Brain Twirling

I am awake at 3 AM because I have so many ideas twirling around in my mind and I need to work them out so that I can get back to sleep. I really do not enjoy these moments, but it is peaceful and quiet at this hour, so I get a lot of work done. But come about 10 AM today, I will be dragging a bit. (10 AM is recess, so I should be able to get a power nap in...however I just realized I will be sitting in a leadership meeting at that time...make sub plans added to the list of things to do.)  Well best be getting back to work..

SAW Presentation

Last night the Secondary Classes gave their presentations for Activity Week. It was very enjoyable and  quite insightful to see what each class had done during their week throughout Nepal.  What a great experience for them to learn outside the classroom and for many of them to serve others. One group built houses for Habitat, while others went trekking and worked on team building. It was fun to see how the students choose to present their week and it helped the community see part of what we do here.

Only Three More Weeks!

This week has been one of those down weeks. It is when you get into the routine of things, the newness has worn off, and you are wondering what are we learning here? I know that learning is still going on...but 'mama said there would be days like this'.
Then as I was doing some lesson planning yesterday, I realized I only have three more weeks in the term and I have some much I want to cover! Yikes! So today I am full of thoughts about how to fit it all in. The little ditty, 'You get what you get and you don't throw a fit' was the first thing that came to mind in my early morning panic. I guess I teach what I've planned and if I do not fit it all in.. there is always next term.
(Rumor has it that there is a teacher for the next term, who can finish out the year, but I may have to teach the first month or so, while he do orientation).
Just pray for me as I finish up, that I do it well and with God's leading. Thanks.

Our God is so Good

Yesterday, I got a note from a group of  former colleagues, who were attending a conference in Thailand. It was such an encouragement to see how God has been using them to further His kingdom. It was a good reminder to me also that we really do not know how God will use us in spurring each other on and being a part of the body of Christ! When we are willing to step out in faith, He is faithful to use us to advance the gospel. What an incredible thought. So Lord, thank you for the people you put in our lives. May I be diligent in seeking your face and obedient to the call!

Winter Fair

Yesterday was the PTA Winter Fair! It was a trash to treasure sale, It was quite a big deal in the community. I helped get the vendors in the right places and act as a runner when needed. I apparently did not do a good enough job because I allowed people to look around before the actually opening. I guess I will do better in the Spring at that fair because I know more what is expected of me. Once church got out and the fair was open for business, it was pretty hectic!  I mainly sampled the food from the different stalls. It was all good.
So another event is over and we can proceed towards the next one...which is ..? I am not sure, but it will be here soon.

Lots to be Thankful for!

Pumpkin pie and turkey for breakfast! That makes me real thankful. I enjoy having the whole turkey meal on Thanksgiving, but I really love having the leftovers the next morning!
Of course I have a lot more to be thankful than just pie and turkey, but since I got to start Friday morning off with a yummy breakfast, I wanted to mention it.

• I am truly thankful for the saving power and grace of Jesus Christ and God's call on my life.
• I am thankful for God's placement in my family. It is a blessing to be a part of the Gonzalez's clan :)
• I am thankful for all my amigos - that God has allowed me to be a  small part of their lives and them in mine, and that we spur each other on toward His perfection. 
• I am thankful for all those who pray for me and who through their sacrifice allow me to be here doing what I love.
• I am thankful for the God-given gift, talent, and passion to teach and learn.

I have so much to praise the Lord for...May I always live with a grateful heart!

Our Tutti Fruitti Salad.

What we started with.

Pomegranate halves.

In class, we have been studying a book called Oliver's Fruit Salad. So as part of the plan, I decided to make a fruit salad with the kids. I went out to get all the fruit I could find. We had quite a bit actually. Our ingredients were strawberries, apples, oranges, bananas, pineapple, kiwi, pomegranate, and persimmons (Although I did not add the persimmons to the salad). We just taste-tested it along with everything else as Ms. Demo and I cut things up for the bowl.
As I cut, the kids drew  what the inside of each fruit looked like. It was quite interesting to see what they drew verses what was the real thing, but oh well. I think the kids enjoyed all the different types and tastes. At one point I asked about the skin of the persimmons and one student said, " The skin?!" I replied, " Yes, the peel is called the skin sometimes. Why do you think that is?"  Another student said, " Because it has the same color as you!"  I just laughed, " What....my skin is orange?"  " No, but your hair is!" (Finally... I have convinced them...after a discussion about it being yellow.)

colorful strawberries and kiwi

 When I cut the pomegranate, they were sure it was bleeding. With each fruit, I cut I would offer a sample. Before the class,many of the kids stated they only liked apples, strawberries, and bananas. But I was very proud of them for stepping out and giving some new fruits a taste. It was a great activity and all the people passing by were hoping for a taste too. But after a second helping each... there was nothing left!

Eating our desserts!

Letters I Never Thought I Would Have to Write

Dear Parents,

Of late, I have noticed the students talking about flatulence but in their colloquial terms of “farting” and “puffing”.  I am not sure what has spurred this conversation topic on, however I would like to take the wind out of their sails a bit and help the students understand the process of flatulence. I’ll be using a science resource called, Grossology, which gives a very clear explanation. 

If you hear your child talking about this topic, I encourage you to ask them to explain the process to you.

Thank you for your time,

So here is the diagram I created to teach this unit. I decided to use a cow (rendering is more deer/dog-like) as they are actually greater producers of toxic gases than us lowly humans (We average only 14 toots a day). Each piece of the digestive system can be blue-tacked on.  (And before I get inundated with emails... yes, I know cows have four stomachs).
It is my hope that in divulging the process of flatulence, the students will see it as a common bodily function and quite obsessing on it. However I realize that my plan could 'back-fire' and then I would have a real mess.  Oh, the risks one takes in the field of education!

Cheeto

Today a belated birthday gift was received in the mail. It was an orange aardvark! Very cute. When my students saw it, they asked, "What is it's name?"  I said that I had not picked a name for it yet and asked they would like to give it a go.  They were quite enthusiastic about it and started coming up with names like 'Orange' and 'Hairy Legs'. I told them that they should come in the morning with a name and the reason for naming it that.  Then I would choose a name from their options.  They then asked if they could take it home along with Oberon the Yak. I said, "Unfortunately no. This critter stays here with me."
On the way home I decided to name him my own name. So I am calling him 'Cheeto'.. because he looks like one. Cheeto in Nepali means 'fast', which an aardvark can be if being chased by a lion.

He is very cute and I am once again with an aardvark.

Ahh Math!

So when I was a kid, in Grade 2, I think it was...the school called my mom and mentioned that I had a lot of stomach issues right after lunch and it might be a good idea to have me see a doctor. My mom happened to ask which subject the teacher taught after lunch, to which the office replied, "Math" My mom said, "Send her back to class. There is nothing wrong with her stomach!" (Nowadays, a parent would have their kid yanked out of the home for that comment, which is totally bogus action and only goes to prove the stupidity of our child protection system these days.)
But my mom was very wise. She knew her daughter well. Her daughter,(that's me) had an intense dislike for all things numerical! (And actually still does, if truth be told). However as an educator myself, I must now hold the torch high for math and all  things countable and measurable 
Soooooo.....in class today, I invited one of the high school maths (he is British, so I had to add the 's') teachers to visit my Grade 2 class to acclimate him to the  grade level with the hopes of him being a Grade 2 guest lecturer occasionally. I want the kids to have a fair shot at developing a love for math...I mean maths... and who better to impart that passion for numeracy than a math teacher!?  This has nothing to do with the fact that I do not particularly enjoy the subject. I just want to give the students a unbiased viewpoint... oh wait? He loves math...ummm... I guess that is biased too.   But rather a bias towards the subject than against it, I always say.
Anyways, it was a good class today... and the future guest lectures look promising! I guess math does win again...grrr!

Toast Anyone?!

When you don't have power and you are craving a piece of toast, you get out the stove toaster. We use to have one for these when I was growing up, so it was neat to see them still in use. Some tools never retire...

Ah! Saturdays!

What a pleasure just to have a free Saturday. Fiddling with LPs , attending a BBQ this evening, and catching up on listening to music. That is a perfect Saturday! Niccccceeeee!

Week Two Memories

This week has been a real joy!  I have been with the kids for two weeks now and really enjoy all of their individual personalities and comments. I think they are enjoying mine, as well. In fact, the ESL teacher was quite upset with me because the kids, who go with her, said that they now want to stay in the main classroom.
We have been doing all kinds of things this week. We had a field trip and visited a local vegetable garden. We tasted different herbs and had some peppermint tea...the peppermint was picked by the students!
Today we were learning about exclamation points! That was exciting! It was also good to hear them be so animated in their talking. And in math, we started multiplication (Isn't that a grade three subject?)
These next two weeks, we continue our study of plants by looking at the fruit family. We will be dissecting various types of fruit and studying the inners before chopping it up for our fruit salad.
I am reading a book about this little boy who doesn't like fruit and then discovers fruit salad. As I was reading today, I would change my voice for the different characters. One of the kids raised her hand and asked, "Why is the mother's voice so squeaky?"  Another student leaned over and whispered, " it's not the mother.... It's really Ms. Schlie."  I just had to chuckle. You can not put anything passed them.
I am thinking of having the kids make flavored oils for their moms for Christmas. I need to find some jars.  We can put herbs in the oils and make a nice label.  We are actually trying to grow onions and peppers in the class. The onions are doing well, but the peppers... I think we've lost them. But I want them to manufacture something for mom. Dad? They can buy him a necktie!
Today we were early for PE class, so instead of heading back up to the classroom, only to have to return, I got them all lined up in the gym and we hula danced ourselves around. We got tired of that, so then we did a Bollywood dance. They liked that one much better. I would sing out this little nonsense tune for each dance and finally one of the kids said," Ms. Schlie, how do you know so many different songs to dance to?"  I smiled, but before I could reply one of the other students said, " She must be well traveled." I just nodded in agreement.
I tell you, it is a joy to be interacting daily with this generation. They are all treasures!

Haatiban

Just returned from a leadership retreat in Haatiban. We were up on a ridge at the south end of the valley and the views were spectacular of the city and Himals behind it. At night we could see the whole city lit up in the twinkling lights and fireworks of Tihar. It was quite a sight! There was a heater in the room, so it was warm and cozy for sleeping.  I got up about 5:30 to watch the sun rise this morning. I saw some interesting birds and watched the fog roll up the river. After lunch, a couple of us walked down from the ridge...it took about 25 minutes and got a taxi back into town, another 30 minutes. It was such a nice, relaxing time of fellowship and seeking the Lord's guidance. Now back to class tomorrow...

I Thought Holidays Were For Resting?.

I mentioned in my previous blog that is was Tihar...the festival of lights. We have today off , so I have been at an overnight leadership retreat and then came home to catch up on work. The principal of the elementary school will be gone for a conference in Thailand this next week,( tough assignment) so I am the POC. Just want to make sure I have all my duck in a line... or is it in a row?  So I am prepping for classes and checking that we have back up in case of emergencies. Let pray for a quiet week.

Tihar

We are coming up on the holiday of Tihar. It is quite a festive holiday with lots of lights, gift-giving,  carolers, and loud noises. Firecrackers have been going off for a couple nights now. Last night there were a couple neighbors having singing contests and all the balconies and walls were light by butter candles.
The tikka that is put on the forehead of everyone and everything ( dogs and cows mostly) is bright greens, yellows, pinks, and blues along with the normal reds. It is quite colorful. This holiday is five days in length, but the main celebration is Thursday,( the fifth day) with the pujas for brothers being the main event. I believe  this holiday is also called Diwali, the festival of lights, in other places.

All I know is that while I was lesson planning with my TA yesterday, she said, "You do remember that we have no school on Thursday." To which I replied,"What? You mean I can not teach all these ideas I planned for Thursday?" She just smiled. I continued,"Then the kids will just have to come in anyways. I mean I planned it already!" She was not sure if I was kidding or not, so I sighed dramatically, "This holiday is getting in the way of my fun! Well, I guess I could re-arrange things so we can have that day off." She seemed relieved.

 So Happy Holidays everyone! May this be a holiday where the Light of the World is shone brightly and boldly in all that we do!

Refreshing

Today, we actually got a bit of rain! It was so refreshing. It was enough to clean the dust out  of the air in the valley and allow us to see the hills again. The air smells better too.

It was my first full day in class...I am a bit tired..but that may be because after school, I led a teacher develop workshop, so I got another hour and a half of teaching in! (I like to use all my available hours in a day!  It was good and I think people got something out of it.)

So I am home now, reflecting on the day and the goodness of the Lord.  I had more highs in the class today than lows and that is always a good thing.  I have added a morning devotion to the schedule and it was great how throughout the day, we were able to come back to what we learned during that time and see a connection.

A big high today was one of the students, upon completing his math sheet, let out this huge hurrah...we all jumped in surprise at the volume, but then went around giving high fives in the celebration. It was good fun.

We also dealt with an infestation of Ants! Large, mean-looking critters. They were everywhere, books, pillows, walls, windows, and the carpet was littered with them. We had a great adventure following the trail, trying to locate the nest.  I told the class we should collect them and put them on our rice for lunch....but I did not have any takers! Not sure why not?  We also isolated one ant and I draw (in pencil) on the wall his trail. We wanted to see if another ant came across it, would they follow it?  However, that didn't happen...probably because we sprayed at recess and vacuumed them all up before the kids came back. (Note to self - erase pencil makers on wall and get an aardvark as a class pet).

I am enjoying the classroom and thankful for the time I am having with these young people. It is so refreshing to teach again. What a blessing.  May God continue to grow these kids in the knowledge of Him and be glorified in all we do!

the Banquet!

What a wonderful day! It is good to be alive! I woke and did some early food prep before heading to church. The sermon was good and  very inspiring as I start a new year serving Almighty God and living out His purposes for me here on earth! May I always be focused on Him and run the race, focused on the prize!

This year, I based my party on one of my favorite  childhood comic books, Asterix and Obelix and the banquet. The book was written in my birth year and follows the Tour de France. It also introduced the little dog, Dogmatix for the first time.

 The food was a success! I was a bit worried about the prunes covered in bacon and then fried (instead of baked because the power was off from noon to three today). And the salmon chowder was a huge hit! The great finale of the evening was my watermelon/pineapple cake ( thanks pinterest for the idea). We had the foods mentioned in the comic book - with a few substitutes for things we could not get here.





 I created a  board game based on the comic book too and we had a grand time playing and making up rules. Then we played a bit of boccie with ping-pong balls so that the rolling of the balls on the floor would not sound like thunder to those living below. In the comic book there is a group of gentlemen playing a version of boccie and since I love the game (in fact when I retire I would like to become a avid lawn bowls player) I wanted to be sure to add it. On the last bowl of the tournament  I bowled and gently hit the jack to win. So it was like icing on the cake...(except we did not have cake...although we did have the ice cream on the watermelon).

On the invites I mentioned no gifts. I just wanted a rock. So people brought me rocks and I wrote some truths on them and made myself an Ebeneazer. That way I can remember the Spiritual Truths that God has given me this year.  Then they prayed for me and said a blessing over me. It was a great celebration!  I am truly blessed!

A Grand Weekend Planned!

I think that when you are teaching you enjoy your weekends more?! Not sure that is scientifically evaluated but I think it is true.

Anyways,  yesterday, as I was leaving work, someone asked me what I had planned for the weekend and I, in total honesty, said, " Nothing..I am just relaxing."  About half way home I thought, 'Do I need anything from the store?'  AND then I remembered...Oh I have grand plans for the weekend! With all the excitement of the week of teaching and SEW, I just forgot  all those grand plans and their reason until that moment. I must be getting older.

So today, Saturday, I am doing a lot of cooking and prepping for a Grand Banquet. The banquet is based on a comic book series called Asterix and Obelix. the book we are following is Asterix and the Banquet! ( Surprise, surprise!) You can check it out at this link:

 http://asterixonline.info/comics/Asterix_Comics/25/2.


I am preparing all the foods mentioned in the book...or some resemblance of them.  So lots to do. I created a board game and we have a miniature form of boccie too!  I have only asked that my guests bring a stone menhir...a small one....really small in fact.

So back to cooking and prepping. Life is just so fun to live!

Week One and Still Standing!

It's been over 10 years since I have been in the classroom full time and I am loving it! It is an awesome responsibility, but God has given me such a sense of joy. Yesterday, I was working on my
lesson plans and totally lost track of time, that is how much fun I am having.  I know I am a bit different from the previous teacher... okay a lot different ... but the students seem to be making the shift and that is good.
My biggest praise this week?  On Wednesday, I announced that it was math time and all ... I mean ALL the students groaned ( I think I was groaning too).  So I sang a little song that I used to sing to my 3rd graders in Korea and we got down to work. After practicing our addition for about 30 minutes (Yes, I am a task master) on white boards, one of the student's said, " Man, this is really fun!" I looked at her in shocked horror and said, " Wait a minute, half an hour ago, you were groaning about math and now you think it is fun?"  She got this big grin on her face, "Yep, today's math is a lot of fun."  I was quite excited about that, but worked hard not to show it...:) However I was praising God loudly on the inside!
So I suppose I will have a lot of stories  to tell.
The first student took Oberon home this weekend...I am anxious to see how that went. I know that the other students were disappointed about not getting to be the first... but they will get their turn soon enough.
In the meantime, I am looking for tongue depressors and some read alouds. I have so much planned I may need them to come on Saturdays too! NOT!
Week Two is coming!

Royal Petting Zoo?

This week is our Activity Week (SEW) and we are doing the VBS 'Babylon' in the afternoons. I am in charge of the Market Place (all the crafts) and yesterday we add the Royal Petting Zoo with two goats and three rabbits. This caused quite the stir in the marketplace, but the kids (human, not goat) enjoyed it. I think the rabbits were exhausted by the time it was all over.  The zoo will be open one more day and then we will be shipping them back to the far reaches of the kingdom.  

The students have really gotten into the spirit of the whole thing and we even had students bring customs to wear during the afternoon. They like the fact that they can choose a craft in the marketplace, although they do complain when they have to "purchase" the craft items. I like that math is added.  The stall workers are doing a wonderful job, although they complain too when I, as market place manager come through collecting the stall fee and tax!

The best part is the God sightings that the kids are writing down and posting on their tribal pillars. It is so great to see how God is making Himself real to each one of the students.  Daniel had courage and integrity. That is what I am praying for our students too. Courage and integrity!

What's Shaking?

We are, or at least were!  Last night we had a jolt. A 5.7 earthquake, epi-centered in Tibet gave us an unusual shake. KTM is built in a valley that was at one time the bottom of a lake, so our usual earthquakes are more like riding waves or  laying on a waterbed. It does cause a lot of damage, but it kind of makes you seasick when it happens. The earthshake yesterday evening was a sharp jolt. We knew it was not within our valley. I got on the Nepal's breaking new site and about an hour later found out the info I shared above.
 
It is always a bit freaky when the earth shakes, cause you are wondering about aftershocks and damage control, but that was all we got, thankfully!

It took me a while to get calm enough to think about sleep...but I finally did and things around the city seem to be fine this morning.

Day One - Teach - Check

Monday is over and I am still among the living! God has been my strength all day and what a joy that was. While I was teaching today, I remember looking at all the kids ( I have nine) and thinking, "Wow, I have missed this!" (I will probably need to be reminded of that in week 5). It was a good day and others stepped in to help with the VBS marketplace. I was able to get the finishing touches up and all the kids seemed to enjoy their crafts. We will see what they decided to make tomorrow. I just want to public thank the Lord for answering all your prayers too! What a blessing!

Prep 'n' Prayer

I think that I have all the crafts ready... and I am mostly prepared for my first day of classes. Just asking that you all be praying this week in particular as there is a lot on my plate. I am most excited about how God will use this VBS to speak truth into the lives of our students.  May His will be done here on earth, as it is being done in Heaven! The book of Daniel is such a book of integrity.  So here we go....into the lion's den...may I walk with integrity and joy! Amen.

Oberon and Ophelia

In the middle of the night last night I had a brainstorm. I decided that I needed a couple of toy yaks for my class.
 This morning I headed over to Thamel, the touristy/trekking part of the city and wandered the narrow alleys for a couple hours looking for yaks.  Finally I walked into one shop and found exactly what I was looking for!  That was a bit of a surprise, but I was glad to find them.

So  I am introducing Oberon and Ophelia Yak on my blog today!  Oberon actually has plain brown “hair”, but Ophelia has a deep purple hue to her “hair”.  I am quite pleased with them both.

 I have my yaks, now I can begin teaching!

How does Superman do it?

I realized that today was already the 2nd of November and I had not written a blog in this most wonderful of months. What is going on with that!?

Anyways... I could use some super powers this week...Why?

On Monday I step into the classroom for the next seven weeks. As I looked over the curriculum today, I was a bit overwhelmed with the whole idea of teaching again, but I serve a God who has the power to make all things possible.  So I keep plodding my way though the guides and all the paper work remembering that it is a privilege to be a part of these kids' educational journey.  Thank you Lord!
So this weekend I'm gearing up to be very busy getting prepped for class
AND 
I'm also setting up for the VBS we are doing all week as part of our SEW. We are doing the Group study on Daniel called Babylon. I am in charge of the marketplace, which is all of the crafts! You know how much I love crafting. I am really surprised I still have hair. But I think that students will have a good time and I am praying that the Lord's presence and glory is felt and seen in all that we do and say. Join me in praying.

So bring on the weekend... and the week!

I think I am going to need a cape!