Fourth Grade Follies

In the past month and a half, we've fallen into a routine in 4th grade and know what to expect from one another. One thing they are super good at is helping me keep my pride in check, because any time I forget something or make a mistake, they are quick to point it out. Even though most of them were born the year I graduated high school (what?!?!) and I'm 18-19 years their senior, I sometimes wonder if we'd all be better off if they were my teachers instead of vice versa. Here are some of my favorite examples of them calling me out:

Place Value

Me: After the millions place value comes the trillions.

Student: Yeah, and after that is the billions!

Me: (pause)...ummm...actually, I just said that wrong. After the millions is the billions then the trillions.

(awkward laughter)

 Math exams!

Date Part 1

Me: Write the date at the top of your paper. It is written on the chalkboard.

Student: Ms. Christine!

Me: I hear someone calling out my name. If you want to talk to me, class, what should you do?

Class: Raise your hand!

Me: That's right. (casually looks around classroom and sees student with hand up) Oh! Yes, do you have a question?

Student: It's not a question, but you wrote that the year is 2019 instead of 2013.

Me: (awkward laugh) Hahaha, well, I guess I did! Silly me.

Apparently, we need to work on prepositions. That, and I have a comb-over.

Date Part 2

Student 1: Bahaha! 2019! How old will I be then?

Student 2: Whoa! I'll be 19!

Student 1: I think I'll be 21! Man, that's SO OLD!

Me: (sarcastically) Oh yeah, you'll practically be an old man walking with a cane....

Student 3: I'll be 15!

Me: You all will be 14 or 15 years old...and we obviously need to review some basic addition.

Science presentations. I told them to stand there and smile big when it wasn't their turn to talk. 

Total Mastery.

Multiplication

Me: Everyone ready to sing the 8's multiplication song?

Class: YEAH!

(student raises hand)

Me: Yes?

Student: Isn't this the 8's song?

Me: Yes, that's what I said.

Student: Then why did you write 8 x 1 = 6?

Me: Did I? Well, I guess I did! I think maybe YOU should be the teacher instead of me!

In my defense, I'm more of a words-girl than a numbers-girl. Except in this last scenario. This one made me feel like I should turn in my notice to free up my spot for someone more qualified!

C-H-I-H-U-A-H-U-A

Me: ...and there is a line for you to write your favorite animal...

(student raises hand)

Me: Yes?

Student: Ms. Christine, how do you spell chihuahua?

Me: Chihuahua? Hmmm...c-h-i-w-a....no, that's not right...c-h-i... You know what? Just spell it the best you can, I'll know what you mean.

How could something so delicious be a crime?!

They are each so special and unique, and I feel blessed to be a part of their lives in such a formidable time.

Would you say a special prayer that the weather would cool off enough for them to focus more in class? It's been ridiculously warm for the past while, and it seems like the result is extra squirmy students. It's hard for them to focus when they are hot and sweaty, and when they have a hard time focusing, they have a hard time learning!

Miss Christine's 4th Grade Classroom

Here's a quick glimpse into our classroom! 

 Front of the room

 Big window :)

 Notice awesome mirror...it's funny when I catch the kids looking at themselves...not so funny when they catch me doing the same, hahaha!

 Classroom goal charts

 Student work wall and side door into hallway

Some of my kiddos working away on their Time Capsule activity. We will open them at the end of the school year to see how they have changed!

We're on the 2nd floor and have a big window on one side of the room, a door that opens into the hallway on the other side, and a ceiling fan that we crank up the highest it can go! It's the first time I've ever taught in this country without sweating buckets!

I've only known my students for a week, but I already love them and am excited to lead them through their 4th grade year. I'm so thankful to work in a place where Christ is truly the focus and reaching the whole child (mentally, emotionally, spiritually, physically) is our goal. 

"We are LAS PALMAS!"

Kicking Off Another Year!

Two months ago, I left you all with a reflection of the past five years and a glimpse into what's to come for the 2013-14 school year. Since that last post, I've spent wonderful quality time with family and friends in the States and also worked hard/played hard at Disney World through my job with English Days at Disney.

Visiting our Great-Grandma Irene in Nebraska. On July 26th, she celebrated her 93 birthday! She's quite a lady :)

Nana, Laci, and me during our special outing to the Dixie Stampede.

A shrubbery of Mike Wazowski outside of Disney's Hollywood Studios.

With my girls at our 2013 reunion. Next year marks 10 years of friendship! Time spent with them is never enough.

In total honesty, any time spent at home these days never feels like enough. As I get older, it seems like more and more changes happen during the course of a year. I like the life I live in the Dominican and I have peace about being here, but I really have to control my mind when it comes to missing my friends and family back in the States. Thankfully, our days are full of wonderful moments that constantly remind me why I'm here.

Me, Gregori, Galan, Heather, Eduardo, Mello, and Terrill at Eduardo's high school graduation

Carolina and me at Eduardo's graduation

My Welcome Back! goodie bag and folder from school

I'll be back to posting on a regular basis and look forward to sharing this next year with you all!

A Full Five Years

Five years ago, my reality looked a little something like this:

I was finishing up my undergraduate studies at MTSU with an Education degree in my hand and a terrible pain in my heart because the time had come for all of "the girls" to go our separate ways. I sat on the cliff of an encroaching Dominican adventure with my feet dangling over the edge but my hands still gripping tightly to the comfortable familiarity of the known. I was unsure of what letting go all at once would be like, so I decided 3 months would be enough.

Here's a glimpse at what those 3 months looked like:

My internship with Orphanage Outreach in the Dominican Republic was exciting, challenging, fun, and rewarding. I taught pre-school in the mornings, English in the afternoon, and fell in love with some of the most beautiful kiddos I'd ever met. Still, I felt like I was in a dream world and that "real life" was just on hold for a while. I figured this experience would give me a more well-rounded resumé that would help me stand out against my peers and, even during my internship, I sought after and applied for teaching jobs in the States.

After 3 months of quitely listening as I plotted and planned out the direction my life was to take, God chimed in and let me know that, even though my intership was over, my time in the DR had only just begun. He made it clear that after celebrating Christmas at home, I was to return back to Monte Cristi.

The next year and a half of my life went something like this:

I joined the Orphanage Outreach staff, and my amazing group of co-workers and I worked around the clock to coordinate programs and facilitate volunteer experiences for a countless number of internationals. Every week, we would orient them about what to expect from both our program and the Dominican culture, and then lead them into the public schools to teach English or out to the banana farming communities to provide medical care. I lived at the same location where I did my internship, so much of my free time was spent hanging out/cultivating the relationships with the same kiddos who stole my heart during my first 3 months.

The spring of 2010 brought the end of my time commitment to OO and another season of trying to figure out just what in the world I was supposed to do next. I spent the summer in the States applying for practically every teaching job I was qualifed for, and after submitting about thirty applications and receiving responses of interest from zero principals, I began to rethink my options. 

Ya see, there was one principal who I knew was more than interested and willing to have me join her faculty. The only catch was that the school was located in...you guessed it...the Dominican Republic. I remember thinking, "Well, you can keep trying to get into all these places where no one wants you, OR you can move to a place where they're waiting with arms wide open." That was pretty much the starting thought that lead the way for the ensuing 3 years. 

Here's a quick look at what these years have held:

Each of the past 3 years has lookd COMPLETELY different. I've taught in different schools, lived alone and with roommates, spent much of my time in MC hanging out with the kiddos on the weekends, and then traveled around the country when many of them moved away. At the end of each year, I always reevaluate and ask the Lord where He wants me next. His answer has always been for me to stay put...until now...

In the Fall of 2012, some drastic changes got me thinking that I might be approaching a closing chapter of life here in Monte Cristi. I slowed my pace a bit so I could listen, and sure enough, divine encounter after surprise email after ordained conversation lead me to agree to make the cross-country move to San Pedro de Marcoris and join the staff at The Palms Bilingual Christian School!

This last collage is an idea of what's to come. The map shows the trek I'm about to make, the top-right pic is the school, in the middle is the church, and the 2nd floor of the house on the bottom-right is where I'll be living.:

The Palms is one of the ministries of DR Vision, which is a ministry of Daystar Baptist Missions. I will teach 4th grade English, Math, and Science in English, and my teaching partner will teach Spanish and Social Studies in Spanish. The majority of the student population is Dominican, and the faculty works hard to provide American-quality education while remaining sensitive to Dominican cultural norms. The move will not only be good for me professionally, but will also put me in a solid community of like-minded people who share my love for the Lord and the Dominican.

It is SO HARD to leave the place the people who taught me about what it takes to live life in this country, and I know a huge chunk of my heart will remain in MC long after I've moved and settled in to my new routine in San Pedro. The move is 100% exactly what is supposed to happen next, but that doesn't keep it from being any less bittersweet. However, if there's anything I've learned over the past 5 years, it's that when Papa Dios speaks, what He says goes. He gives us the choice of acting quickly or taking our sweet time to figure out a "better" way but, in the end, He wins. He. always. wins. 

And, when we realize He's GOOD and KIND and has THE best plans for us, surrendering to His will tends to feel more like the sweetest of victories instead of a nasty, ugly defeat.

We Remain

"Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations. He will not shout or cry out, or raise his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out.

In faithfullness he will bring forth justice; he will not falter or be discouraged till he establishes justice on earth. In his law the islands will put their hope."

Isaiah 42:1-4

This weekend, we had plans to go visit a friend and offer her a way out of a risky situation. We were pumped, packed, and ready to go when BOOM...the plans were derailed. We were sent back to square one and left looking up asking, "Okay...what now?" What happens when we're trying to faithfully do our job to bring forth justice and we are halted in our tracks?

We stop. 

We pray. 

We listen. 

We wait. 

We keep our hands open so as to not grasp too tightly onto our own plans. 

We give thanks for peace. 

We accept that He doesn't need us. 

We remain available. 

We remain faithful. 

We remain.

Sometimes we get the blessing of being down in the nitty-gritty, dirt under our nails, clothes soaked in sweat, hearts and minds raw with emotion. 

Other times, we do the workouts, buy the gear, and get all suited up for the game...only to be benched before the first inning even begins. 

The Lord isn't expecting us to fix every problem that we encounter; He just requires that we be ready. If that means taking two steps forward, then two steps forward it is. If He commands us to back-track and re-route, then back-track and re-route we must. And, if we're told to just put it in neutral and keep asking Him what we're to do, then we'll ask in faith knowing that in His perfect timing, He will reveal whatever direction He wants us to take. He's proved Himself to us over and over and over again, so we have no reason to doubt that He will do it once more.

Not Forgotten

Yesterday was one incredible day of God-woven moments and I need to share them with you all.

First of all, I got to spend the afternoon with one of my old college buddies, Miss Katelyn Hiett.

Katelyn's been doing mission work in Sudan, Africa for just about as long as I've been in the DR. It's been almost 2 years since we've seen eachother because we're never in America at the same time, so spending a few hours together in the Dominican was a special gift!

Katelyn was here visiting one of her friends, Katie, from seminary. (Side note: Katie is from Omaha, Nebraska, which happens to be where my wonderful sister, Stephanie, lives! She worked as a nanny before moving down to the DR, which is also what Steph does! Crazy...) Katie is doing her internship in Santiago, which is about 2 hours away from Monte Cristi. Part of her internship involves volunteering at an orphanage for children with special needs.

Pause. I think I've shared with most of you that over the past few years, many of the kids who lived at the orphanage here in Monte Cristi have been moved to other places. The most recent one to have left is this sweet bundle of joy, Mery Risa.

She's my gurrlll, so figuring out where she'd gotten off to, just like we have with some of the others who have gone before her, was never in question. The thing is, locating these kids is an adventure in and of itself. Straight, direct answers about addresses, phone numbers, city names, etc. can be tricky to acquire and the process often involves many twists and turns. 

At first, when the kids started leaving, it was kinda scary. We wondered if we'd ever cross paths again and were concerned for their well-being. However, as the Lord teaches me about His calling on my life (and every Christian's life) to defend and care for the fatherless, I've come to realize that the immense love that I feel for each and every single one of them doesn't even hold a candle to His love, affection, and jealousy for/towards them.  Now, instead of worrying, we simply say, "Welp, time to travel some more and figure out how to stay involved!"

So, after Katie told us that she volunteers at this orphanage, we began to explain a little bit about Mery. She then asked what she looks like and I whipped out my phone to show her the picture above. Katie's response? 

"Oh yeah, I know her." 

"What? You do?" 

"Yeah, I mean, I've only seen her a few times, but I know her." 

"WHAAAATTTT?!?!" 

"Yep. Do you want to go see her?"

She didn't even need to ask twice.

Within a matter of minutes, we were in a car and on our way. Honestly, I had my doubts during the whole ride. What if Katie just thought she recognized Mery? How could she possibly be sure it was really her in the picture?

As we pulled up to the orphanage, all of the doubts snapped away because there, hanging out on the front porch just watching the world go by, was OUR GIRL! It took a moment for her to realize it was us, but as soon as she did, no one could contain her excitement! She grabbed Heather and me by the hands and marched us all around her new 'home.' We found out that visiting hours are from 8am-6pm daily, and because we'd arrived so late in the day, we only had about an hour together. However, since the visitation time is so accommodating, we can basically go and visit WHENEVER WE WANT! 

The whole bus ride back to Monte Cristi, I was practically dumbfounded with awe as I thought about the crazy-yet-so-Divinely-purposed events of the day. Here in the Dominican, I got to spend time with an old friend who is usually in Africa; she brought her friend who is originally from Nebraska but is doing mission work here in the DR; this friend volunteers at a special-needs orphanage and recognized Mery from a picture; she took us to said orphanage and we got to spend time with our girl! If that's not the Lord showing His favor on His children, then I'm not sure what is!

I want to leave you all with this song that's been rocking our world since it's release last December. It's called "Take Back" by United Pursuit Band, and the part when he says: 

"I know God has not forgotten all that's lost and broken. So come and see the turning of the times, come and see His sons and daughters rise. For how could He who did not spare His own Son, not freely give us victory against the darkest of nights?" 

gives me goosebumps and makes my heart swell every.single.time. He has not forgotten the ones who society has deemed as outcasts, and, as His sons and daughters, we are an extension of Him and are therefore called to remember them as well. He will give us victory over that which seems impossible because it's all for His Glory. He works all things together for the good of them who love Him and are called according to His purpose!

Mama's Visit

One question I am most frequently asked is, "How do your parents feel about you living overseas?," and I am so blessed to be able to respond that they support me 100%. Being physically distant definitely has its challenges and comes with much sacrifice, but  Mama often says, "I'd rather have you overseas right in the middle of God's will than in the same county but not following the Lord!"

After almost 6 months of separation, she and I were fortunate to get to spend some much needed time together this past week. She came to visit February 9th-19th, and there aren't enough words in English or Spanish to describe how special it was to give her a little glimpse of my life here.

The majority of the pictures from her trip are on her camera and, regretfully, I forgot to transfer them to my computer before she left. I did, however, manage to snap a few with my phone, so I thought I could give you all a little look into our time together. Enjoy!

Motorcycle ride to the beach

With Jochi after his baseball game

Leading our students in a game of BINGO on Valentine's Day

At the pier with El Morro National Park in the background

The fancy windchime she made with items she found on the beach

And just like *that,* her trip was over and is now just a wonderful memory. If you see her, I'm sure she'll tell you lots of stories and show you even more pictures. BUT! Be careful...she just might convince you to come down and visit too :)

Humbled

December was FULL of celebrations.

We celebrated Elizabeth's 14th birthday with pizza, games, cake and ice cream.

(Me, Elizabeth, and Dori Luz posing at pizza)

We celebrated Carolina's move into her own apartment and her steps towards independence.

(Putting the first food item into her cabinets!)

We celebrated visits with friends we hadn't seen in months (the Zarzuelas)...

 (Joanni and Luz Maria leading us in song)

(Nena giving me a fancy hair-do)

and visits with friends we hadn't seen in years (the Batistas).

 (Nicol and Coral)

 (Edison and Bryson)

(Bryson, Mineli, Nicol, and Me)

We celebrated new shoes for Christopher and Marcos (thanks Roberta!)...

and King's Day with special presents for the kids from one of the town's dentists.

(Lisy-Lou looking fancy :o) )

When I started writing this post, I thought it was just going to be a quick little picture update to help get me caught up for the chunk of time that's passed since I last blogged. I became unexpectedly emotional, though, as I scrolled through the pics once they were uploaded. You know how things just, sometimes, HIT you?

All of a sudden, I was smacked in the heart with the reality of my life with these people over the past 4+ years. During that time, I've watched as their snaggle-tooth grins morphed into their permanent smiles, seen clothing that swallowed them whole turn into high-waters and 3/4-length sleeves, heard their voices awkwardly crack and then become very manly, examined report cards, had countless tickle fights, and been their worst enemy one day then their best friend the next.

These are my people.

They are the ones who stop in front of the house on their way home just to say 'hey,' the ones who get mad at me when I don't call and check on them regularly, the ones who make fun of my Spanish pronunciation errors, and the ones who give me hugs so stinkin' hard that they take my breath away. They are the ones for whom we get to provide opportunities, dream BIG dreams, and pray they grow into men and women who love the Lord with their whole hearts.

The ones pictured above only represent a handful of the kiddos/young adults/adults who are 'ours'. Loving them well isn't always easy. Many of them no longer even live in the same town as us, so distance alone makes things difficult. It can be tricky to know what's best for them, what's within our realm of possibility, and how to empower instead of enable.

Honestly, I think I've been taking the blessing of living life here for granted. The Lord has placed His desires for these lovelies on my heart, but I've become so tangled up in the day-to-day that I seem to have forgotten.   This 'one wild and precious life' I've been given is meant to be lived out with purpose, not to just mark off items on the daily checklist.

Hmmm...feeling a bit humbled...