Ode to October

If you've been checking my blog, (and i hope u have, and I'm also sorry too) you've noticed that October started out GREAT with a pretty good blog on my part (or so i like to think so lol). From the moment school started i heard many comments about how HORRIBLE October was going to be. "If I can only survive October, I know I'll do just fine the rest of the year." or "I don't want October to come." Phrases like that were quite commonly heard around the school. Me, the person who doesn't like to "pre-destine" things, thought people were just over-reacting. Well, Ladies and Gentlemen, I've got an announcement to make....I WAS WRONG! October was indeed a CR@ZY month! I would like to refer to it as my ROLLER COASTER month. I had my highs, i had my lows, and then i had my upside down moments that also sometimes feel kinda great during and afterwards (sorry to you who get sick on roller coasters, i LOVE em). Here are some of the highlights of the month:

October 1: HAPPY BIRTHDAY RAMSES!!!

October 6: Baptisms This day, Nate and Tali made a public decision to follow Jesus. I was so proud of them. Nate, I've just recently gotten to know better, but Tali I've gotten to know quite well since I've been here. It was great to see them make this incredible decision.

Tali and I

Nate and I

October 6-7: Managaha Weekend We went camping to this island just next to Saipan. Its a "deserted" island but is very touristy. However, that night we had the island ALL to ourselves. It was SOOO MUCH FUN! It truly was absolutely beautiful! We even saw some shark....very cute....from a distance lol

The Over-Nighters!

Eva and Me

October 14: Scuba Lessons Begin We finally begin our actual scuba lessons after much study and prep. It feels so cool to breath underwater. I'm having a BLAST with it.

My Roomies and me

October 15 - 19: Spirit Week Spirit Week was a lot of fun. This was the schedule:

Monday: Pajama/Bad Hair Day

Tuesday: Cartoon/Super Hero Day

The Lovely Ladies of Saipan SDA School!

Wednesday: Decades Day

Dongham and me on Decades Day!

Thursday: Dress Up Day

Me and my kiddos on Dress up Day!

Friday: Olympic Game Day

October 20: Kagman Evangelistic Series Begins since last year, our pastor, Pr. Eliki has been working out a vision that he sees with one of the villages on island, Kagman. He's been working REALLY hard, and finally the day arrived. It has so far been a great turnout and true blessing. I will write more on it at the culmination this Sunday. I've been helping out with the children's program and it truly has been a major BLESSING! PTL!!!

Me and Jack Jack

October 23-24: Parent Teacher Conferences These are probably THE most dreaded day in a teacher's life. I was quite nervous and scared, but at the end of each of them, i was REALLY happy, because i was reminded once again of the GREAT parents that my students have and just how much they want their child to succeed. A little 411 on my parents: All my students have at least 1 parent that is a teacher.

October 25: Happy Birthday Abuela I love this lady sooo much. She means the world to me!

October 30: Shrew Enters Classroom Today started out great with Picture day. Anyone who knows me, knows that i LOVE pictures, both taking them and being in them. But unfortunately, the day did not end so great. I have a little shrew that LOVES my classroom, but we've never come in contact. Well, today, was the day. Coming back from teaching my other students, Alannah and Rita look at me and tell me "Teacher, there is a rat in the classroom" I laugh, look at the teacher in charge, and soon my face changes when she nods in agreement with the girls. From that moment on, there war fought in my room. My kids were sent out and in came our tough 8th grade boys. Through my screeching, they were somehow able to scare it away. We're not sure where it is, but we're coming for it later. And can you believe that it even had the audacity to walk on my foot before it exited the classroom. lol SHREWS!!! Its bad enough i live with one (lives in our ceiling, loves to play when we need to sleep lol) let alone have to share my classroom with one as well lol



All in all, as I bid Adieu to October, I cannot complain. Many emotions were experienced this month, but it truly was a good, blessed month. I can't wait for November though!

My Class

I have officially been here on island for 2 months now and well i've been busy with some cute little munchkins that i haven't been able to post some pictures of them, but here they are! I started out with 4 during my first week, got another one the 2nd week and just last week, we had a new student join.

From L - R: Miss Veronyka, John Christopher, Irene, Kyle, Alannah, Christian, and Rita

Here we are doing our "Cheerleader" picture.

Although they are all part of my kinder class, there is something unique about each one. They make up the great class that I have. So i'm going to tell you a little bit about each one.

MY GIRLS Alannah (left): She reminds me a lot of myself. I'm not a morning person, but as an adult you tend to have to just play it off, but she doesn't. When she first gets to school, don't talk to her. Well you can talk to her, but she may not respond. She is very independent and has a mind of her own. My favorite thing about her: She always starts her sentences with "Teacher, you know...."

Rita (right): Rita is a sweet little girl who has blossomed so much since she's been in my class. At first she was quite timid and shy, but i've seen her confidence build quite alot. Although she may be quiet at times, she takes in every bit of detail. She has a warm smile that can brighten any room. My favorite thing about her: How excited she gets about everything and the excitement that is portrayed in her face.

MY BOYS

Christian (Left): Don't let that innocent smile fool you, this little boy is a handful. However, he is so passionate about everything he does. His facial expressions are endless and he gives some amazing hugs that only a child can give. Whenever you are having a bad day, Christian is always there to brighten it. My Favorite thing about him: He's genuine and truly cares for others.

John Christopher (Center): This little boy is still very much a little boy. He's always playing and trying new things. He tends to worry about everybody and definately speaks his mind. He has an amazing smile (when he shows teeth) that is so pure and innocent. My Favorite thing about him: His "uhoh i'm in trouble now" look.

Kyle (Right): Kyle is a little smarty pants. This little boy came into my class already reading and has since then moved onto a 1st grade reading level. He's great at math and is always the first to finish EVERY assignment. I've noticed that besides the fact that he's advanced, he truly is still a little boy at heart. My Favortie thing about him: Just how much of a little boy he truly is, oh and his smile =)

IRENE

Finally, we have Irene. I leave her for last because although ALL my kids are special to me, she has this "specialness" about her, she's my first ESL student. I loved hearing my kids call me teacher for the first time, but there was something about that first time that she called me teacher. I'm not sure if it was the timidness (which doesn't exist anymore) or her struggling accent, that just seemed to say "help" at the same time, but just something about it, just warmed my heart. She LOVES to play around, and although we had a tough start, she truly has a beautiful spirit and is always smiling. My Favorite thing about her: She loves to sneak up behind me and just give me a hug.

My kids in general are all amazing. I could not pick a favorite because they all complete my heart and my purpose for being here. Its just amazing how much you can grow to love someone in such a short time, but honestly, I have! I love to just look at their pictures when i'm at home. I miss them during the weekends and the only reason I look forward to Mondays is because I know I will see them again. They are very opinionated, and have some amazing comments and questions. They brighten my day and warm my heart with just their smile or group hugs. They all have wonderful hearts, and although they are a handful, they truly are good kids. But they are just that...kids! We laugh together, cry together, and boy do we have some silly times as well!

Eating Ice-Cakies after Community Service Day

I continue to pray that the Lord will keep using me here with them because I want them to know just what a wonderful G-d we truly have. All in all, I LOVE my kids. They are amazing little people. They are the reason I stay up late, and wake up early. They are the reason my room is never SQUEEKY CLEAN. They are the reason for most of my headaches as well. They are the reason for most of my smiles throughout the day. They are my passion and the reason I want to be a better teacher. They are my reason for being in Saipan. They are my mission. THEY ARE MY KIDS!!!

Teacher Dogpile!

Teacher Dogpile!