The Birthday Song

At the beginning of each month we sing this song at Impacto Biblico. It is a Spanish hymn for birthdays. My friend Sara thinks it is better than sliced bread. I have to admit I enjoy it too...but no one loves it as much as her!!!

Handel's "The Messiah"

I sang in Handel's "The Messiah"...the Christmas portion. There were probably 100 people in the chorus, 40 musicians, and the 4 soloists. We rehearsed for 3 months every Sunday afternoon and performed twice-once in the national theatre and once in the Santo Domingo(pictured below). Though the music wasn't exactly my cup of tea it was really good for me vocally. I am so used to singing praise and worship music that it took me a while to adjust.
I had a hard time when I started thinking about all the people who were singing in the chorus(and the soloists) who probably had no clue what we were singing about. I know what it is like to just sing words...I do it a lot on Sunday mornings en espanol. But this was such a big deal! I was so encouraged by some of the CAG community who came and said they really felt the words. If you've never heard it I recommend reading the words. They are sooooo rich!

getting close

The sun is shining and the days of the semester are dwindling. There are 4.5 days left of the semester which means...finals to finish writing and review sheets to go with them, lots of Christmas celebrations with Uth and an orphanage, one more Survivior dinner, a very exciting wedding to attend, and I will be coming "home" in a few short days.
Ironically I have mixed feelings about coming home. I am excited to see people...especially all "my kids" who I am sure forgot they were suposed to stop growing in my absense! But I'm not excited about traveling and packing and saying goodbye to all my friends here for what little vacation we actually get. And weird enough I get this weird nervousness in my tummy when I am going to see people I haven't seen in a while...have things changed?will they still love me just the same? I know it sounds silly but I am a bit of a freak and a spaz:)
I should probably go finish typing up those tests I am giving in the next few days:(

Little Blessings

A good friend of mine sent me a card for Thanksgiving...which gave me warm fuzzies on the inside and turned out to be a really nice reminder of why those of us who call the US home celebrate Thanksgiving in the first place. Sometimes...okay a lot of times...it's really easy to get caught up in the tasks of holidays (and the short vacations from school:)
But today I want to share with you a few of the things I am thankful for here in Guatemala.
#1 a community and support system of believers like no where else I've been
#2 the handful of close friends here who take me as I am
#3 students who actually follow directions every so often:)
#4 exciting news that i will be getting another roommate & the school getting 9th grade English teacher next semester
#5 finding out that what feels like a burden has been a blessing to numerous people
#6 stumbling on a website that allows students to donate a bowl of rice for every correctly identified vocab word...and then finding out they do it at home for fun
#6 finding the place where i can buy turkey lunchmeat here:)
#7 making it to the top of what seemed like an impossible mountain to climb
#8 my babies- anne marie & erica- they turn 2 next week
#9 7th grade girls who ate my cooking, spent the night, and lived to tell about it
#10 YOU- No, you're not in here Guatemala but I am so thankful for the many blessing you all have showered on me. I look foward to seeing many of you over Christmas vacation!!! Blessings to you all. Enjoy your turkey...and the nap that must immediately following eatting your turkey!!!

Sleep Over

I never had a big massive sleep-over at my house when I was growing up...I understand why now:) There are 9 7th grade girls downstairs watching a movie in the living room as I type. I am hoping they will go to sleep at some point in time before the movie ends because some of them tell me they need to be up at 5:00am to get ready! aahhh! It has actually been a great night, a little bit of spaghetti, a lot bit of junk food, and lots of time to chill out and chat. I don't teach any of these girls anymore. If I were to stay next year, I would have them again, but I don't plan on staying. I am going to miss them:)

going to school

I tried to take some pictures while I was driving to school on a rainy Saturday. Not nearly as much traffic as during the week so it was "safe":) The last picture is the entrace gate to CAG. There is a guard who opens and closes the door for everyone between 7am and 7 pm. All guns have to be left with our guards...you think I'm kidding...but I'm not. It's not a super common thing, but when we play certain schools in sports kids come with body guards...and body guards often come with guns.

Uth Velocity

We've changed things around a little, mainly combining middle school and high school into one night. It's going to take some adjusting mostly for the high schoolers but they'll get used to it. We're calling it Velocity because it means "change in position over change in time". We hope and pray our time together each week will challenge all of the teens to do just that.
The first night of Uth Velocity was great--themed Fear Factor. Next week--Gigana Hugana Banana Spilt Night. Mmm, mmm, good:)

Gymnastics

I have always loved gymnastics...so when I was asked to do elementary gymnastics I was excited about it. Tuesday afternoon somewhere between 30 and 50 kids showed up on my 4 panel mats. IT WAS INSANE!!!! So I split the kids up, half on Tuesdays, half on Thursdays. Yesterday 25 kids showed up...AAAHHHH! Next week will be better because a couple high schoolers are going to help me. But there's only so much one can do with 25 kids who's ability levels range from not being able to do a forward roll to doing backhandsprings. I just hope the parents who are sitting in the stands watching don't think I am a horrible person because I make kids do push-ups when they midbehave! I guess I'll find out over the next few weeks.
One of the girls (in Kinder) takes gymnastics at the Federacion here in Guate. She goes for 3 hours a day. Let me tell you she is darling-toes always pointed, legs always straight, chin always up-I expect big things out of her and I guess so does her coach!

The Two Become "Bemily"

Introducing Ben & Emily Croston...
The big day went off without a hitch. Em and Ben were glowing immediately upon seeing one another and didn't ever stop. The day was the perfect beginning to a marriage made in heaven.

I am Next Level

What a view...of the sky and "my staff"!!! We are off to a great start with camp...aside from me completely forgetting to do the Cool Stretch! Kids come on Sunday...which is very exciting for everyone.

Being here has been bitter sweet. I am way more relaxed than I have ever been...but I wish I was a little closer to family right now.

"Home"

What an incredible feeling! I have never been away from 'home' for this long before...sometimes 10 months felt like forever. It is good to be here, weird but good. I keep looking for the garbage can by the toilet and expecting people to speak spanish when I go out in public. Hmph.

The Person Who Never Rides the Rides

This weekend I went on a retreat with Middle School Uth (at church). It was SWEET!!! We went to Xocomil (a water park). Aside from the fact that they don't allow girls to wear shorts on some of the rides, the park was really nice. We never had to stand in line long and the slides were all stellar. For me, the hylight was playing beach volleyball. Two of my 8th grade students(Erin & Lilia), Rene, and I attempted to mop the floor with some random people...which we did...sometimes:) I have certainly drawn crowds in my life but not from playing volleyball! We were the last people to leave the park.
We "camped" inside someone's house close to the park. We were going to camp outside but then it rained...wet ground...kids that have never put up tents before...and no tarps for under their tents...Jes and I decided tents could go up inside:) Sadly enough I couldn't even get a fire started...there's a first for everything. We ended up running into town, buying a pot, and boiling our hot dogs on the stove top...not exactly roughing it...but what are ya gonna do?
Rene shared with the kids about not being apathethic in their faith and accepting God's strength...you could tell that they were actually paying attention and really hit home. Heck, it hit home with me...and I got a new favorite song out of it...Building 429-No One Else Knows.
Amazingly enough when I told the kids to go to their tents at 11:30 they did it and I didn't have to get off my yoga/sleeping mat til morning.
Sunday turned out to be a long day...we spent over 4 hours hanging out at a tienda on the side of the road cause our van broke down. Eventually the tow truck and a new van arrived and we hit the road. The kids were all sleeping or entranced by their ipods so time flew by. When I finally got home after dropping kids off and dropping of the van I was wiped. I was so tired I actually watched a movie in Social Studies class today!!!
Oh yeah, the title of this blog, at the park Saturday afternoon it dawned on me why you usually convince someone to go to water/amusement parks who doesn't ride anything...to take pictures!!! We did not do that...and therefore I don't have any pictures:(

International Fair

March 27 was the International Fair at CAG with 35 countries represented! The 6th and 7th graders worked most of 2nd semester to research, do a report, and put together a display for a country of their choice. A lot of them really got into it and worked really hard to show of their new found knowledge. Emily is pictured above fielding questions from the 7th grade Social Studies teacher about Japan.

Middle School Retreat

Who would ever in their right mind get on a bus with 37 middle school students? Apparently middle school teachers:)

Yesterday was Middle School Retreat, meaning only part of one class first thing in the morning and then go to a water park for the rest of the school day. It was a blast! I love hanging out with my students outside of the classroom. Something happens when school is out...I don't know what...but I like it. We spent the day basking in the sun...and turning a nice crispy shade of red!

There were water slides that landed in amazingly hot pools of water... the kids didn't like it when I called it a pee pool:)

Pics from the big fingerprinting escapade

Left to Right: The largest book known to man, Sherry, me

Rene trying to break in with the cool fingerprint ID machine.

The evidence...it's really my prints...I promise!!!

how great thou art

About once a month I lead a few songs for our teacher devotions at school. I must admit growing up singing hymns in church has made me a little bias-I love hymns and the depth of their words. This morning we ended with How Great Thou Art. I found myself smiling as I sang with and listened to my co-workers belt out the the wonderful words. It's one of those songs that you can't just walk away from...it follows your thoughts and heart all day long. Today was no exception. It has been an uplifting day...just in the little things. And I know why...starting the day surrounded by other people who know just how great my God truly is.

Fingerprints

I don't know why I assume that generally speaking people are willing to help others in need. And especially why I would think that the US Embassy would go a foot out of their way to help a US citizen in another country. Maybe it's just my irritation with this whole getting fingerprints process. I spent the last two days driving all over Guatemala City, going back and forth between various police stations, crime units, and the embassy. I have to say I am soooo thankful for the friends who accompanied me, or I guess I should said led me all over. I never would have found my way around and been able to communicate with any of the people where I was going although I actually made somewhat of an attempt to talk with the head of Interpol (international police). His solution which he repeated at least 4 times was for me to find a Guatemalan to marry:) Rene and Coqui were very amused by this, Sherry and I however were not. So now the process continues on Monday and hopefully it will be done on Monday...at least aquiring my fingerprints will be done.

Short Break

Last week Crissie's fiance came to visit so Crissie and I took a day off from school so the three of us could go to Panajachel. Pana is a MAJOR tourist town--and well it's known for having lots of hippies. We drove up on a Friday morning and came back on Sunday. It was a blast! Panajachel is located on the edge of Lake Attitlan which is ironically high in the mountains/volcanoes. There are MANY towns around the lake and 3 volcanoes. We stayed at a bunglaloo in Pana and took a boat across the lake to a smaller town-Santiago. We did some street shopping, took some pictures, and took a slow boat ride back across the lake. I love being on the water--reminded me of lots of sailing trips on Lake Erie with my dad. Hopefully I have many more of those trips to come!

Chicks

We watched a man pull baby chicks out of crates and throw them in the bed of his truck so all the women could look at them and pick which ones they wanted. That was something I had never seen before.

Living the Life...The Amazing Race

Highlights of the Union Church High School Uth Retreat

• Living the life...the kids were actually challenged spiritually! I didn't think my small group was going to talk at all but it turns out they were really open with me and each other.
• New worship songs...friends of friends came down to be "the band" for the weekend. Not only were they great, but the kids really responded positively, and I learned some new songs.
• The Amazing Race...I have no doubt in my mind that I am old and out of shape and I will never be on the Amazing Race:) We did a afternoon long race around the city(Antigua) where we stayed. I haven't run that hard since my last 10-mile run for cross country my senior year of high school! Of course it would turn out that I couldn't finish the last leg of the race because my leg cramped up so bad I couldn't stand up. Like I said...old.
• Steal the Bacon X-treme...a Josh Carmichael creation for Next Level but sooooo perfect for this group of kids.
• Papazitos...my new favorite pizza place in Guatemala.

This is Norman... lovingly named after Bebo. He's been quite a blessing. Crissie is pulling out of our gate one morning before school.

Shoe-co

I don't really know how to spell the word but it's pronounced shoe-co. Last week I had my first. It sounds a little awkward but it was really good. It's a hotdog with guacamole and cabagge. There's a particular corner that they are sold on not far from the church. When you drive down the street the men literally run at your car to get you to stop and eat. You pull over, order, they go make it and bring it back hot off the grill or pot, I'm not sure. Anyway It was an experience to remember and hopefully the first of many visits to that random street.

New/Old Friends

Way back when...in October when I played for that Women's Retreat for my church...I met Sherry Alvarez. She led music with me for the retreat. She and I hit it off really quickly which has been a huge blessing. She and I did special music at church Sunday morning...let me tell you...I am a little rusty.
Sherry is hoping as well as myself and a bunch of people at CAG that she will be able to join the CAG staff for next fall. She's been down here teaching for 3 years now and hasn't quite found her niche in a school. We went to go look at a potential house for she and her husband-Javier. Right now they live as far away as they could on the other side of the city. I am REALLY excited about the potential of them being closer!!!

A New Car!!!

Finalamente!! My roommate, Crissie, and I bought a 97 Honda Civic. We are both really excited about the potential freedom that it brings!

Ziping in Pana

We wanted to go to the Nature Reserve in Panajachel. My roommates wanted to go to see nature...I wanted to go to ride the zip line:) We got all suited up and hiked up the moutain...to enjoy nature and then zip down 6 different cables. It was fun; not as fast as at camp but still a good time and an amazing view of Lake Attitlan. I curled myself up in a ball to go faster...the guys running it weren't happy with me:)

Prayer Request

The sixth grade class at CAG. I took this pic in the first couple weeks of school. One of the students left back in October, another one came in December, and I think another will be heading back to the States in the next week. Which is actually the prayer request-Josiah's mom has cancer. Over Christmas she took a turn for the worse so the whole family was planning to leave at the end of Feb. A couple days ago things grew worse. As of this moment we believe the whole family will be going back to the States within the week. They have 4 kids -6th, 8th, 10th, and 11th grade, two of which are my students. All of the kids tend to keep things bottled inside.

Please pray for their safety, smooth transition, and an outlet to express what's going on inside. Their names: Tammy & Paul Kinney (mom & dad), and oldest to youngest-Luke, Erin, Ethan, and Josiah.

still at school at 7pm

It's almost 7 Tuesday night and I am still at school! The joy of being a teacher! My roommate, Crissie, is the drama teacher at CAG. She has rehersal for the upcoming play(The Boys Next Door) so I stayed late to finish up writing a test...which I finished!
Life down here has become just that-everyday life. Lots of papers to grade, lots of tests to write and then grade...you get the idea. The time I get to spend with students always makes it worthwhile. It's kind of funny because I stopped helping with middle school Uth this semester. I just needed a break. Still every week the kids try to convince me to come-apparently they like me. I thought they would appreciate the break from me too; I was wrong.
I guess I should start attacking my stack of papers...