Showing posts with label kids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kids. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Cinco Días en la República Dominicana
3 - Augusto - 10
Villa Montellano - camp at Makarios, day two
Let me share one of my favorite memories of camp today: Precious little 6(ish) year old Dauri was playing futbol with me and he kicked it into the large mud area right in front of the goal. I began to hear different people yelling at me NOT to go get it. Apparently my lack of listening traveled with me overseas because I ran to get it for us and immediately sank. My shoes were covered in mud. So i kicked the ball over the Dauri and grabbed a stick to begin scraping it off. All of a sudden Dauri appears, grabs the stick, picks up my foot, turns his back to me so I can hold on to him and begins to scrape the mud off of my feet. He did not stop until the mud was almost entirely off. What a joyful and yet sobering moment, to witness that a young child knows the definition of servanthood better than I do. Sweet Niño.
Today is our break from construction. After lunch at El Campito, we went to visit the two villages that the Mak school kids are bused from....
(Be prepared - if this post seem choppy, or has a lack of detail, it is because I do not feel it appropriate to attempt to describe some of the situations we saw...with that said, please keep these villages and these people in your prayers. I know you don't have specific names or places or prayer requests to pray for...but God works in larger ways than we can comprehend; do not let that limit your prayers - He still hears you :)
...The first village is Chichigua - a Haitian village about 15 minutes down a very narrow, bumpy, dusty path. We pulled up to a group of multi-color, tin dwellings - sure didn't look large enough to be a village, and the housing situation seemed barely liveable. We were told about 100 people now live there. Wow. 100? How? Where? The village was on a hill surrounded by farmland filled with tall sugar cane crop. Uphill from the houses, there was a cleared space full of tall weeds and trash. To the left was the futbol goal: three long, thin tree trunks bound together to create a futbol goal. To the right was the basketball goal: a tall, thin tree trunk in the ground, a piece of flat wood nailed to it as the backboard, and a plastic ring as the hoop.
...This village was extremely hard to see. Most Haitians living in the DR still speak a form of Creole, so it is a little more difficult communicating. However, what was more frustrating was seeing how these kids clearly knew the "white people routine." We come, walk around, stare, take pictures, bring things, play with them for a while, then gather our stuff together and leave. You can see it in their faces and their mannerisms. They were almost "comfortable" with us being there. I now understand just how much of a blessing it is that Makarios is trying to break this norm. They do not want to be an American organization that just passes free things out...because is that what these people need? Does giving these children a bunch of stuff cure their sickness? Does it satisfy their hunger? Does it quench their thirst? Or will it just fuel their prideful, selfish nature like it has me?
...The second village is Poncho Mateo- a village a little closer to the school that has both Haitians and Dominicana's. This village was more spread out, it was in the shape of a semi-circle with a basketball court in the middle. We were told quite a bit of history about this village, some of which I'm not sure is appropriate to share. One thing that may help paint a clearer picture, was that this village used to be segregated with Dominicana's on one side and Haitian's on the other (the basketball court separating the two). Over time, thanks to various events and people, they have begun to mix and for the short amount of time we spent here, the basketball court seemed to be neutral ground, so that is where we played. These kids were a little more open to hanging out with us--we drew with chalk on the cement, blew bubbles, climbed trees, and played basketball. I began to feel myself pulling away from each child I met-not physically, but emotionally. I still played with them, but I didn't ask their names, I didn't ask about their families, I didn't make conversation. I didn't even realize what I was doing until after I got home.
...I came back to the Mak house with lots of mixed emotions. I was still feeling sick all day, so I was exhausted physically, but I realized I was also exhausted emotionally and spiritually - like I had "run out" and my stock needed to be replenished. I realized that emotions cannot sustain us, because there comes a point in which there is too much to sort through.
Villa Montellano - camp at Makarios, day two
Let me share one of my favorite memories of camp today: Precious little 6(ish) year old Dauri was playing futbol with me and he kicked it into the large mud area right in front of the goal. I began to hear different people yelling at me NOT to go get it. Apparently my lack of listening traveled with me overseas because I ran to get it for us and immediately sank. My shoes were covered in mud. So i kicked the ball over the Dauri and grabbed a stick to begin scraping it off. All of a sudden Dauri appears, grabs the stick, picks up my foot, turns his back to me so I can hold on to him and begins to scrape the mud off of my feet. He did not stop until the mud was almost entirely off. What a joyful and yet sobering moment, to witness that a young child knows the definition of servanthood better than I do. Sweet Niño.
Today is our break from construction. After lunch at El Campito, we went to visit the two villages that the Mak school kids are bused from....
(Be prepared - if this post seem choppy, or has a lack of detail, it is because I do not feel it appropriate to attempt to describe some of the situations we saw...with that said, please keep these villages and these people in your prayers. I know you don't have specific names or places or prayer requests to pray for...but God works in larger ways than we can comprehend; do not let that limit your prayers - He still hears you :)
...The first village is Chichigua - a Haitian village about 15 minutes down a very narrow, bumpy, dusty path. We pulled up to a group of multi-color, tin dwellings - sure didn't look large enough to be a village, and the housing situation seemed barely liveable. We were told about 100 people now live there. Wow. 100? How? Where? The village was on a hill surrounded by farmland filled with tall sugar cane crop. Uphill from the houses, there was a cleared space full of tall weeds and trash. To the left was the futbol goal: three long, thin tree trunks bound together to create a futbol goal. To the right was the basketball goal: a tall, thin tree trunk in the ground, a piece of flat wood nailed to it as the backboard, and a plastic ring as the hoop.
...This village was extremely hard to see. Most Haitians living in the DR still speak a form of Creole, so it is a little more difficult communicating. However, what was more frustrating was seeing how these kids clearly knew the "white people routine." We come, walk around, stare, take pictures, bring things, play with them for a while, then gather our stuff together and leave. You can see it in their faces and their mannerisms. They were almost "comfortable" with us being there. I now understand just how much of a blessing it is that Makarios is trying to break this norm. They do not want to be an American organization that just passes free things out...because is that what these people need? Does giving these children a bunch of stuff cure their sickness? Does it satisfy their hunger? Does it quench their thirst? Or will it just fuel their prideful, selfish nature like it has me?
...The second village is Poncho Mateo- a village a little closer to the school that has both Haitians and Dominicana's. This village was more spread out, it was in the shape of a semi-circle with a basketball court in the middle. We were told quite a bit of history about this village, some of which I'm not sure is appropriate to share. One thing that may help paint a clearer picture, was that this village used to be segregated with Dominicana's on one side and Haitian's on the other (the basketball court separating the two). Over time, thanks to various events and people, they have begun to mix and for the short amount of time we spent here, the basketball court seemed to be neutral ground, so that is where we played. These kids were a little more open to hanging out with us--we drew with chalk on the cement, blew bubbles, climbed trees, and played basketball. I began to feel myself pulling away from each child I met-not physically, but emotionally. I still played with them, but I didn't ask their names, I didn't ask about their families, I didn't make conversation. I didn't even realize what I was doing until after I got home.
...I came back to the Mak house with lots of mixed emotions. I was still feeling sick all day, so I was exhausted physically, but I realized I was also exhausted emotionally and spiritually - like I had "run out" and my stock needed to be replenished. I realized that emotions cannot sustain us, because there comes a point in which there is too much to sort through.
Lord, I do pray that you heal me physically, but most importantly, I pray you heal me spiritually. Help me to sort out these feelings and emotions and transform my thoughts and my heart to Yours. Remove whatever distraction is holding me back and give me the energy to love these kids the way You love them.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Cuatro Días en la República Dominicana
2-August-2010
Villa Montellano (Tamarindo), DR - camp at Makarios, day one
Our first day of camp! Quick breakdown of what camp looks like for the next three days:
About 25 kids arrive, ages 6-12. These kids used to go to Makarios school, but as Mak only has two grades right now--pre-k and kinder--they can no longer go to this school. Before camp begins, Mak provides a breakfast for them: banana, hard-boiled egg, bread, a vitamin, clean drinking water.
(side note: some of the kids do not eat their entire breakfast, they save some of it to bring home to their families. Words can't quite describe the heavy feeling in my heart at this moment.)
After breakfast, we all meet together to sing some songs, split up for a bible story, memory verse, and craft time. Then for the last few hours of camp we walk down to "the play" (the park) for sports and recreation. Around lunch time we head back to the school for snacks and to send the kids home -- well, we attempt to send them home. This task is quite difficult as many of them want to just hang around outside of the school gates. Lord, thank you for giving these children a safe haven; a place to feel comfortable; a place to hang out at.
(side note: Yulena is a sweet little nine-yr-old I got to hang out with. When we got back from "the play," we had a few minutes before it was time to go so she pulled out a few books and put them in front of me. "El árbol generoso" (The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein). As I opened my mouth to begin reading, I heard her soft sweet voice read the first few words on the page. She continued to read to me for the next few minutes until it was time to go. I'm used to kids asking me to read to them but it was refreshing to be read to. I know that sounds silly - but I had this feeling of re-assurance. Maybe the Lord was trying to remind me that HE will protect and watch-over these children and all I can do is love them, equip them, encourage them, and just...be...with them.)
I love the way kids can love on you when you've only just met; they don't have reservations or feelings of disapproval yet, they just love. It is no wonder that when the disciples came to Christ arguing about who was "greater" that He said:
Villa Montellano (Tamarindo), DR - camp at Makarios, day one
Our first day of camp! Quick breakdown of what camp looks like for the next three days:
About 25 kids arrive, ages 6-12. These kids used to go to Makarios school, but as Mak only has two grades right now--pre-k and kinder--they can no longer go to this school. Before camp begins, Mak provides a breakfast for them: banana, hard-boiled egg, bread, a vitamin, clean drinking water.
(side note: some of the kids do not eat their entire breakfast, they save some of it to bring home to their families. Words can't quite describe the heavy feeling in my heart at this moment.)
After breakfast, we all meet together to sing some songs, split up for a bible story, memory verse, and craft time. Then for the last few hours of camp we walk down to "the play" (the park) for sports and recreation. Around lunch time we head back to the school for snacks and to send the kids home -- well, we attempt to send them home. This task is quite difficult as many of them want to just hang around outside of the school gates. Lord, thank you for giving these children a safe haven; a place to feel comfortable; a place to hang out at.
(side note: Yulena is a sweet little nine-yr-old I got to hang out with. When we got back from "the play," we had a few minutes before it was time to go so she pulled out a few books and put them in front of me. "El árbol generoso" (The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein). As I opened my mouth to begin reading, I heard her soft sweet voice read the first few words on the page. She continued to read to me for the next few minutes until it was time to go. I'm used to kids asking me to read to them but it was refreshing to be read to. I know that sounds silly - but I had this feeling of re-assurance. Maybe the Lord was trying to remind me that HE will protect and watch-over these children and all I can do is love them, equip them, encourage them, and just...be...with them.)
I love the way kids can love on you when you've only just met; they don't have reservations or feelings of disapproval yet, they just love. It is no wonder that when the disciples came to Christ arguing about who was "greater" that He said:
"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me..." Matthew 18:3-5Children understand love and faith in ways I have begun to forget about as I grow up. They GIVE love without reservations - not yet worried as to whether or not it will be returned. What if we still loved like that? With reckless abandon; no reservations; no expectations; no strings-attached.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Tres Días en la República Dominicana
1 - August - 2010
Day Three- Puerto Plata (Villa Montellano), DR
¡Jesús es mío! Vivo en él. Jesus in mine! I live in Him.
Today we were invited to visit the church Chris and Erika go to - Iglesia Templo Biblico. Of course I didn't understand most of what was said, but I could follow along and get the jist of it. The pastor talked about Hebreos 7:1-28
After church we went to La Tienda...the moment I stepped out of the gua gua, a little girl ran up to me and grabbed my hand. No words were exchanged. For some reason, nothing I could or wanted to say seemed appropriate. So instead, we walked silently to La Tienda, where she held her grasp as I walked through the shop. When it was time to go, she gave me a little squeeze and walked away. This might sound silly, but I feel like just holding her hand was enough for both of us at that moment. My heart aches thinking about her sweet little face and the feel of her dirty, calloused fingers. She was beautiful. Lord, how did you travel from poor village to poor village - touching, healing, loving on the sick, the children, the sinners? One little girl comes along and my heart adores her in less than a minute. Lord, I pray she would be surrounded by those who love You and know You. Watch over Your little ones...
Porque mejor es un día en tus atrios que mil fuera de ellas. Salmo 84:10
"Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere." Psalm 84:10
Day Three- Puerto Plata (Villa Montellano), DR
¡Jesús es mío! Vivo en él. Jesus in mine! I live in Him.
Today we were invited to visit the church Chris and Erika go to - Iglesia Templo Biblico. Of course I didn't understand most of what was said, but I could follow along and get the jist of it. The pastor talked about Hebreos 7:1-28
"If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood...why was there still a need for another priest to come..?" (verse 11) That's just it - perfection can NOT be found in the law (verse 19), because the law makes nothing perfect; it's flawed; it is unfulfilling; ONLY Christ can make us a better offer. Only Christ can reign forever. So just any priest was not good enough because it didn't bring a Savior. Only God can satisfy our need - and He accomplished that through His covenant to send an eternal priest (Christ) to intercede on our behalf (verse 28)....what a powerful morning worshiping the same God in different languages. It's incredible to see how to Lord works. He is so big....alone we can do nothing, but with Christ we can move mountains.
After church we went to La Tienda...the moment I stepped out of the gua gua, a little girl ran up to me and grabbed my hand. No words were exchanged. For some reason, nothing I could or wanted to say seemed appropriate. So instead, we walked silently to La Tienda, where she held her grasp as I walked through the shop. When it was time to go, she gave me a little squeeze and walked away. This might sound silly, but I feel like just holding her hand was enough for both of us at that moment. My heart aches thinking about her sweet little face and the feel of her dirty, calloused fingers. She was beautiful. Lord, how did you travel from poor village to poor village - touching, healing, loving on the sick, the children, the sinners? One little girl comes along and my heart adores her in less than a minute. Lord, I pray she would be surrounded by those who love You and know You. Watch over Your little ones...
Porque mejor es un día en tus atrios que mil fuera de ellas. Salmo 84:10
"Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere." Psalm 84:10
Thursday, August 12, 2010
En la República Dominicana
What a blessing to be in my early twenties and to have already traveled to a handful of places around the world. Naturally, it's safe to say each new place has shaped my perceptions of different cultures, but it's also safe to say each new place has helped define who I am. It is easy to get caught up in the rhythm of our own lives; but once you experience different people groups, and once you've seen their beautiful environments, things for you are never quite the same.
One thing I am glad to have from each trip is a journal. When I read back through each journal, I remember the beautiful sights, the joys, the struggles, the questions, the people, the excitement, and of course the growth.
Here's the first excerpt of thoughts and prayers from while I was in the D.R:
31 - July - 2010
Day Two - Puerto Plata (Los Ciruelos y Tamarindo), DR
...It was a hot and exhausting way to spend several hours (moving dirt and cement blocks) - but a joy to serve Mak and the community. The more help they receive, the faster classrooms get built. The more classrooms they have, the more kids that get to go to school. The more money they save on labor, the more money they have to spend on the children at the school.
When we finished for the day, Juan drove us back to the Mak house to shower and prep for dinner.
(side note: cold showers are awesome. it's a new experience though, having a cold shower and still feel dirty and sticky. Welcome to summer in the DR - hot, humid, dusty)
I love the community around here. The Mak staff has served us, while not treating us like guests. What I mean is, they love us like brothers and sisters; we became part of the Mak family the moment we stepped in the door. It's such a beautiful picture of love to see our group and the Mak staff (strangers up until today) working and living together. There were tons of hands helping out today - construction, paint chipping, prepping dinner, cooking, cleaning, etc. We are not here to just visit this beautiful island, we're here to serve and love on the people here.
I can't help but think THIS is the perfect picture of what Christ calls us to do and be - living in unity and community, and forsaking our comforts for HIS glory.
It's not about us, it's about Him and it's about them.
...Lord, I pray you open my eyes to the things unseen; not just the beautiful landscape; not just the tragically impoverished villages. Transform my eyes to see what You see. Transform my heart to break and cry out for what Yours does. Help me to resist the selfish temptation to think I can help or save them - it is only through You...
One thing I am glad to have from each trip is a journal. When I read back through each journal, I remember the beautiful sights, the joys, the struggles, the questions, the people, the excitement, and of course the growth.
Here's the first excerpt of thoughts and prayers from while I was in the D.R:
31 - July - 2010
Day Two - Puerto Plata (Los Ciruelos y Tamarindo), DR
...It was a hot and exhausting way to spend several hours (moving dirt and cement blocks) - but a joy to serve Mak and the community. The more help they receive, the faster classrooms get built. The more classrooms they have, the more kids that get to go to school. The more money they save on labor, the more money they have to spend on the children at the school.
When we finished for the day, Juan drove us back to the Mak house to shower and prep for dinner.
(side note: cold showers are awesome. it's a new experience though, having a cold shower and still feel dirty and sticky. Welcome to summer in the DR - hot, humid, dusty)
I love the community around here. The Mak staff has served us, while not treating us like guests. What I mean is, they love us like brothers and sisters; we became part of the Mak family the moment we stepped in the door. It's such a beautiful picture of love to see our group and the Mak staff (strangers up until today) working and living together. There were tons of hands helping out today - construction, paint chipping, prepping dinner, cooking, cleaning, etc. We are not here to just visit this beautiful island, we're here to serve and love on the people here.
I can't help but think THIS is the perfect picture of what Christ calls us to do and be - living in unity and community, and forsaking our comforts for HIS glory.
It's not about us, it's about Him and it's about them.
...Lord, I pray you open my eyes to the things unseen; not just the beautiful landscape; not just the tragically impoverished villages. Transform my eyes to see what You see. Transform my heart to break and cry out for what Yours does. Help me to resist the selfish temptation to think I can help or save them - it is only through You...
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
As October turns to November...
So some updates on things going on in my life. Sorry I'm not good at being a "regular blogger."
First off, since the last post was like 2 weeks ago...my graduating/class status has changed. I have since met with the departmental advisor (a very last minute meeting), changed my major to general mass communication, been given permission to substitute some classes that are NOT normally allowed, AND I am happy to say I am now graduating in May again!! In other words, even when I doubted....God was faithful. After lots of frustration and praying, I finally let God take control of the situation and trusted that He had a different plan for me. Once I had peace with it all, I couldn't believe how easily God worked everything out for the best. Wow, let me just say...God is good.
Next, I found myself planning, setting up, working, and cleaning up the "Haunted House" that our dance studio put on. It was a pretty long day of running on little sleep and a lot of running around trying to get stuff done in time for the kids to show up. It ended up working out pretty well (all thanks to my WONDERFUL reliable friends who helped out a ton!) There weren't as many kids as I hoped for, but it was a fun time. I was "Elastigirl" from The Incredibles and Julie (my roommate) was Tracy Turnblad from Hairspray. I mean it IS the one day a year that you can go all out in getting dressed up, so we took advantage of the fun night. :)
First off, since the last post was like 2 weeks ago...my graduating/class status has changed. I have since met with the departmental advisor (a very last minute meeting), changed my major to general mass communication, been given permission to substitute some classes that are NOT normally allowed, AND I am happy to say I am now graduating in May again!! In other words, even when I doubted....God was faithful. After lots of frustration and praying, I finally let God take control of the situation and trusted that He had a different plan for me. Once I had peace with it all, I couldn't believe how easily God worked everything out for the best. Wow, let me just say...God is good.
Next, I found myself planning, setting up, working, and cleaning up the "Haunted House" that our dance studio put on. It was a pretty long day of running on little sleep and a lot of running around trying to get stuff done in time for the kids to show up. It ended up working out pretty well (all thanks to my WONDERFUL reliable friends who helped out a ton!) There weren't as many kids as I hoped for, but it was a fun time. I was "Elastigirl" from The Incredibles and Julie (my roommate) was Tracy Turnblad from Hairspray. I mean it IS the one day a year that you can go all out in getting dressed up, so we took advantage of the fun night. :)
Finally, this past weekend I got to go home and see the family--and britt and matt came into town so we got to watch the Texas v. Texas Tech game....yes......unfortunately it was an upsetting night for football. Except for my sister, who happened to be the only one wearing red at The Tavern, where we went to watch the game. All well--a well-deserved Tech win.
Let's see, on top of this all I haven't really had a voice, so I've sounded like a man for about a week now unfortunately, and on top of that--the cough is back. Yep, for those few of you reading that truly know me...you know what I'm talking about. I'm hoping (fingers crossed) that as my voice comes back, the cough will go away, but we all know how that has worked out over the years haha...
Oh and I told all my (dance) classes that they could either wear part of their costume or something orange and black to class the week of Halloween. A few of them came all dressed up so I took some pictures because I couldn't stop cracking up at how adorable they looked! 
Let's see, on top of this all I haven't really had a voice, so I've sounded like a man for about a week now unfortunately, and on top of that--the cough is back. Yep, for those few of you reading that truly know me...you know what I'm talking about. I'm hoping (fingers crossed) that as my voice comes back, the cough will go away, but we all know how that has worked out over the years haha...
Oh and I told all my (dance) classes that they could either wear part of their costume or something orange and black to class the week of Halloween. A few of them came all dressed up so I took some pictures because I couldn't stop cracking up at how adorable they looked! 
Now that Halloween has passed though, I am really looking forward to Thanksgiving because that means only about a week of classes after that and then it's CHRISTMAS BREAK! Oh I loooove this time of year (I think I said that on one of my last posts, but just wanted to reinforce that opinion of mine).
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Fall is officially here!
It has been a busy busy week and weekend. I talked to my advisor recently about my last classes for next semester (oh and I teach her daughter, Avery, so it's neat to get to know her and her family more), but anyways, apparently I didn't know that one class I have to take is a pre-requisite for another class that I need. Basically, she was saying I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it looks like you're not going to be able to graduate in May. haha gotta love those reminders that God is in control and NOT us...but it's just a minor bump in the road in the scheme of things I suppose. Anyways, I have to go talk to the department about my options and hopefully find a way to work everything out.
And of course I finally took some pictures of my dance classes. It's funny how much the pictures reflect most of their personalities, some of them have tons of personality (and it shows), and then there are still a few girls who are a little difficult in class.--but that's alright.
Ah my oh so crazy Kindergarten class on Saturdays. This is one of my most difficult classes because they're all "best friends" so they feed off of each other. There is a LOT of talking in this class, so I have to be really creative in coming up with new ways to help them pay attention. Don't get me wrong, I still love 'em and they're still cute little kiddos.
and finally, 3 of my oldest girls that I teach, my Saturday Combo A class (6 & 7 yr olds):
So that added a little stress to my week, BUT at least having this "cooler" weather seems to make life so much more enjoyable, and puts me in a better mood. Especially for times like this weekend; we had an awesome football-filled Saturday with Texas States' homecoming and the Texas v Mizzou game! Weekends like that are always good stress-relieving weekends.
Oh how I love love love this time of the year! :)
And of course I finally took some pictures of my dance classes. It's funny how much the pictures reflect most of their personalities, some of them have tons of personality (and it shows), and then there are still a few girls who are a little difficult in class.--but that's alright.
This is my Wednesday Combo A class (meaning 6 & 7 year olds). This is the class I talked about last time--one of my favorite classes I teach! From left to right there is:
Devyn--the girl who fractured her collarbone, but is back!! ;
Laisha--the girl who runs up to me everytime yelling "Hi Miss Tatie"and gives me a huge hug ;
Avery--the very mature for her age advisors' daughter ;
and Katie--one of the prettiest and quietest girls out of the entire studio! (Oh and the girls still get a big kick out of the fact that Katie and I have the same name.)
These are two of the girls in my Saturday Preschool B class (4 year olds). From left to right:
Krystal--the girl that (at age 4) already loves a challenge. She needs a little competition to keep her listening and participating.
and Sofia--perhaps the CUTEST and most contagious laugh ever, and she starts every sentence off with "Miss Katie did you know..."
Ah my oh so crazy Kindergarten class on Saturdays. This is one of my most difficult classes because they're all "best friends" so they feed off of each other. There is a LOT of talking in this class, so I have to be really creative in coming up with new ways to help them pay attention. Don't get me wrong, I still love 'em and they're still cute little kiddos.
and finally, 3 of my oldest girls that I teach, my Saturday Combo A class (6 & 7 yr olds):La'Maisha, Estella, and Anouk--these are 3 girls just bursting with personality; especially Anouk (at the bottom). She is fluent in French and English so whenever I am teaching a new "term" in ballet, she understands a little better than most girls because she can understand that "plie" means "to bend" and tendu means "to stretch," etc.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Lamers and Grasshoppers
So I have a feeling most of these posts are going to be about work and the funny things kids say...because it's not like I'm traveling Europe (like Kim) or buying new houses (sister and brother)....but anyways kids should provide enough entertainment to keep this going. We've been talking about Halloween lately in classes and I've been asking the girls what they're going to be for Halloween. My favorites so far were 2 girls from one of my classes: one is going to be a grasshopper, and the other, Cecily, is going to be a "LAMER." When I asked what a "Lamer" was, I could hear here mom cracking up in the hallway and she said, "It's an animal like a monkey." I soon realized that Cecily was meaning to say "Lemur" haha. I guess the days are over where little girls want to be princesses and disney characters, now it's insects and lemurs. W're having a Halloween Haunted House at the studio, and needless to say I am very excited to get to see all the girls dressed up in their costumes!
Oh and I did talk to a physical therapist and it's going to be like $100 just for them to help me work out my knee and give me a few excercises to do...so it's not really worth it. Good ol heat, ice, and compression is going to have to be good enough.
Oh and one more quick thing.....HOOK 'EM. :)
Oh and I did talk to a physical therapist and it's going to be like $100 just for them to help me work out my knee and give me a few excercises to do...so it's not really worth it. Good ol heat, ice, and compression is going to have to be good enough.
Oh and one more quick thing.....HOOK 'EM. :)
Friday, October 10, 2008
The Busiest semester yet.
Alright sister...since you insist on this, I will try to keep you updated on things as my last year of college speeds by.
This week seemed to take forever, but it could have been because I got about 2-4 hours of sleep every night, since I was studying for midterms, tests, and writing papers (I thought this semester was supposed to be EASIER than others since I'm only taking 12 hours, but I guess I was mislead).
So, I'm in Austin today and tomorrow for a little break. I just got back from the doctor--who told me nothing that I didn't already know--that I need to go to physical therapy. So, I told her I'd make an appointment in San Marcos; I don't know how often I would actually go, but I might as well go talk to them and see if they can help me out a little so my knees stop aching.
One last thing to make a comment on: the kiddos at work. Lately, the girls have been in the habit of talking a lot, so we've had to practice a lot of "good listening" and with only 45 minutes to do stretching, ballet, AND tap....I'm constantly trying to figure out new ways to help keep their attention! I do have one class, however, that is the exception to the rule. It's my smallest and yet oldest class, made up of 3 incredibly behaving beautiful little girls (and I guess it also happens to be my favorite class, though I'm trying to not play favorites). Last Wednesday I told them that we couldn't start unless they each told me what they did that day. haha In every other class I'm constantly asking the girls to stop talking and listen more, but in this class I find myself doing everything I can just to get the girls to talk!
I'm finding myself to love this job more and more. It's tough to be prepared every time I go to class because it means I can't really have an off day--but on the other hand, every time I have a bad day, their goofy little selves just make me smile!
This week seemed to take forever, but it could have been because I got about 2-4 hours of sleep every night, since I was studying for midterms, tests, and writing papers (I thought this semester was supposed to be EASIER than others since I'm only taking 12 hours, but I guess I was mislead).
So, I'm in Austin today and tomorrow for a little break. I just got back from the doctor--who told me nothing that I didn't already know--that I need to go to physical therapy. So, I told her I'd make an appointment in San Marcos; I don't know how often I would actually go, but I might as well go talk to them and see if they can help me out a little so my knees stop aching.
One last thing to make a comment on: the kiddos at work. Lately, the girls have been in the habit of talking a lot, so we've had to practice a lot of "good listening" and with only 45 minutes to do stretching, ballet, AND tap....I'm constantly trying to figure out new ways to help keep their attention! I do have one class, however, that is the exception to the rule. It's my smallest and yet oldest class, made up of 3 incredibly behaving beautiful little girls (and I guess it also happens to be my favorite class, though I'm trying to not play favorites). Last Wednesday I told them that we couldn't start unless they each told me what they did that day. haha In every other class I'm constantly asking the girls to stop talking and listen more, but in this class I find myself doing everything I can just to get the girls to talk!
I'm finding myself to love this job more and more. It's tough to be prepared every time I go to class because it means I can't really have an off day--but on the other hand, every time I have a bad day, their goofy little selves just make me smile!
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