Goodnight honeymoon stage

There always comes a time when reality sets in. In most phases and transitions of life we experience a short period when everything seems to be going perfectly smoothly and nothing will discourage you from the task at hand. And then there comes a point where you realize that being joyful and content takes work and lots of time with God.

Next week is going to be my first full week of teaching and though it is a short week, I became very overwhelmed yesterday. Part of the reason for that is because I had spent a lot of my free time during the schoolday painting the big backgrounds for the third grade play. It took quite a bit of time, and I was exhausted by the end of the week. Thankfully, the Lord put my perspective in the right place, reminding me why I am doing all of this: because this is where He has put me and because I have so much to learn from these kids. Not to mention that they are in need of someone to guide them and I am one of those people right now.

Last Friday (the 19th) I was able to go out to the Word of Life in Atibaia (about 2 hours from here) and reconnect with some missionary friends I grew up with in northern Brasil. It was such a great time, though short and really encouraged me.

There were some very meaningful moments this week. My parents got to come visit for Sunday- Tuesday which was a blessing!! We were able to have some fun times and good talks, and they got to see the church I have been attending as well as see PACA. We died laughing on Monday night playing Dutch Blitz and Mad Lib together. Mom got frustrated with Dad winning all the time that she threw all her cards at him and then with a laugh said, "That felt SOOOOO good!!!"

The kids did a wonderful job on their play. They sang a song by Mary Rice Hopkins called "Forgive" which is about the parable of the unmerciful servant. It is a really beautiful song and when kids sing it always gets to me. Such sweet sounding voices. Even though practices could get stressful and they wouldn't listen, that moment at the end when they would practice their song would help get my mind in the right place.

That is all for now! I have finished my lesson planning and am hoping to enjoy an evening with my roomate and another friend. :)

Thanks for your prayers! I cannot tell you how much I have felt them. There are times when I feel so discouraged and God just reminds me of His purposes and plans - they can be unknown to me, but He has already laid them out for me. SO thankful!

Seaweed, fossils and honesty

So Bbax, I totally stole the idea of putting three random ideas into the title to grab attention. :) The past two days have included many sweet moments, and have stood out to me in their own specific ways. First of all, let me make mention of the fact that these kids have a way of finding some way to work their way into your affections, despite their misbehavior. Even though there are many times I have to be strict and correct them, there are also those times when I look them in the eye and want to tear up from their sweetness.

So over lunch, I was finishing up the last of my rice, beans and salad, and chatting with the other teachers. H., a sweet Korean girl in my class, came flying over to me, hugged me and said, "Miss H, Miss H! I left something on your desk for you!"
"Oh, how sweet!"
"SEAWEED!" And off she goes in all her happy abandon.

Now I have made it my policy that I will not reject food before I try it, especially when I'm around the kids because many of them are pretty picky anyways. Though I have tried seaweed, it was a long time ago, and I didn't want to simply give it back to her without trying it. So, on arriving back to my desk, (finding a cell phone and a random scratch paper with numbers scrawled all over it....leftovers from a harried 10-year old boy in a hurry to get to recess), I found the infamous green strips of ocean produce. :/ Tearing off a tiny piece (I seriously do not like seafood, except for the occassional fish or shrimp), and quickly chewed. Hmmmmm, yeah not enjoyable. When H. came back into the room, I was able to tell her that I indeed tried it. She graciously took it back, offered it to Miss Deboer twice, (who also does not enjoy it), and munched contentedly on the wretched stuff.

So discussing fossils is harder than it seems. There are so many opinions about dinosaurs and mammoths and amounts of years, that it takes quite a lot of thought and careful explanation of the importance of not believing everything we read. They ask some incredible questions: for instance, "Why do animals kill each other now and they didn't when God first created them?" I know, amazing leading question right? I also had my first kid fall asleep on me during 8th period, halfway through the Science lesson. He's one of those kids who is constantly having to be corrected about not putting his head down on his desk or slouching all over the place. I was just scanning the room and one of the boys near T. (our sleepy friend), was raising his hand. I called on him and he said, "Um, T. is asleep..." WE all started slightly chuckling, and I went over and poked him in the arm, then harder, then had to shake him awake. I was trying so hard not to bust out, especially when he raised his head with the most confused look on his face, then saw us laughing and smiled somewhat. I had everyone stand up, and had our friend T. do 10 jumping jacks. "Did that wake you up?" I asked, a smile still present on my face.
"He just gave me a sleepy look and I had everyone sit down again.

The other thing that happened today that amazed me and blessed me beyond belief was during Grammar. A Brazilian/American girl, V., is a joy to have in the classroom. She lost her mother about 4 years ago, and does not seem to be bitter at all, but still will talk openly about it. That has nothing to do with today's lesson, but she is the kind of girl I would definitely trust with all kinds of responsibilities. We were going over one section of grammar together, and then they were to complete the second section on their own. I noticed that a few of the students had done most of the second section while we were carefully going over the first part as a class. I had them "flip a card" which is our way of keeping them in line. They are different colors and certain ones mean a warning, 5 minute in at recess, and so on. I allowed them about five more minutes to work, and thought nothing more of the matter. V. came over to my stool, and said quietly, "I was also doing the second part while we were working together."

HELLO!!! Gloria a Dios! Yay for honesty! I could have hugged her I was so happy with her! I asked her to flip a card, but thanked her for telling the truth. Right before they all left for the day, she walked over to my desk, and said, "My dad always told me it's better to tell the truth, even if it means you'll get in trouble." That's when a couple tears came to my eyes.
"That is exactly right, V.! I was so, so glad you told me the truth, and even though it means you had to flip a card, if I had found out later, and realized you hadn't told me the truth, you would have had to flip 2 cards." I gave her a big thumbs-up and her grin stretched clear to the ceiling. Talk about amazing moment!

Each one is loved

I have gotten to the point where I have started to see some certain things in each of the students that amazes me and could also make me go crazy if I didn't have the Holy Spirit. :) My cooperating teacher has helped me to understand the kids a bit better, and so far it's been quite a journey learning more and more about them. Even though there is no way to describe them all to you, I would like to help you catch just a tiny glimpse of the kids I am with 5 days out of the week.

First of all, there is little L., (just to protect their names), a Korean-Brazilian boy who just craaaacks me up sometimes. He has a little rough voice, and when he talks to you he sort of cocks his head and sideglances at you the entire time. He is dead center in front of me when I'm teaching, and whenever I have a questions he absolutely feels he needs to answer, he raises his hand and mentions desperately, "I knooooow!" I have to swallow hard to not laugh, and instead to correct his talking without being called on. Then there's J, an incredible Chinese-American girl who is suuuuper bright, but would never brag about it. She is almost like a motherly student, and she's taller than anyone else. Whenever I'm teaching and I say something that needs affirmation or I am saying something important, she is the only one who will nod her head, encouraging me more than she knows :)

There is also S, who is one of the only full American kids in the classroom. He has some trouble getting through assignments quickly, and has to be prompted consistently to work a bit quicker. He is also an incredibly sweet boy, and wouldn't hurt a fly (that I know of so far :) One of the funniest things I have ever seen was when the kids all headed to swimming and we were sitting eating lunch with the teachers. And who walks by but S., a blond headed, swim-suit clad, (complete with a waterproof shirt,) with his goggles ALREADY ON, his towel slung over his shoulder, and the swagger of a 9-year old ready for action. OH my goodness, Christine (the third grade teacher) and I about died laughing. So great.

These are just a few of the kids and I'll try to describe them to you a bit more in the days to come. I am having a wonderful, relaxing Friday night. I corrected their memory verse notebooks tonight, while chilling with my roomate. Their verse for this week was Psalm 121:3,4: "He will not let your foot slip. He who watches over you will not sleep; indeed, He who watches over Israel will never slumber nor sleep." What an amazing promise. Never let your foot slip. Even when we think things are sliding away and we cannot keep up, He is not sleeping. He is wide awake, projecting the plans for us, and helping us to serve Him in so many diverse and necessary ways for His kingdom. It is pretty exciting because by correcting the students' verses (which they write four times each week,) it's pretty impossible to not memorize them. One more gift from God.

Keep rollin' on

Life continues to be rich and full. Today I was reading about how we have been made ALIVE through Christ, and there is no darkness in us. I pray I will never get tired of thinking about this! This week I will be teaching two subjects, Bible and Science, and working on keeping on top of other things I need to get done too.

It's amazing how similar São Paulo is to Boa Vista but also how very different it is too. We were driving back from the mall on Saturday night, and as we drove past, I realized how much bigger and more varied it is. There are so many neighborhoods, and only a few streets are familiar so far. In Boa Vista, it was easy to recognize what part of town we were in, but here, it takes some effort to think about where we are, since "downtown" is such a relative term here.

Today was a great day, though I was kind of tired from skyping with Mom, Dad, Melissa and then Nelton, Bethany and Aulo all together last night. So wonderful but it took me a while to fall asleep after all that talking. It is so nice to be in the sunshine. Today was particularly hot, and the only relief I got was jumping into the pool for a while. There is no better feeling than all the heat washing away right when you get into the water. :)

Tonight Sarah and I had leftover shepherd's pie I made yesterday and watched "Skylark" which I haven't seen in years. So fun! I managed to get some stuff done while we we watched too, since I've seen it before.

Better head to bed so I'm not as tired tomorrow :)

So apparently it's not a good idea to post pics of the kids all over facebook, but the blog is a better way. So, here a few of the kids. They are so great and they really help me to keep things in perspective. I think I just love their fresh view on things, not complicating things more than they need to be.

I have a four day weekend which is really nice. And I miss my man a lot. You can pray for me in that. Less than 3 months til I see him!

First few class days :)

I can't even explain the joys of being with the kids each day. I know I am still in the honeymoon stage, but talking with the teacher about the kids and being able to interact with them is so much fun. Today the kids were so open with me and came over and just chattered like crazy. It was wonderful and I enjoyed each of their little comments. :)

I had a fun evening last night with my roomate. I've been hanging out with the other teachers the last couple evenings, but last night Sarah and I made dinner of putanesca (pasta, green olives, tomatoes, salami and garlic,) green pepper slices and parmesan toast. It's fun because we make casual but delicious meals during the week, and I have some recipes pulled out to make over the weekend. We'll see if that happens.

I've been getting out on the town to make little runs to the mercadinho (little grocery stores) and it's very safe in this area because we're pretty far away from downtown. The first trip I made was with an Mk who is a junior high teacher named Kendra. She actually is a Moody alum and was a KW in the kitchen! She know Charlie, Uncle Marty and a few others in the kitchen. That's been neat to see the connection. As we were leaving on Sunday night there were some loud claps of thunder and looming dark clouds. We decided to go anyway because I really wanted to get out after being on the base all day. We hurried and the store was closed so we went to a padaria (bread store) and we got some necessary groceries.

Eating lunch with the teachers is also a highlight. We sit in this roof place, with the breeze going through, and the staple is my favorite, rice and beans with different side dishes each day and fresh salad stuff. We grab our food along with the kids and then get to leave the noisy chaos to sit in the beautiful tree-covered area. I have met quite a few of the staff already, and they are all so great. It's interesting because they are all so surprised when I can speak Portuguese. A lot of the staff are more comfortable with Portuguese so they are excited. Also, when you pass people on the sidewalk or by the classrooms I never know which language to use. Half the time one will say an English phrase and the other a Portuguese one. haha

Well, this is getting long and we're about to have leftover putanesca and tuna melts. I need to write a letter to the parents as an introduction, but that's about all for tonight. All glory to God for this beautiful place!

On my way...

This is what I wrote in a notebook while at the airport...enjoy!!!

Wow- I made it. Here I sit at gate C20 in O’Hare airport, about to head off, finally!! Surprisingly, I am calm but also excited beyond belief. Somehow, I already feel at home with Portuguese flowing all around me and being just about the only one with real blonde hair sitting at the gate. The friendliness of Brazilians is making its impression again, having just had a neat conversation with two Brazilians. Speaking Portuguese just makes my heart so happy!

It’s funny because I was in this exact terminal 4 ½ months ago when I embarked on another adventure to Perú – somehow it makes me miss him. It’s amazing how many times I said the phrase – “We’ll keep up on facebook and Skype,” when hugging people goodbye. I am so thankful for technology that allows me to keep up with my wonderful friends and boyfriend. Also, I found out we’ll have pretty reliable internet at the school, so Skype will be a frequent activity. 

Getting through check-in and security was breezarific. I feel like I’ve travelled so much in my life and even the last year, that I feel so at home in airports! Two of the United personnel asked me what was in my 2 check-ons, and as soon as I said “Clothes. Books. Memories. My life….I’m moving,” they smiled and waved me on. Hehe… One suitcase was just 1 ½ pounds over, so I quickly switched those to my carry-on, and said goodbye to Joel. I’m so glad he was able to see me off!

The line for security was virtually nonexistent, I guess because people don’t really travel overseas in the winter? Who knows…God does.  There are some things I really appreciate about Brasil, like free carts at the airports. Goodness, they made me pay $4 here at O’hare for a cart I only used for like 20 minutes!

It’s so funny, looking around, even if I wasn’t blonde, my tennis shoes would give away the fact that I’m American. Brazilians girls enjoy going through extra pain by wearing cute shoes while they travel….crazy! Goodbyes were not quite as painful as I thought they would be, though I’m sure I will miss people more in the days to come. I got some fun pictures at early eats, which I’m sure I’ll treasure forever.
For now I will close this. I am looking forward to the journey I am starting with God right beside me. I am certain He has amazing, and even difficult things planned!

And so, I enter the sea of Brazilness, a wonderful place to be!