I thought it would be good to let you know about giving online. For your convenience I have added a link in the sidebar under the section called "About Me". Follow the directions there for making online donations.
Thanks a lot! May you have a great Christmas!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Sunday, December 02, 2007
aftermath
In the aftermath of my two years as a teacher lies much destruction, suffering, and death. Just kidding. That's the aftermath of Hurricane Felix. It's still too recent to clearly see what's been left in my wake...the dust is still settling. I finished up my responsibilities as a teacher a week before heading back to the US, and that was almost two weeks ago. It seems like so long ago already. Grading is done. Exams are done. Calculating notes is done. Talking with parents is done. The making of reparation exams is done (one student out of 65 failed English, so maybe there is some suffering here, but much less than Felix left behind). Certainly I enjoyed very much this experience, but I'm also relieved to be done.
Back to Felix. During the week before coming home, I spent a few days in a sort of orientation for my new job. The orientation included some boring (yes, I honestly almost fell asleep..and may have actually dozed off for fractions of a second...but hey, give me a break...it was the end of a long, difficult year and I didn't get any time to relax before jumping into orientation!) sessions about the policies and history of the Nehemiah Center. Actually, the history section was quite interesting but my tiredness was overwhelming. The orientation also involved a highly interesting trip to the Carribean coast of Nicaragua. I was a tag along for a program evaluation. The CRC was involved there in the relief efforts after Hurricane Felix--and that's how this all connects to the first sentence of this paragraph. I had never been out east and it's far different than Managua and the central region of Nicaragua. I was struck by the destruction I could still see two months after the hurricane hit Nicaragua. Rated as category 5 and with winds of 160mph, it left all of the crops destroyed as well as I could see almost all of the natural vegetation. In the region we visited, 80% of the homes were destroyed.
It opened my eyes to a bunch of things. It is so important to have a reliable and thoughtful distribution network for relief efforts, especially in underdeveloped areas. This would have been a daunting task and hugely unorganized without the presence of Accion Medica. Quality of materials donated also for the first time really struck me. I saw some other roofing materials, (not of the CRC) that looked like paper--metal that could be bent by hand. Maybe more importantly, what struck me was the need for help. Without outside help, many, many people would have probably died for lack of food. Disease would have spread without medical help and shelter. At least in this area, the relief was very well organized. And while I knew it beforehand, I got to see firsthand the need for empowering communities and teaching them to work together.
I should mention that this is the Lord's work--meeting needs and caring for people in a wholesome way. I am glad to be joining other Christians in their work here in Nicaragua. I pray that I can learn as much as possible about what it means to serve the Lord in this way. I am blessed to work with such committed people and organizations. Hopefully as I learn I can also contribute to what is happening and have a positive impact.
Since I've been back I've been enjoying time with family and friends. Every once in a while I see things, or hear things, or smell things I love and miss. But, I know that I'm in the right place and would not change it.
I want to take this opportunity to briefly share my financial need. Without going into detail, in this new position I'm going to be relying entirely on support from friends and family and church for my income. The Nejemiah Center won't pay any wages. If you were considering a one-time gift, or just feel led to give before the end of the year, all money will come straight to me. After the new year, my designation with CRC will change from "Partner Missionary" to "Volunteer" and while donations will happen the same from your end, from my end I'll be recieving money on more of a reimbursement basis. When it comes right down to it, any gifts would be great anytime, but there's something nice about recieving it directly rather than a reimbursement. I'd be glad to explain this confusing change, but I think it might just get more confusing on this blog!
Thank you for your support during the last two years. I pray you'll continue to support me and hold me in your prayers during the next two (and maybe beyond!) as I continue to serve the Lord and his people in Central America.
prayer items:
Back to Felix. During the week before coming home, I spent a few days in a sort of orientation for my new job. The orientation included some boring (yes, I honestly almost fell asleep..and may have actually dozed off for fractions of a second...but hey, give me a break...it was the end of a long, difficult year and I didn't get any time to relax before jumping into orientation!) sessions about the policies and history of the Nehemiah Center. Actually, the history section was quite interesting but my tiredness was overwhelming. The orientation also involved a highly interesting trip to the Carribean coast of Nicaragua. I was a tag along for a program evaluation. The CRC was involved there in the relief efforts after Hurricane Felix--and that's how this all connects to the first sentence of this paragraph. I had never been out east and it's far different than Managua and the central region of Nicaragua. I was struck by the destruction I could still see two months after the hurricane hit Nicaragua. Rated as category 5 and with winds of 160mph, it left all of the crops destroyed as well as I could see almost all of the natural vegetation. In the region we visited, 80% of the homes were destroyed.  |
| Slideshow |
I should mention that this is the Lord's work--meeting needs and caring for people in a wholesome way. I am glad to be joining other Christians in their work here in Nicaragua. I pray that I can learn as much as possible about what it means to serve the Lord in this way. I am blessed to work with such committed people and organizations. Hopefully as I learn I can also contribute to what is happening and have a positive impact.
Since I've been back I've been enjoying time with family and friends. Every once in a while I see things, or hear things, or smell things I love and miss. But, I know that I'm in the right place and would not change it.
I want to take this opportunity to briefly share my financial need. Without going into detail, in this new position I'm going to be relying entirely on support from friends and family and church for my income. The Nejemiah Center won't pay any wages. If you were considering a one-time gift, or just feel led to give before the end of the year, all money will come straight to me. After the new year, my designation with CRC will change from "Partner Missionary" to "Volunteer" and while donations will happen the same from your end, from my end I'll be recieving money on more of a reimbursement basis. When it comes right down to it, any gifts would be great anytime, but there's something nice about recieving it directly rather than a reimbursement. I'd be glad to explain this confusing change, but I think it might just get more confusing on this blog!
Thank you for your support during the last two years. I pray you'll continue to support me and hold me in your prayers during the next two (and maybe beyond!) as I continue to serve the Lord and his people in Central America.
prayer items:
-humility and a heart ready to learn as I begin the new position
-intelligence, wisdom, creativity, and drive, too!
-personal safety and health. I've come through two years virtually
unscathed, but there's always that risk.
-for two replacements to fill my shoes at the school! They want
to expand the program, but haven't even found one replacement yet.
Friday, November 09, 2007
lights and poverty
The countdown has begun: 13 days of classes remaining, six of which are really half days. During the last several weeks, I've been struggling more with one particular class. The behavior and attitudes in this class seem to be getting worse. For about the last 4 weeks I've been trying harder to get them to listen and follow my directions, and it seems to be a losing battle. When I demand obedience, they get frustrated and are even more rebellious. It's a difficult position, and I'm sure that if you're a parent you have experienced some of this with your own children. It's disappointing to me since we're so close to the end. Even so, I'm still hopeful that we can end on a good note. Hopefully I can still make a connection with the instigators and encourage them to make the right choices in class. At any rate, I think we're all ready for a vacation. :)
The power situation in Nicaragua has been worse lately. Power outages in the area where the school is have been consistently 5-6 hours every day. The schedule usually alternates each week. One week it will be out from 2pm-7pm, and the next week from 5-10. However, during this last week, we've had power consistently every day, all day. While most people come here and are startled by the frequent power outages, asking, "Why is there no power?" those of us who have lived here for a while are startled when there is power and we're now asking "Why is there power?" Power outages continue everywhere else as normal. Actually, and unfortunately, power at my house has now gone out for two Saturdays in a row. You may recall me mentioning that power rarely goes out in our neighborhood because of a women's hospital located on the same power grid. To add to the difficulty, today there is no water at the house either (even more necessary than electricity). Water shortages seem to be just as frequent as power outages in Managua.
Sometimes the gap between rich and poor and the general poverty in Nicaragua hits me harder than other times. The gap here is perhaps larger than the gap in the US. Or maybe it's just more clear because the physical distance is so much closer. Or maybe it's just more evident because of how much poverty there is. There are always people begging on the streets at intersections, even children begging well into the dark hours of the night. There's always the blind man feeling his way through the neighborhood asking for money at everyone's front door. There are children asking for even just one córdoba (about 6 cents) in the parking lot at PriceMart (the local expression of Costco). There's the wrinkled old woman outside of the La Colonia grocery store. It's never easy to know what to do, or how to respond. Most of the time I can be polite and friendly, but still be firm in my decision to not give. I tell myself that I don't want to encourage begging. Or I tell myself that I know there are guards or other adults nearby who have sent these children begging on their behalf, which can definately be true.
But sometimes I'm forced to ponder the issue more deeply. It's tough when I allow myself to enter their lives for a moment's time. Speaking with a few other teachers at the school, I was gripped again by the poverty around me. I asked them how have things been from their perspective since Daniel Ortega took office. Worse. Their answer was clear. Food prices have gone way up. I'm not especially tuned to the price of food. I do shop every few weeks, but I can't remember prices from one time to the next. Recently the prices of beans and rice (the main course...or only course...for most Nicaraguans) has sky-rocketed from 7 córdobas per pound to 24 córdobas. One teacher told me that he has to spend sometimes up to $12/day on food (for the two adults and two children). Doesn't sound too bad until you figure a salary of not much more than $300/month. And he has a decent job. Public school teachers make half or less. Add to food the other costs of living and working: transportation, electricity, phone, gas, clothes, etc., and soon you start to feel the weight of poverty. How do you make it work? How do you eat?
In discussing these thoughts with a friend last night, she mentioned a verse she'd been thinking about. I don't remember the reference, but it was an exhortation to those who have to share with those who have not. Not first to do a background check, or make sure they're going to use the money stewardly, or to make sure they're going to use the way we want them to, or to place other requirements or demands on them. Give. The message was simple. Share. The Lord has blessed some with the ability to give. Others are in real need. It's not an easy thing to do--share. It's much easier to let others do it. Especially here, for me.
Gotta run. I have a soccer game this afternoon. Hopefully we finally win!
AUTHOR'S UPDATE: Yes, we won! Our first win of the year. 3-0.
Prayer Items:
The power situation in Nicaragua has been worse lately. Power outages in the area where the school is have been consistently 5-6 hours every day. The schedule usually alternates each week. One week it will be out from 2pm-7pm, and the next week from 5-10. However, during this last week, we've had power consistently every day, all day. While most people come here and are startled by the frequent power outages, asking, "Why is there no power?" those of us who have lived here for a while are startled when there is power and we're now asking "Why is there power?" Power outages continue everywhere else as normal. Actually, and unfortunately, power at my house has now gone out for two Saturdays in a row. You may recall me mentioning that power rarely goes out in our neighborhood because of a women's hospital located on the same power grid. To add to the difficulty, today there is no water at the house either (even more necessary than electricity). Water shortages seem to be just as frequent as power outages in Managua.
Sometimes the gap between rich and poor and the general poverty in Nicaragua hits me harder than other times. The gap here is perhaps larger than the gap in the US. Or maybe it's just more clear because the physical distance is so much closer. Or maybe it's just more evident because of how much poverty there is. There are always people begging on the streets at intersections, even children begging well into the dark hours of the night. There's always the blind man feeling his way through the neighborhood asking for money at everyone's front door. There are children asking for even just one córdoba (about 6 cents) in the parking lot at PriceMart (the local expression of Costco). There's the wrinkled old woman outside of the La Colonia grocery store. It's never easy to know what to do, or how to respond. Most of the time I can be polite and friendly, but still be firm in my decision to not give. I tell myself that I don't want to encourage begging. Or I tell myself that I know there are guards or other adults nearby who have sent these children begging on their behalf, which can definately be true.
But sometimes I'm forced to ponder the issue more deeply. It's tough when I allow myself to enter their lives for a moment's time. Speaking with a few other teachers at the school, I was gripped again by the poverty around me. I asked them how have things been from their perspective since Daniel Ortega took office. Worse. Their answer was clear. Food prices have gone way up. I'm not especially tuned to the price of food. I do shop every few weeks, but I can't remember prices from one time to the next. Recently the prices of beans and rice (the main course...or only course...for most Nicaraguans) has sky-rocketed from 7 córdobas per pound to 24 córdobas. One teacher told me that he has to spend sometimes up to $12/day on food (for the two adults and two children). Doesn't sound too bad until you figure a salary of not much more than $300/month. And he has a decent job. Public school teachers make half or less. Add to food the other costs of living and working: transportation, electricity, phone, gas, clothes, etc., and soon you start to feel the weight of poverty. How do you make it work? How do you eat?
In discussing these thoughts with a friend last night, she mentioned a verse she'd been thinking about. I don't remember the reference, but it was an exhortation to those who have to share with those who have not. Not first to do a background check, or make sure they're going to use the money stewardly, or to make sure they're going to use the way we want them to, or to place other requirements or demands on them. Give. The message was simple. Share. The Lord has blessed some with the ability to give. Others are in real need. It's not an easy thing to do--share. It's much easier to let others do it. Especially here, for me.
Gotta run. I have a soccer game this afternoon. Hopefully we finally win!
AUTHOR'S UPDATE: Yes, we won! Our first win of the year. 3-0.
Prayer Items:
-Pray for a good end to the academic year. I really want to finish having fun with my students.
-Pray for the poverty in Nicaragua. Pray for the leadership...pray for good leadership that is focussed on the real needs of the people.
-Pray for a sense of compassion for those in need and a generous and thoughtful spirit in knowing how to share...for me and for you too! :)
-Pray for Christians here, that they would live faithful and Spirit-filled lives, and that they would be a part of the solution to the large problems of Nicaragua.
Friday, November 02, 2007
day of the dead
I thought I'd just post something quick. It's been a while, and I wanted to drop another line.
I'm looking forward to the end of the year, and it's coming quickly! We're about 3.5 weeks of classes and 1 week of exams from the finish line. Much to do between now and then, including wrap up and review materials, create exams for the end of the year, create reparation exams for the beginning of next year, and do some general planning for the future of the English department at Nejapa. I just sat down today for the first concentrated (well...more or less...) conversation with the other English teacher. We've been talking informally with each other and with the administration about next year, but decided that we'd make it a little more formal at least between us and get some things on paper. First, we did a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) for the English department. We brainstormed further about what possibilities there could be for the future of the program. Most of the opportunities included more interaction and collaboration between different English classes such as organizing plays and performances, cultural expositions, a spelling bee, some kind of publication, radio/video productions, food presentations. It should be exciting to work towards these lofty goals during the following years, whoever takes the position. I think in the SWOT, the largest section was by far the opportunities.
My fourth graders made this a very difficult week for me. They have been misbehaving more and more, it seems. I recieved some encouragement from a parent today that gave me full support. I sent home a note yesterday with every students that explained that it had been a difficult week in terms of behavior, yesterday being the most difficult. I also explained that due to this difficulty, the students lost 15 minutes of lunch break (a very serious matter, I think, as lunch is important). By the end of class, students had earned 3 minutes of silience without recess (which, given what happened in class was very gracious). When they refused to quiet down, I told them their three minutes would begin when they started or end after they had wasted 15 minutes of their recess. During those fifteen minutes, they proceeded to makes jokes and do various things to get under my skin. I did my best to not show emotion, but what bothered me most was their disrespect and determination to not do what I expected of them. I expected to hear parents up in arms, but the one response I got today was one of full support along with an explanation of her own disappointment in several of the students in the class. I'll be having discussions this next week with the other teacher and the director, I hope, about what can be done. There are a few students who are strong influences and instigators, so maybe we can target our response. I found her encouraging mostly because over the past several days/weeks/months I've been wondering if I am the problem because I'm too strict or something, but what she said and the stories she told confirmed to me that I am up against some attitudes and behavior much more serious that I had previously thought.
I was looking foward to going on a trip with the Nehemiah Center to visit a community in northern Nicaragua on Wednesday. Unfortunately it was canceled and I'm not sure why. I'm still looking forward to starting my work there and starting a new routine. It will obvoiusly change my life a great deal. I do feel some sadness about not spending time with kids like I am now. The more I do it, the more I enjoy it. I still don't feel the love or confidence for the teaching part, but I think I'll miss the kids. The kindergartners are especially affectionate and moldable. Today we went through the CD we have been using with the book and I was amazed at points that they had picked up on words when I thought they hadn't figured them out.
I don't have any new pictures. Sorry. Still without a camera, and missing it more at certain times than others. Today we had a sort of fair at the school. It's a cross between a fundraiser and a celebration. It is the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), which is a rite of the catholic church. Every cemetery was full of people. They came and cleaned up the grave sites, left flowers, and whatever else they do...I'm not sure. Very busy places they are on this day. I wish I had a picture of all of the flowers for sale and the congestion around the entrance of the cemetery near the school.
One more interesting note. I've been very interested lately in a new operating system that I've discovered. For those who don't know, Microsoft Windows or Mac OS are both operating systems. Anyway, the new operating system is called Ubuntu. It's a relatively new distribution of linux. Previously I've found Linux a difficult operating system to use. Installing it, installing programs, updating things...a big headache. Well, with Ubuntu, all of that is made extremely easy. In many ways it is much better than Windows, and i almost prefer it to Mac OSX, which says an awful lot. Best part is that it's free. It also comes with a free version of Microsoft Office called OpenOffice. It's compatible with all major office suites and contains a word processor, spreadsheet program, presentation program, and database program. Ubuntu also comes with a free version of Photoshop called the Gimp. If you have some time, go to Ubuntu's website, download the the file, follow the instructions for burning it to a CD, restart your computer with the CD in the CDROM. Your computer should automatically boot from the CD and you can try the the operating system without actually installing it (just don't run the icon on the desktop called "install")! It will load the operating system right from the CD. I am convinced that this operating system and the entire open source movement will become a huge thing in the coming years and offer a serious threat to Microsoft and Mac's operating systems. While it takes full advantage when run on a new computer, it's also runs better than Window and Mac OS on older computers--so if you're upgrading, you could give it a try on the old computer while you're getting used to it.
That's about it for now. Thank you for your continued prayers and support! Have a great weekend!
I'm looking forward to the end of the year, and it's coming quickly! We're about 3.5 weeks of classes and 1 week of exams from the finish line. Much to do between now and then, including wrap up and review materials, create exams for the end of the year, create reparation exams for the beginning of next year, and do some general planning for the future of the English department at Nejapa. I just sat down today for the first concentrated (well...more or less...) conversation with the other English teacher. We've been talking informally with each other and with the administration about next year, but decided that we'd make it a little more formal at least between us and get some things on paper. First, we did a SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) for the English department. We brainstormed further about what possibilities there could be for the future of the program. Most of the opportunities included more interaction and collaboration between different English classes such as organizing plays and performances, cultural expositions, a spelling bee, some kind of publication, radio/video productions, food presentations. It should be exciting to work towards these lofty goals during the following years, whoever takes the position. I think in the SWOT, the largest section was by far the opportunities.
My fourth graders made this a very difficult week for me. They have been misbehaving more and more, it seems. I recieved some encouragement from a parent today that gave me full support. I sent home a note yesterday with every students that explained that it had been a difficult week in terms of behavior, yesterday being the most difficult. I also explained that due to this difficulty, the students lost 15 minutes of lunch break (a very serious matter, I think, as lunch is important). By the end of class, students had earned 3 minutes of silience without recess (which, given what happened in class was very gracious). When they refused to quiet down, I told them their three minutes would begin when they started or end after they had wasted 15 minutes of their recess. During those fifteen minutes, they proceeded to makes jokes and do various things to get under my skin. I did my best to not show emotion, but what bothered me most was their disrespect and determination to not do what I expected of them. I expected to hear parents up in arms, but the one response I got today was one of full support along with an explanation of her own disappointment in several of the students in the class. I'll be having discussions this next week with the other teacher and the director, I hope, about what can be done. There are a few students who are strong influences and instigators, so maybe we can target our response. I found her encouraging mostly because over the past several days/weeks/months I've been wondering if I am the problem because I'm too strict or something, but what she said and the stories she told confirmed to me that I am up against some attitudes and behavior much more serious that I had previously thought.
I was looking foward to going on a trip with the Nehemiah Center to visit a community in northern Nicaragua on Wednesday. Unfortunately it was canceled and I'm not sure why. I'm still looking forward to starting my work there and starting a new routine. It will obvoiusly change my life a great deal. I do feel some sadness about not spending time with kids like I am now. The more I do it, the more I enjoy it. I still don't feel the love or confidence for the teaching part, but I think I'll miss the kids. The kindergartners are especially affectionate and moldable. Today we went through the CD we have been using with the book and I was amazed at points that they had picked up on words when I thought they hadn't figured them out.
I don't have any new pictures. Sorry. Still without a camera, and missing it more at certain times than others. Today we had a sort of fair at the school. It's a cross between a fundraiser and a celebration. It is the Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), which is a rite of the catholic church. Every cemetery was full of people. They came and cleaned up the grave sites, left flowers, and whatever else they do...I'm not sure. Very busy places they are on this day. I wish I had a picture of all of the flowers for sale and the congestion around the entrance of the cemetery near the school.
One more interesting note. I've been very interested lately in a new operating system that I've discovered. For those who don't know, Microsoft Windows or Mac OS are both operating systems. Anyway, the new operating system is called Ubuntu. It's a relatively new distribution of linux. Previously I've found Linux a difficult operating system to use. Installing it, installing programs, updating things...a big headache. Well, with Ubuntu, all of that is made extremely easy. In many ways it is much better than Windows, and i almost prefer it to Mac OSX, which says an awful lot. Best part is that it's free. It also comes with a free version of Microsoft Office called OpenOffice. It's compatible with all major office suites and contains a word processor, spreadsheet program, presentation program, and database program. Ubuntu also comes with a free version of Photoshop called the Gimp. If you have some time, go to Ubuntu's website, download the the file, follow the instructions for burning it to a CD, restart your computer with the CD in the CDROM. Your computer should automatically boot from the CD and you can try the the operating system without actually installing it (just don't run the icon on the desktop called "install")! It will load the operating system right from the CD. I am convinced that this operating system and the entire open source movement will become a huge thing in the coming years and offer a serious threat to Microsoft and Mac's operating systems. While it takes full advantage when run on a new computer, it's also runs better than Window and Mac OS on older computers--so if you're upgrading, you could give it a try on the old computer while you're getting used to it.
That's about it for now. Thank you for your continued prayers and support! Have a great weekend!
Monday, October 01, 2007
coolness
Good Saturday evening to everyone. At least, that's how it is for me. The weather here is quite unusual. This may not sound strange to you, but I'm sitting here in jeans and a t-shirt, with no fan, and wondering if I should put on my sweatshirt and some socks. I wouldn't say it's cold, but it's certainly close to it. I just checked the temperature on AccuWeather.com and they say it's 79°F. I've made jokes about it before...about how anytime it get under 80, we start to think it's cold...and under 70 is down right freezing. There is some truth to that, especially when it's raining and we haven't seen the sun much. And it's been raining for the past week solid. Starting to feel like Michigan with all of the gray days we've been having. I like it, really. It reminds me of fall.
I've had a few people request a photo of my motorcycle. Unfortunately I lost my camera about the same time I got my motorcycle, so it's been a little less convenient to ask others to take pictures and then get the pictures from them. Below are a few pictures taken last weekend (before the rain started) of my bike, along with 5 others. One missionary, who's been here for 9 years led us out to a community he's been working along side since he arrived. We took the bikes down some paved roads and also did some off-roading. It was good for me to get more practice and I really enjoyed both seeing the community and the ride itself.
In this photo, we are sitting outside a small roadside store along the way. Stopped for a few cold drinks after riding for an hour or more. The roads at this intersection are nicely paved but we were going through mud only minutes before.
Here we're fixing a couple of things. My bike and Luke's bike (we bought them together) both have faulty battery boxes which are breaking off at the mount point. His fell off completely first, and his battery was hanging by the wires. When we stopped to try to figure out what to do I also checked mine only to find it was about to break.
In this photo, we're looking at a business that was started maybe 8 years ago in the area where the missionary has been working. They cut some kind of stone out of the ground. probably sandstone. some.
This picture was taken on the ocean just outside Transito, the community we visited. I'm with Luke.
Pressing on with teaching. Some days are good, and other days are very challenging. Nothing new in that regard. :) A few weeks ago the parents of one of the primary grades launched a list of complaints aimed at almost every class, including English. Actually, a separate list for each class. Among the complaints against the English program were that the only students who received good grades were those who either came from a bilingual background or took English lessons outside of classes at Nejapa. As the strongest complaint, it angered me and disappointed me when I heard it. I know it's not entirely true, first of all, and secondly, if it is partly true, it's at least due in large part to the attitudes of the students. For a long time, the students in this class were among my most difficult, and while they have grown they continue to be a difficult class. I had the opportunity to write a response, and I tried to put some of the responsibility back on the students for their own learning. Anyway, I'm not exactly sure if the parents have received the response, or how they will receive it (I think the director will be moderating/speaking on my behalf).
In other ways I have felt successful as a teacher and as a mentor of sorts. My youngest students are kindergarteners, and I have learned/am learning a lot about little people. It's definitely a big challenge and I always wonder if it's normal to have to deal with the same behavioral issues day in and day out. I seem to generally hear confirmation that it's not uncommon. Small steps, I guess, are important at young ages.
With 3 of my classes, we have finished the material in the curriculum, so we'll be moving on to next year's books (photocopied). This is pretty good considering that last year we were finishing much closer to the end.
Informal discussions have been happening between the principals directors and teachers about really bolstering the English program at Nejapa. Parents have made it clear that it is something very important for them. We'll be looking at hiring a replacement for me, as well as another 2 new teachers, effectively doubling the EFL staff. If you know anyone who is a skilled teacher and loves both the Lord and English (English in an appropriate, subordinate sort of love to the love for the Lord), please tell them about the need we have. Unfortunately I am not a good fit for the role, but it truly is an amazing opportunity in so many ways--personally, professionally, and spiritually.
I received an email several weeks ago, now, that kind of outlines my new job starting at the end of this year. I thought it would be interesting, so here is the list:
If you had forgotten, ACJ (Asociación de Cristianos Jovenes) is the YMCA of Nicaragua. Number five refers to the work I'll be doing in Santa Lucia with the women's co-op. The folks at the Nehemiah Center have asked me to do a week of orientation before I leave for the states this December. This basically means that teaching will end on Friday (Nov. 30) and I'll start the following Monday (Dec. 3). One day of in-office orientation, three days going to a community on the Carribean coast of Nicaragua, and then one more day back at the office will leave me with just enough time to gather my things and run to the airport on that next Saturday (Dec. 8) to catch a plane heading to the US. I am really looking forward to this new position. It will be entirely different having much less structure and working with adults. A couple of the people I know there (the fellow CRCers) have told me that they're really looking forward to working with me and getting to know me better as a colleague and friend. It's encouraging to hear this, and there are many reasons I'm looking forward to joining them as well.
Thanks for your continued prayer, financial, and other support. All are greatly appreciated. Here is a list of some important prayer requests:
I've had a few people request a photo of my motorcycle. Unfortunately I lost my camera about the same time I got my motorcycle, so it's been a little less convenient to ask others to take pictures and then get the pictures from them. Below are a few pictures taken last weekend (before the rain started) of my bike, along with 5 others. One missionary, who's been here for 9 years led us out to a community he's been working along side since he arrived. We took the bikes down some paved roads and also did some off-roading. It was good for me to get more practice and I really enjoyed both seeing the community and the ride itself.
In this photo, we are sitting outside a small roadside store along the way. Stopped for a few cold drinks after riding for an hour or more. The roads at this intersection are nicely paved but we were going through mud only minutes before.
Here we're fixing a couple of things. My bike and Luke's bike (we bought them together) both have faulty battery boxes which are breaking off at the mount point. His fell off completely first, and his battery was hanging by the wires. When we stopped to try to figure out what to do I also checked mine only to find it was about to break.
In this photo, we're looking at a business that was started maybe 8 years ago in the area where the missionary has been working. They cut some kind of stone out of the ground. probably sandstone. some.
This picture was taken on the ocean just outside Transito, the community we visited. I'm with Luke.
Pressing on with teaching. Some days are good, and other days are very challenging. Nothing new in that regard. :) A few weeks ago the parents of one of the primary grades launched a list of complaints aimed at almost every class, including English. Actually, a separate list for each class. Among the complaints against the English program were that the only students who received good grades were those who either came from a bilingual background or took English lessons outside of classes at Nejapa. As the strongest complaint, it angered me and disappointed me when I heard it. I know it's not entirely true, first of all, and secondly, if it is partly true, it's at least due in large part to the attitudes of the students. For a long time, the students in this class were among my most difficult, and while they have grown they continue to be a difficult class. I had the opportunity to write a response, and I tried to put some of the responsibility back on the students for their own learning. Anyway, I'm not exactly sure if the parents have received the response, or how they will receive it (I think the director will be moderating/speaking on my behalf).
In other ways I have felt successful as a teacher and as a mentor of sorts. My youngest students are kindergarteners, and I have learned/am learning a lot about little people. It's definitely a big challenge and I always wonder if it's normal to have to deal with the same behavioral issues day in and day out. I seem to generally hear confirmation that it's not uncommon. Small steps, I guess, are important at young ages.
With 3 of my classes, we have finished the material in the curriculum, so we'll be moving on to next year's books (photocopied). This is pretty good considering that last year we were finishing much closer to the end.
Informal discussions have been happening between the principals directors and teachers about really bolstering the English program at Nejapa. Parents have made it clear that it is something very important for them. We'll be looking at hiring a replacement for me, as well as another 2 new teachers, effectively doubling the EFL staff. If you know anyone who is a skilled teacher and loves both the Lord and English (English in an appropriate, subordinate sort of love to the love for the Lord), please tell them about the need we have. Unfortunately I am not a good fit for the role, but it truly is an amazing opportunity in so many ways--personally, professionally, and spiritually.
I received an email several weeks ago, now, that kind of outlines my new job starting at the end of this year. I thought it would be interesting, so here is the list:
1) provide administrative and technical support to the Nehemiah media center
2) Provide technical assistance to the coordinator of planning, monitoring and evaluation (Luz)
3) Assist CRWRC in planning, monitoring and evaluation of special grants
4) Information technology support for the Nehemiah Center
5) Provide small business consulting to ACJ
If you had forgotten, ACJ (Asociación de Cristianos Jovenes) is the YMCA of Nicaragua. Number five refers to the work I'll be doing in Santa Lucia with the women's co-op. The folks at the Nehemiah Center have asked me to do a week of orientation before I leave for the states this December. This basically means that teaching will end on Friday (Nov. 30) and I'll start the following Monday (Dec. 3). One day of in-office orientation, three days going to a community on the Carribean coast of Nicaragua, and then one more day back at the office will leave me with just enough time to gather my things and run to the airport on that next Saturday (Dec. 8) to catch a plane heading to the US. I am really looking forward to this new position. It will be entirely different having much less structure and working with adults. A couple of the people I know there (the fellow CRCers) have told me that they're really looking forward to working with me and getting to know me better as a colleague and friend. It's encouraging to hear this, and there are many reasons I'm looking forward to joining them as well.
Thanks for your continued prayer, financial, and other support. All are greatly appreciated. Here is a list of some important prayer requests:
- prayer for strength to continue this year strong. I definitely feel the temptation to have an attitude of "just finish" but I want to finish feeling good about what we've accomplished up until the end.
- prayer for wisdom and humility for the schools leaders as they face both challenges and growth.
- prayer that I am able to balance the important areas of my life: rest, work, play, devotion, misc. :)
Thursday, September 06, 2007
hello, moto
A few recent developments that I wanted to share with you all. One has to do with next year and one has to do with this afternoon.
First, about next year. I finally met with a few people from the Nehemiah center to discuss more formally what sort of role I could play in the upcoming year. Coming away from the meeting with a better idea, I thought, prayed and talked to a few people about the decision and a few days a go I accepted the job, which is pretty exciting. It will be a combination of Santa Lucia and Nehemiah Center. I'll spend the first month in SL, working on my Spanish and cultural understanding as well as building relationships there. When I'm at the NC I'll be working in the "Media Center" where they're going to have a recording studio and put together videos and audio. The center will be built this November, and unfortunately my involvement at it's beginning will be limited as Nejapa is obviously my #1 commitment through the end of the year. The center will house a semester course from Trinity College in Chicago and also be used as a tool to gather and express the stories of hope coming out of Nicaragua. The way I understand it, I'll be coordinating the use of the Center, maybe helping people know how to use the equipment and also maintaining the equipment. Everything is a little bit unclear but will come together as things develop and move forward. I'll be quite involved in whatever happens there. I'll probably be involved in some other technical aspects of the NC. What's more, there are always seminars happening there for community leaders, business leaders, church leaders, etc.. so I'll be able to sit in on those. And the other CRC people plan to include me in what they're doing so I can get a broader experience and hopefully during all of this figure out some things about where my gifts and interests lay. I'm excited to start! One logistical change for me is that I will need to be raising my entire income. The Nehemiah Center doesn't raise any money as an organization, and I will (proposedly) be joining the ranks as a "volunteer" through CRC World Missions.
Second, about this afternoon. Well, it actually started a while back. I've been thinking for a while about getting a motorcycle...which finally saw fruitition this afternoon! I would never have come to this point myself if I didn't have friends doing the same, but I think it will be convenient, economical, and fun. I figure I will be able to save more than 50% on fuel expenses, which I count on lowering my cost of living. Also, 2 of my friends are purchasing bikes and we plan to do a little riding together. I know--I know. It's pretty dangerous out there, so I'll be driving carefully. There's been some jokes about a missionary biker's club. In general, they're becoming much more common down here, and I expect the biking community among Americans to also grow.
I've been feeling less stress with teaching lately, and am enjoying more and more the relationships with students. It's a challenge to work with them and teach them--it involves so much more than English. I've learned a great deal and am quite glad I took this job and stuck with it two years. I know the Lord has really taken this opportunity to mold me and shape me. I pray that as I serve him in the future at the Nehemiah Center, he will continue to do the same. We certainly serve a faithful God.
Gotta run. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers! The Lord has been answering them! Let me know how you're doing sometime.
First, about next year. I finally met with a few people from the Nehemiah center to discuss more formally what sort of role I could play in the upcoming year. Coming away from the meeting with a better idea, I thought, prayed and talked to a few people about the decision and a few days a go I accepted the job, which is pretty exciting. It will be a combination of Santa Lucia and Nehemiah Center. I'll spend the first month in SL, working on my Spanish and cultural understanding as well as building relationships there. When I'm at the NC I'll be working in the "Media Center" where they're going to have a recording studio and put together videos and audio. The center will be built this November, and unfortunately my involvement at it's beginning will be limited as Nejapa is obviously my #1 commitment through the end of the year. The center will house a semester course from Trinity College in Chicago and also be used as a tool to gather and express the stories of hope coming out of Nicaragua. The way I understand it, I'll be coordinating the use of the Center, maybe helping people know how to use the equipment and also maintaining the equipment. Everything is a little bit unclear but will come together as things develop and move forward. I'll be quite involved in whatever happens there. I'll probably be involved in some other technical aspects of the NC. What's more, there are always seminars happening there for community leaders, business leaders, church leaders, etc.. so I'll be able to sit in on those. And the other CRC people plan to include me in what they're doing so I can get a broader experience and hopefully during all of this figure out some things about where my gifts and interests lay. I'm excited to start! One logistical change for me is that I will need to be raising my entire income. The Nehemiah Center doesn't raise any money as an organization, and I will (proposedly) be joining the ranks as a "volunteer" through CRC World Missions.
Second, about this afternoon. Well, it actually started a while back. I've been thinking for a while about getting a motorcycle...which finally saw fruitition this afternoon! I would never have come to this point myself if I didn't have friends doing the same, but I think it will be convenient, economical, and fun. I figure I will be able to save more than 50% on fuel expenses, which I count on lowering my cost of living. Also, 2 of my friends are purchasing bikes and we plan to do a little riding together. I know--I know. It's pretty dangerous out there, so I'll be driving carefully. There's been some jokes about a missionary biker's club. In general, they're becoming much more common down here, and I expect the biking community among Americans to also grow.
I've been feeling less stress with teaching lately, and am enjoying more and more the relationships with students. It's a challenge to work with them and teach them--it involves so much more than English. I've learned a great deal and am quite glad I took this job and stuck with it two years. I know the Lord has really taken this opportunity to mold me and shape me. I pray that as I serve him in the future at the Nehemiah Center, he will continue to do the same. We certainly serve a faithful God.
Gotta run. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers! The Lord has been answering them! Let me know how you're doing sometime.
Monday, August 13, 2007
As far as the...
upcoming year goes, I have pretty much made the decision not to return to teaching. I have spoken with both the principal at my school and the director. Both were understanding and supportive of me in the decision. It was definitely not an easy decision to come to. I will have to turn in the co-worker status with many good friends at the school, I will also be leaving many students that I have grown to love. The Lord is doing a great work in and through NCA Nejapa, and I am excited for the next teacher to be jumping into my shoes.
I wanted to share with you another potential opportunity, which is to work at/with the Nehemiah Center. I know several people who work there now. It's a very cool organization that is actually a smattering of many organizations working together to train and empower Nicaraguans as community leaders, pastors, business people, etc. Teaching a biblical worldview is foundational in their work. It's an organization that is growing rapidly and making a great impact. I'd likely be filling some kind of projects-based job, helping various organizations complete projects as they need help. It would give me a lot of exposure to various areas of development and types of work. I'm going to hopefully be talking with the director in a few weeks to basically hear about how they need help. I've already spoken informally with a few people who work there now. One brought up the idea of working both with the Nehemiah Center and in Santa Lucia (see the last article). I'm not sure what that would look like, but that's what the upcoming meeting will develop.
A couple of things that excite me about the possibility of working there. First, it allows me to stay in close proximity to the friends I've made at Nejapa (and at NCA), and possibly stay involved with some of the students whose lives I've grown a part of (through tutoring or big-brother type thing). Second, because I wouldn't leave Managua, I could continue living where I live and being a part of things that I've been a part of outside of school.
There have been a few other people with other suggestions, as well. For sure there are a lot of opportunities and needs here in Managua. But I'm going to need to feel the Lord pulling me one way or another in order to make any decisions about next year.
In other news, my hard drive failed this last weekend! And me without a backup external hard drive. Nuts! Fortunately I had saved a lot of my school files to a flash drive and much of my music to a friend's computer. But I still lost a great deal of information including photos and videos from the last couple years. I hope I can get someone to recover that information. Good thing is that I have an extended warranty to replace the bad hard drive at no cost.
If you know anyone who would make a great ESL teacher here at Nejapa, I would love for you to put me in touch with them. I want to see a good person take my place because it really is a great opportunity to be invovled with what God is doing here in Nicaragua.
Have a good one! Caio.
Prayer Items
I wanted to share with you another potential opportunity, which is to work at/with the Nehemiah Center. I know several people who work there now. It's a very cool organization that is actually a smattering of many organizations working together to train and empower Nicaraguans as community leaders, pastors, business people, etc. Teaching a biblical worldview is foundational in their work. It's an organization that is growing rapidly and making a great impact. I'd likely be filling some kind of projects-based job, helping various organizations complete projects as they need help. It would give me a lot of exposure to various areas of development and types of work. I'm going to hopefully be talking with the director in a few weeks to basically hear about how they need help. I've already spoken informally with a few people who work there now. One brought up the idea of working both with the Nehemiah Center and in Santa Lucia (see the last article). I'm not sure what that would look like, but that's what the upcoming meeting will develop.
A couple of things that excite me about the possibility of working there. First, it allows me to stay in close proximity to the friends I've made at Nejapa (and at NCA), and possibly stay involved with some of the students whose lives I've grown a part of (through tutoring or big-brother type thing). Second, because I wouldn't leave Managua, I could continue living where I live and being a part of things that I've been a part of outside of school.
There have been a few other people with other suggestions, as well. For sure there are a lot of opportunities and needs here in Managua. But I'm going to need to feel the Lord pulling me one way or another in order to make any decisions about next year.
In other news, my hard drive failed this last weekend! And me without a backup external hard drive. Nuts! Fortunately I had saved a lot of my school files to a flash drive and much of my music to a friend's computer. But I still lost a great deal of information including photos and videos from the last couple years. I hope I can get someone to recover that information. Good thing is that I have an extended warranty to replace the bad hard drive at no cost.
If you know anyone who would make a great ESL teacher here at Nejapa, I would love for you to put me in touch with them. I want to see a good person take my place because it really is a great opportunity to be invovled with what God is doing here in Nicaragua.
Have a good one! Caio.
Prayer Items
- continued prayer for faith as I approach a major decision
- data recovery. :)
- an excited and capable and ready new teacher
Monday, July 16, 2007
next up
Having my parents here renewed my awareness that even though I'm living in a pretty advanced city, I am definitely living in a different country and culture. I guess it's true that you get used to the ox/horse pulled carts in the road, 20 people crammed in the back of a tiny pickup truck, or guards with guns outside every place of business and at many residential complexes. Of course every once in a while I am reminded of that in other ways, too. Two nights ago my roommate Lennin and I shared a Macaroni and Cheese dinner. It was his first Mac 'n' Cheese ever! I was going to include a picture of us sharing this moment, but I couldn't find my camera (don't worry, I did find it the next day under some clothes). It wasn't more than a few months earlier that we shared a similar moment as he ate his first peanut butter and jelly sandwich. :) You might not guess it, but it's quite a joy to be sharing these things with someone who has never tasted them.
I wanted to ask for your prayers on a specific and very important thing. During the next month (or less) I will be deciding whether or not to return for a third year to teach English at NCA Nejapa. I have struggled with many aspects of teaching, and I realize that at least some of those are things that every new teacher struggles with, especially given a cross-cultural environment. However I have also been feeling that some struggles cannot necessarily been accredited to the difficult context in which I find myself, but rather are the result of my trying to be a teacher when in fact I'm better equipped for serving in another field. I have learned a ton by working in this capacity and wish I fit in a little better, but I keep getting the sense that my gift set lies elsewhere. I have spoken to the directors of the school and their responses were very gracious. They noted an appreciation for my two solid years (given that I finish this year) and recognized that the struggles that I have gone through could be good reason to leave. They also offered to support me should I feel the Lord leading me to continue teaching.
If I do decide to leave this position, I will be looking for different work. This is kind of a scary thought, since I'm not sure where I'd like to work or what I'd like to do. I am enjoying living in Nicaragua, and would like to continue. As I have said in previous emails, I am very satisfied with the friendships I have here, and really enjoy life in general outside of school. One opportunity that has come along here in Nicaragua would involve moving out of Managua and into a small town two hours northeast of here called Santa Lucia. My role in Santa Lucia would be somewhat unclear and undefined, generally having to do with community development. I would be shadowing a Nicaraguan man who pretty much trains local leaders in agriculture and leadership skills. I would be shadowing him for a while hopefully learning a lot and then looking for ways I could help and be involved in the development. This picture (from the previous post's slideshow) shows two women and a coffee-roaster. One part of my job would include working with this co-op and helping them to develop their business so that they could sell more coffee and generate more income. At first, this opporunity sounded great to me, but the excitement has been dwindling, and I'm not sure that I would enjoy it as much as I originally thought.
One interesting thing has been on my mind during the past week or so. A friend reminded me that often what we need for life decisions is not for God to give us a clear direction (i.e. handwriting on the wall or a personal email from God himself) but rather faith that in what we choose to do God will be present and working. That is to say, faith in his promise to bless his people as they go about his work in the world. Reminds me of a conversation I had with a certain Chad during my time in the Philippines. He was struggling through a decision of where to pursue higher education. For him, God was opening up different doors, allowing him to choose--God would be faithful in whatever Chad entered, in whatever calling he pursued. Maybe he does give us choices. Maybe it shouldn't be clear one way or the other. But one thing is clear, God always has been and will always be faithful.
It seems there is less than one week now until our midyear vacations are done. Next Monday we will resume the normal class schedule. I have enjoyed the vacation life and wish it could continue.
One more thing, almost forgot. Here's a photo of me with my new glasses. I'm not sure if I mentioned in my last post that a long-armed, skinny little monkey, lightning quick, took the previous pair right off my face from two feet away and through a chain linked fence. Had them back inside the cage and in a figure-eight before I could even blink. Beware of monkeys.
So it boils down to these prayer requests.
I wanted to ask for your prayers on a specific and very important thing. During the next month (or less) I will be deciding whether or not to return for a third year to teach English at NCA Nejapa. I have struggled with many aspects of teaching, and I realize that at least some of those are things that every new teacher struggles with, especially given a cross-cultural environment. However I have also been feeling that some struggles cannot necessarily been accredited to the difficult context in which I find myself, but rather are the result of my trying to be a teacher when in fact I'm better equipped for serving in another field. I have learned a ton by working in this capacity and wish I fit in a little better, but I keep getting the sense that my gift set lies elsewhere. I have spoken to the directors of the school and their responses were very gracious. They noted an appreciation for my two solid years (given that I finish this year) and recognized that the struggles that I have gone through could be good reason to leave. They also offered to support me should I feel the Lord leading me to continue teaching.
If I do decide to leave this position, I will be looking for different work. This is kind of a scary thought, since I'm not sure where I'd like to work or what I'd like to do. I am enjoying living in Nicaragua, and would like to continue. As I have said in previous emails, I am very satisfied with the friendships I have here, and really enjoy life in general outside of school. One opportunity that has come along here in Nicaragua would involve moving out of Managua and into a small town two hours northeast of here called Santa Lucia. My role in Santa Lucia would be somewhat unclear and undefined, generally having to do with community development. I would be shadowing a Nicaraguan man who pretty much trains local leaders in agriculture and leadership skills. I would be shadowing him for a while hopefully learning a lot and then looking for ways I could help and be involved in the development. This picture (from the previous post's slideshow) shows two women and a coffee-roaster. One part of my job would include working with this co-op and helping them to develop their business so that they could sell more coffee and generate more income. At first, this opporunity sounded great to me, but the excitement has been dwindling, and I'm not sure that I would enjoy it as much as I originally thought.
One interesting thing has been on my mind during the past week or so. A friend reminded me that often what we need for life decisions is not for God to give us a clear direction (i.e. handwriting on the wall or a personal email from God himself) but rather faith that in what we choose to do God will be present and working. That is to say, faith in his promise to bless his people as they go about his work in the world. Reminds me of a conversation I had with a certain Chad during my time in the Philippines. He was struggling through a decision of where to pursue higher education. For him, God was opening up different doors, allowing him to choose--God would be faithful in whatever Chad entered, in whatever calling he pursued. Maybe he does give us choices. Maybe it shouldn't be clear one way or the other. But one thing is clear, God always has been and will always be faithful.
It seems there is less than one week now until our midyear vacations are done. Next Monday we will resume the normal class schedule. I have enjoyed the vacation life and wish it could continue.
One more thing, almost forgot. Here's a photo of me with my new glasses. I'm not sure if I mentioned in my last post that a long-armed, skinny little monkey, lightning quick, took the previous pair right off my face from two feet away and through a chain linked fence. Had them back inside the cage and in a figure-eight before I could even blink. Beware of monkeys.
So it boils down to these prayer requests.
-prayer for guidance in my search for a decision about teaching.
-prayer for doors to open to desirable alternatives to teaching, and also for a faith to take life as it comes (and of course the strength and courage to go out and pursue it, too!)
-prayer for creativity, patience, and all that good stuff for the fast-approaching second semester.
Friday, July 13, 2007
visitation
A lot has happened since the last post. I finished my 3rd semester teaching, my parents came down for two weeks, and I turned another year older...26 now! The first semester finished as well as could have been expected. Very few failures, and only the students who deserved them got them. :) This is good because the first marking period found many very low grades. It seems like forever ago since I was teaching. My parents left 4 days ago, and while they were here time flew. It was great to have them here and we had a wonderful time. Let me tell you a little about their visit.
One of the first things we did was go for a tour of Managua with Steve. It is something I've been wanting to do for a long time now, actually. I have heard many people talk about how interesting and helpful his tour was--but always I have been busy and unable to join him. As we drove around the city to amazing sights and views, he filled us in on the fascinating history of Nicaragua as a republic and it's relationship with the US. Very much a time of learning for me. I loved it and I also found some amazing views of the city. Managua is the greenest capital city in Central America. With my parents we were also able to visit Ometepe Island, an island formed by two volcanoes, one of which is still active. With some luck were able to get the Dama de Hierro (my car) stuck on the inactive volcano. We had driven up two kilometers (4x4 necessary) and then hiked another one to get to a waterfall. We narrowly avoided getting stuck on the way up--sliding to the side and into bushes, but when we were turning around at the top it took two of us to get the thing stuck. My dad was spotting and I was driving. Neither of us took note of the giant rocks sticking up from the ground and we ended up with one tire in the middle of three rocks. The suspension was caught up on the forward most rock, and we weren't going anywhere. After an hour or more we were able to design and construct a ramp from the immediatley available materials and we had the car free.
We also enjoyed a sailboat tour in San Juan del Sur. The amazing tour included unbelievable sights of the coastline and more delicious food than we could handle. By the time lunch rolled around (we stopped at a beautiful cove beach), I barely had room for the apetizer. If you ever have the chance to try ceviche, don't pass it down, even if you don't like the thought of raw seafood, you'll enjoy the taste.
The rest of the time was spent relaxing a little more as we just made day trips from Managua. I took my parents to see the various crafts and skilled areas in and around the capital city: pottery, hammocks, pewter, furniture. Each of these things are made in different areas and we would have spent hours upon hours in each area if we had given my mom more time. We also stopped by the blacksmith school (link listed on this page) where my parents were able to see some hooks being made for them.
Overall we had a wonderful time together and we learned a lot about Nicaragua and how things are made and how people live. My parents aren't the first to come here and say, "We have never had a trip like this."
Here are some photos of the trip. Click here to see the full-sized version that includes captions. Watch for another post soon. There is more I need to say!
One of the first things we did was go for a tour of Managua with Steve. It is something I've been wanting to do for a long time now, actually. I have heard many people talk about how interesting and helpful his tour was--but always I have been busy and unable to join him. As we drove around the city to amazing sights and views, he filled us in on the fascinating history of Nicaragua as a republic and it's relationship with the US. Very much a time of learning for me. I loved it and I also found some amazing views of the city. Managua is the greenest capital city in Central America. With my parents we were also able to visit Ometepe Island, an island formed by two volcanoes, one of which is still active. With some luck were able to get the Dama de Hierro (my car) stuck on the inactive volcano. We had driven up two kilometers (4x4 necessary) and then hiked another one to get to a waterfall. We narrowly avoided getting stuck on the way up--sliding to the side and into bushes, but when we were turning around at the top it took two of us to get the thing stuck. My dad was spotting and I was driving. Neither of us took note of the giant rocks sticking up from the ground and we ended up with one tire in the middle of three rocks. The suspension was caught up on the forward most rock, and we weren't going anywhere. After an hour or more we were able to design and construct a ramp from the immediatley available materials and we had the car free.
We also enjoyed a sailboat tour in San Juan del Sur. The amazing tour included unbelievable sights of the coastline and more delicious food than we could handle. By the time lunch rolled around (we stopped at a beautiful cove beach), I barely had room for the apetizer. If you ever have the chance to try ceviche, don't pass it down, even if you don't like the thought of raw seafood, you'll enjoy the taste.
The rest of the time was spent relaxing a little more as we just made day trips from Managua. I took my parents to see the various crafts and skilled areas in and around the capital city: pottery, hammocks, pewter, furniture. Each of these things are made in different areas and we would have spent hours upon hours in each area if we had given my mom more time. We also stopped by the blacksmith school (link listed on this page) where my parents were able to see some hooks being made for them.
Overall we had a wonderful time together and we learned a lot about Nicaragua and how things are made and how people live. My parents aren't the first to come here and say, "We have never had a trip like this."
Here are some photos of the trip. Click here to see the full-sized version that includes captions. Watch for another post soon. There is more I need to say!
Friday, June 01, 2007
knowing and being known
Been a long time. I guess that means you're hungry again for another blog. Great! I have more than a couple things that have been wanting to make it to my blog for quite some time.
First, well, it has been a while now since it really occupied more of my thoughts, but it struck me just how important it is to know others and be known. It is such a basic part of being human. The problem is it's much easier to live life without ever having a really good connection with someone. True, we don't want to open to just anyone, and I recognize how those self-protection mechanisms are constantly on alert. Yet, I believe that those deep friendships are so vital to a full enjoyment of life. Anyway, just as a sidenote, I encourage you to keep developing those friendships--try to know and be known by at least one friend. Ask hard questions. Be vulnerable. And find joy in serving others. I believe it's a part of God's original plan.
I'm sure you're also wondering about my car situation. Well, I have partially fixed the problem of the truck being 2.5 inches lower on the right. That is a good thing. Set me back $235 to have the leaf springs reshaped (apparently one was slightly flatter than the other, aggravating the problem) and had the u-bolts and bushings replaced. My car now rides probably 2 inches taller than stock...in the front. This is great except that now I have to replace the shocks (they're bad anyway) with ones two inches longer. This means probably double the price. Looking at more than $200 for this, too! Between these fixes and the list I've been adding to, I'm trying to decide what really must be fixed and how much is definately necessary before my parents make the trip in 3 weeks. Also kind of funny: because of the first downpour we had yesterday I realized there is some pretty big leak happening somewhere in the dash and falling onto the floor by the clutch. Good thing Toyota put nickle-sized hole in the floor of the car. near that same area. :)
In terms of teaching, I don't know exactly how to feel. First, let me say I enjoy working with children. I enjoy the relationships with them...when we are not in class. When we are in class I feel like I'm fighting with them all the time trying to get their attention to help them learn English and how to respect me and the other students. And I feel like it's a losing battle. I believe that someone skilled in teaching ESL could make this a very good and very successful program. I did want to mention something that was meaninful for me two weeks ago. I had raised a concern that high school students were coming late to my classes, were being unprepared, and generally a bit disrespectful. The director called a meeting with the other high school teachers and then and there they made the commitment to make sure students were on time and ready for class. They also agreed that one of them would sit in my class to monitor the respect levels and be ready to step in if I needed any help. These two things were for me hugely encouraging as high school has been by far my biggest challenge. Since this started, things have been going slightly better. Most of the time I am able to start the class without having to chase people to their seat then having them leave the room to get a pencil or their textbook or a notebook. It's a relief to start without that negativity.
Mother's day was this past week. We had a very entertaining celebration presentation at the school. Many of the classes organized and performed a dance. We had a dance instructor come to the school and work with the different classes everyday for a week. She did a fantastic job and I was very impressed by the quality of the dancing. Even the kindergartners had an amazing dance. I took some video, so if I can swing it I'll show it to you in a later email.
I'm really enjoying the new living situation. If you'll recall, I moved out of the house with the Honduran family and into a house across the street with a friend. We bought a bread machine at a local second hand store and have been baking our own bread. Quite fun, and quite unheard of here. Still trying to perfect the recipes, but I'd say we're doing a good job.
One more interesting note. A drug bust was made in the apartments that I lived in when I first arrived. Check out this friend's blog for some photos and a brief synopsis.
Prayer Items
First, well, it has been a while now since it really occupied more of my thoughts, but it struck me just how important it is to know others and be known. It is such a basic part of being human. The problem is it's much easier to live life without ever having a really good connection with someone. True, we don't want to open to just anyone, and I recognize how those self-protection mechanisms are constantly on alert. Yet, I believe that those deep friendships are so vital to a full enjoyment of life. Anyway, just as a sidenote, I encourage you to keep developing those friendships--try to know and be known by at least one friend. Ask hard questions. Be vulnerable. And find joy in serving others. I believe it's a part of God's original plan.
I'm sure you're also wondering about my car situation. Well, I have partially fixed the problem of the truck being 2.5 inches lower on the right. That is a good thing. Set me back $235 to have the leaf springs reshaped (apparently one was slightly flatter than the other, aggravating the problem) and had the u-bolts and bushings replaced. My car now rides probably 2 inches taller than stock...in the front. This is great except that now I have to replace the shocks (they're bad anyway) with ones two inches longer. This means probably double the price. Looking at more than $200 for this, too! Between these fixes and the list I've been adding to, I'm trying to decide what really must be fixed and how much is definately necessary before my parents make the trip in 3 weeks. Also kind of funny: because of the first downpour we had yesterday I realized there is some pretty big leak happening somewhere in the dash and falling onto the floor by the clutch. Good thing Toyota put nickle-sized hole in the floor of the car. near that same area. :)
In terms of teaching, I don't know exactly how to feel. First, let me say I enjoy working with children. I enjoy the relationships with them...when we are not in class. When we are in class I feel like I'm fighting with them all the time trying to get their attention to help them learn English and how to respect me and the other students. And I feel like it's a losing battle. I believe that someone skilled in teaching ESL could make this a very good and very successful program. I did want to mention something that was meaninful for me two weeks ago. I had raised a concern that high school students were coming late to my classes, were being unprepared, and generally a bit disrespectful. The director called a meeting with the other high school teachers and then and there they made the commitment to make sure students were on time and ready for class. They also agreed that one of them would sit in my class to monitor the respect levels and be ready to step in if I needed any help. These two things were for me hugely encouraging as high school has been by far my biggest challenge. Since this started, things have been going slightly better. Most of the time I am able to start the class without having to chase people to their seat then having them leave the room to get a pencil or their textbook or a notebook. It's a relief to start without that negativity.
Mother's day was this past week. We had a very entertaining celebration presentation at the school. Many of the classes organized and performed a dance. We had a dance instructor come to the school and work with the different classes everyday for a week. She did a fantastic job and I was very impressed by the quality of the dancing. Even the kindergartners had an amazing dance. I took some video, so if I can swing it I'll show it to you in a later email.
I'm really enjoying the new living situation. If you'll recall, I moved out of the house with the Honduran family and into a house across the street with a friend. We bought a bread machine at a local second hand store and have been baking our own bread. Quite fun, and quite unheard of here. Still trying to perfect the recipes, but I'd say we're doing a good job.
One more interesting note. A drug bust was made in the apartments that I lived in when I first arrived. Check out this friend's blog for some photos and a brief synopsis.
Prayer Items
-Prayers of thanks for the support I've felt in high school.
-Please pray that I will have understanding in dealing with 2nd graders who have no attention span and 4th graders who will not stop talking.
-Pray that I will be able to experience those know/be known friendships.
Monday, April 30, 2007
fundraising at NCA
I just received a letter today from NCA outlining their plans and needs for building a group of houses for teachers and others to live in. I encourage you to briefly scan it and see if you might feel inclined to give. They are also looking for low- or no-interest loans. Let me know what you think. Could possibly be a very beneficial option for the school. Click here to see the letter.
Also, it might be interesting--at least it was for me--to see the different needs at NCA and NCA Nejapa (both prayer, and monetary). They're listed on the web here. Please take a look.
Thanks!
Also, it might be interesting--at least it was for me--to see the different needs at NCA and NCA Nejapa (both prayer, and monetary). They're listed on the web here. Please take a look.
Thanks!
Friday, April 27, 2007
florida for a spot
First, a little update on the car. Last week I finally got the windows replaced. A friend was able find replacements for 4000 córdobas...approximtely $250. Another estimate put the windows at 9000 córdobas, more than double, so I feel like I got a good price. It's good to have windows again.
I am writing this blog from Florida. I made an unexpected trip here on Tuesday. The husband of my cousin in southern Florida suddenly took his own life the week before--which came as a complete surprise to everyone who knew him. So I have been here for the past four days to be with my cousin and honor her husband. It has also been nice to be able to be together with other family who came for the same reason.
I also was able to see a Michigan friend last night for a couple hours. I met Adam Koetje and we did some catching up. I haven't seen the guy in about a year and a half since I left for Nicaragua. It was very good.
Not sure if you noticed, but there is another album on my photo page. It's from the trip to Santa Lucia. I mentioned it in the last blog but have been able to upload some photos since then. Check it out here.
Prayer Items:
- Please continue to pray for strength in my teaching and understanding with the students. The previous four weeks have been difficult. I know we have made good progress in some classes, but in others I am less confident. That's all for now.
I am writing this blog from Florida. I made an unexpected trip here on Tuesday. The husband of my cousin in southern Florida suddenly took his own life the week before--which came as a complete surprise to everyone who knew him. So I have been here for the past four days to be with my cousin and honor her husband. It has also been nice to be able to be together with other family who came for the same reason.
I also was able to see a Michigan friend last night for a couple hours. I met Adam Koetje and we did some catching up. I haven't seen the guy in about a year and a half since I left for Nicaragua. It was very good.
Not sure if you noticed, but there is another album on my photo page. It's from the trip to Santa Lucia. I mentioned it in the last blog but have been able to upload some photos since then. Check it out here.
Prayer Items:
- Please continue to pray for strength in my teaching and understanding with the students. The previous four weeks have been difficult. I know we have made good progress in some classes, but in others I am less confident. That's all for now.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
después
I must say that last week was a good week. As usual, the break was too short. I could have used a little more work time during the break. That's not to say I didn't have some free time that could have been used for working, but I also really needed that down time. As the week approached, I was really feeling uncertain about my level 2 high school class. They had been behaving poorly, slacking on homework, and generally making me feel a little bit lost. Over the break, I had a some time to think and talk with others about things I could do. I came to the conclusion that a change of attitude was something I needed to make. That's going to be challenging, but I need to stop taking their lack of respect personally. Instead, I need to be patient as they learn correct behavior, and as I teach them in a calm and organized way. This isn't exactly a breakthrough, I realize. But I guess it was good for me to realize that again because I was becoming quite frustrated in the classroom. I realized again the need to set boundaries and then enforce them. I pray that I can do this effectively.
I spent the first several days of vacation in Honduras at a hotel called "Hotel Candien". It's a nice place. For sale for $3 million. If you're interested, I can give you more info. I was there with about 40 other CRC North America people living and working in Central America. We met and learned about the history of the church in Latin America. Quite interesting. A little disturbing at points, but nevertheless very interesting. See here for a few pictures:
The last two days of the break I spent in Santa Lucia, about an hour and a half northeast from Managua. It's a small town, very nice. Mark Vanderwees, a CRC missionary, parters with and supports a community organization there which tries to train community leaders (both church leaders and general community leaders) and farmers. It was absolutely amazing there. The scenery was spectacular. Mom and dad--we're going to spend at least a day there, maybe a night, too. We climbed to the top of the ridge overlooking the city, some 200 meters up. Then we had breakfast at a farm on the top and climbed back to town for lunch at another farm. I believe they are both involved with the organization. There will be more pictures on this later. I haven't had time to prepare them for the blog.
This morning I woke up to a strange sight. My car was missing three windows. They were stolen last night from my car, which was parked on the street outside my house. there is supposed to be a guard on the street 24 hours. He may be responsible for two streets, I have to figure that out yet. Nothing was taken from inside the car. I had some tools in the back and a nice flashlight in the front. Didn't touch it. Just took the windows. See the pictures.
Okay. I have to run. I've already spent more time than I have writing this blog. More for another time.
I spent the first several days of vacation in Honduras at a hotel called "Hotel Candien". It's a nice place. For sale for $3 million. If you're interested, I can give you more info. I was there with about 40 other CRC North America people living and working in Central America. We met and learned about the history of the church in Latin America. Quite interesting. A little disturbing at points, but nevertheless very interesting. See here for a few pictures:
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| Honduras |
The last two days of the break I spent in Santa Lucia, about an hour and a half northeast from Managua. It's a small town, very nice. Mark Vanderwees, a CRC missionary, parters with and supports a community organization there which tries to train community leaders (both church leaders and general community leaders) and farmers. It was absolutely amazing there. The scenery was spectacular. Mom and dad--we're going to spend at least a day there, maybe a night, too. We climbed to the top of the ridge overlooking the city, some 200 meters up. Then we had breakfast at a farm on the top and climbed back to town for lunch at another farm. I believe they are both involved with the organization. There will be more pictures on this later. I haven't had time to prepare them for the blog.
This morning I woke up to a strange sight. My car was missing three windows. They were stolen last night from my car, which was parked on the street outside my house. there is supposed to be a guard on the street 24 hours. He may be responsible for two streets, I have to figure that out yet. Nothing was taken from inside the car. I had some tools in the back and a nice flashlight in the front. Didn't touch it. Just took the windows. See the pictures.
Okay. I have to run. I've already spent more time than I have writing this blog. More for another time.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
santa week
It's been a crazy week. Aside from the normal ebb and flow school, I have been taking care of a few other things. First, I'm getting ready to leave early on Saturday morning for about 5 days in Honduras. Next week is Semana Santa (Holy Week) in Latin America. It is a multinational time of no work, some worship, lots of parties, and basically a time to break the routine. Most people actually work until Wednesday at noon, but for us at the school, our vacation starts this Friday at noon and ends a week and a few days later after an additional Monday at the other end of Semana Santa. Some of my American teacher friends are going to the US. Some are going to Guatemala. Some are going to Costa Rica. I am going to Honduras for a CRC-Central America retreat. I went last year, but this year it is different. The language of the seminars alternates each year between Spanish or English. Last year was English, so this year will be all Spanish--a good test and practice for me. But, because of this few others (from NCA) have decided to go. I am the only NCA representative this year.
Second, I have been trying to figure out my housing, both short term and long term, because I have to be out of the house by the end of this week. It was a bit crazy as I was trying to make arrangements, but I finally decided to move across the street to a one-room "apartment". It's an "apartment" because it really isn't. It's one bedroom, with a shared bathroom. Nothing more. Nothing less. A hallway from the front door to my room has four locked doors. Mine is the third one. I will be sharing a bathroom with a good friend, Lennin. He's a Nicaraguan I've mentioned before. Very friendly, considerate, and all that good stuff. I'm looking forward to getting to know him better. The room will cost me $70/month, including water, electricity, and a maid to clean the room and bathroom (it's extremely dusty here, so these things have to be done every other day at least). I'm going to be paying another maid to wash my clothes. The rate is set at approximately $1 for every 12 pieces of clothing. She will wash them by hand. I might have to pay an extra $10 per month if I want to purchase a small refrigerator, because it will be running all the time. I'd use that for breakfast foods and a few drinks. I've worked out a deal to eat dinner with the family I have been living with, as they will be living conveniently close to the school. There are some details that have to be worked out, yet, but I'm sure things will come out alright.
What can I say about my classes? Some of them are encouraging, and others just aren't. I can't figure out high school. Monday was absolutely terrible, and Tuesday was an about-face. Wednesday was mediocre, and today I didn't have that class. I don't know what to expect from them. I had to lay down the law in third grade today. They've been talking like crazy in my class. I don't know how it got so bad, but today I stopped class and gave them lines to write, with more lines to write as extra homework. They seemed to be receptive. We'll see how long I can use this approach. Or maybe I should say, how long I have to use this approach.
I've gotten a few comments on my Spanish lately, which has been encouraging. I feel much more capable lately of conversation. Still, the need remains to actually study the language. I haven't taken any lessons since returning.
Prayer items:
- Please pray for a restful week off. I need to be re-energized.
- Please pray for patience and wisdom with troublesome classes/students (as always!)
- Thanks for the strength that I've been given. I think I've stayed very positive this year where there has been great opportunity to be negative--and I am very thankful that I have not been overcome by a negative attitude.
Second, I have been trying to figure out my housing, both short term and long term, because I have to be out of the house by the end of this week. It was a bit crazy as I was trying to make arrangements, but I finally decided to move across the street to a one-room "apartment". It's an "apartment" because it really isn't. It's one bedroom, with a shared bathroom. Nothing more. Nothing less. A hallway from the front door to my room has four locked doors. Mine is the third one. I will be sharing a bathroom with a good friend, Lennin. He's a Nicaraguan I've mentioned before. Very friendly, considerate, and all that good stuff. I'm looking forward to getting to know him better. The room will cost me $70/month, including water, electricity, and a maid to clean the room and bathroom (it's extremely dusty here, so these things have to be done every other day at least). I'm going to be paying another maid to wash my clothes. The rate is set at approximately $1 for every 12 pieces of clothing. She will wash them by hand. I might have to pay an extra $10 per month if I want to purchase a small refrigerator, because it will be running all the time. I'd use that for breakfast foods and a few drinks. I've worked out a deal to eat dinner with the family I have been living with, as they will be living conveniently close to the school. There are some details that have to be worked out, yet, but I'm sure things will come out alright.
What can I say about my classes? Some of them are encouraging, and others just aren't. I can't figure out high school. Monday was absolutely terrible, and Tuesday was an about-face. Wednesday was mediocre, and today I didn't have that class. I don't know what to expect from them. I had to lay down the law in third grade today. They've been talking like crazy in my class. I don't know how it got so bad, but today I stopped class and gave them lines to write, with more lines to write as extra homework. They seemed to be receptive. We'll see how long I can use this approach. Or maybe I should say, how long I have to use this approach.
I've gotten a few comments on my Spanish lately, which has been encouraging. I feel much more capable lately of conversation. Still, the need remains to actually study the language. I haven't taken any lessons since returning.
Prayer items:
- Please pray for a restful week off. I need to be re-energized.
- Please pray for patience and wisdom with troublesome classes/students (as always!)
- Thanks for the strength that I've been given. I think I've stayed very positive this year where there has been great opportunity to be negative--and I am very thankful that I have not been overcome by a negative attitude.
Monday, March 12, 2007
pictures, yay!
Click on the picture below to take you to my photo album. Then try clicking on the "slideshow" button when you get there.
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| A Catch Up |
Thursday, March 08, 2007
oh man
Oh, man. I just realized people are still responding to “The first two weeks.” I’m very sorry for the long break I took from writing. Well, we’ve nearly completed the first marking period (6 weeks). Next week will be the last week of the period and students will face a different exam each day. I’m pleased to say that this year has much more productive than the last. I’m testing the majority of my students (grades 2, 4, and 5) on the first two units of the book. Last year I was just finishing the first unit and wondering how I could make a test for just one unit! In addition, I’m finding myself a little more comfortable with teaching and enjoying it more. I have heard from several people that I seem different this year–more open and free. Perhaps I mentioned that in the last blog, too. It’s true, I think. On the other hand, I don’t want to get too comfortable yet because the results from the first marking period are still undetermined. I hope I don’t find that a whole lot of students are lost! I trust my ability to judge, but only so much. That’s one area I have a ways to grow.
My most difficult class continues to be the high school class, although this week I think I met a turning point. I decided to make the class less about the book and more about understanding the basics the book might take for granted. I had Sidney (fellow English teacher) help me put together a lesson plan that would be more at the level of the students. The book we have, while an excellent book, might be slightly too advanced for the students and overwhelming for them at first look. I think if I can make the class a little more basic I can draw the students back into learning.
I got my car back a couple weeks ago, and it’s great to have my own wheels. The paint job looks great, and it also has tinted windows which make it much cooler in a double sense (I will include a funny story with pictures at a later time–remind me). There is still one problem, though. The frame is still bent such that the left side of the car is 2.5 inches lower than the right side. This I could live with, but they were unable to corrected the alignment completely. I’m looking for a way to straighten the frame, but I’m a little leery to do that here. I don’t want other problems. We’ll see.
My family is going to be moving in the next 30 days. The land lord has apparently told the familiy that he needs the house for someone in his family. This presents some unexpected complications in my life
as I need to be thinking about things like how long I want to live with the family and if I would be willing to increase my payments if we can’t find an inexpensive house to rent.
Alright. Time to head back to work. Have a great week!
My most difficult class continues to be the high school class, although this week I think I met a turning point. I decided to make the class less about the book and more about understanding the basics the book might take for granted. I had Sidney (fellow English teacher) help me put together a lesson plan that would be more at the level of the students. The book we have, while an excellent book, might be slightly too advanced for the students and overwhelming for them at first look. I think if I can make the class a little more basic I can draw the students back into learning.
I got my car back a couple weeks ago, and it’s great to have my own wheels. The paint job looks great, and it also has tinted windows which make it much cooler in a double sense (I will include a funny story with pictures at a later time–remind me). There is still one problem, though. The frame is still bent such that the left side of the car is 2.5 inches lower than the right side. This I could live with, but they were unable to corrected the alignment completely. I’m looking for a way to straighten the frame, but I’m a little leery to do that here. I don’t want other problems. We’ll see.
My family is going to be moving in the next 30 days. The land lord has apparently told the familiy that he needs the house for someone in his family. This presents some unexpected complications in my life
as I need to be thinking about things like how long I want to live with the family and if I would be willing to increase my payments if we can’t find an inexpensive house to rent.
Alright. Time to head back to work. Have a great week!
Saturday, February 17, 2007
the first two weeks
A quick update on the car situation. As I mentioned previously, I was unable to get it aligned due to a crooked frame or suspension. Shortly after the last post, I let a mechanic from the school take it to see what he could do. He came back that day with the car fully aligned. No, the frame/suspension was still askew, but the car was aligned. The mechanic pointed out that there was also a water leak that needed to be fixed. I quickly realized it was a much more urgent problem than the previous water leak as I couldn’t even make it to school from my house without a major heat increase. The water I put in at the top quickly started to come out of somewhere near the waterpump. The mechanic also told me that he wanted to do the paint job to fix all of the scratches and dents on the car. I asked him several times what the price would be more or less, and all he told me is that it wouldn’t be expensive. Because he made me feel like he was going to do me a favor or give me some kind of gift, I felt that not to take him up on this offer would be to show a certain amount of non-trust in him. And, since a paint job would be important at some point, I decided to take him up on the offer. The only problem is that he needed the car for eight days. So, that’s where I am right now. Waiting about 4 more days until I get my car back.
This week I’m living back at the apartments as a combination of the lack of a car and a family situation. The family I live with is Honduran, as you may recall. The father, as a pastor, has to return every month or two for a denominational meeting. During this time, I am required to not sleep in the house with the mother and son because of how quickly and easily rumors could start and the effect that could have on our Christian witness. I’ve enjoyed some aspects of being here. Certainly I enjoy being within walking distance of NCA in the evening (to work), and I enjoy being closer to the American friends I have. There is a connection I feel there that I also feel I’m really missing out on when I’m living there.
School has thankfully continued to be better than last year. It helps to start of knowing most of the students. Last year, it was a month before I knew all of the names of my students. This year I knew them all easily within the first week as there were only about 20 new faces in my classes. Kindergarten has been interesting. They are learning more quickly than the first graders of last year, I think. They cry a little more, and they’re less logical than first graders. When they need to go to the bathroom they ask (in spanish) “Can I pee?” as they grab or point to themselves instead of raising their hand and asking “Can I go to the bathroom?” or they just get up and walk out of the room. :) They have so much to learn about being in the classroom. But I think they are learning quickly and will be a well-mannered class before too long. Second grade this year is a bit more difficult than first grade last year. They have a much harder time paying attention, and I feel a bit like I’m doing second grade from last year again (which was terrible). There are some major differences, though. I have a relationship with the students already; I speak more Spanish and can communicate better with the teacher; they already know a bit of what I expect from them; I have one year of experience. Fourth grade is ahead of last year’s fourth grade, I think. Fifth graders are far more mature and quick to listen in class than they were as fourth graders, which is a huge blessing. High school looks to be a challenge, but I think I have a few new tools to help with that, and I think I will be able to convince them during the first few weeks here that it is important for them to behave and pay attention in class. If I can do that, we will enjoy this class together and we’ll learn a lot. The material will challenge them like crazy, but I think they’re capable of doing well.
That’s the update. Here are the prayer items:
-pray that I will be able to get a firm grasp on the classroom behavior portion of teaching
-we’re probably going to start a tutoring program this week, which means another hour of my time after school four days a week–so I’d like some wisdom on how to do that without it being too much for me.
-pray that I will continue to see and get excited about what God is doing in and around our school, and how I’m playing an important role in that
This week I’m living back at the apartments as a combination of the lack of a car and a family situation. The family I live with is Honduran, as you may recall. The father, as a pastor, has to return every month or two for a denominational meeting. During this time, I am required to not sleep in the house with the mother and son because of how quickly and easily rumors could start and the effect that could have on our Christian witness. I’ve enjoyed some aspects of being here. Certainly I enjoy being within walking distance of NCA in the evening (to work), and I enjoy being closer to the American friends I have. There is a connection I feel there that I also feel I’m really missing out on when I’m living there.
School has thankfully continued to be better than last year. It helps to start of knowing most of the students. Last year, it was a month before I knew all of the names of my students. This year I knew them all easily within the first week as there were only about 20 new faces in my classes. Kindergarten has been interesting. They are learning more quickly than the first graders of last year, I think. They cry a little more, and they’re less logical than first graders. When they need to go to the bathroom they ask (in spanish) “Can I pee?” as they grab or point to themselves instead of raising their hand and asking “Can I go to the bathroom?” or they just get up and walk out of the room. :) They have so much to learn about being in the classroom. But I think they are learning quickly and will be a well-mannered class before too long. Second grade this year is a bit more difficult than first grade last year. They have a much harder time paying attention, and I feel a bit like I’m doing second grade from last year again (which was terrible). There are some major differences, though. I have a relationship with the students already; I speak more Spanish and can communicate better with the teacher; they already know a bit of what I expect from them; I have one year of experience. Fourth grade is ahead of last year’s fourth grade, I think. Fifth graders are far more mature and quick to listen in class than they were as fourth graders, which is a huge blessing. High school looks to be a challenge, but I think I have a few new tools to help with that, and I think I will be able to convince them during the first few weeks here that it is important for them to behave and pay attention in class. If I can do that, we will enjoy this class together and we’ll learn a lot. The material will challenge them like crazy, but I think they’re capable of doing well.
That’s the update. Here are the prayer items:
-pray that I will be able to get a firm grasp on the classroom behavior portion of teaching
-we’re probably going to start a tutoring program this week, which means another hour of my time after school four days a week–so I’d like some wisdom on how to do that without it being too much for me.
-pray that I will continue to see and get excited about what God is doing in and around our school, and how I’m playing an important role in that
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
further car frustrations
This is pretty much a prayer request for more patience. I finally got the new steering box installed last night thanks to a very generous employee of the school who stayed after work to do the installation. Then I started to notice a few things that weren’t quite right (they had nothing to do with the installation, by the way). First, I tried to open the passenger door for the first time, and found it wouldn’t open more than a few inches due to a dent in the rear of the quarter panel along the seam with the door. Next I noticed that the car was even more cockeyed than before–leaning even further to the left. This morning I brough the car to a Firestone dealer to get an alignment, and what they told me I didn’t like. They didn’t want to do the alignment because the chassis was out of line and the leaf spring on the left side was also crooked. While the car is drivable right now, it’s probably not good for it to be driven. I’m probably going to use it today and tomorrow and then see if I can get it fixed asap. This will probably mean more time without a car, and it definately means I can’t fully use it yet. Ah, well. The Lord is at work here and I thank him in all situations.
Here are some pictures. Click to enlarge.
~ by dstien on February 4, 2007.
2 Responses to “further car frustrations”
1.
I wish you luck with your car trouble. Where did you get this one anyways. I hope they don’t give you any trouble fixing your crooked chasis. After all this trouble, I am sure you will be enjoying your Land Cruiser. Cheers!
Norman said this on February 5th, 2007 at 8:28 am (edit)
2.
Hey, Norman. I got this car from a neighbor here. He was an American teaching at a different school. He left for Venezuela and sold the car to me before he went. I thought $4,500 was a lot to pay, but he sent me an email from Venezuela saying that the same car there was going to cost him around $11,000! That made me feel a lot better, needless to say. I’ll get the car back next week sometime. It’s getting a paint job and a new water pump right now. Talk to you later, my friend!
Here are some pictures. Click to enlarge.
~ by dstien on February 4, 2007.
2 Responses to “further car frustrations”
1.
I wish you luck with your car trouble. Where did you get this one anyways. I hope they don’t give you any trouble fixing your crooked chasis. After all this trouble, I am sure you will be enjoying your Land Cruiser. Cheers!
Norman said this on February 5th, 2007 at 8:28 am (edit)
2.
Hey, Norman. I got this car from a neighbor here. He was an American teaching at a different school. He left for Venezuela and sold the car to me before he went. I thought $4,500 was a lot to pay, but he sent me an email from Venezuela saying that the same car there was going to cost him around $11,000! That made me feel a lot better, needless to say. I’ll get the car back next week sometime. It’s getting a paint job and a new water pump right now. Talk to you later, my friend!
Thursday, February 01, 2007
something's happening
Welcome back after a lengthy “vacation”. I have been meaning to get an update out for many weeks now. At first I procrastinated, but it’s gotten to the point now where I have had no time! My life since arriving back in Nicaragua on the 22nd of January has been just a wee bit hectic. Let me give you a brief but comprehensive update so you know where I’m at and what my prayer needs might be.
First, I have to say I had a great time in Grand Rapids over the Holidays. Disappointingly there were a few people I didn’t get to see because I ran out of time. Those of you who I did see, it was great to spend even a little time catching up, sharing stories from the past year, or just laughing together. I definately found myself to be very comfortable back home–I kind of wondered if there would be any culture shock, but if I felt it at all, it was very minimal.
All went well in Europe. If I had more time I’d throw up some more pictures. Perhaps another blog in the future. I spent the first four days or so in Hilversum, which is just outside Amsterdam by about 30 minutes. My gracious relatives on the VanBeekum side took me in without having ever met me and fed me and took me all around for my stay in Holland. I’m extremly grateful for their hospitality and patience. Because of a little confusion on my part about where my bags could be claimed, they ended up waiting about 4 hours for me at the airport before we found each other. While I was with them I also saw relatives on my Grandpa Stienstra’s side and my Gradma Stienstra’s side (Van Uffelen). It was definately cool to see where my great grandfather grew (Beetgumermolen, Friesland) up before immigrating, and to hear other stories about my great great grandfather and his children. Also saw some interesting old pictures. Also for another post. I also was able to meet up with my friend Sidney in Norwich, England. He got the visa right before his flight and it was great to spend some time with him there. I also spent about a day and a half in London. Saw Les Mis, but was slightly disappointed with the performance, sadly. But I have gone to very few musicals, so perhaps if I knew better I would have found it thrilling.
Better move on. I actually arrived back in Nicaragua a day late (on Monday) because I was bumped in Miami (they gave me a hotel, food, a $500 voucher, and first class on the next day’s flight). When I actually arrived, I began working the next day. I already heard on the way back from the airport that there were people asking for me at my school because they had to take a make-up exam. I quickly realized that I had not yet created those exams, so I spent a few hours putting them together and printing them off. The next few days I spent in seminars and planning days at the school. We finally figured out by Thursday, I think, who would be teaching which class (and so for what classes I had to prepare). With the rationale of continuing to build the relationships with students and parents, The decision was made to stay with the same students rather than the same grades. Thankfully this meant that I could avoid the dreaded second grade from last year, but it also meant that I would be picking up some new grades. I now have a kindergarden class, 2nd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, a second level high school class, and half of a ‘conversation and critical thinking’ class (CCT) in high school for students whose English is quite good. Last year I had 4 classes. This year it’s 5.5, with 3.5 new classes (that I have not taught before). This represents a large challenge for me, especially the kindergarden. I have no idea how they think, but I’m pretty sure they can only think about it for less than 5 minutes at a time. With 40 minute classes, this means I’ll have to have several activities prepared everyday for them. I’m a little excited about the high school class because I think the curriculum we got is excellent. I’m a little worried about the CCT class because I’m co-teaching it with the other teacher, and he’s the one that’s really developing the curriculum and has the vision. We have to co-teach because it’s the 3rd of 3 levels in high school that have to all happen at the same time. Each of us will take one day a week from our normal class to be with them. They will work independantly on homework and larger projects on the other days.
Here’s something else that’s consumed a lot of my time during the last week or so. On Friday of my first week back I was sitting at the table getting some work done in the morning when the director came out of her office to talk to me. She asked if I new that the security guard had my car off campus and that he had rolled it over. I was shocked–I had no idea. He had often washed my car on campus, and that morning I had given him my keys to do just that (it needs to be moved close to the water source). I couldn’t believe it, and I had no idea how to respond. Sidney and I packed up and left to go to the scene. I should mention that the guard is fine and amazingly nobody was hurt. He was feeling incredibly bad for many reasons. We took a look at the car and found that the shaft coming out of the steering box at the bottom had broken, which the guard claims caused the car to turn itself into a tall curb subsequently flipping the car on it’s side. There appeared to be no other damage other than a flat tire where it had hit the curb. Oh, the mirror broke off, but the windows stayed put and even the rear light still works (though only held on by one screw). Long story short, it was towed back to the school where it still sits today. It took me and Thomas (a nicaraguan friend who works at NCA) until yesterday (Wednesday) to get some solid estimates from mechanics and to get a price from the market for just a replacement part. Today I confirmed the price in the market and got the money I need to pay for it. Tomorrow I’m sending someone to get the part in the morning and hopefully we can install the part together in the afternoon. All together, it will probably cost around $550 to get it back on the road (not fixing the cosmetic damage). The guard wants to pay for it all, and will probably be making payments every month until it’s covered. The school has given me a loan to fix it and he’ll be paying into that loan. Anwyay, that is something that has been a huge deal for me. I’ve been struggling with how to respond to the situation and to the guard with love and mercy, but yet still holding him responsible for what happened. The story is maybe a little more complex that I have time for here. The Lord has really been answering my prayers and those of my friends who know about the situation, to make it easier to deal with. The guard saying today that he wanted to pay for the whole thing took a lot of pressure off of me having to decide what was fair. I really didn’t want to have to make that decision. Needless to say, this has been a source of frustration, struggle, and much personal growth for me during the previous week.
My family here also has been having some financial difficulties. I found out when they were trying to figure out where a certain addres was. When I asked why, they said they were looking for another place to live. A few days later they asked if someone I knew who had visited here would be willing to sponsor their son at Nejapa. As I looked into this process and met with various people at the school, this has also eaten up a bunch of my time. Yet, just like the car struggle, this has caused a certain amount of personal growth and a new perspective on some things.
Clearly, the Lord is at work in my life at this moment. The past two weeks have been filled with struggles of different sorts, and those struggles are still continuing in many ways. Some of them, such as the struggle with preparing for classes, has intensified, while others seem to be on the resolve. One particular devotional with the other teachers left me nearly in tears and unable to sing as I realized how deep my need for whole-hearted worship is. I stood there having only grasped a small part of the discussion and lesson, but as I heard the singing and thought about the lesson, the Lord was working on my heart, bringing before me some of my needs. One is a need to be surrounded by people who know the Lord and love him deeply. I experienced for a moment something I hadn’t experienced in the same way since worshipping with the youth group at First CRC in hamilton. The realization of my need for that kind of communal worship moved me deeply. I am finding my relationships here with many people to be changing and growing and deepening in a many different ways. I am grateful to our Lord for the work he is doing in me, and I pray I stay open to him.
That’s the quick version, believe it or not. Something is happening. I have felt the Lord at work in some strong ways lately. Tomorrow night we have an open house for the parents and families. I’m not feeling quite ready for that. On Monday, we begin classes. I’m not quite ready for that yet, either. I’d love to have my lesson plans for the first week in place by tomorrow, so that I can make copies on Saturday and start the week with confidence. So much is going on. I hope your life is a little less busy. Thanks for taking time to catch up on me!
Prayer items: (if they’re not clear from above…or incase you just skipped ot this section :) Thank you so much for your prayers.
- The Lord has been at work in my heart. Please thank him for what he’s been doing and pray that he presses on and that I will open my heart even more and in new ways.
- Thank him for the ways in which he’s resolved and is resolving some situations that you haven’t even prayed about before! Including the car situation. Pray that how I handle the situation will be in accordance with the Lord’s will for mercy and all that.
- Please pray that I am given some great energy and ideas for this year’s English classes. I am hoping this year I really learn how much I love teaching and teaching English. I’m so privileged to be working at Nejapa. I believe the Lord is working here and has some great plans for this school. My fellow teachers at both schools are amazing friends, and I’d love to be able to be a great teacher along with them. I’m just still trying to figure out of this is what God has equipped me for.
First, I have to say I had a great time in Grand Rapids over the Holidays. Disappointingly there were a few people I didn’t get to see because I ran out of time. Those of you who I did see, it was great to spend even a little time catching up, sharing stories from the past year, or just laughing together. I definately found myself to be very comfortable back home–I kind of wondered if there would be any culture shock, but if I felt it at all, it was very minimal.
All went well in Europe. If I had more time I’d throw up some more pictures. Perhaps another blog in the future. I spent the first four days or so in Hilversum, which is just outside Amsterdam by about 30 minutes. My gracious relatives on the VanBeekum side took me in without having ever met me and fed me and took me all around for my stay in Holland. I’m extremly grateful for their hospitality and patience. Because of a little confusion on my part about where my bags could be claimed, they ended up waiting about 4 hours for me at the airport before we found each other. While I was with them I also saw relatives on my Grandpa Stienstra’s side and my Gradma Stienstra’s side (Van Uffelen). It was definately cool to see where my great grandfather grew (Beetgumermolen, Friesland) up before immigrating, and to hear other stories about my great great grandfather and his children. Also saw some interesting old pictures. Also for another post. I also was able to meet up with my friend Sidney in Norwich, England. He got the visa right before his flight and it was great to spend some time with him there. I also spent about a day and a half in London. Saw Les Mis, but was slightly disappointed with the performance, sadly. But I have gone to very few musicals, so perhaps if I knew better I would have found it thrilling.
Better move on. I actually arrived back in Nicaragua a day late (on Monday) because I was bumped in Miami (they gave me a hotel, food, a $500 voucher, and first class on the next day’s flight). When I actually arrived, I began working the next day. I already heard on the way back from the airport that there were people asking for me at my school because they had to take a make-up exam. I quickly realized that I had not yet created those exams, so I spent a few hours putting them together and printing them off. The next few days I spent in seminars and planning days at the school. We finally figured out by Thursday, I think, who would be teaching which class (and so for what classes I had to prepare). With the rationale of continuing to build the relationships with students and parents, The decision was made to stay with the same students rather than the same grades. Thankfully this meant that I could avoid the dreaded second grade from last year, but it also meant that I would be picking up some new grades. I now have a kindergarden class, 2nd grade, 4th grade, 5th grade, a second level high school class, and half of a ‘conversation and critical thinking’ class (CCT) in high school for students whose English is quite good. Last year I had 4 classes. This year it’s 5.5, with 3.5 new classes (that I have not taught before). This represents a large challenge for me, especially the kindergarden. I have no idea how they think, but I’m pretty sure they can only think about it for less than 5 minutes at a time. With 40 minute classes, this means I’ll have to have several activities prepared everyday for them. I’m a little excited about the high school class because I think the curriculum we got is excellent. I’m a little worried about the CCT class because I’m co-teaching it with the other teacher, and he’s the one that’s really developing the curriculum and has the vision. We have to co-teach because it’s the 3rd of 3 levels in high school that have to all happen at the same time. Each of us will take one day a week from our normal class to be with them. They will work independantly on homework and larger projects on the other days.
Here’s something else that’s consumed a lot of my time during the last week or so. On Friday of my first week back I was sitting at the table getting some work done in the morning when the director came out of her office to talk to me. She asked if I new that the security guard had my car off campus and that he had rolled it over. I was shocked–I had no idea. He had often washed my car on campus, and that morning I had given him my keys to do just that (it needs to be moved close to the water source). I couldn’t believe it, and I had no idea how to respond. Sidney and I packed up and left to go to the scene. I should mention that the guard is fine and amazingly nobody was hurt. He was feeling incredibly bad for many reasons. We took a look at the car and found that the shaft coming out of the steering box at the bottom had broken, which the guard claims caused the car to turn itself into a tall curb subsequently flipping the car on it’s side. There appeared to be no other damage other than a flat tire where it had hit the curb. Oh, the mirror broke off, but the windows stayed put and even the rear light still works (though only held on by one screw). Long story short, it was towed back to the school where it still sits today. It took me and Thomas (a nicaraguan friend who works at NCA) until yesterday (Wednesday) to get some solid estimates from mechanics and to get a price from the market for just a replacement part. Today I confirmed the price in the market and got the money I need to pay for it. Tomorrow I’m sending someone to get the part in the morning and hopefully we can install the part together in the afternoon. All together, it will probably cost around $550 to get it back on the road (not fixing the cosmetic damage). The guard wants to pay for it all, and will probably be making payments every month until it’s covered. The school has given me a loan to fix it and he’ll be paying into that loan. Anwyay, that is something that has been a huge deal for me. I’ve been struggling with how to respond to the situation and to the guard with love and mercy, but yet still holding him responsible for what happened. The story is maybe a little more complex that I have time for here. The Lord has really been answering my prayers and those of my friends who know about the situation, to make it easier to deal with. The guard saying today that he wanted to pay for the whole thing took a lot of pressure off of me having to decide what was fair. I really didn’t want to have to make that decision. Needless to say, this has been a source of frustration, struggle, and much personal growth for me during the previous week.
My family here also has been having some financial difficulties. I found out when they were trying to figure out where a certain addres was. When I asked why, they said they were looking for another place to live. A few days later they asked if someone I knew who had visited here would be willing to sponsor their son at Nejapa. As I looked into this process and met with various people at the school, this has also eaten up a bunch of my time. Yet, just like the car struggle, this has caused a certain amount of personal growth and a new perspective on some things.
Clearly, the Lord is at work in my life at this moment. The past two weeks have been filled with struggles of different sorts, and those struggles are still continuing in many ways. Some of them, such as the struggle with preparing for classes, has intensified, while others seem to be on the resolve. One particular devotional with the other teachers left me nearly in tears and unable to sing as I realized how deep my need for whole-hearted worship is. I stood there having only grasped a small part of the discussion and lesson, but as I heard the singing and thought about the lesson, the Lord was working on my heart, bringing before me some of my needs. One is a need to be surrounded by people who know the Lord and love him deeply. I experienced for a moment something I hadn’t experienced in the same way since worshipping with the youth group at First CRC in hamilton. The realization of my need for that kind of communal worship moved me deeply. I am finding my relationships here with many people to be changing and growing and deepening in a many different ways. I am grateful to our Lord for the work he is doing in me, and I pray I stay open to him.
That’s the quick version, believe it or not. Something is happening. I have felt the Lord at work in some strong ways lately. Tomorrow night we have an open house for the parents and families. I’m not feeling quite ready for that. On Monday, we begin classes. I’m not quite ready for that yet, either. I’d love to have my lesson plans for the first week in place by tomorrow, so that I can make copies on Saturday and start the week with confidence. So much is going on. I hope your life is a little less busy. Thanks for taking time to catch up on me!
Prayer items: (if they’re not clear from above…or incase you just skipped ot this section :) Thank you so much for your prayers.
- The Lord has been at work in my heart. Please thank him for what he’s been doing and pray that he presses on and that I will open my heart even more and in new ways.
- Thank him for the ways in which he’s resolved and is resolving some situations that you haven’t even prayed about before! Including the car situation. Pray that how I handle the situation will be in accordance with the Lord’s will for mercy and all that.
- Please pray that I am given some great energy and ideas for this year’s English classes. I am hoping this year I really learn how much I love teaching and teaching English. I’m so privileged to be working at Nejapa. I believe the Lord is working here and has some great plans for this school. My fellow teachers at both schools are amazing friends, and I’d love to be able to be a great teacher along with them. I’m just still trying to figure out of this is what God has equipped me for.
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