Well, the first weekend is past and now I've started the first full week of school. This weekend was good and bad at the same time. I got two e-mails with difficult news that was hard to read. I think God is teaching me through this how to depend on Him above everything else. He is also showing me how much He loves me. I was just reading the other morning in Zephaniah 3 about how God delights in His children and rejoices over them. Just thinking about that has enough power to put everything into perspective. Anyways, please pray for me as I discover this truth more.
The weekend was fun too. I got to hang out with some of the teachers at the school and get to know them a little bit better. I was at the mall 4 different times this weekend, which was interesting. (The mall is not just clothing stores; it also has a big grocery store, many restaurants, and a bank.)
On Sunday I went to church with my friends the Ketchams. :) Afterwards I got to spend time with Liz (their daughter) at the mall. We tried to go bowling, but there was a really long wait. We ended up just going clothes shopping. She took me to this shop that has brands from America but at really cheap prices!
Oh, and today's Bible lesson went well! It was just a memory verse activity, but I think the kids had fun, and I did too!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
First week of school
I can't believe it's already Saturday and I've been in Thailand over a week. I arrived at ICS in Bangkok on Monday and I've been really busy since then.
On Monday I went grocery shopping at the Central Mall (a big mall near the school) and got a lot of things that I needed. Actually, my apartment had quite a few things in it so I didn't need to buy so much. The school did a very nice job of setting it up and puting things in it that I needed (such as food, a toaster oven, and towels).
Tuesday was spent unpacking and meeting people around the school. I got to meet my cooperating teacher, Robin, and I set up the "about me" bulletin board she asked me to make.
Wednesday was my first day in the classroom. I went to the staff devotions at 7, and then met with the elementary principal, Mrs. Elsie. She took me to the classroom and I got to meet the kids. They are so cute. Robin had them sit on the carpet and they could ask me questions. They asked quite a few about my pets that I have at home. :)
In the class we have 9 Thais and a few other nationalities, including American, Korean, and Malaysian. In all there are 15 students - 9 girls and 6 boys. I enjoyed observing these past few days. Robin is a really good teacher and never has to raise her voice at the kids. I hope they listen to me that well!
I have a little work station set up in the classroom for me, with two desks and a computer.
So, on Friday I went with the class to art. It was cute because they were all whispering to each other about how I was in the room (usually I do other things during their specials). The teacher was handing out paper and he asked if everyone had a piece. The kids said, "No! Miss Janita doesn't have one!" :) Then they started begging for me to have one too. A little while later, one of the boys asked the teacher why I just sit there and do nothing. The teacher explained to him that it may look like that, but actually I was watching and learning. I thought it was funny. :)
Besides school, I have been able to do some fun activities. The other teachers have been really great about inviting me to do things with them. I have hardly eaten in my apartment so far! :) It's been fun getting to know new people and seeing what it would be like to actually live and teach here.
Well, I am starting to teach on Monday, so please pray for me because I am a little nervous. I'm starting with a Bible lesson, though, so I'm excited about that.
On Monday I went grocery shopping at the Central Mall (a big mall near the school) and got a lot of things that I needed. Actually, my apartment had quite a few things in it so I didn't need to buy so much. The school did a very nice job of setting it up and puting things in it that I needed (such as food, a toaster oven, and towels).
Tuesday was spent unpacking and meeting people around the school. I got to meet my cooperating teacher, Robin, and I set up the "about me" bulletin board she asked me to make.
Wednesday was my first day in the classroom. I went to the staff devotions at 7, and then met with the elementary principal, Mrs. Elsie. She took me to the classroom and I got to meet the kids. They are so cute. Robin had them sit on the carpet and they could ask me questions. They asked quite a few about my pets that I have at home. :)
In the class we have 9 Thais and a few other nationalities, including American, Korean, and Malaysian. In all there are 15 students - 9 girls and 6 boys. I enjoyed observing these past few days. Robin is a really good teacher and never has to raise her voice at the kids. I hope they listen to me that well!
I have a little work station set up in the classroom for me, with two desks and a computer.
So, on Friday I went with the class to art. It was cute because they were all whispering to each other about how I was in the room (usually I do other things during their specials). The teacher was handing out paper and he asked if everyone had a piece. The kids said, "No! Miss Janita doesn't have one!" :) Then they started begging for me to have one too. A little while later, one of the boys asked the teacher why I just sit there and do nothing. The teacher explained to him that it may look like that, but actually I was watching and learning. I thought it was funny. :)
Besides school, I have been able to do some fun activities. The other teachers have been really great about inviting me to do things with them. I have hardly eaten in my apartment so far! :) It's been fun getting to know new people and seeing what it would be like to actually live and teach here.
Well, I am starting to teach on Monday, so please pray for me because I am a little nervous. I'm starting with a Bible lesson, though, so I'm excited about that.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Firsts on this trip
Recently, I have been thinking about all the things I've done for the first time on this trip. I thought I would share them... :)
1) first international trip by myself
2) first time to have a blog
3) first swim in 85 degree ocean water! (I'm not kidding)
4) first time in the Indian ocean
5) first visit to Cha-am (where I've been for the past three days)
6) first time to eat at MK restaurant the "right" way (I took a picture to show you, Chris :)
7) first time to feed an elephant
8) first time to play Guitar hero (I know I could have done this anywhere, but I honestly hadn't tried it before this trip)
9) first time to see a live jellyfish (besides in the aquarium)
1) first international trip by myself
2) first time to have a blog
3) first swim in 85 degree ocean water! (I'm not kidding)
4) first time in the Indian ocean
5) first visit to Cha-am (where I've been for the past three days)
6) first time to eat at MK restaurant the "right" way (I took a picture to show you, Chris :)
7) first time to feed an elephant
8) first time to play Guitar hero (I know I could have done this anywhere, but I honestly hadn't tried it before this trip)
9) first time to see a live jellyfish (besides in the aquarium)
Friday, August 21, 2009
Arriving in Thailand
Well, I'm finally here! :) After going through three flights (about a total of 20 hours in flying time) I arrived at the Thai airport. Thankfully all of my connections were easy to find and I got through immigration with no trouble. The only hard part was lifting my two fifty pound bags off of the conveyor belt by myself. :) Mrs. Caynor (Lisa) picked me up from the airport and we went to a hotel near the airport.
The next morning we drove to their house about two hours away. On the way I had my first experience here using a traditional bathroom. :) Most of the day we spent in a nearby mall eating lunch and looking around. Yesterday evening I got to go to the beach which is right across from my hotel room. The water is literally 85 degrees and felt great! I have never been in ocean water that warm.
After a late dinner, I was able to go to bed. Thankfully I managed to stay awake all day, so I was able to sleep the whole night. Yay! I feel like I'm almost adjusted to the time change now.
Well, thank you for all your prayers on my way here. God definitely guided me through everything. I will keep you updated with what happens next! :)
The next morning we drove to their house about two hours away. On the way I had my first experience here using a traditional bathroom. :) Most of the day we spent in a nearby mall eating lunch and looking around. Yesterday evening I got to go to the beach which is right across from my hotel room. The water is literally 85 degrees and felt great! I have never been in ocean water that warm.
After a late dinner, I was able to go to bed. Thankfully I managed to stay awake all day, so I was able to sleep the whole night. Yay! I feel like I'm almost adjusted to the time change now.
Well, thank you for all your prayers on my way here. God definitely guided me through everything. I will keep you updated with what happens next! :)
Monday, August 17, 2009
Pre-trip: August 17
Hello everyone! Thanks for reading this! I just wanted to ask you all to pray for me as I leave on Wednesday morning at 10:20. I will arrive in Thailand the next night (Thai time - 11 hours ahead). One of the verses that has been helping me as I get ready to go is Psalms 139:9-10: "If I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast." Thank you for your prayers! :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
