Greetings!
Time here is certainly drawing to a close quickly! It's Thursday here already, so four days left. On the night of the 4th day I will be boarding a plane. Thanks to Mr. Buck, I was able to get all of my stuff boxed and pretty much cleaned and put in suitcases. He generously gave me the day to work on packing and shipping, as that was his best day to go to the post office. So, I sent off 4 more boxes, which I believe will be my last ones, unless I get a lot of stuff at the farewell fellowship that won't fit in my luggage. Today he is picking up our high school graduation speaker. Later today is K5 graduation, and tomorrow is high school graduation. Busy, busy! Then on Saturday night, the church is having a farewell fellowship for Lucy (one of the other girls/my roommate, who is also leaving) and me. Then, on Monday is final report card, from 9-4. I will not be there after 4 pm, as I will be heading to the airport. I think we have to check in about 2-3 hours before takeoff.
This morning I got up and milled around a bit. Then went to clean my classroom. Done! Boy, sure missed my mom today. She usually comes to help me clean up the room at the end of the year, and she helps set up at the beginning of the year. I love her payment...for helping I take her out to eat! Great company. Oh well, not this year. :( While I was cleaning, mom was on her way home from Ohio, actually. She went to visit family. She will get home just for a few days of resting before I get home. Then, I get to unpack all of my boxes that I began shipping awhile back! Plus the 4 I sent yesterday will not arrive until after I get home. So, after addressing 1 of them, I thought to myself, "Oh, I can send it to me!" So, I addressed the other 3 to me!
So, instead of having to work these last few days, they became optional if we were finished with our work. We just have to be at the church by 1 today in case there are any last minute things to get done before the ceremony. So, I went in a little later and cleaned the classroom. Now, I'm waiting for the van, so Lucy can take me to the bank. I had the school pay me with a check instead of direct deposit. So, I will go and cash this one, and then close the account today. This way I will take care of everything before I leave. Well, I think that is all for now. Talk to you soon!
Blessings,
Sarah
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Monday, May 27, 2013
Greetings!
In one week from this time I will already be on a plane headed towards Hawaii! I can't wait. Tomorrow is the last day day with kids, and it's Honor's Day. So, that will start at 10 am. With each class going down to the church for their awards...I was told only do 6 awards in the church. And I've been told that some classes will also sing, but they aren't supposed to. I mean think about it...there are 14 classes. If every class takes 10 minutes, we are looking at this taking over 2 hours! So, they said only 6 for presentation time. It doesn't mean we can't do more in class. I came up with 6~actually I had a boy and girl tie for highest GPA for the year and 2 improved the same amount of GPA from the beginning of the year. I also have a fabulous drawer in class, so an artistic ability award goes to her. And the happiest cleaner goes to a girl that loves to clean. She will actually take the broom from someone to sweep the classroom, even when it's not her turn to sweep!!! And she does it happily! So, I think she deserves an award. Don't you?
Anyway. I just found out today that I am not actually off at all before I leave. Apparently, we still get to work even at 7:30 each morning!!! Ugh! What's up with that? I have no idea. I guess they work all summer, so when he said "vacation days" are next week, he was implying that meant we continued through this week...full days! Well, I'm just about done with everything. I have attendance to do for report cards. Then, I guess I will spend some time cleaning my classroom. Because when I'm finished with all my stuff, I get to help everyone else that isn't finished with their stuff. If I knew that before hand, I would not have worked so diligently getting all my stuff done,"Thinking wow, the more I get done now, the sooner I will get off on Tuesday after the kids leave!" So I worked so diligently on finishing all my stuff, just so I can help the others that didn't work so diligently and waited until the last minute to do their things. The principal said don't wait until Monday afternoon to work on awards...cuz something may happen~power goes out, printer stops working. Well, at least 3-4 people were working on them when I was in the office about 2:30 or so. I got mine printed and all on Friday!!! I was planning on finishing up my packing on Wednesday, since I thought I had it off. I knew Thursday and Friday would be kind of crazy because of the graduations being in the afternoon. Interesting to say the least.
Then, this evening we had a funeral to go to. It is quite different from the states. One being they keep the body in a casket with class on it in their home for about 7 days, unless it's going to a different place. Another thing that is different here, I noticed is the men sit in chairs, while the ladies sit on the floor...even elderly ladies sit on the floor. Then at the end when they are done speaking, it is time for us to go around and shake the hands of the relatives. By the casket is a basket. At all funerals we give one dollar to the family. Well, we were sitting there waiting...and no one was moving. We were waiting on the men do go through and shake hands first. Families do not sit together nor greet the grieving family together. In fact, for the most part husbands and wives do not sit together in church (they don't even sit on the same bench) or Sunday School or anything. It took me some time to figure out who was married...and then I got help from Mrs. Buck on exactly who was married.
Well, I guess that is it for now. Talk to you soon! Come on next week! Get here already, will you?
Sarah
In one week from this time I will already be on a plane headed towards Hawaii! I can't wait. Tomorrow is the last day day with kids, and it's Honor's Day. So, that will start at 10 am. With each class going down to the church for their awards...I was told only do 6 awards in the church. And I've been told that some classes will also sing, but they aren't supposed to. I mean think about it...there are 14 classes. If every class takes 10 minutes, we are looking at this taking over 2 hours! So, they said only 6 for presentation time. It doesn't mean we can't do more in class. I came up with 6~actually I had a boy and girl tie for highest GPA for the year and 2 improved the same amount of GPA from the beginning of the year. I also have a fabulous drawer in class, so an artistic ability award goes to her. And the happiest cleaner goes to a girl that loves to clean. She will actually take the broom from someone to sweep the classroom, even when it's not her turn to sweep!!! And she does it happily! So, I think she deserves an award. Don't you?
Anyway. I just found out today that I am not actually off at all before I leave. Apparently, we still get to work even at 7:30 each morning!!! Ugh! What's up with that? I have no idea. I guess they work all summer, so when he said "vacation days" are next week, he was implying that meant we continued through this week...full days! Well, I'm just about done with everything. I have attendance to do for report cards. Then, I guess I will spend some time cleaning my classroom. Because when I'm finished with all my stuff, I get to help everyone else that isn't finished with their stuff. If I knew that before hand, I would not have worked so diligently getting all my stuff done,"Thinking wow, the more I get done now, the sooner I will get off on Tuesday after the kids leave!" So I worked so diligently on finishing all my stuff, just so I can help the others that didn't work so diligently and waited until the last minute to do their things. The principal said don't wait until Monday afternoon to work on awards...cuz something may happen~power goes out, printer stops working. Well, at least 3-4 people were working on them when I was in the office about 2:30 or so. I got mine printed and all on Friday!!! I was planning on finishing up my packing on Wednesday, since I thought I had it off. I knew Thursday and Friday would be kind of crazy because of the graduations being in the afternoon. Interesting to say the least.
Then, this evening we had a funeral to go to. It is quite different from the states. One being they keep the body in a casket with class on it in their home for about 7 days, unless it's going to a different place. Another thing that is different here, I noticed is the men sit in chairs, while the ladies sit on the floor...even elderly ladies sit on the floor. Then at the end when they are done speaking, it is time for us to go around and shake the hands of the relatives. By the casket is a basket. At all funerals we give one dollar to the family. Well, we were sitting there waiting...and no one was moving. We were waiting on the men do go through and shake hands first. Families do not sit together nor greet the grieving family together. In fact, for the most part husbands and wives do not sit together in church (they don't even sit on the same bench) or Sunday School or anything. It took me some time to figure out who was married...and then I got help from Mrs. Buck on exactly who was married.
Well, I guess that is it for now. Talk to you soon! Come on next week! Get here already, will you?
Sarah
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Greetings!
I know...another post so soon.
I didn't tell you that for Mother's Day the men served us soup, donuts, and ice tea after the morning service. Before the servie, some of the men were giving out necklaces to the mothers...well. they were lei's with a string of gumballs wrapped around them too. The deacon that was passing them out, came over to me and, "You're not a mother, but Happy Mother's Day anyway." Then he gave me one to wear! My roommates also got one, but they didn't wear it during church. In fact, they put them down in their bags. :( I did b/c if he thought enough to include me, then I should feel honored, and I wanted to show him that I appreciated the thought.
Today, 6th grade had the MISAT test. It is Marshall Islands SAT. Third grade, sixth grade, eighth grade, and this year tenth and twelfth grade students take the test. The guy got to the classroom about 8:45. Then, he was done by 11...the paper said the test time was 8:00-12:00. So, that was interesting. Anyway, the guy said that I didn't need to stay; I should be back by 11. I came back at 10:45. On my way up to the classroom, I noticed most of my students were outside...along with kids from other grades. I get to the classroom, and there are only a few still taking the test. Apparently, he sent them outside to play as they finished the test. Only problem was that there weren't any teachers/staff out there watching any of the kids. So, while the others finished up, I watched the ones outside.
After school I ran up to the apartment before I started tutoring. All looked normal...door locked, no one was in there. I did think it was odd that the ac was on, since we usually turn it off for the day. I was in my room when I heard a baby crying. At first, I thought it must be someone coming up to see our neighbors...Pastor Lang and family...with a baby. But I thought I would go closer to the door and see. But wait! I hear the crying coming from one of my roommates' rooms! I go in. Sure enough, one of the other teachers has a little one...and she was in the room. I think she was asleep and had woken up. No one was in the apartment, and it was locked up. Wow!!! Well, Lucy, my roommate came up a few minutes later. I told her what happened. She said that she has brought her up b/c she was asleep. And that another teacher was up here with her. I said that she was no longer up here, in fact...door was locked too. Lucy said she had even seen the other teacher outside earlier, and just figured the baby was awake! But alas, nope. Baby was left upstairs in an apartment alone. Different culture to say the least! The staff member probably didn't think twice about leaving the sleeping baby. Oh well, all is good. I'm glad I came up when I did and found her.
Well, I gotta get ready for Wednesday evening service. Less then 3 weeks and counting!
Blessings,
Sarah
I know...another post so soon.
I didn't tell you that for Mother's Day the men served us soup, donuts, and ice tea after the morning service. Before the servie, some of the men were giving out necklaces to the mothers...well. they were lei's with a string of gumballs wrapped around them too. The deacon that was passing them out, came over to me and, "You're not a mother, but Happy Mother's Day anyway." Then he gave me one to wear! My roommates also got one, but they didn't wear it during church. In fact, they put them down in their bags. :( I did b/c if he thought enough to include me, then I should feel honored, and I wanted to show him that I appreciated the thought.
Today, 6th grade had the MISAT test. It is Marshall Islands SAT. Third grade, sixth grade, eighth grade, and this year tenth and twelfth grade students take the test. The guy got to the classroom about 8:45. Then, he was done by 11...the paper said the test time was 8:00-12:00. So, that was interesting. Anyway, the guy said that I didn't need to stay; I should be back by 11. I came back at 10:45. On my way up to the classroom, I noticed most of my students were outside...along with kids from other grades. I get to the classroom, and there are only a few still taking the test. Apparently, he sent them outside to play as they finished the test. Only problem was that there weren't any teachers/staff out there watching any of the kids. So, while the others finished up, I watched the ones outside.
After school I ran up to the apartment before I started tutoring. All looked normal...door locked, no one was in there. I did think it was odd that the ac was on, since we usually turn it off for the day. I was in my room when I heard a baby crying. At first, I thought it must be someone coming up to see our neighbors...Pastor Lang and family...with a baby. But I thought I would go closer to the door and see. But wait! I hear the crying coming from one of my roommates' rooms! I go in. Sure enough, one of the other teachers has a little one...and she was in the room. I think she was asleep and had woken up. No one was in the apartment, and it was locked up. Wow!!! Well, Lucy, my roommate came up a few minutes later. I told her what happened. She said that she has brought her up b/c she was asleep. And that another teacher was up here with her. I said that she was no longer up here, in fact...door was locked too. Lucy said she had even seen the other teacher outside earlier, and just figured the baby was awake! But alas, nope. Baby was left upstairs in an apartment alone. Different culture to say the least! The staff member probably didn't think twice about leaving the sleeping baby. Oh well, all is good. I'm glad I came up when I did and found her.
Well, I gotta get ready for Wednesday evening service. Less then 3 weeks and counting!
Blessings,
Sarah
Monday, May 13, 2013
Greetings!
It is already May 13! The day after Mother's Day. I am so excited to say that I have only 3 more Mondays before I am on my way home! After tomorrow gets here...I will be home in 3 Tuesdays! YYYYYYAAAAYYYYY!!!!! I cannot believe it is finally so very close.
I finally received my flat rate boxes, and I have filled 2 already. This week, or weekend, will be used to pack up maybe one or two more boxes to ship. I'm thinking I will still have a couple of more after that, but then most of it should fit in my luggage~checked and carry-on. Bertha's (the school secretary) mother-in-law is making a couple of island lady tops for me. I saw some at the yard sale that the Sr. had, and I thought~"I wonder if she makes those too..." Since I wear skirts/tops more than dresses, I thought I would ask because I would like some tops too. And, by george, she makes those too! So, Bertha and I went out last Saturday to look for material, which is called "yards" here because they measure it in yards. Found some nice prints. Can't wait to get them back. :)
This week we have what is called MISAT, Marshall Islands SAT. Tuesday, 3rd grade will take it...Wednesday, 6th grade...Thursday, 8th grade...and Friday, 10th/12th grade will be taking it. I guess this year 10th/12th grade has been added. It is usually just about half a day. New experience again. From what I understand, in years past, they have their own testers come...and I guess last year the testers told the teachers they needed to leave the room b/c they couldn't stay. So, I will make sure that is what may happen...and I may be hanging out at the apartment Wednesday morning! Cool.
I found out last week that one of my student's mom is in Hawaii because she is pregnant. Apparently, many women do this...better healthcare there. Well, not a surprising thought...one, it is a socialist government and two, it is a third world country. Interesting, though that mothers would do this and leave husbands/children and other family here while they leave for months.
Next week is called "Exam Week". They figure most students are not going to be sitting in classes all day all week taking exams, so every day next week is half day for the students, not teachers. I'm fine with that...I can hang at the apartment and work on entering grades and such since no internet access in my classroom. Teachers are having afternoon workdays to grade exams and get report cards and all ready. So, I will probably leave things for me to grade in the afternoons, then come and enter grades. It will be nice to enjoy hot meals for lunch, too. The week after that is 2 days of school...Monday not much happening, while Tuesday is Honor's Day/Last Day. So, I've got to be thinking of a few awards to hand out on that Tuesday...not everyone will get one. Well, I am getting sleepy...it's about 10 pm here Monday, May 13 here. So, I think I'm going to turn in for the night. I hope all Mothers and Moms-to-be had a wonderful Mother's Day!
Have a blessed day!
Sarah
It is already May 13! The day after Mother's Day. I am so excited to say that I have only 3 more Mondays before I am on my way home! After tomorrow gets here...I will be home in 3 Tuesdays! YYYYYYAAAAYYYYY!!!!! I cannot believe it is finally so very close.
I finally received my flat rate boxes, and I have filled 2 already. This week, or weekend, will be used to pack up maybe one or two more boxes to ship. I'm thinking I will still have a couple of more after that, but then most of it should fit in my luggage~checked and carry-on. Bertha's (the school secretary) mother-in-law is making a couple of island lady tops for me. I saw some at the yard sale that the Sr. had, and I thought~"I wonder if she makes those too..." Since I wear skirts/tops more than dresses, I thought I would ask because I would like some tops too. And, by george, she makes those too! So, Bertha and I went out last Saturday to look for material, which is called "yards" here because they measure it in yards. Found some nice prints. Can't wait to get them back. :)
This week we have what is called MISAT, Marshall Islands SAT. Tuesday, 3rd grade will take it...Wednesday, 6th grade...Thursday, 8th grade...and Friday, 10th/12th grade will be taking it. I guess this year 10th/12th grade has been added. It is usually just about half a day. New experience again. From what I understand, in years past, they have their own testers come...and I guess last year the testers told the teachers they needed to leave the room b/c they couldn't stay. So, I will make sure that is what may happen...and I may be hanging out at the apartment Wednesday morning! Cool.
I found out last week that one of my student's mom is in Hawaii because she is pregnant. Apparently, many women do this...better healthcare there. Well, not a surprising thought...one, it is a socialist government and two, it is a third world country. Interesting, though that mothers would do this and leave husbands/children and other family here while they leave for months.
Next week is called "Exam Week". They figure most students are not going to be sitting in classes all day all week taking exams, so every day next week is half day for the students, not teachers. I'm fine with that...I can hang at the apartment and work on entering grades and such since no internet access in my classroom. Teachers are having afternoon workdays to grade exams and get report cards and all ready. So, I will probably leave things for me to grade in the afternoons, then come and enter grades. It will be nice to enjoy hot meals for lunch, too. The week after that is 2 days of school...Monday not much happening, while Tuesday is Honor's Day/Last Day. So, I've got to be thinking of a few awards to hand out on that Tuesday...not everyone will get one. Well, I am getting sleepy...it's about 10 pm here Monday, May 13 here. So, I think I'm going to turn in for the night. I hope all Mothers and Moms-to-be had a wonderful Mother's Day!
Have a blessed day!
Sarah
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