let's start with the staff retreat . . . it was a really great experience for us, because even though we had been around the school since november, we didn't know many people. we got to know a lot of the teachers and other staff members, played lots of initiative/team-building games, listened to lots of talks, and ate some excellent food. it was a fun time, but it's also safe to say we were exhausted by the time we were finished! here are some pictures from our time there:
(our first group skit/cheer . . . somehow I ended up in the air!)
(I haven't laughed so hard in a long, long time! we were trying to get a ball to come to the top of this tube with holes in it . . . the pressure was so much that inevitably a finger would move a little bit and the girl on my left, Vivi, would get squirted right in the face and I couldn't do anything about it!!! and I didn't even think about being on the bottom . . . I was soaked at the end of it . . .but it was a good time.)
(Bryan's group playing some balloon game - trying not to drop it, I assume?)
(trying so hard to listen & not fall asleep . . . it's even easier to space out when it's your second language!!!)
(playing some goofy game on Saturday night . . . Bryan's left arm, me, Kristin, Isaac, Alfredo, Ligia, and Eduardo)last wednesday, the 7th, we started the school year. I of course, was pretty nervous to begin, but things have gone pretty well so far. the kids are a lot of fun, and we have been able to do some different activities in class that have allowed me to get to know them a little bit. bryan is A LOT busier than me, I don't even know how he's doing it . . . he's pretty much in class from 7:30 til 3:10 most days with a lunch and one period for a break . . .for some reason, that doesn't sound like a lot of work, but believe me, we are both wiped out by the end of the day (the HOTTTT weather might also have something to do with that). he is enjoying his classes though, too. here's a picture of us on the first day with two other english teachers, ashley & kristin:
we are also excited because we both have 10th & 11th graders, so we get to go with them for their annual retreat to Savegre, an adventure camp. they are a really great group of kids, so we are looking forward to another opportunity to get to know them better. here's a cute story: on valentine's day, the 11th graders (seniors here) were selling serenades, and they convinced bryan to buy me one. it was a really neat experience, the kids sang/played so well and were so cute . . . I wish I would've had a camera even though I know it's something I'll never forget!
so other than that, we haven't been doing much . . . somehow though, we have gotten involved in practically every music ministry there is available here . . . at church, at the Guizaros mission, now at school for chapel, and we've also been recruited to help out at the LAM retreat in March. it's a lot of fun, and we're excited about the opportunity, but we covet your prayers so that we don't get worn out from all of the practices added on to our already busy school schedule!!
(this is us playing in chapel last wednesday with gilberto on keyboard and johann on the drums)bryan is also about to start up a basketball program in the high school. surprisingly, he has about 40 kids interested, so hopefully it turns out to be a success! some of my 11th grade girls also found out that I had been a cheerleader way back in the day and are trying to convince me to start a squad . . . i told them we'll have to see (it's been such a long time)!!
well, i should go, i'm actually thinking about making dinner for once . . . but thank you so much for your prayers & please continue to pray for us, specifically for:
- energy for planning, teaching, and other activities
- good health as we were both fighting little sicknesses for a while
- our students/classes, that they would grow in their english abilities & also in their faith
- our car, which has been having some small stalling issues
- our relationships with God & with each other, especially now that we are so busy
- our safety in all that we do
- our hearts that are still longing for home at times
- our nephew Jeremiah's 2nd birthday on Feb 24th!
goodnight!
