Yeah, I suppose that promise to write soon after the last blog didn't turn out so well. Once again, I apologize and will attempt to be a better blogger.
It's so easy to get caught up in everything that's going on, not just school, but hanging out with the staff and my stay-home family as well. ( I put that in there for you mom.) I love you, dad, and Stacy alot, but they have become my extended Bolivian family since I have been here. Although the family has gotten much smaller since my last posting. Alberto and Charro, the parents, are both in Houston with their oldest daughter, Monica, who just had triplets! My big sister Daniela, who is the youngest child in the family and few years older than me, left for Houston on the first of this month. That leaves Dora, her son Daniel (currently in Kindergarten @ HIS), and Fabrizio (aka Alberto or Beto), the only son, about 5 years older than me. The house feels emptier, but Dora has been amazing, what with working, taking care of Daniel, and fixing me dinners. I try and help out when I can by letting her know what my plans are so she can better anticipate if I'll be around for dinner or not. I also helped out two weekends ago with Daniel's B-day party, my first Bolivian B-day party. They invite pretty much everyone, play games, eat cake (while parents have tea), open presents, and then at the end comes the pinata. Only, it's not like in Mexico where you bash the pinata. Instead you just pull out the bottom and all the goodies fall out. It might not seem as fun, and I do admit that I missed the pumelling the pinata usually gets, but you can reuse the pinata and it saves the little kids from laughed at by a bunch of grown-ups who enjoy watching children swing aimlessly at a structurally reinforced bag of candy while blindfolded. If that's not a run-on sentence, then I don't know what is. Anyway, I got a chance to blow up at least 70 balloons (pop at least 5 as I tried to tie them), help lead games such as Pato, Pato, Gonzo (Duck, Duck, Goose) (they never heard of Duck, Duck, Grey Duck, go figure), and do my best to help eat as much Spiderman cake as possible. Alright, there's a bit about the home life, now school...
Parent teacher conferences went well. I had 17 non-stop conferences from about 8:20 to 1:45. There were questions and concerns raised, and then plans and solutions were discussed and agreed upon. I can honestly say that, although being nervous during the day, I felt encouraged after all was said and done. I had many comments from parents with girls that their daughter was nervous about having a male teacher, but that now, they rather enjoyed having one. I do admit that I love each and everyone of my students, and I felt encouraged by those parents who came in and let me know that their students had experienced that love. Now that first quarter is done, I have dropped social studies and picked up science. After doing a brief unit on soil, we began our rocks and minerals unit. The boys are constantly at the other end of the field during recess like always, only now, I don't have to worry about finding rock and mineral samples, because it seems to be many of the boys passions, and I have way too many rocks in my classroom now. I'm just grateful for their enthusiasm and need to find a way to get the girls interested. Hopefully, when we talk about minerals and how they form crystals, such as diamonds, rubies, and emeralds, maybe then they'll become a little more interested. :)
We received our Desiring God curriculum two weeks ago also, which I have excitedly began to teach. I feel as if I got my first care package with familiar items from home, seeing as how I have taught this curriculum for a year and half at Bethlehem Baptist. The kids seem to enjoy it quite a bit also, as the whole theme is a mystery entitled "In the Beginning... Jesus". We will be solving the myster of Christ's death on the cross and the history of redemption. Yeah, that's right, redemptive history for third and fourth grade. Good stuff! Finally, keep me in your prayers regarding the reading curriculum. I'm still piecing stuff together and I'm afraid that I'm not meeting the criteria I should be, but 3-7 grades will be getting some resources soon to help. Pray that I can develop something concrete and cohesive for my students who vary so widely in their reading abilities. And now, the side stuff...
Games Club occurs Wednesdays after school and the coordinator, Tom Fisher, has pretty much made me the mascot. His slogan? "Beat Bjorlie!" Yeah, his newest poster misquotes me as challenging anyone who thinks they can stand a chance in a game of Settlers against me. Don't worry, I'm not getting a big head, but hey, I'm here to help, yeah? I still continue to hang out with Scott (english teacher) and the elementary teachers as we watch movies, play cards, or just simply chill together. After conferences, five of us took a trip to El Castillo, down in the south Yungas. El Castillo is an old Spanish castle that has been made into a hotel. We arrived at dusk and found out that the power was out and that apparently there were many ghost stories that surrounded the castle. So we had fun playing Phase 10 by candlelight in a spooky old castle until 2 in the morning. The next day consisted of a hike with Ashlyn and Scott to a waterfall, where I was compelled to stand under for the fun of it. The hike also consisted of many unstable bridges that were so much fun to cross. Then it was lunch and a couple games of Uno. Then I went swimming with Ashlyn and Alison at the beach. What a laugh, it was more like rocks alongside a rushing river! It was still fun wading out as far as you dared against the fast-flowing current. I like the fact that they don't have all those signs saying "Stay out of the Water, Dangerous Current". Yeah, duh! That's why I want to get in. Anyway, then it was back to play more games, watch "Pan's Labyrinth" and then trying to compose a ghost story, where each person took turns citing the next twist in the gruesome plot. We were all so tired though, that it was pretty pathetic. Sunday was another beautiful day that resulted in another hike to the other waterfall, where both Scott and I got drenched this time. It was a blast!
This last weekend was our Spiritual Retreat. All the teachers went to Chulumani, which is a beautiful town about another hour past El Castillo down further into the South Yungas. The Lord blessed us with amazing weather and a 25 meter long pool with two diving boards! Yeah, I was ecstatic! I must warn you though, these diving boards were thin wooden planks that didn't have much spring and the high board was cemented into a platform. The tip of the high board was two feet short from the edge of the pool, so you had to jump out aways to insure you landed in the water. Still, I was able to do 1 and 1/2s off both boards and impress my director a little. :) We also had lots of fun playing "Keep Away" in the pool. I love dunking people. Yeah, I know I was a lifeguard, so what? Jason, the director, had flown out dear friends of his from the states to lead our four sessions talking about the exchanged life. In summary, talking about the transformed life we have when we allow Christ to live in and through us, instead of trying to master our sinful desires on our own. It was a good time to reflect in areas of my life where I struggle with letting God reign. For me it's not so much an arrogant thought that I can do it on my own, but a self-pitying withdrawal when I don't. It was good to put that temptation at the front of my mind and claim the truth that I am an heir to the Kingdom of God and that I was known and loved by the source of life and love before I was even born. A good weekend!
Alright, I think I have caught you all up on most everything that's been happening. There is one other thing that I have left out, but I'm not at liberty to share about it yet. Most likely in my next blog, I will be able to fill you in. I lead my second chapel this week for the 3-7 grades, so pray for wisdom and guidance as I seek the Lord for the best way to teach about another one of God's names, "The Unknown Name". It comes from when Paul is talking to the Greeks about the many statues of gods that they have and he talks about their pedestal they built for the "unknown god". Yeah, I tend to choose the abstract names of God, but hey, I like the challenge. Thanks again to all of you for your prayers for me and patience with me. God has been doing amazing things in the school and in my life. Pray that I continue to lean on Him who knows the prosperous plans for my life as I seek to serve Him here in La Paz.
November 6, 2007
October 8, 2007
A Month in Review
I once again find myself needing to apologize for my lack of blogging and keeping people updated. Yes, I am busy, but I still do have time to blog most weekends. Ok, so since I now only have a short amount of time to do this before I leave for school, I will do my best to give a quick overview.
The dodgeball tournament. My team got third, and the other teacher team from Highlands got first, but my team also beat the other teacher team once, which was a ton of fun.
The next weekend. I was gone all day Sunday with Jason (my director), James (science teacher), Scott (English teacher), and Randy (youth for christ leader and my Bolivian sister's boyfriend). We went for a 9 hour hike on the Zongo trail, which was amazingly, ruggedly breathtaking. I hiked up to 16,250 ft above sea level (the highest point I've ever been to.) It was a very difficult trail, but well worth it.
The following 3 day weekend. We didn't have school Friday, but I did not get any work done at all, because I went with the high school boy's trip on the Tequesi Trail. This trail may not have been as difficult as the Zongo trail, except for the fact that I had a huge heavy pack I had to carry for the whole trip. It was wonderful just getting to know many of the high school boys better. On the first day we made the hardest climb up to the highest point, only 15,500 ft this time. The highest point, a pass into the valley beyond, was amazing, because as you looked to the pass, you saw a cross. So, we set our eyes on the cross and made the climb. The first night was a little rough, as it poured rain as we were setting up camp in an amazing valley, where the moon seemed to shine extra bright. I did not sleep at all the first night and got up out of the tent dry heaving a few times. The first part of the hike the next day, I felt like I was walking in a trance, just putting one tennis-shoed foot in front of the other. The Inca trails were amazing, but it wasn't till I caught a quick nap at our stop around noon that I perked up a bit. We were going to set up camp at the place where we stopped, but the skies opened up again, and it was decided to continue on to an abandoned shelter another 2.5 hour hike further. Yeah, it downpoured almost the whole way there. It cleared up once we arrived and we got to set up our camps inside the shelter, so we had a nice dry place to sleep that night. By the way, we have climbed down from 15,500 ft above sea level and are now down to 7,500 ft. The next morning was a beautiful, warm flat walk to the town of Yanacachi, where we caught a bus back to La Paz.
Ok, I have to go, but a quick school update. I was observed by my director two weeks ago and talked with him about it at the beginning of last week. The ratings were above, at, below standard, and unsatisfactory. I was at standard for all the areas except for two, which he put me at above standard, so I guess I'm doing ok. I would appreciate your prayers for continued work on my lessons and on my diligence to blog. Also, the quarter ends this week and I will be having parent conferences next Friday. I still have to update you on what's been going on in school and the past two weekends. I will try and do that sometime this week. I promise.
I love you all and thanks for all of you who have been on my case to update. I really do appreciate it and will do my best to get better.
The dodgeball tournament. My team got third, and the other teacher team from Highlands got first, but my team also beat the other teacher team once, which was a ton of fun.
The next weekend. I was gone all day Sunday with Jason (my director), James (science teacher), Scott (English teacher), and Randy (youth for christ leader and my Bolivian sister's boyfriend). We went for a 9 hour hike on the Zongo trail, which was amazingly, ruggedly breathtaking. I hiked up to 16,250 ft above sea level (the highest point I've ever been to.) It was a very difficult trail, but well worth it.
The following 3 day weekend. We didn't have school Friday, but I did not get any work done at all, because I went with the high school boy's trip on the Tequesi Trail. This trail may not have been as difficult as the Zongo trail, except for the fact that I had a huge heavy pack I had to carry for the whole trip. It was wonderful just getting to know many of the high school boys better. On the first day we made the hardest climb up to the highest point, only 15,500 ft this time. The highest point, a pass into the valley beyond, was amazing, because as you looked to the pass, you saw a cross. So, we set our eyes on the cross and made the climb. The first night was a little rough, as it poured rain as we were setting up camp in an amazing valley, where the moon seemed to shine extra bright. I did not sleep at all the first night and got up out of the tent dry heaving a few times. The first part of the hike the next day, I felt like I was walking in a trance, just putting one tennis-shoed foot in front of the other. The Inca trails were amazing, but it wasn't till I caught a quick nap at our stop around noon that I perked up a bit. We were going to set up camp at the place where we stopped, but the skies opened up again, and it was decided to continue on to an abandoned shelter another 2.5 hour hike further. Yeah, it downpoured almost the whole way there. It cleared up once we arrived and we got to set up our camps inside the shelter, so we had a nice dry place to sleep that night. By the way, we have climbed down from 15,500 ft above sea level and are now down to 7,500 ft. The next morning was a beautiful, warm flat walk to the town of Yanacachi, where we caught a bus back to La Paz.
Ok, I have to go, but a quick school update. I was observed by my director two weeks ago and talked with him about it at the beginning of last week. The ratings were above, at, below standard, and unsatisfactory. I was at standard for all the areas except for two, which he put me at above standard, so I guess I'm doing ok. I would appreciate your prayers for continued work on my lessons and on my diligence to blog. Also, the quarter ends this week and I will be having parent conferences next Friday. I still have to update you on what's been going on in school and the past two weekends. I will try and do that sometime this week. I promise.
I love you all and thanks for all of you who have been on my case to update. I really do appreciate it and will do my best to get better.
September 4, 2007
Labor Day, Ain't That the Truth
Fried
My brain is a little fried, so I'm not quite too sure where to start. Today was our first half day. Now some of you might be thinking, "Lucky", but that only rings true for the students. (Besides, you all got Labor Day off, while we actually labored.) Sure, I don't have to plan things for the second half of the day, but the rest of the day is spent in meetings. I only had two meetings today, but back to back they lasted around four hours. The first one, the three hour long one, was spent discussing philosophy, scope and sequence, unit plans, etc... for Language Arts K-12. Yep, we're starting with the big one. For accreditation we are focusing on developing curriculum guides and aligning them K-12 in each subject area. This semester the focus is on Language Arts and Bible. The elementary teachers (yeah, that includes me) looked over two different Bible curriculums, Desiring God and Positive Action, and voted to adopt/buy the Desiring God curriculums, minus the workbooks. Both curriculums had pros and cons, but I'm excited to use a curriculum I have already worked with and start adapting the lessons so they can stretch over a three day period.
Anyways, I am definitely feeling overwhelmed and unfit for the task ahead, but I also know the devil and his lies. Please pray that I would seek help and dive head long into this project ahead and not find alternate escape methods. I also just graded my class' first social studies test last night and while there are about a third in the A and B range, there are many that struggled, especially the english language learners. I am still trying to develop strategies to help them understand the content that's being taught. Math tests are coming up for 4th grade tomorrow and 3rd grade on Friday, so pray that my students would retain the knowledge they have hopefully gained from my teaching. Alright, enough about school, I just had to vent a little I think.
Coroico
Yeah, this wasn't last weekend, but the one before. It was beautiful! The sun didn't come out as much as we all hoped, but it didn't matter. Stronger bonds among the teachers were definitely formed. Here are some highlights:
1. Playing scum or P&A (yeah, nobody had heard of this name for the card game, so I got labeled as the rebellious one) the first night until 1 in the morning. Hey, that's late for me now. I tend to go to bed somewhere between 8:30 and 10 every school night.
2. Beginning a hike, called the Flat Trail, and having everybody except Deborah bail on it, because a. it wasn't flat , b. we kept taking wrong turns and weren't sure of the trail, and c. the others wanted to get back for lunch and the pool at the Hotel Esmerelda (the name fits well into the Eagles song). Deborah, who loves to rock climb and mountain bike and has taught for the past five years in China, and I had a great time conquering the "Not So Flat Trail" together, enjoying the amazing views of the mountainous jungle valleys, and chatting about eachother's past and our views about things. For example, she asked me if I had my eye on any of the single female teacher's my age. My response? People who know me well enough should know my answer. "I'm content being single. I'm not opposed to a relationship, but I'm not seeking one. As of right now, my eye is on having a great first year of teaching." She appreciated the response and proceeded to open up to me how it was for her to stay single. I'll leave her pearls of wisdom with me.
3. The pool. I finally got to swim a little and show off. :) You know, like my handstand trick to get out of the pool, turn and fall back in. I also enjoyed convincing Ashlyn, Whitney, and Kristen that I would not play "Open Book" unless they jumped in the pool. You all know me, I would have played regardless, but they didn't know and therefore jumped.
4. Bonding with the other teachers over games of "Open Book" and the Spelling Game (as I will call it). "Open Book" was all about answering truthfully any hard-hitting questions someone had to ask you. Each person had their turn in the hot seat. We got to know eachother pretty well.
There's the highlights. It was very relaxing. I didn't do any school work, a much needed break. Of course, I just had a ton to do when I got back. :)
Last Weekend
Friday night was spent watching the Bourne Supremacy and Bourne Ultimatum (great movies) at Kristen, Ashlyn, and Whitney's place with Scott and Alison. I got home at 2 and then got up at 9, so I could go for my run with Jason, our principal. He ran a marathon before coming to Bolivia last year, but he didn't run much last year, so after our run, he wasn't in that much better shape than I was. Our plan is to start off running twice a week (it's probably more like jogging for right now :) ) So our next day to run is tomorrow after school. It's a good stress reliever and fog clearer. The rest of the day was spent talking with the family and doing some planning, topping it off with a night of Bamboozle, spoons, golf, and euchre. Yeah, the last three are kinds of card games. Euchre was by far my favorite, mainly because Alison and I won. Sunday was spent like this: After church and lunch at a Beatles themed chicken wings place, many of the teachers went up to school to help Kristen and Ashlyn put their rooms back in order after getting their new flooring in their rooms. I was due to get my floor done next weekend. Lo and behold, we get to school and Ashlyn's room is done, but Kristen's concrete floor was apparently not set enough to lay down the new floor, so the workers had taken out all my desks and bookshelves and done my floor. They'll apparently do Kristen's next week. So I had lots of fun putting everything back not only into their rooms, but mine as well.
After our laboring we went part way back home to a good climbing rock that Jason and I had found during our run. Deborah had brought her climbing gear and many of us, including me, got a chance to rock climb. The route that was set was around a level 7 (European standard), or 10 (American standard). Deborah climbed up and she said it was one of the toughest climbs she had ever done, and guess who got to go up next? Yeah, my first time ever on a very, very difficulty level of climbing. I made it to the third clip which was about as high as eveyone else got that went after me. But I had lots of fun and can't wait to climb again. My forearms were killing me. I came down and couldn't open up my hands for awhile since they had locked in the grab position.
Yeah, I know. My update is long. I am trying to find adequate time to get work done, teach, do the fun things, and fill in everybody on how all that is going. A quick blurb about my family. Yeah, they're still awesome. Alberto, Charo is in the U.S. with her oldest daughter who just had triplets, still continues to get up when I do at 5 in the morning and get breakfast ready. I have even had the opportunity to babysit Daniel, Kindergarten at Highlands, and help him out with his homework. He learned that tijeras are called scissors, and vice versa for me. My Spanish recognition is improving, but my responses are coming along much slower. Spanish lessons are helping, but I'm still not close to being conversational, although I understand much more just due to daily routines.
Plans for next weekend
As far as I know, my stay home sister's boyfriend works for Youth for Christ and is organizing a Bolivian dodgeball tournament for this weekend. Many of the high schoolers and teachers from Highlands will be participating including myself. It should be a blast. Other than another run with Jason and a Skype conversation sometime on Saturday with anyone who is on, that's about all I know.
I hope y'all (Whitney and John are rubbing off on me a little) are doing well back home. I miss you all, but at the same time am not anxious to go back yet. Teaching may be tough, but I love my kids and Bolivia and am not ready to leave yet, not even close.
Dios le bendiga todos. Ciao.
My brain is a little fried, so I'm not quite too sure where to start. Today was our first half day. Now some of you might be thinking, "Lucky", but that only rings true for the students. (Besides, you all got Labor Day off, while we actually labored.) Sure, I don't have to plan things for the second half of the day, but the rest of the day is spent in meetings. I only had two meetings today, but back to back they lasted around four hours. The first one, the three hour long one, was spent discussing philosophy, scope and sequence, unit plans, etc... for Language Arts K-12. Yep, we're starting with the big one. For accreditation we are focusing on developing curriculum guides and aligning them K-12 in each subject area. This semester the focus is on Language Arts and Bible. The elementary teachers (yeah, that includes me) looked over two different Bible curriculums, Desiring God and Positive Action, and voted to adopt/buy the Desiring God curriculums, minus the workbooks. Both curriculums had pros and cons, but I'm excited to use a curriculum I have already worked with and start adapting the lessons so they can stretch over a three day period.
Anyways, I am definitely feeling overwhelmed and unfit for the task ahead, but I also know the devil and his lies. Please pray that I would seek help and dive head long into this project ahead and not find alternate escape methods. I also just graded my class' first social studies test last night and while there are about a third in the A and B range, there are many that struggled, especially the english language learners. I am still trying to develop strategies to help them understand the content that's being taught. Math tests are coming up for 4th grade tomorrow and 3rd grade on Friday, so pray that my students would retain the knowledge they have hopefully gained from my teaching. Alright, enough about school, I just had to vent a little I think.
Coroico
Yeah, this wasn't last weekend, but the one before. It was beautiful! The sun didn't come out as much as we all hoped, but it didn't matter. Stronger bonds among the teachers were definitely formed. Here are some highlights:
1. Playing scum or P&A (yeah, nobody had heard of this name for the card game, so I got labeled as the rebellious one) the first night until 1 in the morning. Hey, that's late for me now. I tend to go to bed somewhere between 8:30 and 10 every school night.
2. Beginning a hike, called the Flat Trail, and having everybody except Deborah bail on it, because a. it wasn't flat , b. we kept taking wrong turns and weren't sure of the trail, and c. the others wanted to get back for lunch and the pool at the Hotel Esmerelda (the name fits well into the Eagles song). Deborah, who loves to rock climb and mountain bike and has taught for the past five years in China, and I had a great time conquering the "Not So Flat Trail" together, enjoying the amazing views of the mountainous jungle valleys, and chatting about eachother's past and our views about things. For example, she asked me if I had my eye on any of the single female teacher's my age. My response? People who know me well enough should know my answer. "I'm content being single. I'm not opposed to a relationship, but I'm not seeking one. As of right now, my eye is on having a great first year of teaching." She appreciated the response and proceeded to open up to me how it was for her to stay single. I'll leave her pearls of wisdom with me.
3. The pool. I finally got to swim a little and show off. :) You know, like my handstand trick to get out of the pool, turn and fall back in. I also enjoyed convincing Ashlyn, Whitney, and Kristen that I would not play "Open Book" unless they jumped in the pool. You all know me, I would have played regardless, but they didn't know and therefore jumped.
4. Bonding with the other teachers over games of "Open Book" and the Spelling Game (as I will call it). "Open Book" was all about answering truthfully any hard-hitting questions someone had to ask you. Each person had their turn in the hot seat. We got to know eachother pretty well.
There's the highlights. It was very relaxing. I didn't do any school work, a much needed break. Of course, I just had a ton to do when I got back. :)
Last Weekend
Friday night was spent watching the Bourne Supremacy and Bourne Ultimatum (great movies) at Kristen, Ashlyn, and Whitney's place with Scott and Alison. I got home at 2 and then got up at 9, so I could go for my run with Jason, our principal. He ran a marathon before coming to Bolivia last year, but he didn't run much last year, so after our run, he wasn't in that much better shape than I was. Our plan is to start off running twice a week (it's probably more like jogging for right now :) ) So our next day to run is tomorrow after school. It's a good stress reliever and fog clearer. The rest of the day was spent talking with the family and doing some planning, topping it off with a night of Bamboozle, spoons, golf, and euchre. Yeah, the last three are kinds of card games. Euchre was by far my favorite, mainly because Alison and I won. Sunday was spent like this: After church and lunch at a Beatles themed chicken wings place, many of the teachers went up to school to help Kristen and Ashlyn put their rooms back in order after getting their new flooring in their rooms. I was due to get my floor done next weekend. Lo and behold, we get to school and Ashlyn's room is done, but Kristen's concrete floor was apparently not set enough to lay down the new floor, so the workers had taken out all my desks and bookshelves and done my floor. They'll apparently do Kristen's next week. So I had lots of fun putting everything back not only into their rooms, but mine as well.
After our laboring we went part way back home to a good climbing rock that Jason and I had found during our run. Deborah had brought her climbing gear and many of us, including me, got a chance to rock climb. The route that was set was around a level 7 (European standard), or 10 (American standard). Deborah climbed up and she said it was one of the toughest climbs she had ever done, and guess who got to go up next? Yeah, my first time ever on a very, very difficulty level of climbing. I made it to the third clip which was about as high as eveyone else got that went after me. But I had lots of fun and can't wait to climb again. My forearms were killing me. I came down and couldn't open up my hands for awhile since they had locked in the grab position.
Yeah, I know. My update is long. I am trying to find adequate time to get work done, teach, do the fun things, and fill in everybody on how all that is going. A quick blurb about my family. Yeah, they're still awesome. Alberto, Charo is in the U.S. with her oldest daughter who just had triplets, still continues to get up when I do at 5 in the morning and get breakfast ready. I have even had the opportunity to babysit Daniel, Kindergarten at Highlands, and help him out with his homework. He learned that tijeras are called scissors, and vice versa for me. My Spanish recognition is improving, but my responses are coming along much slower. Spanish lessons are helping, but I'm still not close to being conversational, although I understand much more just due to daily routines.
Plans for next weekend
As far as I know, my stay home sister's boyfriend works for Youth for Christ and is organizing a Bolivian dodgeball tournament for this weekend. Many of the high schoolers and teachers from Highlands will be participating including myself. It should be a blast. Other than another run with Jason and a Skype conversation sometime on Saturday with anyone who is on, that's about all I know.
I hope y'all (Whitney and John are rubbing off on me a little) are doing well back home. I miss you all, but at the same time am not anxious to go back yet. Teaching may be tough, but I love my kids and Bolivia and am not ready to leave yet, not even close.
Dios le bendiga todos. Ciao.
August 23, 2007
Lo Siento, Mis Amigos
Or I am sorry, my friends. This post has been long delayed, and I know many of you have been anxiously waiting for the next installment of Bjorlie in Bolivia. Thank you for your patience and for your posts. I don't know how I can sum up the first couple weeks of school well, but I will try.
Week 1
Lots of planning and preparation, continuing to set up the classroom, and getting students acquainted with a new teacher. My kids are wonderful, I'm sure every teacher says so, but all the same, they're great! It has been very interesting trying to juggle two grades, but so far, I don't have to do to much to differentiate between the two. Our writing workshop curriculum is for 3-5 grade, which allows me to teach it collectively to both. With social studies (now) and science (later), I will be doing units from both 3rd and 4th grade standards. With Reading Workshop I am able to assess children's levels through Reading A-Z curriculum and form them into reading groups. Bible is also collective. We are currently trying to decide between using one of two curriculums for the elementary Bible program. One of the choices is the Children Desiring God curriculum, which of course I'm pushing for, seeing as how I used it for a year and a half at Bethlehem and can be assured that it will be amazing. Pretty much all the other teachers are huge Piper fans, so the curriculum has a good chance. (And yes, I know, the pastor figurehead should not be a factor, and trust me it's not, but there are lots of Piper fans) Back to school for a sec, the only tough subject is math. I need to allot more time so as to fit two lessons into one chunk of time. It's not simple.
All in all, I survived my first week and while I continue to dread and dislike the planning and preparation, I love my students. I have one student, Ah Hye, who knows absolutely no English, but at the same time I have two others, Si Yeon and Eliezer, who know both languages well enough to relay instructions for the assignments and with the addition of our new EFL teacher, Tom Fisher, I am excited for her being able to receive more scrutinized instruction.
Weekend 1 after the First Week
I played Settlers twice with four other people and won each time. Pray for me, I'm trying to stay humble. :) All the teachers celebrated Scott's B-day at a great Bolivian restaraunt. Amazing food and authentic music, that I know my dad would have loved. I captured a little video just for you dad. Other than that I also went into the school to do some more planning and preparing. I honestly didn't get as much done as I wanted. Oh well, I'll learn.
Week 2
More the same of the first week. I actually have one day left, although there might be a blockade, apparently there were about 4 last year that they had to cancel school for, so the teachers all get excited every time there's a rumor of one. :) The roads are limited here, so it's easy to shut down and barricade the main ones from the city center, El Centro, to Zona Sur, where I live, to Mallasilla, where the school is at. There was talk in the paper of there being one last Friday, but it never happened. Oh, I have also been having Spanish lessons with two other teachers on Mondays and Thursdays. They have been helpful, but not as much as my conversations with my homestay family during dinner. All the new teachers, including me, also did alot of Visa prep this week. On Monday, we had to miss our school morning to go into the doctor and get our physicals, no turning the head and coughing, but we did have to get a chest x-ray, where they pushed you up against this board (muy frio, very cold) and then take the shot. Along with getting some blood and urine samples, it made for an interesting morning. The next day we had to leave a half hour early to get finger printed at Interpol. So many things in so little time, when do I plan, I'm not sure, that's a good question. Today, after school, was spent getting our Banco Bisa cards. The school deposits our salary into these accounts and we can withdraw in either dollars (to pay our families) or Bolivianos. Ok, I have to go soon, but a few things before I do. Thanks again for your posts, they are encouraging and lots of fun to read. This weekend I am usually on Skype on Saturday morning, but this weekend I will be in Coroico. It's a city about a two hour bus ride away and about 6,000 ft lower in elevation. Myself and about 6 other teachers will be pool side relaxing and enjoying the lush greenery of a lower climate. Sorry, I hope I'm not making you too envious. The life of a Bolivian teacher is just so hard. :)
Prayer Requests
Planning and preparation. Health. Yesterday I went to school, but felt like throwing up the whole entire day. I told my students during read aloud, that if I ran out of the room I expected one of them to continue where I left off. I feel much better today praise the Lord! Although I'm doing better than some of our other teachers and administrator who was out most of this week with stomach problems. Also, I got a new student at the beginning of this week who is just amazing from Las Vegas. She is definitely going to be the highest reader in the class. Okay, back to prayer requests. Honestly, I am comfortable in the country, but not as much at school only because I'm a first year teacher and am constantly wondering if I'm doing things right. So, prayer for guidance, wisdom, and perseverance during this first year.
I love you all and keep up those posts.
Week 1
Lots of planning and preparation, continuing to set up the classroom, and getting students acquainted with a new teacher. My kids are wonderful, I'm sure every teacher says so, but all the same, they're great! It has been very interesting trying to juggle two grades, but so far, I don't have to do to much to differentiate between the two. Our writing workshop curriculum is for 3-5 grade, which allows me to teach it collectively to both. With social studies (now) and science (later), I will be doing units from both 3rd and 4th grade standards. With Reading Workshop I am able to assess children's levels through Reading A-Z curriculum and form them into reading groups. Bible is also collective. We are currently trying to decide between using one of two curriculums for the elementary Bible program. One of the choices is the Children Desiring God curriculum, which of course I'm pushing for, seeing as how I used it for a year and a half at Bethlehem and can be assured that it will be amazing. Pretty much all the other teachers are huge Piper fans, so the curriculum has a good chance. (And yes, I know, the pastor figurehead should not be a factor, and trust me it's not, but there are lots of Piper fans) Back to school for a sec, the only tough subject is math. I need to allot more time so as to fit two lessons into one chunk of time. It's not simple.
All in all, I survived my first week and while I continue to dread and dislike the planning and preparation, I love my students. I have one student, Ah Hye, who knows absolutely no English, but at the same time I have two others, Si Yeon and Eliezer, who know both languages well enough to relay instructions for the assignments and with the addition of our new EFL teacher, Tom Fisher, I am excited for her being able to receive more scrutinized instruction.
Weekend 1 after the First Week
I played Settlers twice with four other people and won each time. Pray for me, I'm trying to stay humble. :) All the teachers celebrated Scott's B-day at a great Bolivian restaraunt. Amazing food and authentic music, that I know my dad would have loved. I captured a little video just for you dad. Other than that I also went into the school to do some more planning and preparing. I honestly didn't get as much done as I wanted. Oh well, I'll learn.
Week 2
More the same of the first week. I actually have one day left, although there might be a blockade, apparently there were about 4 last year that they had to cancel school for, so the teachers all get excited every time there's a rumor of one. :) The roads are limited here, so it's easy to shut down and barricade the main ones from the city center, El Centro, to Zona Sur, where I live, to Mallasilla, where the school is at. There was talk in the paper of there being one last Friday, but it never happened. Oh, I have also been having Spanish lessons with two other teachers on Mondays and Thursdays. They have been helpful, but not as much as my conversations with my homestay family during dinner. All the new teachers, including me, also did alot of Visa prep this week. On Monday, we had to miss our school morning to go into the doctor and get our physicals, no turning the head and coughing, but we did have to get a chest x-ray, where they pushed you up against this board (muy frio, very cold) and then take the shot. Along with getting some blood and urine samples, it made for an interesting morning. The next day we had to leave a half hour early to get finger printed at Interpol. So many things in so little time, when do I plan, I'm not sure, that's a good question. Today, after school, was spent getting our Banco Bisa cards. The school deposits our salary into these accounts and we can withdraw in either dollars (to pay our families) or Bolivianos. Ok, I have to go soon, but a few things before I do. Thanks again for your posts, they are encouraging and lots of fun to read. This weekend I am usually on Skype on Saturday morning, but this weekend I will be in Coroico. It's a city about a two hour bus ride away and about 6,000 ft lower in elevation. Myself and about 6 other teachers will be pool side relaxing and enjoying the lush greenery of a lower climate. Sorry, I hope I'm not making you too envious. The life of a Bolivian teacher is just so hard. :)
Prayer Requests
Planning and preparation. Health. Yesterday I went to school, but felt like throwing up the whole entire day. I told my students during read aloud, that if I ran out of the room I expected one of them to continue where I left off. I feel much better today praise the Lord! Although I'm doing better than some of our other teachers and administrator who was out most of this week with stomach problems. Also, I got a new student at the beginning of this week who is just amazing from Las Vegas. She is definitely going to be the highest reader in the class. Okay, back to prayer requests. Honestly, I am comfortable in the country, but not as much at school only because I'm a first year teacher and am constantly wondering if I'm doing things right. So, prayer for guidance, wisdom, and perseverance during this first year.
I love you all and keep up those posts.
August 8, 2007
Week of Planning
Thank you everyone for all the comments! Good catch on my misspell Kevin! I wouldn't have expected you to be my editor, but kudos to you! It has been longer than a week and this post will have to be shorter. For all you faithful prayer warriors, thank you for your prayers and your patience. I have most of the e-mail addresses I think, so all I need to do now is write my letter. Here are a few quick updates that you can comment on:
-Friday- The new staff, plus Jason, were all very busy getting settled in our places and accepting new students, so we did not go to Lake Titicaca, so John and I went to the school for awhile to work on some things. I put a picture on of the view of the mountains from the school. Imagine that all the way around. I will see if I can put a couple little videos on so you can get a view of my classroom, the school, and the mountainous panorama.
-Saturday- Josh, the other guest in the Castillones home, made a shish-kabob barbecue for the whole Castillones family and I. I was stuffed. We also had the whole staff together for the first time for dinner at Jason and Sara's. We played a few outrageous icebreaker games. One of them was psychologist.
-Sunday- Josh left to head back to Boston and I schooled John, campus pastor and high school Bible teacher, in the two player version of Settlers of Catan (I am undefeated in Bolivia)
-Monday-American Barbecue to celebrate Dia de Bolivia (I played ultimate frisbee, my lungs were on fire after the first score, and continued to stay that way the rest of the night)
-Tuesday-Teacher's Meetings and Setting up the classroom began (I got in my desks for my 16 students and have a mental picture of how my classroom will look)
-Today- More planning and setting up. I am beginning to feel very anxious for my class. I am not feeling as prepared as I want and Friday is Open House. I need the room ready by then. So, for all you prayer warriors waiting anxiously to hear about prayer requests that are reading this blog. Here's my number 1: Pray that I would fully believe and claim the promise in Philippians 4: 6,7. Some of you have that memorized and the rest of you, look it up. :) Thanks again for your prayers. I promise to type up my letter as soon as I have some breathing room, probably this coming weekend.
Blessings to you all back home!
-Friday- The new staff, plus Jason, were all very busy getting settled in our places and accepting new students, so we did not go to Lake Titicaca, so John and I went to the school for awhile to work on some things. I put a picture on of the view of the mountains from the school. Imagine that all the way around. I will see if I can put a couple little videos on so you can get a view of my classroom, the school, and the mountainous panorama.
-Saturday- Josh, the other guest in the Castillones home, made a shish-kabob barbecue for the whole Castillones family and I. I was stuffed. We also had the whole staff together for the first time for dinner at Jason and Sara's. We played a few outrageous icebreaker games. One of them was psychologist.
-Sunday- Josh left to head back to Boston and I schooled John, campus pastor and high school Bible teacher, in the two player version of Settlers of Catan (I am undefeated in Bolivia)
-Monday-American Barbecue to celebrate Dia de Bolivia (I played ultimate frisbee, my lungs were on fire after the first score, and continued to stay that way the rest of the night)
-Tuesday-Teacher's Meetings and Setting up the classroom began (I got in my desks for my 16 students and have a mental picture of how my classroom will look)
-Today- More planning and setting up. I am beginning to feel very anxious for my class. I am not feeling as prepared as I want and Friday is Open House. I need the room ready by then. So, for all you prayer warriors waiting anxiously to hear about prayer requests that are reading this blog. Here's my number 1: Pray that I would fully believe and claim the promise in Philippians 4: 6,7. Some of you have that memorized and the rest of you, look it up. :) Thanks again for your prayers. I promise to type up my letter as soon as I have some breathing room, probably this coming weekend.
Blessings to you all back home!
July 29, 2007
Bright & Sunny La Paz
The Flight
Not much to say. I had a good night rest the night before at Chris and Jessica's place and Chris dropped me off at around 6AM Saturday morning. The flight to Miami was uneventful, but once I arrived I only had about 15 min to walk from concourse E to concourse A. It was at least a mile long. I made it just as they were calling the first groups on the plane, so it all worked out well. On the flight to La Paz, a man asked me if I could switch seats with him, so that he could sit next to his wife. This put me in a middle seat about at the very back of the plane, since I didn't really mind moving. I am glad that I did also, because I sat next to a man named Eric who grew up in Bolivia, but went to Michigan Tech for school and is now living in Vancouver. So, yes, I had the privilege of hearing a TCK's (third-culture kid) story and his helpful advice to stay open-minded to the culture. I found it very interesting that he felt more at home in the U.S. and Canadian cultures then his own. He hung out with me all the way until we both found our luggage and until I was able to meet up with Jason and Sara (my director and his wife).
The Arrival
We packed everything into Jason's vehicle and made for the valley. El Alto (the section of the city where the airport is) was very poor. After driving through El Alto we began the descent into the valley were I got to see the city lights down below. An amazing sight! We saw stray dogs all over the place. They are just a part of the city. At the bottom of the city we arrived at my homestay's place. I had been informed that I was going to be at a different place then I had been shown. It is closer to the school and very close to where Jason and Sara live, so I would be able to hitch a ride with Jason when he goes to the school.
Meeting my Homestay
We were greeted customarily when we arrived. For my part a customary greeting with a woman is to lean to the left and make a kissing sound by their cheek as they do the same on the other side. It honestly wasn't awkward at all. We sat down in their beautiful home and just began talking. Well, I didn't as much. :) They said they would treat me like one of their own. I felt very blessed. After Jason and Sara left, I was able to have some limited conversation with both Alberto and (not sure how to spell this) Charro, as I sat down to have some coca tea to help my stomach and headache as well as some pan (bread) with queso (cheese) and mantequilla (butter). It was different, but delicious! Then it was time dormir (to sleep), after some water and Advil. The weather is about mid-40's here. I love it!
Domingo (Sunday)
After taking a shower, dressing for iglesia (church), and putting some more of my clothes away. I made my way down to the kitchen where I met Joshua. He is originally from California, but going to med school in Boston. He was down in Bolvia for a month working on international medicine. He is also living in the same house and knows more Spanish than me, but is still just below conversational. When breakfast was almost done, Silvia walked in. Silvia is from England, fluent in Spanish, lived with the family for 9 months last year and will be living with them again for a couple more weeks as she is visiting on holiday. It was fun to hear the British accent once again. She has been a great help with translating. I am still a little frusturated, because I so want to understand, but my Spanish is so limited. Anyway, we then walked to La Comunidad, the church, and all around us were mountains on every side. Boy, what a sight to behold! I don't think I will ever get used to it, and that's a good thing. I got to meet Scotty Miser at church. He is a missionary to Bolvia, sent out from Bethlehem Baptist, the church I attended, and he is planting a church close to where the school is. The church plant is affiliated with La Comunidad and my family is actually a part of the plant. Pretty amazing connections, eh?! We went out to lunch afterwards at a chicken (pollo) place called Copacabana. It was pretty much a KFC, Bolvian style. Along with the chicken and french fries, you get fried plantains (bananas). They were pretty good. Jason and Sara should be stopping by later today before they pick up some more of the teachers that are coming in tonight. I think tomorrow we begin the orientation itinerary. All I know so far is that we plan to go to Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, on Friday. I hope you are all having as fantastic a Friday as I am! Thank you for all your prayers for safe travel and and an easy transition. They were answered!
A Beginning
I have already had a few comments on the last posting. Not bad! But I think we can do better. I will try to add pictures to spruce up the blog site soon. Until then, I am counting on your comments. I love you all! Thanks again for your prayers!
Not much to say. I had a good night rest the night before at Chris and Jessica's place and Chris dropped me off at around 6AM Saturday morning. The flight to Miami was uneventful, but once I arrived I only had about 15 min to walk from concourse E to concourse A. It was at least a mile long. I made it just as they were calling the first groups on the plane, so it all worked out well. On the flight to La Paz, a man asked me if I could switch seats with him, so that he could sit next to his wife. This put me in a middle seat about at the very back of the plane, since I didn't really mind moving. I am glad that I did also, because I sat next to a man named Eric who grew up in Bolivia, but went to Michigan Tech for school and is now living in Vancouver. So, yes, I had the privilege of hearing a TCK's (third-culture kid) story and his helpful advice to stay open-minded to the culture. I found it very interesting that he felt more at home in the U.S. and Canadian cultures then his own. He hung out with me all the way until we both found our luggage and until I was able to meet up with Jason and Sara (my director and his wife).
The Arrival
We packed everything into Jason's vehicle and made for the valley. El Alto (the section of the city where the airport is) was very poor. After driving through El Alto we began the descent into the valley were I got to see the city lights down below. An amazing sight! We saw stray dogs all over the place. They are just a part of the city. At the bottom of the city we arrived at my homestay's place. I had been informed that I was going to be at a different place then I had been shown. It is closer to the school and very close to where Jason and Sara live, so I would be able to hitch a ride with Jason when he goes to the school.
Meeting my Homestay
We were greeted customarily when we arrived. For my part a customary greeting with a woman is to lean to the left and make a kissing sound by their cheek as they do the same on the other side. It honestly wasn't awkward at all. We sat down in their beautiful home and just began talking. Well, I didn't as much. :) They said they would treat me like one of their own. I felt very blessed. After Jason and Sara left, I was able to have some limited conversation with both Alberto and (not sure how to spell this) Charro, as I sat down to have some coca tea to help my stomach and headache as well as some pan (bread) with queso (cheese) and mantequilla (butter). It was different, but delicious! Then it was time dormir (to sleep), after some water and Advil. The weather is about mid-40's here. I love it!
Domingo (Sunday)
After taking a shower, dressing for iglesia (church), and putting some more of my clothes away. I made my way down to the kitchen where I met Joshua. He is originally from California, but going to med school in Boston. He was down in Bolvia for a month working on international medicine. He is also living in the same house and knows more Spanish than me, but is still just below conversational. When breakfast was almost done, Silvia walked in. Silvia is from England, fluent in Spanish, lived with the family for 9 months last year and will be living with them again for a couple more weeks as she is visiting on holiday. It was fun to hear the British accent once again. She has been a great help with translating. I am still a little frusturated, because I so want to understand, but my Spanish is so limited. Anyway, we then walked to La Comunidad, the church, and all around us were mountains on every side. Boy, what a sight to behold! I don't think I will ever get used to it, and that's a good thing. I got to meet Scotty Miser at church. He is a missionary to Bolvia, sent out from Bethlehem Baptist, the church I attended, and he is planting a church close to where the school is. The church plant is affiliated with La Comunidad and my family is actually a part of the plant. Pretty amazing connections, eh?! We went out to lunch afterwards at a chicken (pollo) place called Copacabana. It was pretty much a KFC, Bolvian style. Along with the chicken and french fries, you get fried plantains (bananas). They were pretty good. Jason and Sara should be stopping by later today before they pick up some more of the teachers that are coming in tonight. I think tomorrow we begin the orientation itinerary. All I know so far is that we plan to go to Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, on Friday. I hope you are all having as fantastic a Friday as I am! Thank you for all your prayers for safe travel and and an easy transition. They were answered!
A Beginning
I have already had a few comments on the last posting. Not bad! But I think we can do better. I will try to add pictures to spruce up the blog site soon. Until then, I am counting on your comments. I love you all! Thanks again for your prayers!
July 25, 2007
3...2...1...Blastoff!
Some Accountability?
Ok, honestly now, who wants to volunteer to keep me accountable to updating my blog more than once a month? All that person would have to do would send me a quick e-mail or posting saying, " It's time to post again!" I want to send out some sort of post every week and I hope to develop a weekly routine to accomplish that goal. Okay, on with the update...
PFO 2007
Southaven, MS was an amazing week and a half. It was filled with scrumpcious southern cooking (no, I didn't have grits, but it was offered) that filled my belly to bursting everyday. Genuine Southern hospitatlity was experienced daily. The seminars ranged from topics regarding our own personalities (including how we communicate, how we approach conflict, etc...), learning more about the TCK (Third Culture Kid- international students in our schools), preparing to leave, and how to adapt to a new culture. My roommate while there, Zach, was an amazing guy. He offered to lead the worship during our time there, so I was more than eager to lend my voice to back him up during those days. They also split us up into small groups to discuss the day's seminars and how we were all doing with our preparation anxieties. I was in a group with three married couples and Zach. Just so people know, this was a training not just for new teachers going to Bolivia, but to all the NICS/OASIS schools around the world. So, I got to know people who were going to places such as: Caracas, Venezuela; Seoul, South Korea; Singapore; Brazil; Ghana; Ankara, Turkey; Kabul, Afghanistan; etc... These people came from all over the U.S., some were coming straight out of college while others had five years experience or more already. I also got to meet frequently with my Bolivia group, of which I am very excited to begin working with. One of the couples, Marcos and Valeria, came from Bolivia. They had been teaching at Highlands International School since it started 4 years ago. Our group was blessed to be able to hear firsthand from them about the culture and the school. I was even able to practice my limited Spanish with them a little. They said I had a pretty good vocabulary already and expected me to catch on quickly when I got there. We'll see. :) Jason and Sara, the school's director and his wife, also came for a couple days for some group bonding. I also got to meet John Swaney, the school's campus pastor and high school Bible teacher. He lives about 10 min away from Southaven, MS and Memphis, TN, so he took the Bolivia group out a couple times to get to know eachother and have some Memphis ribs. Mmmm. John and I also went out a couple times to just sit and talk about everything and anything. The rest of my group is comprised of Whitney (5th grade, engaged, and taught the 2nd half of the year at Highlands), Alison (Kindergarten and elementary specials), and Tom and Anne (EFL teacher and elementary principal, they have a four year old named Avery). Getting to know my group has helped immensely in soothing anxieties about La Paz.
Since I've Been Home
It's been hard. Don't get me wrong now, I love spending time with my parents. But there's been two big reasons why there is still a knot in my stomach.
1. Saying Goodbyes- I had to say goodbye to Stacy this past weekend and many other close friends in the cities. I say goodbye to my parents in 2 days. I can't express enough how much everyone has meant to me throughout my life. There are still so many people that I have not said goodbye to and if you are one of those people reading this right now, I want you to know that I am sorry. Please let me know who you are, so that I can write a proper e-mail letting you know how much you've blessed my life. I leave my comfort zone in two days, which is exciting, and at the same time extremely uncomfortable.
2. Escaping- My big to-do projects over these past couple weeks was to pack (of which I'm not worried about) and begin school planning. I have spent the past two weeks stalling and delaying because I don't know how to start getting organized. I just finished a 2000 piece puzzle and have watched more Cosby show then one person should. It's a frusturating weakness that I have only just recently begun taking to the right source for strength. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I hit the grindstone these last couple days to give myself an outline for this coming school year. Any advice or organization tips would be welcome also.
Final Comments
I have received a few e-mails from people who want to be included in my prayer update, which I plan to send out at the beginning of each month. If you want to be included send me your e-mail at bjorlie@gmail.com.
Also, don't be afraid to comment. I got a whopping one comment on my last posting and maybe that's because I haven't left yet. Either way, let me know that you're reading. Thank you all! I will try this clever wordplay again and see if it works. Let the comments commence!
Ok, honestly now, who wants to volunteer to keep me accountable to updating my blog more than once a month? All that person would have to do would send me a quick e-mail or posting saying, " It's time to post again!" I want to send out some sort of post every week and I hope to develop a weekly routine to accomplish that goal. Okay, on with the update...
PFO 2007
Southaven, MS was an amazing week and a half. It was filled with scrumpcious southern cooking (no, I didn't have grits, but it was offered) that filled my belly to bursting everyday. Genuine Southern hospitatlity was experienced daily. The seminars ranged from topics regarding our own personalities (including how we communicate, how we approach conflict, etc...), learning more about the TCK (Third Culture Kid- international students in our schools), preparing to leave, and how to adapt to a new culture. My roommate while there, Zach, was an amazing guy. He offered to lead the worship during our time there, so I was more than eager to lend my voice to back him up during those days. They also split us up into small groups to discuss the day's seminars and how we were all doing with our preparation anxieties. I was in a group with three married couples and Zach. Just so people know, this was a training not just for new teachers going to Bolivia, but to all the NICS/OASIS schools around the world. So, I got to know people who were going to places such as: Caracas, Venezuela; Seoul, South Korea; Singapore; Brazil; Ghana; Ankara, Turkey; Kabul, Afghanistan; etc... These people came from all over the U.S., some were coming straight out of college while others had five years experience or more already. I also got to meet frequently with my Bolivia group, of which I am very excited to begin working with. One of the couples, Marcos and Valeria, came from Bolivia. They had been teaching at Highlands International School since it started 4 years ago. Our group was blessed to be able to hear firsthand from them about the culture and the school. I was even able to practice my limited Spanish with them a little. They said I had a pretty good vocabulary already and expected me to catch on quickly when I got there. We'll see. :) Jason and Sara, the school's director and his wife, also came for a couple days for some group bonding. I also got to meet John Swaney, the school's campus pastor and high school Bible teacher. He lives about 10 min away from Southaven, MS and Memphis, TN, so he took the Bolivia group out a couple times to get to know eachother and have some Memphis ribs. Mmmm. John and I also went out a couple times to just sit and talk about everything and anything. The rest of my group is comprised of Whitney (5th grade, engaged, and taught the 2nd half of the year at Highlands), Alison (Kindergarten and elementary specials), and Tom and Anne (EFL teacher and elementary principal, they have a four year old named Avery). Getting to know my group has helped immensely in soothing anxieties about La Paz.
Since I've Been Home
It's been hard. Don't get me wrong now, I love spending time with my parents. But there's been two big reasons why there is still a knot in my stomach.
1. Saying Goodbyes- I had to say goodbye to Stacy this past weekend and many other close friends in the cities. I say goodbye to my parents in 2 days. I can't express enough how much everyone has meant to me throughout my life. There are still so many people that I have not said goodbye to and if you are one of those people reading this right now, I want you to know that I am sorry. Please let me know who you are, so that I can write a proper e-mail letting you know how much you've blessed my life. I leave my comfort zone in two days, which is exciting, and at the same time extremely uncomfortable.
2. Escaping- My big to-do projects over these past couple weeks was to pack (of which I'm not worried about) and begin school planning. I have spent the past two weeks stalling and delaying because I don't know how to start getting organized. I just finished a 2000 piece puzzle and have watched more Cosby show then one person should. It's a frusturating weakness that I have only just recently begun taking to the right source for strength. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I hit the grindstone these last couple days to give myself an outline for this coming school year. Any advice or organization tips would be welcome also.
Final Comments
I have received a few e-mails from people who want to be included in my prayer update, which I plan to send out at the beginning of each month. If you want to be included send me your e-mail at bjorlie@gmail.com.
Also, don't be afraid to comment. I got a whopping one comment on my last posting and maybe that's because I haven't left yet. Either way, let me know that you're reading. Thank you all! I will try this clever wordplay again and see if it works. Let the comments commence!
June 24, 2007
Tomorrow Memphis, Next Month Bolivia
I have to apologize for the three month period of blogging silence. I plan on writing much more frequently now that the ball is rolling. Let me catch you up to speed, and then I'll give you a glimpse into what the last month of preparation will look like (as well as I can tell :)).
These past few months have been a time of finishing up jobs, sending support letters, receiving support, communicating with my director and a couple other teachers about the upcoming school year, VISA, teaching Sunday School, moving out of my apartment, and enjoying the last few months with friends.
I finished up with FedEx at the end of May and am trying (unsuccessfully) to stay active without my weekday night exercise group. I taught a few more swim lessons and guarded a few more shifts towards the end of May to round out my time at the YMCA, and finally, the King Child Development Center. This past Wednesday was my last day at the King and they could not have done a better job of making me feel loved and appreciated. It was a great send-off (what says "We love and appreciate you" more, than a 10$ gift certificate to Chipotle?)! Having had said goodbye to the preschoolers and my amazing Kindergarten Sunday School class and team (what says "God be with you Mr. Bjorlie" more, than 30 some kindergartners laying their hands on you and praying for your ministry?), I am finally ready to move up a few grades to work with what I have heard is the best class a first year 3rd/4th grade teacher could ever ask for.
In my e-mails, skype conversations, and phone calls with some of the staff at Highlands International School (HIS), I have learned more about the home stay family I will be staying with and where they are located. I will be staying just outside the city (La Paz) with a Bolivian couple and their kids who all have jobs and are older than me. A couple of the kids know some English, but suffice to say, I will be immersed in the Spanish language daily. Praise the Lord! I can't wait for the lessons to start. Necisito practicar mucho! I also sent in my VISA application and got my passport back with the stamp of official approval last week. I have also purchased my airfare down to Bolivia, so there is not much left to stand in my way.
I have also been humbled and deeply moved with my first experience of sending out letters for support and watching them come in. After having totaled up how much support I have with both the one-time gifts and the monthly gifts, I am just over 4/5 of the way there. The Lord is good, and His faithfulness is amazing! I am working on the thank-you cards right now for any of you supporters wondering if I got your gift. If there are any of you who want a more personal update so as to know how to best support me with prayer and also to know how the Lord is working in and through my life and ministry, please send me your e-mail address at bjorlie@gmail.com. I am currently planning on sending out a monthly support e-mail at the end of each month, starting in July, so let me know if you are interested.
I moved everything out of my apartment with the help of my dad, roommate, and his fiancee on Thursday and spent the weekend in Austin. I am currently writing to you from my semi-barren apartment (my roommate hasn't moved out yet) packed and ready for an early rise-and-shine plane ride tomorrow morning. Now that you are all caught up to speed, I will give you a brief itinerary for how the next month will look.
June 25th: Arrive in Memphis for the PFO (Pre-Field Orientation) training
July 4th: I leave the training a few days early so as to make it back for my roommate's wedding, which takes place the very next day. I hope to see fireworks from above!
July 6th: Back down to Austin, where I will spend the remainder of the month making packing lists, preparing an in-depth outline of how the school year's going to look, and spending time with the family. I hope to make at least one trip back to the Twin Cities sometime during that month for final farewells also.
July 28th: My flight to La Paz leaves at 8 in the morning and arrives in the evening. Hola Bolivia!
July 28th-August 6th: Acclimate and culture shock time!
August 7th-10th: School orientation and setting up the classroom. My first one!!
August 13th: Bring on the kids! :) Wahooo!!!!!!!! I'm a little excited.
Well there you have it. You are all clued in. Now it's your turn. Questions, words of encouragement, advice, funny tasteful jokes, etc... Let the comments commence!
These past few months have been a time of finishing up jobs, sending support letters, receiving support, communicating with my director and a couple other teachers about the upcoming school year, VISA, teaching Sunday School, moving out of my apartment, and enjoying the last few months with friends.
I finished up with FedEx at the end of May and am trying (unsuccessfully) to stay active without my weekday night exercise group. I taught a few more swim lessons and guarded a few more shifts towards the end of May to round out my time at the YMCA, and finally, the King Child Development Center. This past Wednesday was my last day at the King and they could not have done a better job of making me feel loved and appreciated. It was a great send-off (what says "We love and appreciate you" more, than a 10$ gift certificate to Chipotle?)! Having had said goodbye to the preschoolers and my amazing Kindergarten Sunday School class and team (what says "God be with you Mr. Bjorlie" more, than 30 some kindergartners laying their hands on you and praying for your ministry?), I am finally ready to move up a few grades to work with what I have heard is the best class a first year 3rd/4th grade teacher could ever ask for.
In my e-mails, skype conversations, and phone calls with some of the staff at Highlands International School (HIS), I have learned more about the home stay family I will be staying with and where they are located. I will be staying just outside the city (La Paz) with a Bolivian couple and their kids who all have jobs and are older than me. A couple of the kids know some English, but suffice to say, I will be immersed in the Spanish language daily. Praise the Lord! I can't wait for the lessons to start. Necisito practicar mucho! I also sent in my VISA application and got my passport back with the stamp of official approval last week. I have also purchased my airfare down to Bolivia, so there is not much left to stand in my way.
I have also been humbled and deeply moved with my first experience of sending out letters for support and watching them come in. After having totaled up how much support I have with both the one-time gifts and the monthly gifts, I am just over 4/5 of the way there. The Lord is good, and His faithfulness is amazing! I am working on the thank-you cards right now for any of you supporters wondering if I got your gift. If there are any of you who want a more personal update so as to know how to best support me with prayer and also to know how the Lord is working in and through my life and ministry, please send me your e-mail address at bjorlie@gmail.com. I am currently planning on sending out a monthly support e-mail at the end of each month, starting in July, so let me know if you are interested.
I moved everything out of my apartment with the help of my dad, roommate, and his fiancee on Thursday and spent the weekend in Austin. I am currently writing to you from my semi-barren apartment (my roommate hasn't moved out yet) packed and ready for an early rise-and-shine plane ride tomorrow morning. Now that you are all caught up to speed, I will give you a brief itinerary for how the next month will look.
June 25th: Arrive in Memphis for the PFO (Pre-Field Orientation) training
July 4th: I leave the training a few days early so as to make it back for my roommate's wedding, which takes place the very next day. I hope to see fireworks from above!
July 6th: Back down to Austin, where I will spend the remainder of the month making packing lists, preparing an in-depth outline of how the school year's going to look, and spending time with the family. I hope to make at least one trip back to the Twin Cities sometime during that month for final farewells also.
July 28th: My flight to La Paz leaves at 8 in the morning and arrives in the evening. Hola Bolivia!
July 28th-August 6th: Acclimate and culture shock time!
August 7th-10th: School orientation and setting up the classroom. My first one!!
August 13th: Bring on the kids! :) Wahooo!!!!!!!! I'm a little excited.
Well there you have it. You are all clued in. Now it's your turn. Questions, words of encouragement, advice, funny tasteful jokes, etc... Let the comments commence!
March 25, 2007
First Update
The time is drawing closer and I am working on getting everything ready to go. Here is a list of things that I have done:
- bought plane tickets to the PFO (Pre-Field Orientation) training in Southaven, MS
- sent out support letters
- received most of my immunizations (2nd Hep. A shot to come this summer)
- started to brush up on my very limited espanol with the help of Rosetta Stone
...and yet to do:
- make a packing list
- develop long-term teaching goals by becoming more familiar with the school's curriculum and North Carolina's learning standards
I have also contacted the 2nd/3rd grade teacher at Highlands International School and she assures me that I have an amazing class to look forward to for this summer. I can't wait! I will have around 11 or so 3rd graders and around three 4th graders to teach.
This will be my first full year of teaching experience, so along with the excitement also comes a fair share of doubts that are hard to shake. Am I up for the challenge? What if I fail? When those questions come, I just remind myself of the peace and sense of God's calling I had when I interviewed and accepted this position. If the Lord is for it, than who can be against it? So what do I do when presented with these doubts? "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me." -John 14:1 "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." -Ephesians 6:11 The devil's darts of doubt miss their marks everytime when I am trusting the Lord's plan for my life and following it in His strength and might, not my own. "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." -John 15:5 Praise God and his Word for the encouragement and comfort they have been and will continue to be during this time of preparation!
I would love to hear feedback and answer any questions you may have regarding Bolvia, this blog, anything in general, etc... I have two e-mail addresses now as well and am in the process of converting one of them bjotho@bethel.edu to my new one bjorlie@gmail.com. Feel free to drop me a note. God bless!
P.S. One last thing regarding contact information while I am in Bolivia. I will not be using a cell phone while in Bolivia, but a free computer program called Skype. I would encourage you to download it at www.skype.com. It's a great way to stay in touch. My skype name is bjorlie. Pretty simple, eh?
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