Hola! I am currently at school during a free period and since my wifi is better here, I figured I'd post a quick bit about the last couple of days. I love my school. I love my kids. And I love getting ready to teach. I'm praying about the opportunity to be creative and good for my kids when I begin my lessons since the third grade teachers have all of their lessons planned for the year. It will be different but I am hoping the few ounces of creativity I have will be able to shine through! People I do not even know say hello to me. Students have offered me their chairs, given me their candy, and hugged me from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave. They have helped me order lunch since I do not speak much Spanish and most of the workers here, minus teachers and administrators, do not speak much English. I had a third grader from a different class come up to me and ask if I was the new teacher in third with a huge grin on her face. Sweet children. And I appreciate the fact that hugging your kids here is something that is greatly advertised and accepted. :)
The kids and students here love their soccer and much to my surprise I found out from one source that baseball, which I thought was a Dominican favorite, is not as popular as soccer. The baseball leagues and teams are for the low low class of people here. Very interesting to learn! The students play soccer whenever they can, even when they aren't supposed to be. :) Kids will be kids. No matter where you are! They get dropped off by parents and sometimes nannys or drivers. Moms come in their workout gear or totally dressed to kill! I often feel underdressed.
I made my first trip to the Dominican supermarket and got some groceries and changed my dollars into pesos. Praise the Lord for bilingual roommates. I am very blessed by them in many ways. I mentioned earlier the drivers are very crazy here. And I did not elaborate on that so now I will a bit. The people here drive with force and aggression but not in the way Americans think. People go on red lights and motorcycles go whenever and wherever they want. At first I felt unsafe walking across a street, but I have quickly learned you wait to go or just go with your back turned in order to say to them, "Hey! I am crossing now, please watch out." Often, stop signs are not honored and you go when you can. I could never drive here. I wouldn't be brave enough. Unlike in the U.S. when there are intense drivers, people here are kind about it. It is an unspoken rule to just go and be kind and not get upset. Very unique!
I have some mosquito bites and have only seen two the whole time I have been here. SNEAKY things. This morning I felt some effects of the travel and food differences. (I'll let you make your own inferences on that one.) Other than that, I have felt incredible. I bought fresh fruit and vegetables and plan on cleaning them with a disinfectant. :) Taking precautions! I tried Apple Pop last night and plan on learning to cook for myself. Haha. I bought some American things and many Dominican foods. I am excited to try them all. At school, I had a empenada con queso two days in a row as well as jugo de para (PEAR JUICE) for lunch. It has been delicious! The coffee is insanely yummy and I am continuing to love trying new things.
Last night, I was blessed with joining my two roommates, Shannon and Bethany, as well as Shannon's friend Elizabeth who is in her first year at university, for a bible study of sorts. Shannon previously did some mission work with Asia and found that is the biggest populated continent with the least Christian influence of anywhere. Asia is very near and dear to her heart. We got together to sing some praise songs, talk, and pray together. These women have cared for me like you wouldn't believe. I am blessed to be where I am. I told them that before I came here, my heart was heavy with some issues I was dealing with and did not know how the Dominican Republic could help me.... Needless to say, I am already understanding why I have been placed here. We talked about no matter how bad or how crappy life is or how much we may, at times, be angry or hate God, we cannot deny he is always there. There are days and times in our lives when we don't feel him but somehow, once we are through those things we see He was always there. I can truly attest to that.
(I know I am all over the place, just a lot to say and I am in the library with a fifth grade class presenting biographies to one another! It's semi hard to keep focus on my work when they are so interesting!)
I will try to write again soon! Thanks for reading about my adventure. I know it may seem crazy and my English is not always the best, but I want to write this so I can watch my progress too! Hasta Luego.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Monday, January 28, 2013
Culture. First Days. Thankfulness.
Here I am! Sitting in the beautiful, fresh Dominican air that flows through my room. I can't but help to think that I have only been here a short time but feel so welcomed by so many. You'll find this post short! I am feeling the exhaustion settle in as I feel I have been go go go! :) What a beautiful feeling it is.
Yesterday I met my two roommates and I spent time going with Ms. Terry Ropic (My house mom and principal) and we went to church. Huge. Beautiful. Kind people. All in Spanish! I am getting exposed to the beautiful language I love but barely know everywhere I go but most are very tolerant with my lack of understanding! :) They do have headphones with a translator at church but we arrived a bit late! All is well. And sorry to all you avid church goers. You have all been in church and fallen asleep. I kept catching my head as I failed to understand but tried so hard to focus! Haha. After church I met some of the beautiful people I would be working beside at The Ashton School. Everyone greets you with a hug and kiss on the cheek. Everyone as in most. And I have loved getting accustomed to this. I am a huggy person if you know me at all!
After church we headed out to Boca Chica with Laura (5th grade math teacher) and her sweet little Vienna who will be turning one soon. We ate a great lunch. I HAD FISH! Aren't you proud dad!? It was delicious. And I also tried Calamari! Delicioso! GO ME! Trying new things haha. Laura was sweet and we enjoyed a little swim in the ocean. The locals kept saying how cold it was... but after being in the sun I could have stayed in all day. :)
Headed to bed after watching a bit of tv with my roommates! Showering is a great thing to look forward to at night. :) The humidity is a bit like that in Ohio around mid August. No complaints here! Makes me think of home. And how blessed I am to be out of the snow for a bit.
Today I woke around 6:15 anxious for my day. But I was in for a treat! The people are all so friendly and it was a blessing from the start. I was introduced after morning flag ceremony in which the students sing the Dominican National Anthem and the song for The Ashton School. Prayer was led by one of the teachers I am living with and then I was introduced. I was a bit nervous. But nerves subsided as soon as I saw my class fist pump that I was finally there! 17 beautiful souls just waiting to be touched...
I was introduced to everyone. (OVERWHELMING!) But everyone was so sweet to me, and again, very tolerant of my lack of Spanish. Mi Espanol es no bueno. (My spanish is not very good.- at least I think!) I am trying though! And it's exciting! I met my teacher, Ms. Reyna, and we enjoyed each others company. Monday's are a slow day for her. The school offers a lot of specials which is something I am not used to. My MVNU Ed friends can attest to that. I will only teach them three periods on Monday and each day is different. More to be elaborated on that later! (I'm slowly dosing)
Needless to say, it was a blessed day at The Ashton School. Miss Sarah is excited for her journey and cannot wait to learn more about the class. I kept hearing MISS! MISS! MISS! For all of you who might be reading this and went to Belize said it was the same case there. It will be something I'll cherish forever. DAY ONE... Check! Muy bueno!
Shannon took me out on the town after school today. ---We got home around three. Ate a quick bite of rice with beans and some pork with BBQ sauce. (Lane.. you know how excited this made me!) --- School day is about 8-2:15. I was definitely exposed to some intense Spanish language while out but she has been fantastico in assisting me. Spanglish. Sorry. :) I really enjoy her company!
Came home and talked with the girls some and then Skyped with my Smith family, minus Hil. Hil-we will have to do so soon! :) Also. My Smith brother, Jimmy was there. That was a blessing. The support I have from my parents has been wonderful too. Mom, I have loved reading your emails! Thank you. :) Love to everyone. I pray that you feel blessed tonight/tomorrow just as I have from many many miles away!
Said it would be short.. but hey! I want you all to know details :)
(P.S. Lane.. Snuggle hard with Arwen. Arwen... snuggle hard with Lane. Miss you both very very much. Keep each other company.)
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Planes. Customs. Sun. Coffee. Rain. Intense Drivers.
Beinvenidos a Santo Domingo! Or for those of you who lack Spanish knowledge, (much as I have found out I do), that reads Welcome to Santo Domingo! :) I made it into the city last night at around 1:30 Dominican time. To my Ohio followers, it was about 12:30 your time! Getting ready to leave yesterday was one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do. Saying goodbye to my parents and Lane was emotionally exhausting. I felt terrible but told them, after a bit of afternoon lunch at the airport I was ready to be through security so I didn't have to prolong goodbyes. They understood and stayed there until they saw I got through security okay! I waved goodbye and headed to grab some coffee (courtesy of my sweet Lane) before I headed to my gate. Sitting at my gate the speaker came on to announce that my gate had been changed. Luckily it was close and the people were fun to watch nearby!
I left Columbus at around 6:45 after about an hour delay for reasons I am still not sure! We sat on the plane most of the time. And it was one of the most rewarding waits I have ever had in my life. I met two lovely sisters beside me, Brenda and Barbie, who were on their way to Barb's first cruise experience from Miami. They talked with me the whole way and I have never felt that a plane ride went to quickly until this experience. After a picture and exchange of names and emails, I left them at Miami to continue on my journey. Because we left from Columbus late, I was sure that I would not make my flight to Santo Domingo from Miami. BLESSED I AM! The Santo Domingo flight was running late as well and I departed from Miami around 9:30 I believe. It's all been a whirlwind! :) I sat next to an Australian man and his son headed to Santo Domingo for a baseball camp and he helped me fill out my travel card information! As the ride continued, I found myself snuggled up on my three seats I had all to myself (the plane was not full in the least bit) and I slept my way into the Dominican. I was a bit anxious about the whole customs/travel visa thing. But I realized quickly that getting my passport stamped, collecting my bags, and going through customs was really really really, I'm going to keep emphasizing REALLY, easy. Whew! Deep breath. I did it. I flew alone for the first time and I was successfully on my way to greet the elementary principal, Ms. Terry Ropic and the driver of the school. Nerves kicked in again, but the welcome was beautiful. :) I am blessed to be surrounded by caring people.
Danny, the driver, helped me take my bags to the car. Dominican's enjoy having big cars and fancy things. I've learned that in less than a day. My mind has continued to be blown when talking to Ms. Terry. I found out that the families at the school I will be in have a Nana and a driver most times. The students in the school are middle class students. It is not uncommon to have help right at your service. Ms. Terry informed me I will have two other roommates that are teachers at the high school, Shannon and Bethany. I have yet to meet them but and very excited to do so! I got in last night and Ms. Terry had a ham and cheese sandwich for me and I drank the water from the cooler thingy we have :) (unsure what to call it!) We talked for a long while and I went off to my very own room for the night and began putting some things away to help settle my mind from the overwhelming amount of knowledge I had gained! I laid in bed with the windows open, listening to the city. We are located in the heart of the city in the penthouse apartment that is bigger than the size of most U.S. houses I know of. (The school provides housing, apparently). My mind is blown at the fact we too, have a driver that will come pick us up, and a maid that works Wednesday-Friday. I am going to have to get used to that one. So... I laid in bed and finally got to sleep here around 5am. My sweet little sleepy self didn't wake until around noon. I showered and went to greet Ms. Terry at the breakfast table. We shared a ham sandwich and drank some of the most delicious coffee I have ever had. I am going to have to learn to make it myself because I will want it more than morning time! :)
We sat and ate together and I then went back to my room to finish unpacking. My room is very spacious and I also have my own bathroom.... It's very interesting how going into this I knew little of what to expect and with each passing hour my mind is blown even more. After a bit, I figured out the wifi and have been iMessaging with Lane a bit as I waited on Ms. Terry to get ready to walk down to the bank. Emailed mom to let her know I was alive and well! And then we headed off to the bank. I'll have to write more about the experiences later. For now you need to know I have come to the conclusion my Spanish is horrible. That's causing some overwhelming senses but I know there is beauty in learning again! I will be challenged by the language barrier. And that is OKAY! :) Went to get frozen Yougurt at Bon and then got a cheese crossiant from a local bakery! Hoping I can get some fresh fruit soon.
I think I will go now. I'm sitting on our patio at home all by myself (Ms. Terry is next door getting her hair and nails done;) ) and the rain is coming down. I am reminded of God's promises to me in these moments. I am feeling a lot of emotions and I am excited to learn with each new day. I am feeling blessed with the life and chances I have been given and intend to make them count! I will say yes to whatever is asked of me and continue on the path to discovering myself. Prayers and thoughts are appreciated. I'll try to write again soon!
I left Columbus at around 6:45 after about an hour delay for reasons I am still not sure! We sat on the plane most of the time. And it was one of the most rewarding waits I have ever had in my life. I met two lovely sisters beside me, Brenda and Barbie, who were on their way to Barb's first cruise experience from Miami. They talked with me the whole way and I have never felt that a plane ride went to quickly until this experience. After a picture and exchange of names and emails, I left them at Miami to continue on my journey. Because we left from Columbus late, I was sure that I would not make my flight to Santo Domingo from Miami. BLESSED I AM! The Santo Domingo flight was running late as well and I departed from Miami around 9:30 I believe. It's all been a whirlwind! :) I sat next to an Australian man and his son headed to Santo Domingo for a baseball camp and he helped me fill out my travel card information! As the ride continued, I found myself snuggled up on my three seats I had all to myself (the plane was not full in the least bit) and I slept my way into the Dominican. I was a bit anxious about the whole customs/travel visa thing. But I realized quickly that getting my passport stamped, collecting my bags, and going through customs was really really really, I'm going to keep emphasizing REALLY, easy. Whew! Deep breath. I did it. I flew alone for the first time and I was successfully on my way to greet the elementary principal, Ms. Terry Ropic and the driver of the school. Nerves kicked in again, but the welcome was beautiful. :) I am blessed to be surrounded by caring people.
Danny, the driver, helped me take my bags to the car. Dominican's enjoy having big cars and fancy things. I've learned that in less than a day. My mind has continued to be blown when talking to Ms. Terry. I found out that the families at the school I will be in have a Nana and a driver most times. The students in the school are middle class students. It is not uncommon to have help right at your service. Ms. Terry informed me I will have two other roommates that are teachers at the high school, Shannon and Bethany. I have yet to meet them but and very excited to do so! I got in last night and Ms. Terry had a ham and cheese sandwich for me and I drank the water from the cooler thingy we have :) (unsure what to call it!) We talked for a long while and I went off to my very own room for the night and began putting some things away to help settle my mind from the overwhelming amount of knowledge I had gained! I laid in bed with the windows open, listening to the city. We are located in the heart of the city in the penthouse apartment that is bigger than the size of most U.S. houses I know of. (The school provides housing, apparently). My mind is blown at the fact we too, have a driver that will come pick us up, and a maid that works Wednesday-Friday. I am going to have to get used to that one. So... I laid in bed and finally got to sleep here around 5am. My sweet little sleepy self didn't wake until around noon. I showered and went to greet Ms. Terry at the breakfast table. We shared a ham sandwich and drank some of the most delicious coffee I have ever had. I am going to have to learn to make it myself because I will want it more than morning time! :)
We sat and ate together and I then went back to my room to finish unpacking. My room is very spacious and I also have my own bathroom.... It's very interesting how going into this I knew little of what to expect and with each passing hour my mind is blown even more. After a bit, I figured out the wifi and have been iMessaging with Lane a bit as I waited on Ms. Terry to get ready to walk down to the bank. Emailed mom to let her know I was alive and well! And then we headed off to the bank. I'll have to write more about the experiences later. For now you need to know I have come to the conclusion my Spanish is horrible. That's causing some overwhelming senses but I know there is beauty in learning again! I will be challenged by the language barrier. And that is OKAY! :) Went to get frozen Yougurt at Bon and then got a cheese crossiant from a local bakery! Hoping I can get some fresh fruit soon.
I think I will go now. I'm sitting on our patio at home all by myself (Ms. Terry is next door getting her hair and nails done;) ) and the rain is coming down. I am reminded of God's promises to me in these moments. I am feeling a lot of emotions and I am excited to learn with each new day. I am feeling blessed with the life and chances I have been given and intend to make them count! I will say yes to whatever is asked of me and continue on the path to discovering myself. Prayers and thoughts are appreciated. I'll try to write again soon!
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Counting Down.
Here I am, sitting at Tim Horton's again. And I find my jitters heavy and my thoughts a beautiful disaster. In a matter of three days, I will be on a plane to a different land. And for that, my jitters have come out of my stomach and into a constant leg shake. The last few days I spent with people I love, doing all things I could to keep my mind off of what I still have left to do before I go. I think I was blessed with the gift of procrastination. With that being said, I'd like to point out Tim Horton's has become a place to go to avoid packing and planning. Probably not the best idea since my departure is so close but hey! IT WILL GET DONE.
Not only am I sitting here enjoying the beautiful world of cafe mochas, I am trying to spend time contacting and arranging some important things. If praying is something you do, I would appreciate some for the next few days to contain more communication than the last few months have. If you don't pray, just please keep your fingers crossed for my prepping. I am remaining positive the best I can. My guess is everyone is having too much fun catching the sun and enjoying one another's company down there. I still have a few important details to work out and it is allowing for the beautiful mess up in my head. All is well, and I am hopeful in the journey that lies ahead.
It's becoming real to me that I will greatly miss the people I will leave behind but my heart is happy for the people and students I will meet. Without the adventure I know awaits me, it would be almost impossible for you to pull me from this place. A lot of this trip will be done with hope and faith in the beauty of exploration. Speaking of exploring, I recently spent some time with a few handy sidekicks, Lane and his best friend Jim, looking at Dominican books to scope out some places I'd like to see while I am there. Jim was most helpful in his translation and pronunciation. (It's beautiful to have a Spanish Teacher as a friend!) Lane kept inferring the jealousy he had I would be going on an adventure. I must admit, the closer I am to leaving, the more excited I am for what lies ahead.
My mocha is getting cold, so for now I will leave you with this thought... As I continue to prepare, I am reminding myself that stories of adventures make the greatest tales of hope, courage, faith, growth, and love. So here I go.... with blank pages. And for the first time in my life, I am prepared to be the heroine of my own adventure story...
SIDE NOTE: I am currently editing this post by adding this segment. Just found out my housing will be different than I thought while I am there. I will be staying with two teachers and the elementary principal in an apartment... Another reminder this whole thing is going to be an adventure of the unexpected.
Not only am I sitting here enjoying the beautiful world of cafe mochas, I am trying to spend time contacting and arranging some important things. If praying is something you do, I would appreciate some for the next few days to contain more communication than the last few months have. If you don't pray, just please keep your fingers crossed for my prepping. I am remaining positive the best I can. My guess is everyone is having too much fun catching the sun and enjoying one another's company down there. I still have a few important details to work out and it is allowing for the beautiful mess up in my head. All is well, and I am hopeful in the journey that lies ahead.
It's becoming real to me that I will greatly miss the people I will leave behind but my heart is happy for the people and students I will meet. Without the adventure I know awaits me, it would be almost impossible for you to pull me from this place. A lot of this trip will be done with hope and faith in the beauty of exploration. Speaking of exploring, I recently spent some time with a few handy sidekicks, Lane and his best friend Jim, looking at Dominican books to scope out some places I'd like to see while I am there. Jim was most helpful in his translation and pronunciation. (It's beautiful to have a Spanish Teacher as a friend!) Lane kept inferring the jealousy he had I would be going on an adventure. I must admit, the closer I am to leaving, the more excited I am for what lies ahead.
My mocha is getting cold, so for now I will leave you with this thought... As I continue to prepare, I am reminding myself that stories of adventures make the greatest tales of hope, courage, faith, growth, and love. So here I go.... with blank pages. And for the first time in my life, I am prepared to be the heroine of my own adventure story...
SIDE NOTE: I am currently editing this post by adding this segment. Just found out my housing will be different than I thought while I am there. I will be staying with two teachers and the elementary principal in an apartment... Another reminder this whole thing is going to be an adventure of the unexpected.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
The LONG journey that has brought me to this place.
Once upon a time I was on a journey to California. Okay, so it was one year ago, but while there, something changed in me I have never been able to put into words. I'll come back to that in a bit. And I apologize in advance for this long post. Guarantee they will not all be this long! :) Just want to bring everyone up to date!!
As a student at Mount Vernon Nazarene I began my college days as a psychology major and after my freshman year, I decided it was not for me and began in the teaching program the beginning of my sophomore year. If you know my family, you know that being an educator is something that has always ran through my blood. I used to spend countless hours playing school in my room as a girl. My wise boyfriend tells me, that which we loved to do as children is most likely what we are meant to do with our lives. Now I couldn't agree more. I started my education classes and I began doing some field work in a 2nd Grade classroom in Mt. Gilead. During my days there, I battled with the idea that I had chosen the wrong major and felt very frightened.
Mount Vernon does a great job of getting us into the classroom a lot so that we become comfortable with teaching lessons and being with different grades. I have been in a preschool class, 1st grade, 2nd grade class, 4th grade class, and two kindergarten rooms. The more and more I was in the classroom, I became comfortable with my decision to switch my major to early childhood education. It was not until January of 2012 that I felt a deep passion ignite inside me. I went to San Diego, California for about three weeks with our school to do our cultural diversity semester. I was in a Kindergarten class there and my teacher allowed me to jump in and get more involved than I had ever been able to in a class. I miss those kids and think of that time almost every day. That teaching experience changed me and the confirmed completely my decision was correct.
While in San Diego, I gained new friends, fell in love with California, met beautiful souls on the streets of the city, and learned a lot about who I was. Thus began a passion for wishing to travel. Also on this trip, I met someone. I met someone that has changed my life forever. He has since become my boyfriend and if it weren't for him, I would probably not be going on this trip to the Dominican. So Lane, THANK YOU. For always encouraging me and fighting for me to go on this adventure. See, he made a trip internationally for his student teaching to New Zealand two years ago and it changed him in ways I cannot begin to explain. So while we were in California, he was very persistent at encouraging myself, and two friends to give the international student teaching thing a try. So.... We did. We took the encouraging words of Lane and filled out our applications when we got home from the trip. My heart was anxious and hopeful for a journey I could take.
My application went in with my top five schools I would wish to teach in from a list that the company we work with to place teachers had. My top five were all in Africa. I have always wanted to go, but never been able to. I thought this would be the perfect opportunity. February or March we were interviewed for being able to study off campus by MVNU. I got accepted. It seemed everything was falling into place. Then discouragement struck hard. My top five schools were all unavailable because either the school was not accredited, the staff was not secured for the school year, or there had already been someone placed there and they had no room for me. Top five shot down. I could handle that. I chose about five more in Africa. No go. I sent him a list of about five more schools I would like. A couple were more hopeful as I waited weeks in between hearing from the man in charge of placements. At this point summer was almost over and I had no placement. The hopefuls were in Malaysia and Okinawa, Japan. I was very excited for those but both came back as negatives. I remained hopeful believing that my heart's desires were known. I prayed long and hard hoping for something. I desired to go somewhere. ANYWHERE at this point. Australia became my next option. I had received confirmation for a couple schools there but after a bit more investigation, they were not available to have a student teacher. I had bought an Australia book, Lane and his family were prepared to cook Kangaroo for me, and I was busy searching sites I could see while I was there. For some reason, the confirmations were cancelled. And I felt defeated. I felt something was wrong with me and no one wanted me.
I contacted the man in charge of placements and I tried the whole "Hey! Why don't you just place me somewhere that can take me?!" This, out of complete faith, landed me in the Dominican Republic. I am grateful for the opportunity to travel and I am hopeful in knowing I am going there for a reason. I am so looking forward to meeting the people and my students. I am not too bummed about the fact it's going to be super warm and sunny all the time! My heart has been humbled because of the long process I went through to get to this place. I had it all planned out but there was something different planned for me. I am happy and excited to start the adventure. I have also been very anxious to just get there and get to know people. With all that being said, I know that in order to continue learning about myself I need to be outside of my comfort zone. I forget most of my Spanish, but the school luckily speaks English! It just may be hard for me to ask for food at a restaurant! :)
I have begun packing and I will be flying out January 25th. I fly home March 15. After I arrive home I begin my student teaching back in Columbus where I did some teaching this fall. I don't know what the next seven weeks will hold but I know I will be changed. For those of you that are Hobbit fans, I am comforted knowing Bilbo was afraid to go on his adventure. But his life was changed because he decided to go. That's all I am asking of this trip. And that makes me hopeful.
Thank you to everyone who has helped make this possible. Thank you for your encouragement and prayers. I am grateful for you all. I will try to blog while I am there to keep you updated but I am not promising how often I will. As Jim Elliot once said, "Wherever you are, be all there."
As a student at Mount Vernon Nazarene I began my college days as a psychology major and after my freshman year, I decided it was not for me and began in the teaching program the beginning of my sophomore year. If you know my family, you know that being an educator is something that has always ran through my blood. I used to spend countless hours playing school in my room as a girl. My wise boyfriend tells me, that which we loved to do as children is most likely what we are meant to do with our lives. Now I couldn't agree more. I started my education classes and I began doing some field work in a 2nd Grade classroom in Mt. Gilead. During my days there, I battled with the idea that I had chosen the wrong major and felt very frightened.
Mount Vernon does a great job of getting us into the classroom a lot so that we become comfortable with teaching lessons and being with different grades. I have been in a preschool class, 1st grade, 2nd grade class, 4th grade class, and two kindergarten rooms. The more and more I was in the classroom, I became comfortable with my decision to switch my major to early childhood education. It was not until January of 2012 that I felt a deep passion ignite inside me. I went to San Diego, California for about three weeks with our school to do our cultural diversity semester. I was in a Kindergarten class there and my teacher allowed me to jump in and get more involved than I had ever been able to in a class. I miss those kids and think of that time almost every day. That teaching experience changed me and the confirmed completely my decision was correct.
While in San Diego, I gained new friends, fell in love with California, met beautiful souls on the streets of the city, and learned a lot about who I was. Thus began a passion for wishing to travel. Also on this trip, I met someone. I met someone that has changed my life forever. He has since become my boyfriend and if it weren't for him, I would probably not be going on this trip to the Dominican. So Lane, THANK YOU. For always encouraging me and fighting for me to go on this adventure. See, he made a trip internationally for his student teaching to New Zealand two years ago and it changed him in ways I cannot begin to explain. So while we were in California, he was very persistent at encouraging myself, and two friends to give the international student teaching thing a try. So.... We did. We took the encouraging words of Lane and filled out our applications when we got home from the trip. My heart was anxious and hopeful for a journey I could take.
My application went in with my top five schools I would wish to teach in from a list that the company we work with to place teachers had. My top five were all in Africa. I have always wanted to go, but never been able to. I thought this would be the perfect opportunity. February or March we were interviewed for being able to study off campus by MVNU. I got accepted. It seemed everything was falling into place. Then discouragement struck hard. My top five schools were all unavailable because either the school was not accredited, the staff was not secured for the school year, or there had already been someone placed there and they had no room for me. Top five shot down. I could handle that. I chose about five more in Africa. No go. I sent him a list of about five more schools I would like. A couple were more hopeful as I waited weeks in between hearing from the man in charge of placements. At this point summer was almost over and I had no placement. The hopefuls were in Malaysia and Okinawa, Japan. I was very excited for those but both came back as negatives. I remained hopeful believing that my heart's desires were known. I prayed long and hard hoping for something. I desired to go somewhere. ANYWHERE at this point. Australia became my next option. I had received confirmation for a couple schools there but after a bit more investigation, they were not available to have a student teacher. I had bought an Australia book, Lane and his family were prepared to cook Kangaroo for me, and I was busy searching sites I could see while I was there. For some reason, the confirmations were cancelled. And I felt defeated. I felt something was wrong with me and no one wanted me.
I contacted the man in charge of placements and I tried the whole "Hey! Why don't you just place me somewhere that can take me?!" This, out of complete faith, landed me in the Dominican Republic. I am grateful for the opportunity to travel and I am hopeful in knowing I am going there for a reason. I am so looking forward to meeting the people and my students. I am not too bummed about the fact it's going to be super warm and sunny all the time! My heart has been humbled because of the long process I went through to get to this place. I had it all planned out but there was something different planned for me. I am happy and excited to start the adventure. I have also been very anxious to just get there and get to know people. With all that being said, I know that in order to continue learning about myself I need to be outside of my comfort zone. I forget most of my Spanish, but the school luckily speaks English! It just may be hard for me to ask for food at a restaurant! :)
I have begun packing and I will be flying out January 25th. I fly home March 15. After I arrive home I begin my student teaching back in Columbus where I did some teaching this fall. I don't know what the next seven weeks will hold but I know I will be changed. For those of you that are Hobbit fans, I am comforted knowing Bilbo was afraid to go on his adventure. But his life was changed because he decided to go. That's all I am asking of this trip. And that makes me hopeful.
Thank you to everyone who has helped make this possible. Thank you for your encouragement and prayers. I am grateful for you all. I will try to blog while I am there to keep you updated but I am not promising how often I will. As Jim Elliot once said, "Wherever you are, be all there."
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