It is hard to believe that it was about this time last year that I was getting the news that I would headed to Indonesia. So let me just tell you some of the differences that I have seen in the teaching/coaching/cheering part of my life.
Teaching has been great. It is weird to think that last year I was teaching 1st and 2nd grade on my own. Now this year I have a partner teacher with whom I have the privilege of teaching along. At times I miss being able to conform my schedule to doing things on my own, which happens when she is sick. But then on those days she is sick I am reminded what it is like to be responsible for 22 students, especially when it comes to packing up. This year was also the first time that I have had a student move mid-year. I am used to students leaving during the summer, but of 5 years teaching this was a first. Finally getting to teach alongside 5 other first grade teachers gives me a great opportunity to become a better teacher learning from their ups and from their downs. Always being refined! On the note of teaching we are learning about all things Olympics, this is the most excited my kids have been in awhile. To bad no Indonesians are competing in the Winter Olympics ;)
Coaching has been great, but you may be asking how do you coach track and cross country in the middle of a city skyscraper with no field or track. Well you don't and so then you take up coaching soccer. Now this is not just any soccer. This is 5th and 6th grade girls soccer with only 2 practices a week. Is it a hard transition from Jamin and Mikey (ELCA) and their crazy antics, probably not. I love it and I am learning so much in skills and coaching in general. Our team name is the E-girls, but they decided I could shout He-girls. Even though the E stands for Eagle.
Cheering, well you all know me and my loud voice I like to use it for sports. It is Junior school soccer season and Senior school basketball season (which is year round). Anyway what a different culture, because everybody lives quite a ways away many people don't come to the sporting events. Mostly it's the teachers, a few parents, and a small band of students. Many of the schools don't even have grandstands. Crazy I know. But I still love it. Just this week I had the opportunity to go to another school in the league to watch the game, there were probably 10 fans not including the players waiting for their game. The echo of a ball bouncing, the squeak of the shoes, and the whistle of the ref no matter where I go these get my voice loud. Then it was time to board the bus to go home and this is where it the recollections stopped. What should have been a hour ride back ended up being 3 hours, TIJ (This is Jakarta). I thought the ride from Kennedy back to ELCA was long :).
So things are just a little different, but I am right where God has me and that is great. I couldn't imagine being anywhere else.
Prayer: Halfway through the year means to comfortable of kids
It is rainy season be praying for the areas that flood
Things I miss:
Pickles
Things I have made:
Cheese cake
As always thanks for praying
