers for wisdom, knowledge, and ideas to meet this challenge!


Thursday, June 17, 2010

Where in the World is Guatemala?

Guacamole, Guadalajara, Honduras, that place down South--it's hard for others to remember exactly where I'm going.  I wasn't exactly sure which Central American country it was, either, before I went down last summer. 

Check out the map from worldatlas.com
(http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/namerica/camerica/gt.htm).  The site also has links to history and other facts about Guatemala.  Or, click on the link in the side bar to see a Google Map of Guatemala.



Other fun facts about where I'll be staying in Sumpango, Guatemala:
  • time zone is the same as Mountain Time
  • flight from Houston to Guatemala City is approximately 2.5 hours
  • the mountains I'll be in maintain a fairly steady temperature with highs in the 70s and lows in the 50s
  • rainy season is on right now
  • no Daylight Savings; it starts getting dark around 6:30 or 7:00 P.M.
  • volcanoes are seen in the horizon, though most are inactive

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Dancing Friday Nights Away

I walked into the studio tonight with my red flip flops on my feet, ready to change into my black, semi-strappy dance shoes.  My dress swished from side to side, perfect for fun little spins.  Once again, I was impressed by the number of people decked out in costumes: tonight, flapper dresses, little bowling hats, and suits conveyed the atmosphere of the Roaring '20s along with the shimmering streamers and Charleston-inspired dance music every now and again.

My dance instructor quickly found me to tell me his good news: an agent is interested in his book!  Thrilled, I listened to the details as he animatedly told me his plan to meet deadline.  His book-writing process has become a bit of a vicarious experience for me as I've been privileged enough to hear the full story line, listen to the soundtrack (cool idea, huh?), and read a few of the chapters to help edit.  Engrossed in the discussion of revisions, I nearly missed the call for the Viennese Waltz.  But it was the same song they play nearly every week, the one that a friend despises because it reminds him of a Merry Go-Round.  Tonight, though, I shook off the normal eye-role induced by the music and interrupted the conversation because I was on a mission: dance.

Sure enough, my Viennese Waltz instructor was in period wear and not yet taken for the dance.  Before I knew it, I was rocking with him to feel the beat and then lickety-split, off we were spinning around the dance floor.  If anything at ground level can rival flying, this dance has got to be it.  The movement is so quick, the heel step step, back step step, rotate around your partner and the dance floor all at the same time--it's exhilarating.  And tiring.  I was breathing like I'd just run for five or ten minutes when we finished, but I was glad I had made it through without causing either one of us to stumble and fall.  What a way to warm up!  I think this is my new favorite dance, even though two lessons in it doesn't quite make me a pro.

With forty-five minutes left, I was eager to dance as much as possible.  I danced the waltz with my regular instructor, the rumba with my good ol' buddy Lee (I tried to practice my Cuban hip motion), the hustle with the man who is actually a bit shorter than I am.  I was reminded while dancing the cha cha with a teenager that my Latin dances have seen little improvement lately, which was confirmed when I tried salsa with my usual waltz partner.  In between dances, it was fun to chit chat with friends, most female, since there is a shortage of men at these things.  And then, after a rough swing dance or two, the party was over. 

I'll certainly miss going every Friday night.  I just might have to search for Latin dancing in Guate.

My book-writing dance instructor

My fellow educator friends

My fellow ministry friend

(I really wanted to get more pics, but the instructor meeting was taking too long and some of my regular dance friends weren't there tonight. :(  Oh well.  Memories will work!)

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow

Praise God from whom all blessings flow; praise Him all creatures here below; praise Him above ye heavenly host; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

I just met with Kerry regarding financial support and how things will work with First Alliance as my sending organization.  Oh. My. Goodness.  I am in awe and completely humbled by his provision!  I have believed that God would provide for this Guatemalan Adventure, but to see it's manifestation is overwhelming and deeply appreciated.  I am currently about half way to where I need to be financially (it's slightly flexible because I'm doing my best to guesstimate my budget, but it won't be confirmed until I arrive in Guate).

Thanks to everyone who has decided to support this venture through money, prayer, and/or encouragement.  I admire your obedience and your faithfulness.  Thanks!

I continue to feel like the Lord is affirming this next step for me.  Today, it's through money; yesterday, though the ability to finally slow down and relax (and be okay with it); this last week, through the peace and sense of rightness I have while packing up my classroom, even though I feel sad at times; this last month, through people's words and actions showing me their support and love.  I am so blessed.  And all I have left to say is Praise the Lord!

Two Weeks Till Take Off

What a busy week!  With graduation, packing up my classroom, and my roommate's wedding, I really wished my body could function sans sleep.  Unfortunately, I was reminded once again that sleep is necessary.  Thankfully, I have understanding friends and finally some time to rest, so all is better. 

My roommate's wedding was awesome, by the way.  The day turned out to be sunny and perfect, and their personal touches were all throughout their day from their written vows to the old, borrowed, blue and unique brooch on Mary's bouquet.  I am so happy for Mary and Gabe!


Last minute touch ups!

First Dance!

The bridesmaids.  Yes, two are in their third trimester of pregnancy.

Me and my wonderful friend Carly!

Yay life group girls and Mary!

This week is one of completely cleaning out my classroom, packing up the house, and seeing friends.  Today I was blessed to spend time with my dancing friend Abigail, and I enjoyed my last dinner with the Tuesday night crew.  Yesterday I spent time with the Sassy Sisterhood, but it's not farewell yet since Nikki's getting married this weekend!  :) I've also been able to squeeze in a few coffee discussions. 


My friend Abigail and me--she's been a huge encouragement to me in this Guatemalan adventure!

A very serious round of Bocce ball.

Tuesday night dinner crew--view from my end of the table.

Yes, Matt and Chris are smoking Matt's birthday candles.  I have yet to understand the male species.

Tomorrow I meet with Kerry to talk about support stuff.  Looking forward to it!

Thursday, June 03, 2010

Memorial Day Weekend Haikus

On stick-shift driving lessons #4 & #5:

Trust me to drive you
wherever you need to go
but not in reverse

On my sister's report on her mad egg salad/deviled egg-making skills:

"My favorite part
is popping out the yellow
inserts." Yolks, sweet sis! :)

On cookouts:

Grilled zucchini and
burgers; chips and dip; fresh fruit.
Family, friends, sun. Joy.

On the occasion:

Burning desert: dry.
Soldiers, far from home: brave.
Freedom: expensive.

Thanks to those who serve!

Transition Time

The blessing of having a zillion papers to finish grading, a room to clean up, and last-minute details to plan is that it leaves little time to think about leaving and all that nostalgia.  However, when I see something I would normally save for use next year or think about taking the MISS DAVIS letters off my classroom door, I can't help but grow a little teary-eyed.

At the same time, I've enjoyed touching base with Pam in Guatemala.  It looks like I have four living options right now that I can check out upon my arrival.  I also look forward to baby-sitting the English kids so Pam and Steve can take the home children on little trips to the country.

My friends and family continue to be generous in their support.  Thanks, guys!  Your prayers, words of encouragement, notes, and monetary support are much appreciated!  I hope to send a formal update to everyone soon.