epiphany of a sixth grader

Every week my sixth graders have spelling words that they have to do various things with-two of those things are to make an alphabetical list and then look them up in the dictionary. This afternoon in study hall one of the boys says "Ms. Leonard, I know why you make us put our words in order. They are easier to find in the dictionary that way." [pause...pause] "maybe teachers do care" [at this point i throw my arms up in the air, though I am glad it's only taken him 11 years to figure this out!!!]

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.