Passport Emily

The God of Surprises!!

2010-07-17T17:15:00.002-04:00

Even though I have known this for 5 days I still can't stop smiling. My sister and brother-in-law are going to have a baby!! I can't wait to be an Auntie of another niece or nephew. God's timing in both Adi and Ming Hong's adoptions was incredible. His timing in this was no less amazing. He waiting 11 years before giving them a biological child. Now, we are going to pray them through this pregnancy. I can't wait to see how this plays out!

Hitty is coming to Bolivia!

2010-05-07T22:13:00.002-04:00

So, my birthday is on Monday and as a special surprise my kindred spirit, Amanda Leahy, and her momma, Shirley Childers are sending me a Hitty Doll. She is such an interesting and creative present, I can't wait to meet her. Although I'm a little nervous I won't be able to think up a great name for her. This will take some thinking. Anyway, I will be able to take pics of my Hitty in Bolivia and allow her to write about her adventures living with me. I think the first one will have to be getting used to home and meeting the monster, Muffin. :) If you want to follow my Hitty stories, as well as my Hitty's friends, you can check out the site http://www.hittytraveldoll.com/

Thanks Twinkie and Mom - I am blessed to have you in my life!

Testing, Testing

2009-11-14T12:37:00.000-05:00

This is my first post from my iPod.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Knitting Kitty

2009-11-14T12:24:00.000-05:00

So really, I am just trying out Picasa and seeing how I like it. Also, Muffin is learning how to knit. If you are following me on Facebook, let me tell you that the Radio Theater last night was wonderful! I'm praying for another great night tonight!

Working on my next e-mail letter!

2009-10-14T20:17:00.002-04:00

So, I was on the phone tonight with a friend and realized that it had been almost 6 months since some people had heard from me. Unacceptable. So, I got down to it and typed an e-mail. Now, I just have to get it approved and get it sent out. It would be so much easier if I could just press send once. I wonder if I should sit down and analyze one of these days what exactly makes a prayer letter hard for me to produce. I have a couple of ideas already:
(1) I am the only one pushing myself to get it done. We are held to an honor system, which is wonderful, except I never remember to remind myself to get a prayer letter done.
(2) Then once I start writing it, I realize how few pictures I take. I'm like Franco Salvatori - I don't want to stop life in order to take a picture. And I never think to ask people to take a picture with MY camera with ME in it. So, I end up in lots of other people's pictures and never my own.
(3) I don't feel very expressive in my writing. I wish I could just call everyone up and talk to them. I'm a much better talker.
(4) Then there's the whole process of getting one to print and into enveleopes . . .

So, I am going to do better!

It works, It works!

2009-08-25T15:27:00.002-04:00

My internet phone is back up and running, folks! I'm so thankful for Fernando Hinojosa, our school IT specialist. He got it all fixed for me :) So, now I have wireless, my packet 8 phone, and all I'm waiting on is my cable. Am I really a missionary? The internet I can justify b/c of my school research, the phone was a present from my extended family so those things are easy to reconcile. But I struggled with cable. Then, I thought, I'll give it a shot for a year and see what I think :)
So, call me!

Isaiah 50:10

2009-08-04T00:01:00.001-04:00

I woke up this morning and was in tears pretty quickly. I hate the emotional mess I am (and know I will be) during the first week of transition. Ever since college, the first week of separation has been a miniature version of hell for me. But there is one HUGE difference. Here, I have a God who walks beside me, shoulders the burden alongside me, and purposes all of it to make me more of his perfect ideal. So, in my tears I picked up a book on God's names and was determined to take at least one verse away with me for comfort. And I found Isaiah 50:10
Who among you fears the LORD
and obeys the word of his servant?
Let him who walks in the dark,
who has no light,
trust in the name of the LORD
and rely on his God.

I felt like one who had no light this morning. Why had I come back? How was I going to make it without my family back home and friends who were once the majority of my Bolivia? Where was I going to find the strength to get all of my stuff unpacked? It was such an encouragement to see that the Psalmist says we will have darkness. But when we do, we are to walk as if we have light - I don't have to see where I am going, because I see the one who does.

Rushing, Rushing, Rushing

2009-07-20T14:14:00.003-04:00

No, I am not revisiting my college days by joining a sorority. :) I'm talking about my last 13 days in the U.S.

I spent my morning trying to pack as much as I could while keeping out my toiletries and clothes for my IL trip (July 24th-Aug 1st). It's so hard to think about what HAS to go this time, what I would LIKE to go this time, and what can be stored for LATER trips. Any more decision making and my brain might ooze out my ears. On top of all that, American Airlines has a summer embargo (sp?) in place, so my bags absolutely cannot weigh more than 50 lbs. At other times you can pay a hefty sum for 20 more lbs. allowance, but not in Aug.

So, I decided to share my angst and take a break all at the same time :)

My brother came out for a few days and a wonderful time was had by all! The kiddos are really loving their Uncle Matt, and he is so good with them. God love him, though, he's not used to how much energy it takes to keep up with them! Kimber might be coming out sometime this week to spend the night (bringing the kiddos, of course). I'm always up for a little more sister time!

Good to Go - the authorized version!

2009-07-09T17:49:00.003-04:00

Whelp (which is just a happier way to say "well") I finally am released to return to Bolivia! This always makes me laugh, b/c I will forever associate "released" with L. Lowry's "The Giver"

BUT, bad association aside, I am heading back to Bolivia on Aug. 2nd. HQ records show that I still need $40/month to be pledged, but already God is providing for that need. I am amazed again by His faithfulness and the love and support of others. I'm surrounded, and I know it.

So, now I have a few weeks to pack, although I'll be in IL for the last week of July, and my brother is coming to visit for 4 days. I have to remind myself that I don't have alot of time left :)

Thanks, everyone, for this year of love, prayers, encouragement, and fun. I have loved being on HMA this year and spending time with you.

Just found

2009-07-04T14:20:00.002-04:00

So, for some reason, I love this picture. Maybe it's the biter coming out in me. Just thought I would share the love.

FULLY FUNDED (the unauthorized version)

2009-06-23T01:43:00.002-04:00

I can't believe it! I just can't. I went to AL 3 weeks ago, and I asked God if He would just take a $100 or $150 chunk out of these monthly pledges. It seems like I have been saying , "I still need $450/month" forever! And today, because of His faithfulness and the prayers and obedience of His people, I am sitting on $450 worth of monthly pledges. Not to mention over $1000 in love offerings!

So, not only did He meet all my monthly pledges, He also gave me an awesome time of fun and fellowship with other believers. If you ever have the chance to hit Beulah Camp in Excel, AL, you really should. It's amazing.

And now, I am only waiting on being able to turn in all those pledges and read the "official version" of my release from Homeland Ministry Assignment. Bolivia, here I come!

Oh, and for those of you that are interested, I'm looking at leaving Aug. 2nd or 3rd. Haven't bought the plane tickets yet. I'll let you know for sure once I've bought them.

Homeland Ministry Assignment

2009-04-18T14:28:00.002-04:00

As you can see from the sidebar, my schedule is pretty full the next month. When I come back from Bolivia, it starts up again. I'm relieved, actually. As busy and tired as I know I'll be, at least I will know that I am doing all I can schedule-wise to get back to Bolivia by Aug. 2nd. I still need around $700/month to be pledged. God can do it - He rose from the dead, $700/month is a piece of cake!

4:50 AM

2009-04-18T04:49:00.002-04:00

So, what am I still doing awake. Well, for starters, I tend to love sleeping in until noon, so I am gradually staying up later to make sure that happens. BUT, the real reason is LOST. My sister has me watching all the seasons so I'll be caught up with the rest of the family. I have 3 more episodes until I finish season 3. So, now, instead of falling asleep at 4:15, after the 5th disc finished, I decided to check facebook and revamp my blog. I never write here, and I am pretty sure that Mandy is the only one who reads it. But, I feel guilty having everyone who checks up on Baby Robbie knowing that I never update my blog. :) Guilt, it's the gift that keeps on giving! I'll give you an HMA update maybe in the next couple of days!

I'm an Auntie again

2008-08-14T13:45:00.003-04:00

For those of you who aren't on Facebook yet, I'll fill you in on one of the newest changes in my life. I have a precious chinese nephew, Stanlee Ming Hong Grindean. He is almost three and absolutely a charmer. Kimber and Colb have had him for 2 weeks now, and Adia has known him for one. She and her brother are still having some adjustment issues and territory conflicts. Mostly over mom and dad. :) But, hey that happens in every family, right?

A month of weddings and Reunions

2008-07-22T11:04:00.004-04:00

Well, I am back from my second college friend wedding this month. Kate Cecil (now MacKenzie) got married on the 5th and Jen Nicholas (now Walvoord) was married last Saturday. Both of them were beautiful ceremonies! Of course I know the gents are super lucky to get my girls, but I have to say, I approve heartily of both of them. They seem to be men of character and strength, not to mention they adore two of the most important women to me. :) Congratulations girls!

Ladies and Gentlemen - the Amazing Exhausted Auntie!

2008-06-27T09:35:00.003-04:00

Well, Kimber and Adia just left after 5 days of fun! Colby took the teens to GA for a trip, and Kimber has more fun with us than staying alone when her hubby is gone. So, we went to the pool, the zoo, Menard's, Walmart, my car insurance man, and Goodwill, all with a niece on my arm or on my hip. :)

After five days, I find myself saying, "I gotta go potty" and "Gigi, where are you?" I feel like these are things no self-respecting High School teacher should ever let pass through her lips. I guess cute four year olds make you do crazy things.

As tired as I am, I would not trade these days for anything. Living in Bolivia helps me treasure the moments I have with my family. I would much rather have a niece whose face lights up whenever I walk in the room than one who is too busy playing with stuff. And, it seems like I just don't get to spend a lot of time with Kimberly. So, all things considered, I count myself blessed. tired, but blessed.

Wow, Time Flies

2008-06-22T18:40:00.002-04:00

So, I'm home! I have a few weeks of vacay and then it's time for Homeland Ministry Assignment. God has already been so good in providing for my needs and connecting me to very cool people. Don't forget - if you are in the States, I want to see you!

Red, Tired, and Happy

2008-04-07T18:06:00.002-04:00

Well, we had our first run through. This is such a strange show! Every five minutes we are introducing new stories and new characters. But such is the nature of one acts. Everyone is doing a great job, yet they are realizing that we are coming close. On top of my joyful nervousness, I am also VERY sore from a sunburn I got on Saturday. So, my skin itches, my legs hurt, and I can't wait for Friday. It's a great place to be :)

To Do List

2008-03-30T23:59:00.003-04:00

Well, it's 12:01 on Monday morning, and I can't sleep. I blame it all on a 4 hour nap this afternoon. So, since I can't sleep, I may as well start my morning a little early. I also know that I will be brain dead tomorrow. Any planning I can do while I am still alert will help. And for anyone who wonders what kind of activities occupy my day while I have a student teacher, well, here you are.

OK, since Seniors are gone, I have 1st and 3rd hour. I also only have Alejandro 7th hour on Monday. So, for Monday, I need to:

Ask Milton to purchase cardstock (if Bolivia has it) for tickets. I need 20 sheets of 8 1/2 x 11 (offwhite maybe). Comps for actors, directors, 5 Bolivians
Print tickets and cut them - get them to Eli in the office by Tuesday morning.
Print off posters for April 11th and start hanging them around. I also need to redo my BB for the show.
Look at Publisher XP to try design a program for "Laughing"
Set Ale on writing and polishing the one act Spanish summaries
Meet Pastor Andy at TUC at 3, to look at chairs and area. Remember to look at lighting and sound. Take one of the mics?
Try to get a handle on curriculum issues - look for a new comp book, write English 9 curriculum, begin on 11th & 12th.
Ask Steve about possible in school rehearsal next week.
Ask Mike where we get our plastic tables and chairs.

Tuesday:

Sub 1st - 3rd for Liz (possible class meeting 2nd hour?) Ask Liz on MONDAY.
Keep working on curriculum.
Bring oranges for one acts - get into Sabs' locker for props.
Let theater kids know about rehearsal schedule next week.
Work with one acts - Josh's and Britts' group (give Sabs' and Hannah's groups to Lynz/Heather for lines and makeup)
Remind Heather about tomorrow last hour.

Wednesday:

Start getting back into 5th hour, to see where Lynz will leave 9th grade. Get ready for R&J.
Get costumes all together for JH drama. Have them wear costumes today for practice. Sierra needs to pull her hair back. Aelin maybe should wear her hair a little trendy (like picture day).
Prayer meeting

Thursday:

Should I even remind myself that I need to be thinking about a prayer letter? no.
Lesson plan for Engl 12 & 9. Photocopy and give to Steve.
Keep working on program for "Laughing"
CURRICULUM GUIDE!
Cash a check with Eli for this weekend.

Friday:

Make sure all is ready for next week's rehearsals (permission slips, ok from Andy & Steve)
Work with Sabs' group and Hannah's group. Let Lynz & Heather have the others for make-up and lines.
Take care of any unfinished business so that I can enjoy Buganvillas!

OK, that looks good for now. I just need to get some sleep. Although sitting here & listening to Hercules is pretty relaxing too. :)

My throat hurts

2008-03-28T20:04:00.002-04:00

but for a good reason. I went to the track meet tonight and cheered myself almost hoarse. I'm so proud of our students and the effort they put forward. One of my girls, Adrienne, competed for the first time. She has wanted to become more involved, but struggled with missing her home country and her friends. Last year was very hard, but God has been getting her through these times and changing her heart to love and accept where He has placed her. Another of my kids, Alex, is stinkin' fast. I had no idea! And it was so encouraging that as he would seem to lag around the last corner, we would all begin cheering and he would speed up - which sounds logical, but is so incredible to see. I asked him later if he could hear me when he was running. With a HUGE smile, he said that, yeah, he knew when I was yelling. What can I say, I'm a loudmouth who has also been trained to project. That's a dangerous combo. . .

So, this evening as I wanted to start blogging again, more as a way to process than anything else, I realized how much more I want God to use my gifts of encouragement for his purposes. I love to encourage, but I forget that it doesn't have to be at school stuff. I need to be digging deep into others' spiritual lives to be able to encourage them when they are downhearted. If I don't know what they are experiencing, I really don't know how best to love them. Praise God that He uses our words and actions without us having to know everything. But He also calls us to be unified in thought and judgment. How can I do that, if I don't know what my brothers and sisters are thinking?

I got a chance this morning to talk to a couple of my students who sometimes have trouble staying awake in class. It was a teacher moment where I could show how much I care about them, but also give them resources to change. I pray they take advantages of the ideas that I presented.

Well, it's been a long time . . .

2008-03-25T21:55:00.002-04:00

Ever since I got my facebook, I just haven't blogged as much. sigh. I haven't written anything in here about "A Christmas Carol" which was stupendous, or my visit back to IN for Christmas, equally stupendous, or my horrible Walmart publicity photo fiasco, don't even ask, or my wonderful new attempts at a picture in Bolivia, much better. So much happens in our lives and we just let it slip by unnoticed. So, where to start?

I have a student teacher this semester. Her name is Lyndsey Gangel, and she's a sweetie! She has been in charge of all 3 of my core English classes (leaving my with 5 electives, I'm a glutton for punishment) and does a marvelous job. It wasn't that long ago that I was in her shoes. But some days it seems like forever. I want to keep learning - to grow and develop the skills to be the best teacher possible. On some days, that goal seems anything but possible. Hopefully, while I am home for furlough (oh yes, I'll be back in June) I can brush up on some seminars. Man, I miss my Ed nerds from AU :)

What else? Well, I've been teaching a directing course this semester. So, our show is actually a night of one acts. I'm handling the JH one, but the HS ones are all directed by HS students with at least 4 semesters of experience on them. They are doing a great job, even though this job can be frustrating. I wish you could be here to see it.

Hmm, anything else? Well, my toilet backed up again (cursed tree roots) but praise God for Jim Newman. He and Nivardo came down and dragged out the roots and all the nastiness of clogging. hmm, enough said. :)

Well, that fills people in a little bit. Like I said, I don't think anyone even reads this anymore. Maybe it will become more of a place for me to journal eventually. I just don't journal that much.

Servant Day 2007

2007-10-10T20:39:00.000-04:00

Once upon a time, there was a director and there was God. And God spoke unto the director and said, "Emily, I want you to work with evangelistic street drama on Servant day." And Emily spake unto the Lord, saying, "Are you kidding me?!" And God provided students who were willing to work hard, and members of her church who desired to know how to better use their talents. And He gave her the pastor's wife, who was willing to come alongside and share the responsibility. And so the director agreed to be obedient.

And lo and behold, Servant Day 2007 came, and God spoke through this group and used them to bring at least one person to Himself. He poured out His Spirit and we saw incredible things. We got kicked out of the plaza too, but that's a different story. :)

All cheesiness aside, God did pull us out of our comfort zone, and He did bless our efforts. If you have a moment, check out my photo album on facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=25619&l=9107e&id=590405936

Thanks for all your prayers! Don't forget to keep praying about the rest of Spiritual Emphasis Week and High School Retreat, this weekend!

Happy Birthday Kimberly!

2007-09-23T10:36:00.000-04:00

Today is my sister's birthday! If you happen to see her around, give her a huge hug from me!

Love you, Kimberly!

Farewell, Marcel Marceau

2007-09-23T10:31:00.000-04:00

At age 84, the artist whose name became synonymous with mime is dead. To read the BBC obituary, click here

This one's for Colby

2007-09-09T20:32:00.001-04:00

So, when Simpson's first came out in Bolivia, there were LINES of people waiting to get their picture taken. Needless to say, I waited a bit. But everytime I saw this display, I thought of you, Colb.

The Things in which I do not excel (pt.1)

2007-08-14T16:15:00.000-04:00

Small Talk -
I had to go to the grocery Sunday night and was given a VERY talkative taxi driver. Now, I have gotten pretty skilled at small talking about the weather, but this was way out of my league. The driver commented that there were a lot of people waiting for taxis tonight. I shook my head yes, but obviously he didn't hear my brain rattling, so he said it again. This time I said yes, there are a lot of people. And that was the end of that conversation. Although a minute later he came up with another obvious observation. . . How do you respond to that?! I'm discovering a new pet peeve - I don't like to be talked at. If I am going to have a conversation with someone I would like it to be a conversation. Hmm, so maybe you are thinking "Emily just has a problem small talking in another language. That's ok, I would too." Nope, my problem runs deeper. Someone was telling me (in English) how nice it was that their daughter had received a photo of the two of us. I said yes, I was glad to give it to her. End of conversation. I couldn't think of anything else to say along those lines.

I don't have a problem with talking, I know that. It's just the polite, I don't really know you and I don't have time to get to know you right now, talking that is difficult. Small talk has its place - sometimes you really don't have time to get to know someone on a deep level, but you want to express appreciation or concern. I just don't know how to respond when it is directed to me.

First Day of School

2007-08-09T16:26:00.000-04:00

I typically love first days and today was no exception. I'm exhausted, but I feel guilty because I did nothing compared to some of my elementary teacher friends. Imagine being in charge of preteens from 8:00-1:00 with one, ten-minute break? I don't know how they do it, but I am glad they do.

The only "normal" class I had today was my 9th grade English. Electives (Theater) doesn't start until next week, and my first two hours were taken over by Orientation. BUT, I discovered that I am going to do an Independent Study with Hannah C. on Theater History. I'm pretty stinkin' excited about that one. I spent a lot of my day researching and working on that new class (also starting next week). Finally, to end my day, I had a study hall with some of the Juniors. It's just for today and tomorrow - as a way of watching kids until we get them all signed up for their electives. We should know by Monday how many kids I'll have in Theater, and if I'll be able to do "A Christmas Carol."

So, in typical Emily fashion, I am exhausted and ready for a nap. But I am not going to stop yet. I want to re-read my 9th grade book, The Giver, before we start Chapter 1 tomorrow.

Happy Birthday, Muffin!

2007-08-02T21:43:00.000-04:00

Well, Muffin turned 1 today. He got a flea treatment, a brush, a squeaky toy, and some new food! He didn't understand why the day was special, but we did!

Belonging to the Lord

2007-07-31T19:27:00.000-04:00

So, here is the design I would love for a tattoo. Who knows? Maybe some day. It comes from Isaiah 44:5,
"One will say, 'I belong to the LORD ';
another will call himself by the name of Jacob;
still another will write on his hand, 'The LORD's,'
and will take the name Israel."

לַֽיהוָ֔ה

Earnest Pics

2007-06-26T12:45:00.000-04:00

Well, my package finally arrived. Before I rush off, I wanted to post the cast and crew pictures. This was an incredible show, and I am so proud of all who helped make it possible.

The English Teacher

2007-06-06T20:18:00.000-04:00

Below is a copy of the poem I wrote for my Seniors as part of their graduation present. As I am saying goodbye to so many of them, I am reminded how hard it is to lose a vital person in your life. These kids have been through so much with me the last two years. Some of them became as close of siblings to me. I love them dearly and will feel the lack in my life.

The English Teacher

This tale is true, and is mine.
It tells of love, found
Not in treasure gotten or knowledge gained,
But in a classroom gleaned.
It tells of a journey, God’s growth-journey
And the fellow travelers met along the way
In J-102, where love was found

In sister-encouragers,
Laura, Felicia and Catherine.
Those who were unknowingly sent
By God to lend strength
To tired hands and a faint heart.

In fellow soul-artists, seekers of truth.
David, viewing the world through a lens,
Enabling others to catch his Vision.
Dori, yearning to design, create, and impact in loving imitation of her Creator.

In word-workers like Michael, Keilah, Jeni, and Jim
Whose images made me learn, laugh, and cry.
Whose poetic way of expression framed life exquisite and verbal snapshots
Seemed to stick like a song lyric.

In picture-painters, those who used images to express and experiment
Elsa and Elijah – modern day DaVincis
Watching, Waiting, Working with Whatever medium they can find.
Crafting, Creating, Communicating who They are and what they will be.
Displaying a beauty I could never physically create
But for which I will always yearn

In Rebeca, Micah, and Ben, my Smile-givers, a physical action
Acknowledging acceptance and Bestowing belonging on an eccentric Educator who many times felt unsure, unsteady, as if my sea legs would never come.

In the grace of quiet-keepers, those with much to share
Yet little to say. Sarah, Andy, and Spencer –
The ones who keep me laughing at their remarks,wondering at their personalities, and rejoicing in their fellowship.
Their presence is always felt even when they choose to be unheard.

And now what more can I give you but some famous last lines?
Penned by others, now plagiarized by me.
Carpe Diem – Gather ye rose buds while ye may,
But store up your treasures in heaven.
Do not go gentle into that good night -
Press on toward the prize before you.
And remember that love was not ultimately found in the arms of Porphyria’s Lover
But in the outstretched embrace
of a cross.

May 21, 2007

Beautiful Lyrics

2007-04-19T22:39:00.000-04:00

Ok, so I'm not sure why I'm choosing now to share these lyrics. I only know that they are beautiful. Mom gets sick of me telling her good ideas for my funeral, so I thought I would share them online for now. :)

Lyrics: More
(John 12:24)

This is not the end here at this grave
This is just a hole that someone made
Every hole was made to fill
And every heart can feel it still--
Our nature hates a vacuum

This is not the hardest part of all
This is just the seed that has to fall
All our lives we till the ground
Until we lay our sorrows down
And watch the sky for rain

There is more
More than all this pain
More than all the falling down
And the getting up again
There is more
More than we can see
From our tiny vantage point
In this vast eternity
There is more

A thing resounds when it rings true
Ringing all the bells inside of you
Like a golden sky on a summer eve
Your heart is tugging at your sleeve
And you cannot say why
There must be more

There is more
More than we can stand
Standing in the glory
Of a love that never ends
There is more
More than we can guess
More and more, forever more
And not a second less

There is more than what the naked eye can see
Clothing all our days with mystery
Watching over everything
Wilder than our wildest dreams
Could ever dream to be
There is more

©Andrew Peterson

Practicing Earnest

2007-04-19T21:54:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to share a few pics with you from practice. Two weeks from tomorrow is curtain!

Hannah and Sabrina are learning how to size each other up, Victorian style.

I hate pictures of me in director mode.

Where is Earnest?!

Senior Bumper Stickers

2007-03-24T20:12:00.000-04:00

Well, while we were in Cochabamba, I decided to give each one of the Seniors their own personal statements. Now, some of the Seniors are looking into making these t-shirts. Can you figure out some of their personalities?

David Z. - The glass is half empty, get over it.
Ling - So, does she have a younger sister?
Jim - I've found the Jim in me.
Spencer - You're all going to die.
Micah - It's in my locker.
Cat - Miss, I have a question-no, wait, I forget.
Jeni - Love 'em alive.
Elsa - I'm hungry
Elijah - I don't get it.
Andy - I don't care - whatever.
Ben - Woman, make me a sandwich
Dori - Imagine being murdered by Ronald McDonald
Keilah - I love drawing circles
Laura - What page?
Sarah - You know the thingy in the thingy
Rebe - Sheeeeeep
Fifi - Oops
Mike Banks - I'm not the Dictator - ok, this is what we're doing.
Me - Well, I think it's fun. . .

Pictures from Senior tipr coming soon!

Flower Girl

2007-03-24T07:39:00.000-04:00

Well, another wedding has come and gone while I live life in another country. My cousin, Adam got married two weeks ago. He and his wife, Delaney, have loved Adia to pieces from day one, so guess who got to be the flower girl? The wedding looked absolutely beautiful from the pics.

Watch Your Back

2007-03-15T07:06:00.000-04:00

I wonder how many of my students will remember what all this means?

I love being Auntie Em

2007-02-26T21:50:00.000-05:00

So, I have to tell you - tonight I was talking to mom on the phone. Adia stays the night with "Gigi and Pappa" on Mondays, so of course she was a wonderful part of our conversation. We were all talking together on speakerphone, and Adia was telling me some things about her day. All of the sudden, Mom's voice sounds very distant and I hear her saying "Where are you going, Adia?" The next thing I know, mom is laughing and telling me (still a fair distance from the speakerphone) that Adia has run into the family room with the phone. So, three or four times, Adia would take the phone and run away into another room. I laughed 'til my stomach hurt. Then I asked her, "Are we going faster than Gigi?" She said yes.

Also, mom ran upstairs to get an article for me and Adia decided that she would stay downstairs and paint and talk to me on the phone. This is a pretty big deal because she doesn't like to be physically alone a lot of the time. But we just talked about the snow and painting. The phone (because of the slow internet connection) cut out for about 60 seconds and I couldn't hear her. I kept saying, "Adi, are you there?" but no reply. Finally I heard her definitive, "yes" and I knew we were connected again. I explained that sometimes I couldn't hear on the phone, but I was back. Well, ten minutes later, after mom had come back, I was talking to mom and Adia was just playing. The phone cut out again (not for as long - maybe 20 seconds) and when I came back, mom told me that Adia had told her, "Don't worry, Auntie will come back." SO CUTE!

Lastly, early on in the conversation, Adia told me she was eating my cotton candy. I told her I LOVE cotton candy, and she said "You come back here and eat candy?" I told her that I would come back, but right now I am in Bolivia. Then a few minutes later she was telling me about her baby and I asked her if she would give her baby a kiss for me. She said no, and then I asked could her baby give Her a kiss from me. She laughed and said, "You come home and kiss me." I just about cried (happy tears). I love this precious little girl with all my heart!

I'll be home for Christmas

2006-12-14T05:59:00.000-05:00

Well, I only have one more week until I am back with my fam and dear
friends. I am so, I guess the word would be, nuts. :) I can't wait
to see everyone, hug and kiss my niece, and hear my sister say,
"Whatcha' doin" When you live so far away, you realize that what you
miss most are the little everyday moments. So, I hope they are a ton
of little moments interspersed with celebrating the birth of our
Savior. Has anyone seen the move "The Nativity Story" - it looks very
interesting. Write me or call!

So Nervous . . .

2006-12-02T08:42:00.000-05:00

Well, this is it folks. The last time I do Uncle Phil's Diner. I was up until 2 this morning watching a horrible movie, and I promised myself I would sleep until 10, so that I would be well rested for today and able to strike everything tonight, clean the church, and not leave the school looking like a disaster area for Monday. Needless to say, I was awake at 8 and already feeling nervous.

I don't know why - we had an incredible night on Thursday. The cast was on fire - never perfect, but no show ever is. They had fun, which was the important thing and the audience loved it, which is the other important thing. In both areas, God was in control and blessing. I pray He does the same thing tonight.

I really will try and take pictures tonight :) I'd like to get a camera that takes a little nicer pictures, mine are all coming out blurry for some reason. There is probably something I could be doing better, too. :(

Anyway, hasta luego!

Uncle Phil's Diner

2006-12-01T09:04:00.000-05:00

Well, the show is up and running! Opening night was last night and I am exhausted today. We didn't have school, today, which turns out to be a bigger blessing than I could have imagined. We perform again on saturday and then will spend most of the evening (from 9:00 on) tearing down the set and giving Trinity Union Church back its building. Sorry I don't have pictures. I took my camera yesterday, but I had so many people yelling for Miss Barlow, that I didn't have time to take more than a couple shots of kids getting ready. Anyway, this show is crazy and very interactive :) And I was enjoying every minute of watching it!

I wish you could be here to see it. These guys are excellent. Thanks for all your prayers - God has been incredibly good to us.

Better Late than Never?

2006-11-24T09:36:00.000-05:00

OK, so I just realized it has been two months since my last post. :) I really don't feel like I have anything exciting to report. The dinner theater, "Uncle Phil's Diner" has less than a week before it opens. I'll try and get some pics this next week. I just want to hire a photographer to follow me around - Mel, are you interested? Just kidding, I know you are too busy to take on a charity case like me. :)
Anyway, I just finished a week of meetings with fellow WGMers and a ginormous Thanksgiving feast. We had between 80 and 90 people together. I ended up reading "Dreadful" by Shel Silverstein, which was a big hit. People couldn't believe I actually burped into a mike. :P Hooray for shock factor. After the meal I ended up heading to Mike Bank's house and chilling until about 11 with some other younguns.
So now it is 9:30 on Friday morning and I don't even want to get out of bed. I have a mountain of grading to do and lesson plans, but my motivation is on the negative scale. Along with a photographer, I would also like to hire a professional grader . . . Any takers? That is the only part of teaching that really bogs me down.
Hmm, so what's some positive news in my life? This seems like kinda a downer entry. Serves me right for not writing when I am hyper but waiting until I am too tired to do anything else :) OK, big happy news - I am going back to the US in 4 weeks! Hooray for Christmas with the fam! I positively cannot wait to be with everyone. It's gonna be incredible! Possibly weird too, as I see my home culture with new eyes. Some of my friends are coming in to see me - HOORAY DEBO AND JEN! And I plan on New Year's with Nick too. It has been almost a year and a half since I have been with everyone. It's amazing how much I love being here and yet miss those closest to me, almost simultaneously.
Well, I honestly cannot think of what to write. Please call or e-mail if you want to know specifics about anything. Sorry it's been forever since yuo heard from me!

I love my Seniors!

2006-09-08T10:23:00.000-04:00

OK, so this past week the Seniors threw me a surprise one year anniversary of being in Bolivia party. It was awesome! They also are prepared to let me try about anything with them in the classroom. We are reciting ballads on Monday :) Also, all but two of the girls were able to come over last night. So we watched High School Musical (very entertaining) and had sopa de mani. Since we are all staying home today we wanted to make sure they could get home safely and easily. It wasn't a late night, but it sure was fun! One of the funniest parts was how much some of the guys wanted to come over for Girls Night In. :) They are nuts.

Sarah Park mentioned last night that we need a name. Jokingly I said, "How about AYWAGOH (A young woman after God's own heart), not to be confused with A Leggo?" To which Jeni replied, "yeah, when you stack us on top of each other we don't stick." Of course we all died laughing and I think the name might stick. Sometimes it is just fun to be stupid. I am still waiting for Cathlene to get back so we can get our books, but all the girls seem excited about the group. It's such a blessing to see them hanging out and laughing together. Playing jokes on each other - I think a running one will be standing outside my bathroom door and screaming at whoever comes out. That happened about three times last night. :)

Maybe sometime this next week we are going to see Lady In The Water, but it just depends on how life goes. We have Senior Retreat next weekend, which means I have lots of school planning to do before then. The weekend after that I have a retreat for WGM new lady missionaries (it's called Damas). THEN the next weekend I have mini-staff for all WGM missionaries. Talk about busy. But I know time will fly!

Hasta luego!

First Day

2006-08-10T18:42:00.000-04:00

Well, I survived! Actually, this day was probably the easiest one I will ever have. We don't have electives yet, plus first period was only orientation. So, all in all, I had TWO classes today. But I am still exhausted :) I think it's just all the nervous energy built up. The two classes that I taught today went well, I think. I hope. My Seniors are excited to be Seniors and my Juniors are like Juniors everywhere. Tired and unmotivated. So pray for them if you think about it.

It was wonderful to get to school and have hugs and "hi miss barlow" when I saw kids for the first time in 3 months. Students signed up for electives today. I explained the Theatre program and the tech theatre class. We are getting a pretty good class list. I'm excited but nervous too. They are awesome kids. For those of you that stay up to date on students I just need to mention that Esteban, Jeff, Haram, and Ever all signed up for theatre. I just don't know what to think. Thankfully Steve is going to talk to them and make sure that they want the class and don't just think it's an easy out. I don't want them in my class if they don't want to be there and don't want to work. Pray that they will be honest with Steve and I (and with themselves).

Well, I don't know what else to right about. It's the first day of school. That's about all I can say. :) Oh one more thing, I'm having some of my kids over tomorrow night along with two new teachers to watch Hoodwinked. I hope they enjoy it!

Call me if you want more specifics about today. I just don't know what to tell when I write here.

Happy Birthday Matt!

2006-07-27T09:50:00.000-04:00

Today's my brother's birthday! So, if you see him anytime soon, give him a hug from me and remind him how much I love him. Thanks!

Happy Birthday, Mel!

2006-07-05T11:51:00.000-04:00

Today is my sister-in-laws birthday! If you happen to know Mel Barlow, give her a hug for me, k? Mel, even if nobody gives you my hug, I am still thinking of you today. I hope it's an awesome birthday for you.

Happy Birthday to you!
That's happy birthday to you in webdings!

Last Week

2006-06-26T10:10:00.000-04:00

Well, I had a blast with mom and dad being here, but we wore ourselves out! I just wanted to share a few pics with you before I left for retreat.
Las lomas de arena - The Sand Dunes (about an hour away from Santa Cruz)

Before mom can teach me how to knit, we have to unravel all the yarn - it was a challenge

Pastor Percy, his wife Debbie and their three children Hosanna, Shekinah, and Joash (plus my fam)

They're almost here!

2006-06-13T14:34:00.000-04:00

Mom and Dad leave Indy at 2:30 today! I am really excited about them coming down - so excited in fact, that I can't buckle down and do anything! Well, that and the fact that my house feels freezing. :) I'm curled under my blankets right now wondering what on earth I can accomplish today.

Anyway, a couple of quick prayer requests -
For Dad as he travels - the altitude, his allergies & asthma, earaches from flying
For Mom as she travels - relief from altitude headaches
Safety for both as well as an easy transition through customs
But MOST importantly, that no matter what may happen the grace and love of Jesus will flow through them, making them ambassadors of His peace and joy to whomever God sends their way.

Thanks for praying! I'll write more later

Juniors and Seniors

2006-05-28T18:08:00.000-04:00

Last days of classes for each - anyone notice that both classes chose the same pose?

Saying Good-bye, Senior style

2006-05-28T17:59:00.000-04:00

Thursday was my last day with the Seniors. I wanted it to be special for all of us. My class was the only one that had all the Seniors in it, so I decided we needed some closure. I had planned for the two hours of class to be full of memories, thanks, and good-bye. Each classmate would sit in the middle of the circle and one-by-one the classmates sitting around them would say something they loved about the student in the center. Well, time was against us! Presentations didn't get finished because of borthday fun the day before. So, we took the first 20 minutes to finish those. Then by the beginning of second period we were less than halfway through. It just was too hard to be concise. I didn't want to change the atmosphere or squelch what God was doing, but I didn't have much time left. Finally I had to make the decision that only 2 students would say something about the classmate in the center. It still was beautiful. Many kids took the time to say thank you, or to tell how the appreciated someone's walk with God and how it had strengthened their own. Some kids, who had not talked hardly at all because of an earlier falling out, were able to affirm each other and reconcile.

When each student was in the circle, I would give them their present, verse, and a prayer. It was such a joy and priviledge to be a part of this time together. Even with our time modifications, we didn't finish until the end of third period!! Then, the student asked me to get in the center, and each one said something to me. I cried the whole way through it I am sure. The things they said are treasures in my life. God showed me how much He is able to accomplish through me, and I was overwhelmed. Once each student had talked to me, they all stood on their desks and said, "Oh captain, my captain." Then I really started crying! The kids jumped down, and group hugged me, while Vero prayed for all of us.

Words just don't do this event justice. I wish you all could have been there, but I think it might have spoiled the effect. :) Just believe me it was incredible!

Birthday in Review

2006-05-28T17:45:00.000-04:00

So, I just realized I have NO pictures from my birthday. I am going to beg, steal, or borrow them from anyone I know :) So, for now, I thought I would just let you know the basics of what happened that day.

First, I talked to mom and dad that morning as I opened my presents. I am so thankful for technology and the ways we can stay in touch. After that I went to school and was with the teachers for Wed. devotions. When I got to my classroom door, Tony came out and said, "umm, I forgot an index card for my presentation today. Can I have another one?" I told him sure he could, let me get one out of my desk. Once I said that, Tony got the FUNNIEST look on his face. So I said, "Maybe it would be better if I got it from the office instead?" He got a huge smile on his face and said that would be much better. Turns out the hunt for an index card gave Tony and Obie time to put a sign on my door and a huge message on my whiteboard. "HAPPY 25th BIRTHDAY MISS BARLOW!" It was sweet. Then during devotions, the seniors swarmed me with cards, a piece of cake, and four of the boys sang a rendition of Happy Birthday to the tune of B-I-N-G-O. Needless to say, we didn't get through all the presentations, but more on that in another message.

In American Lit, my Juniors also swarmed me with cards, Keilah had made no bake cookies, and the best present was that the Juniors worked hard all period long. Next came chapel, were the entire Junior High and High School sang (shouted) the Happy Birthday song to me. Also, three of my theatre students presented in Chapel and did a great job.

Next period was English 9 - and this was a (almost) complete surprise. One of my freshman was at the snack bar and I yelled to him, "get to class Jeff, you've already had your snack!" He jumped a mile, turned around and I saw he was hiding a bottle of Coke. So, I knew the freshman were plotting something :) When I came in they all screamed Happy Birthday and showed me their spoils. None of my classes have ever brought in that much food - it was great. They were so proud of themselves, and I felt very loved.

All through the day students and adults wished me a Happy birthday, even students that aren't in my classes. I read to the first graders, and even they told me Happy Birthday! It was incredible.

After school we had prayer meeting, where I encountered another birthday cake and singing. :) Then we went to Fridolin's for some real food!

It was wonderful! Thanks to everyone who made the day incredible - God totally blessed my socks off!

Forever and a day

2006-05-26T17:59:00.000-04:00

I know, I know - I haven't updated this in weeks and a ton has happened. I just wanted all of you to know that I know and plan on writing more soon. really. I can't right now, because I am getting ready for a wedding. Love you and thanks for being patient. Call me if you are desperate to get caught up :)

I'm almost 25!

2006-05-08T21:44:00.000-04:00

This has been a wonderful birthday week! It started on Sunday with Ann treating me to lunch at Don Miguel's. It is such a blessing that God has given me a friend who understands how special birthdays are to me. Then TODAY, I received a gorgeous flower arrangement from the ladies in my fam. It was such a delightful treat, and I loved seeing how much I am loved.

Another birthday blessing was my package from home. All of us were praying that it would come in before Wednesday. Well, I was so thankful when I came home tonight and saw the box between my doors. God is so good to us :)

Thank you all for your love, prayers, and support.

Happy Birthday, Adia!

2006-05-02T20:20:00.000-04:00

Hooray! My niece is two today! Happy Birthday sweetie - Auntie Em loves you :)

Misionary Stress Relief

2006-04-23T21:58:00.000-04:00

just kidding - this huge gourd actually appeared on Kelly's doorstep one evening. Turns out it was a practical joke from Ann!

April - I love to read month!

2006-04-23T21:43:00.000-04:00

The Juniors and Seniors took some time the first week of April to read to some elementary classes. It was wonderful to see my kids reach out to the younger years. You could tell the elementary kids thought they were cool stuff. Check out my homepage to see more pics!

Hay tormentas en todo lugar

2006-04-23T21:39:00.000-04:00

Well, you have heard me talk about the massive rain we had a few weeks ago. I was not kidding! The school would start to drain and then another storm would come in. WHY didn't I bring galoshes!!!!

Pretty, Pretty Princesses

2006-04-23T21:31:00.000-04:00

Most of us grew up with prom, but what happens when the school doesn't promote dancing? Well, we have a Jr./Sr Banquet as a way to look beautiful and celebrate the Seniors at the same time. The Junior class is responsible for everything with this night, except for the Senior Wills. Seniors bequeath a personality traits or characteristic to a Junior. They were hilarious, mostly because I know both the bequeathers and the heirs :) Anyway, I hope you take the chance to look at the pics on my homepage. Sadly, they don't do justice to how beautiful everyone looked. At least it will give you a small glimpse. For anybody who is interested, Elsa and I are in the picture. She is one of my Juniors and a personality PLUS!

Papers are Done!

2006-04-17T21:56:00.000-04:00

Thanks to all for praying - the papers are officially done. Two students are getting a rewrite opportunity to make up some points. Other than that, people get what they paid for :) I am so thankful that God brought me through this. I started out taking almost an hour on one paper. By the time I was finished, I was moving much faster. I'm ready to go back to college and figure out how to teach again. I used to think I had all the answers, but I must have forgotten everything. Anyway, just wanted you to know it has been in the 50s and all of us are LOVING it! It's like tornado weather without the tornado. Lots of wind! All the Bolivians are in sweaters and hats and we are walking around in light spring jackets.
Well, I am ready for bed and praying for a good day tomorrow!

Itchy legs and no motivation

2006-04-04T06:40:00.000-04:00

It is 6:40 Tuesday morning and I DO NOT want to go to school today. :) I have 35 bug bites on my legs from a Saturday picnic and hike, and they itch like crazy. With only 6 more weeks to go, my motivation to teach and to learn is definitely at a low point. My students ask for prayer because they are having trouble concentrating in class, and I just want to say that I feel their pain as well.
Well, I just wanted everyone to know that I am not dead - just unmotivated. I have lots of busy things going on with my life and I don't really want to do any of them. Thank goodness that not every day is like this :)
TTFN

Come, Lord Jesus

2006-03-10T19:15:00.000-05:00

I love the lyrics to this Andrew Peterson song. Today has been one of those days where it is very easy to point fingers as if I had no sin at all. Thank God for His forgiveness and love!
Lyrics And Songs : Lyrics - COME, LORD JESUS by ANDREW PETERSON from album CARRIED ALONG (Free Words of the song):

"Tonight in the line of the merchandise store
While they were packing up my bags
I saw the pictures of the prophets of the picket signs
Screaming, 'God hates fags'

And it feels like the church isn't anything more
Then the second coming of the Pharisees
Scrubbing each other 'til their tombs are white
They chisel epitaphs of piety

Oh, there's a burning down inside of me
'Cause the battle seems so lost
And it's raging on so silently
We forget it's being fought

So, Amen
Come, Lord Jesus
Amen
Oh, Amen
Come Lord Jesus
Amen

It's taken me years in the race just to get this far
Still there is no end in sight,
There's no end in sight
'Cause I've carried my cross into dens of the wicked
And you know I blended in just fine

Well, I'm weak and I'm weary of breaking His heart
With they cycle of my sin, of my sin
Still He turns His face to me and I kiss it
Just to betray Him once again

Well, I've got oceans down inside of me
I can feel the billows roll
With the mercy that comes thundering
O'er the waters of my soul

So, Amen
Come, Lord Jesus
Amen
Oh, Amen
Come, Lord Jesus
Amen

Tonight in the light of the gathering rain
I could hear creation groan
And a sigh rose up from the streets of the city
To the foot of Heaven's throne

Oh, and the people hear the sound of a sweet refrain
An absolution in the fray, in the fry
It tells of the death of the one for the lives of the many
More than any picket sign could say

So, Amen
Come, Lord Jesus
Amen
Oh, Amen
Come, Lord Jesus
Amen"

Did you know . . .

2006-02-18T12:45:00.000-05:00

I just discovered what the e-mail setting accomplishes - wow, that took awhile to sink in ;) Anyway, I went to my first concert last night - it was a folk group called Salvia Andina. They are a group of five guys who went to school together and have been together for 30 years. They have performed all over the world, including a concert in Moscow, and a private concert at the White House with President Nixon. It was very cool - but also exhausting. The concert was about 2 hours long and the music was beautiful. They played some songs from other cultures - a few songs from Fiddler on the Roof, and Ave Maria. They also played a lot of South American songs in general. The last half of the concert was all Bolivian Folk Songs and that was awesome. The guy behind us (aside from talking to his wife the whole time) was STOMPING his feet and the floor rattled all around us. During one of the folk dances the ladies in the audience pulled out hankies and started waving their hands in different patterns. Ann said that is part of the dance (it reminded me of hula dancing, and how the hand motions have meaning). Then they sang the Bolivian anthem and we all clapped to the beat. I love their rhythmic clapping though. It isn't on the first and third (or second and fourth), it's on the half and the whole. Those of you that have listened to Spanish or Latin music understand what I am talking about. Anyway, it is very fun!
Another crazy thing about the concert was getting into the theatre. We all had assigned seats, but EVERYONE was pushing forward and cramming around you. Nobody budged either. I lost Ann for a little bit, but finally I made it through. We had a good laugh as we found our seats. She said that's the way it used to be on Bolivian airlines too. Only they didn't assign seats, so you had to fight for wherever you wanted to sit. Can you imagine? I guess old habits die hard.

Well, anyway - I just wanted to share my evening with you. One of the other teachers, Liz Huanquiri taped a little of the concert, so maybe I will see if there is some way to put a clip of it on here. It really
was incredible.

Chaperone Emily

2006-02-08T09:07:00.000-05:00

Well, I don't kow who had more fun at last Friday's costume party. Everybody knows how much I love to dress up. My only major distress was that all my costumes (especially my Elizabethan one) are still in the States. In all honesty, it would have been way too hot for all that fabric though. :) So, I went as a shooting star. Katie Wells made two styrofoam stars, and I borrowed a water gun. Anytime one of the kids asked me what I was, I shot them with water. It was great!!

We also played some normal high school games, like Honey If You Love Me, and the Winking Game. It was a little weird, in a very funny way, to wink at my students. All the guys had these funny little grins on their faces, as if it say, "Is Miss Barlow going to wink at ME?!" It was hilarious. I spent more time laughing than I have in a long time. It was a great time with my students just to relax and have fun. Make sure you check my home page to look at more pics of the evening.

Senior High Camp starts next Monday - be praying for me as I spend two hours every day with the eight students who have chosen not to attend. Camp is definitely optional, but staying in school for a week is not meant to be the easy way out. So I have to find lots of work to occupy them! :) But I also want it to be a time where God can move in our lives. Just because they chose not to go to camp doesn't mean they can't hear from Him, right?

On a side note, it has been awesome to talk to everyone who has called my new phone. I LOVE it! At the same time, God has been very good about giving me things to do here so I am not tempted to talk on the phone all the time :) That was a prayer request, by the way. :)

Ciao

Chastisement & A New Phone Number

2006-01-14T11:43:00.000-05:00

Well, the holidays have passed and I am once again in school. I won't spare time talking about my break, most of you talk to me or e-mail me, and have already heard how things went. Instead, I'll give you a run-down on the first week of school, and a wonderful time with God this morning. This first week back has been difficult emotionally and spiritually. I am not completely sure why, but for some reason, I have had a reluctance every morning to get out of bed - a dread that somehow this day will not be worth getting into the shower. I have laid in bed, praying sometimes for 10 or 15 minutes, just for the strength to face my day and whatever it would hold. There is no emergency, no blatant cause for my troubles, but I have felt like I don't have the strength or resources to do what I am being asked to do. And because of that, I didn't even want to try. John Mann and some others have been prayer warriors for me all week. Along with praying, they have been constantly reminding me that they are praying, God is in control, and I will make it through this. God has given me strength and blessing each day, but it has been a struggle. I believe it will be one for some time, but this morning in my devotions, I was reminded that God cares about me - not just loves me, but is concerned for me.

When Peter stated that he would never desert his Lord, and Jesus tells him that indeed he will - Jesus tells him that Satan is going to sift them, but Jesus also says, but I have prayerd for you. He prayed also for all his followers when He was in the garden. Now, I know all of these facts, but the concern of God has never been more obvious to me than today. Why do we pray for things - because they are important to us, because we care about them. It was almost as if I could hear God saying to me, "I know you are going to make it, but I am concerned that you don't know this." I can see his forehead crinkle and his eyes soften as He hears my complaints and fears. And his desire to give me a spirit of courage and victory is not because He is sick of me being defeated, it's because His heart hurts when I hurt. He wants me to be victorious for my sake.
Like I said, all of this has been in my head and heart many times before. But something about hurting today and this past week, made God's affection very evident to me.

Now, on to happier matters. I have a new phone number - So call me people! It is 317 498 3935. I have already had some wonderful conversations, and I hope there will be many more to come. Another happy note - last night I was with the youth at Mike Bank's house until around 9:30, then I went to Crystal's until about 10, then I came home and, after talking to Kimber and Colb, I went to bed. I did not wake up until 11 this morning. It felt wonderful, and I guess I needed the rest.

Christmas Cheer

2005-12-08T17:24:00.000-05:00

I thought I would share my few Christmas decorations with all of you. It's simple, but nice. Hopefully my cat will not destroy anything when she gets here in a week :)

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

2005-11-17T23:08:00.000-05:00

Well, I am exhausted, and I have already lost this entry once. I just wanted everyone to know that tonight was a great show. I am really very proud of my students and how hard they worked. The majority had a wonderful time doing it, and seem to be as proud of me as I am of them! :)

I wish you could have been there, but I wanted you to know - God answered our prayers abundantly!

Not as relaxing as it seems

2005-11-12T08:07:00.000-05:00

Hey, I am finally able to download some of my new pics, even though I still can't get my older ones to show up. So, I thought I would share one of my fav. images. This was taken at Rio Selva, during the Teacher/Staff Retreat last month. It looks like I am able to just chill and relax, until you realize that I am studying my British Lit textbook :) Seriously, there are times where I can take things easy, and times where I have to work hard. God is good.
My friend, Kim, took the picture and we both feel that it is lots of fun.

Lemony Snicket

2005-11-10T19:20:00.000-05:00

So, I am addicted to the Series of Unfortunate Events. It all started when I realized that our school library had the series, and I really wanted to see how books two and three contributed to the movie. I had read book one earlier, and thought it was cute, but I am pretty sure it went into one of our frantic garage sales before the Move. Anyway, so I discovered that I can read one of these books on 2 hours at the most, and you know me, I love to take a break and read a book. So, these books became my reward for getting school things done. "Ok self, if you work for 3 hours on this, then you can read the next adventure of the Baudelaire orphans."

Anyway, now I am stuck. :) The library only has up to number 10, so of course I have read all the way there. One of my students has number 11, which I am going to borrow, but 12 just came out. I think 13 will be the last one, whenever it is released. So, I asked the library, and next year they are hopefully going to purchase 11 & 12, and if 13 is out by then, that one as well. hopefully. As for now, once I finish 11 I will be waiting for awhile. There is no way I am going to buy it - it would drive me absolutely crazy to own the last 3 books of a 13 book series and not the ones before. It would be worse than the way mom feels whenever there is dirt and dust on her nice hardwood floors. :)

Well, it had been awhile since I shared anything. I want to get some pics up as soon as possible, and hopefully get my iphoto working again. But time is short here, and I am up to my ears in a musical. I must be crazy.

Thanks for all your love and prayers. God is an amazing God, and blesses me incredibly each day.

The baby is here!

2005-10-16T08:06:00.000-05:00

Rachel & Jon Billups are now new padres! I got an e-mail this morning with a picture of sweet little Adeline Marie. I have been wondering for so long how things were going, and I hadn't heard from Rachel in FOREVER. So, now I know a little bit. The baby weighed in at 8lbs 8oz, and they are both thrilled to have the newest member of the fam finally in their arms.

Happy Birthday, Daddy

2005-10-05T18:33:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to let everyone know today is my Dad's birthday. I am so thankful that God gave me to him as his favorite, youngest daughter. He sure is my favorite dad! :)

Those of you that know him, give him a hug from me when you next see him!

Inflicting terror on freshman everywhere

2005-09-22T17:36:00.000-05:00

Well first of all let me say I am SO thankful that I don't have my freshman for two hours at any one time (like I do with my seniors and juniors). That means I have them every day, but I can handle that.

I am "attempting" to help them learn how to write a paper, but it is a hard journey for all of us. Because they are confused and overwhelmed they need constant reassurance that they are on the right track. That means I have 17 students clamoring for my attention (actually probably only 14, there are a few that either a, don't care or b, already know what they are doing). I just about went crazy yesterday at the mayhem. Thankfully today was better. They seemed to be getting a better idea of what they are doing, and I also explained to them that we cannot operate like we did yesterday.

Kimberly reminded me last night that freshman are the 3 year olds of pre-K. Amen. I just have to remind myself of that over, and over, and over again. If there is anything that might tempt me to lock myself in the bathroom with my hands over my ears, humming - This project would be it.

On the lighter side of things, I tried to fry a hamburger tonight and make some hashbrowns from scratch . . . Well, at least I had some watermelon still in the fridge. :) All I can say is this was not my greatest achivement in cooking. But maybe I will get better as I practice.

OK, I am off to work on some Joseph stuff. I just realized I hadn't shared here in awhile. Make sure you check my webpage for pics of Bolivia!

The one that almost didn't make it!

2005-09-07T08:40:00.000-05:00

I promised a picture and here it is. This is what the trunk looked like after everything was unpacked. Annette has one on her camera that was taken at the airport, and I will get that to you as soon as I can. God is good to me, almost everything was still there! And the things that weren't there, can be replaced.

I am thankful that I got to ride in a cushioned seat, and not in a trunk. Can you imagine how much that would have hurt?

Here I Am!

2005-09-04T15:19:00.000-05:00

Well, it has been awhile since I posted and so many things have happened. But the long and short of it is, I made it to Bolivia! One of my trunks did not make it through yesterday, but it got in today. I will have to put a picture on here when I get internet at home. One whole side has been busted and was wide open. It looks like they tried to use one of my hardback books to be the missing side, which bent the book nicely. Anyway, it was covered in shrinkwrap when I got it, and Annette and I opened everything up and it looks like almost everything is there. Praise the Lord. I may be missing a few things, but I won't know until I get completely unpacked. I could have put them someplace else and just thinking that they were in there.

Life is tough right now. I am neck-deep in transition which means I am all over the place emotionally. One of my friends explained that it was a lot like grieving someone's death. You hear something or think of something and start crying because it reminds you of life before. I am on an emotional roller coaster - in the span of 15 minutes I can be smiling and laughing and then crying and aching in my heart. Being by myself in my apartment is the worst. But hopefully each day it will get a little easier, and feel more like I belong here. That is really what I am aching for. I am tired of not belonging to any place. The hardest part is the people I belong to (my fam) are a continent away, and I miss them like crazy!

So, I am floundering a bit, but God is still good. He comforts me, sends me friends, encourages me to get outside, and tries to keep my thinking right.

I guess that is about it right now. Send any questions or comments, but please remember that I may be awhile before responding.

Love ya!

Farewell to Costa RIca

2005-08-19T15:57:00.000-05:00

This will be my last post from CR, although I still plan to put a few more pics here (and of course we will have my "best of" on my website). I can't believe I am leaving tomorrow - wait, a sec, yes I can! I have loved my time here, but I am ready to be home. I am kinda dreading the flight home (at least all the airport stuff). I have three bags, plus my backpack and I am hoping to pass one of the bags off as a checked carry-on size so I don't have to pay. One of my bags may be overweight as it is. Weeell, we will just have to see, won't we?

Margarita threw a farewell cena for me last night and it was beautiful. She gave me a few presents, and also a few things for Adia. I hope and pray this family comes to Jesus, they are such dear people. It makes me hurt to see them in pain and grieving with nowhere to turn for comfort except the saying "si Dios quiere." This statement amazes me because of the truth of the situation - whatever God wants. But when I hear it, I don't hear any of the hope Christians have. We trust God because we know He loves us for who we are, and not what we can do for Him. It makes such a difference.

Graduation was great today. It was all in Spanish and I followed along really well! Wahoo! Also, I got a diploma - that's right. I have officially graduated from ILE! Gabi told me that I only lacked one point to make the grammar requirements, and on my conversational skills I scored above their minimum requirements. So, she went ahead and graduated me! :) Que funny.

Tonight I am going to another get-together with 4 other girls. It is in the home of 2 missionaries here who work with student life at ILE. The Dudney's are wonderful people, and I am so thankful to have this time with them before I leave. I would LOVE for God to open up some doors into Santa Cruz for this couple. They are incredible.

There is a part of me that really wants to be sappy about this last journal article. :) Even though I am thankful for my time here, and I will miss the people - I am READY to get home and then get to Bolivia. So, it is hard to be sappy and emotional, no matter how much I have loved being here. My room is all packed (except for bedding, pillow and my monkey) and things just look bare). I will be seeing some of you very soon!

Butterflies Everywhere!

2005-08-15T08:48:00.001-05:00

Well, I just wanted to let everyone know I was alive after experiencing my first canopy tour. Let me just tell you, it was so much fun! I will have more pictures and maybe even some video later. Everyone on the group is combining pics and video and making a CD. So, I am waiting to see if there are better shots than what I took. But, I had to share this one with you. After the zipline we took a nature walk and also went through a Mariposario (butterfly garden). I have seen my share of these, but there were more Blue Morphos than I have ever seen! I kept trying to get a picture of one in flight, but they were too fast for me! However, two little guys decided to test out the sweat on my hands. They must have liked it because they were sucking away at my skin. It felt like a very tiny cat tongue (kinda scraping) and was awesome! I walked around with them on me, and when I tried to move them to a plant, they both jumped back on me! Finally after about 5 minutes, I moved them again and they stayed on the leaves. If it had been a blue morpho, I don't think I would have let it go! They are about the most beautiful butterfly God has created.

So anyway, I had a blast and arrived home safely. I had a sore throat Friday and Saturday, and we ended up walking through a downpour on saturday so now I have a cold as well. But it was more than worth it!

Conversation is Better

2005-08-15T08:48:00.000-05:00

I took my conversation test on Friday, and it went so much better than the grammar test. I still don't know what my score is, but I came away feeling like I had given an accurate representation of what I could do. Some of the questions I was asked I am not even sure how I feel about in English, much less Spanish! My opinion is more like a mix of jumbled thoughts in my head - For instance, we covered the war in Iraq and America's Involvement and we also covered homosexual marriages. Whew! I am pretty sure it came out jumbled, but at least something came out. Oh and my teacher knew about the Indy 500! How random is that?!

I ended up finishing the test and then hanging out with Nancy and Nicole. Singles had one last dinner together at Fortuna Inn (an INCREDBILE chinese restaurant here) and then we all slept at Nancy's apartment. We had to be at the school at 7:15 Saturday morning to leave for Turubai (a nature park and canopy tour). I had a sore throat on Friday and it was still there on Saturday, but I still had lots of fun!

So, I am done with my tests, and everyone tells me this last week should be fluff, but both of my teachers are still giving homework, so we will have to see how that plays out! :)

Failing my first test EVER

2005-08-11T23:15:00.000-05:00

Well, it had to happen sometime in my life I suppose. By God's grace I made it through college without an F, but I am pretty sure I made up for it today. I took a three hour grammar test that was hideous! I did my best, but realized how much I still have to work on Spanish. Will I never get this language?! Everyone came out of the test completely exhausted (which made me feel better - misery loves company, yeah?)

The upside to this is that it doesn't matter what I get on the test, I am still leaving Costa Rica and going to Bolivia (after a much needed time with all of you!) So, I can flunk this test without any fear of punishment!! The goal is to get a 70% at least (as well as score an advanced low in the oral exam tomorrow) in order to graduate with a diploma from ILE. At this point, I am happy just to get a certificate - which is what happens to everyone else who leaves before the year is over.

So, I have had an incredibly long day & I am looking forward to another long one tomorrow. After that I should be able to breathe a little. One of my friends looked at me today and said "You've already left haven't you?" And I realized she was right. Aside from my friendships here, I have mentally disengaged from most things. Too bad I still have another week to live here. Pray I keep my wits about me for the ECO (oral interview) tomorrow at 12:30 CR time. But, even if the worst happens and I can't even remember present indicative conjugations - God is still God, and I am still going to Bolivia!

On the positive side - one of our classmates who was VERY ill, seems to be on the mend from her latest bout of pneumonia - she has lung disease and severe asthma and gets sick often. But this last time was the worst I have seen. We are so thankful that God is giving Kathy strength to keep going. And I think she is starting to realize that people here really do care about her.

Well, TTFN - I will try to write more later about my ECO and also the canopy tour I am going on this weekend! VERY excited about Saturday!

Love you,
Em

Just to give you an idea

2005-08-08T21:27:00.000-05:00

So, this is what I look like most of the time when I am sending you an e-mail or working online. I get the best signal in the weirdest positions. I will be so happy to get cable internet actually in my apartment instead of trying to capture a passing signal. I still have no idea where this signal comes from! Sometimes it is there, sometimes not.

Speaking of being online- make sure you check out the newest page on my .mac site (remember to look under Tica Times).

The Drama Continues . . .

2005-08-05T19:25:00.000-05:00

Not only am I teaching 9th, 11th & 12th grades of English, as well as 2 hours of theatre, BUT I also am teaching 3 hours of Junior High Beginner Spanish. NOBODY TOLD ME THAT WAS COMING! I got my class schedule today, as well as 4 class rosters (still missing the Spanish one), and I just about freaked. You have got to be kidding me, I can't teach Spanish! Here I thought I was escaping it by getting out of language school and moving to a south american country! (You better hear the sarcasm in that statement, I am laying it on pretty thick) I am concerned that I have 5 preps (all of you non-education people, preps are not snotty students, they are different subjects to prepare) this first year with no ability to pre-plan. This is going to be one rocky first year of teaching. "What does not kill us only makes us stronger!"

I jokingly e-mailed back to Steve (HS principal) that although I wasn't sure I could do it, I know God could, and HE would just have to do it through me. My stomanch is in knots just thinking about this. Also, I have had really weird muscle twitches in my lower abdomen today and I am not sure why. My uterus is learning how to jump rope I guess.

Well, I am off to a Ladies Night Out in about 15 minutes, so I better go!

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Freaking Out Emily!

2005-08-03T21:03:00.000-05:00

Last night I received an e-mail from the choir teacher at SCCLC, who sounds like an absolute sweetie. Anyway, she is putting on Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and wanted to know if I would consider letting my Theatre students be involved as well. I have no idea how this is going to flesh out. Joseph is a huge show, that can also be done in a small space, but those are two completely different production styles. I know my kids will be acting, but I don't know whether I will be blocking, directing, or what (if anything). I also don't know if Jackie wants me to be in charge of lighting & scenography, or if she is going to handle everything. She sounds like she knows what she is doing. So I am praying that is true! :)

Needless to say, I did not sleep much at all last night. My mind kept whirring with all sorts of possibilities and I had to make a few more purchases on Amazon. I pray this is the end of it, I don't know if I can take much more spending. I am not usually a big spender, and if I do need to make a big purchase, I usually only do one for the whole month, and make myself wait for other things. Well, eso es imposible when you have to leave in less than a month, and need to have everything packed. :) This is absolutely crazy, and I pray that I won't have many more terms like this first one. Hopefully I can leave things in storage (school stuff at least), the next time I come back.

YIKES!

By the by- if anyone has any DVDs they don't want anymore and think I would enjoy them, I am willing to give them a comfy south american home. :)

La Negrita

2005-08-02T21:17:00.000-05:00

Imagine having a festival day where thousands upon thousands of people walk in the streets towards the same destination. Some go as a pilgrimage, others walk for the novelty. Here in Costa Rica, the day is August 2nd. Some people started walking last thursday (depending on how far they came) to arrive in Cartago at the church of Los Angeles to petition the Black Madonna. Some people who come from the coasts, like in Guanacaste, rode in on horseback. Those with serious needs and concerns, after walking the whole way (from San Jose it is 4 hours), enter the church on their knees, and crawl to the front of the church.

This kind of devotion humbles me and breaks my heart. I live with a family who believes in the miracles of La Negrita. My tico mom's daughter Teres) and granddaughter (Michel) walked four hours yesterday to attend the mass today. I see the stress of life on Teres' face and I wish I could help her. It's strange - for being such a relational culture, I feel such a tension to talk to her about Jesus. She thinks there is nothing wrong with her life and her religion. She won't even show me she is hurting, but everyone can see it. Her mother is such a devout catholic, and even though she loves Jesus, she has yet to see that He is the only way to get to God. So, Teres sees her mother, and relies on her religion to save the whole family.

So, I listen to their stories and feel useless. And I wonder why God has brought me here, and what He will bring me through so I can speak the truth with a loving boldness, and not shy away because I am scared of what people will think. In reality, I am scared of what I don't understand - catholism, and a desire to live life in whatever way someone chooses even though he or she is miserable. I know Jesus wants this family. They have had 4 Christians before me, living in their house, sharing in their lives. I pray that they will turn to Him and understand what it means to have a relationship with Him. To serve others, not so they can get to heaven or because it is the right thing to do, but because we have been served by the Son of God. I have much to learn from Margarita and her family, even in the last few weeks. And I pray, God will use me so that they may learn something from me as well.

Only Three More Weeks

2005-07-30T17:28:00.000-05:00

It seems like I have been here forever, and then again, like I only moved in yesterday. I remember looking at my school calendar and thinking, "Lord, we are never going to make it through this!" Well, we only have 3 more weeks from today until I board an airplane for the US, and say goodbye to fulltime language learning. I just got back from the Children's Museum in San Jose and it was excellent. Although the resources were not quite as advanced or up to date as Indy, the quantity of material covered was incredible. Imagine a place were you can learn about space travel, Costa Rican history (from the Mayas to the present), technology, be recorded on TV or in a sound booth, tour the inside of a train engine car, sitting car, and caboose, not to mention incredible detailed displays of all the parts of the human body! Incredible! We were there for about 3 hours, and didn't even get through all the exhibits. If you ever visit C.R. this is a must see.
Anyway, not I am online trying to get a few more purchases to be ready for packing when I get home. Airport Express, School House Rock special edition DVD (for my classroom), and maybe a few DVDs, although I probably will wait on the DVDs.

Right now mom and dad are in CA with Matthew and Melis. I can't wait to hear how they are enjoying themselves. I must admit, I am a little jealous about not being with them, but I will be so thankful to see the pics. I will def. be visiting Matthew and Mel someday, I just don't know when. :)

Life has gone pretty much the same as usual. We had a sub in grammar class this week, because Laura is in the US looking for a house with her hubby. He works with Procter & Gamble and is being transferred to the US for a few years. They both speak English very well, but it will be hard for Laura to leave her family and friends. Our Sub, Maritza, was INCREDIBLE! I loved her just as much as Laura. She is usually a regular teacher at ILE, but she was in a very serious accident right before term started. The doctor wanted her to take one more month to rest, but Maritza would have none of that!! Anyway, this woman is a grammar queen, and she pushes like you wouldn't believe. But she is so encouraging when she does it. I hope I develop that attitude with my students. Pushing hard, but always beside them, encouraging and helping. I am more afraid of being too easy of a teacher than too hard. :)

I miss hearing from all of you - send me an e-mail, why don'tcha? I will be back in the States the evening of Aug. 20, until Sept. 2. Give me a call, or if you will be in the Indiana area - let's get together!

Waking up on the beach!

2005-07-28T20:52:00.000-05:00

Sigh, this last weekend was a long relaxing one. We were celebrating the annexation of Guanacaste on Monday, so there was no school. About 50 of us chose to celebrate by going over to the Carribean side of CR. It is gorgeous over here, even if it is hot and humid! The resort where we stayed was right off the beach. Make sure you check out my pictures on my homepage (under Tico Times). If they aren't up yet, they will be shortly. Anyway, we left from ILE on Saturday morning about 7, and rode for approx. 5 hours without A/C. This was a funny language issue, because we asked if he had "aire" and he said yes and turned it on. So we all rolled up the windows and waited for cool air to surround us. Only a puff was coming out of the vents, and this was in no way cool air. It was like having the windows cracked, or maybe worse. Turns out, he had "aire" it just wasn't "aire acondicionado." That's right, the mini bus just brought air in from the outside and gave it to us! Needless to say, we all elected for windows instead. :)
Anyway, all I did this weekend was swim in the ocean (the water is glorious!), lay on the beach (you should see my tan, Margarita calls me morena now), swim in the pool, and eat. Oh, and I played Euchre for the first time in at least a year!! It was excellent. The food was wonderful there as well and such a variety. We saw a crocodile (or alligator - the spanish use the same word for both) and I got some cool pics of it as well.
Anyway, I promised to do better and taking pictures, and I think I have. I got some beautiful sunrise pics (imagine me, purposefully getting up to see a sunrise, and I still got there about 30 minutes late!), as well as some photos of my friends. So, take advantage of the situation and check them out!
On the way home, Nicole and I chose to ride in the kids bus. We had PRIME seats, close to the front, with plenty of leg room. But one of the families came on last, and both of their kids are young and very prone to carsickness. By this time, the only seats left on the bus were the very front passenger seat, and the fold down front passenger/middle seat. So, guess who got to ride up front with the bus driver?! Thankfully, Nicole took the middle seat, they are horribly uncomfortable. But we had some excellent Spanish practice that day. Incidentally, the little girl of the family to whom we gave our seats still ended up throwing up, but it wasn't alot.
I was so glad for the time of rest and relaxation, but after 5 more hours in the bus (closer to six because we ended up eating lunch on the road), I was soooo ready to get back to San Jose.

White Water Rafting

2005-07-20T14:59:00.000-05:00

Thankfully I didn't fall in the water (although 3 others in our raft did). This was a level 2 or maybe 3 (very tame) and reminded of what we did when I was younger. But the views and nature information was incredible. Our guide, Oscar, knew so much about Costa Rican wildlife and he could spot everything in the trees. This was a great experience, but a very long day. My calves hurt so badly the day after because I used those muscles to keep myself in the raft!

Adventures & Airports

2005-07-20T14:07:00.000-05:00

Santa Vaca, do I have a story for you! Last night I went with my friend Nancy to pick up her parents at the airport. They are visiting until Monday. Usually when we go to the airport (I have only been once, aside from when I was being picked up), we hire a driver and van to take us there and back.
BUT, this month some students were able to rent a Jeep Cherokee from another missionary who is in the States right now. Let me give you a few clues about this Jeep - to roll down the windows, you push the electronic lever UP, the spare tire is flat, and you never know how long it will take for the engine to turn over. Sometimes it helps to put the jeep in nuetral, and then it SHOULD start, but every time is an adventure. Also, the shock system is nonexistant. OK, got an image? So, we get into the jeep (which for the first time in my experience, starts up on the first try), we have our verbal directions from a missionary couple, our seatbelts are buckled, doors locked, and we are READY!! The only concern we really had was the four major rotundas that we would need to navigate.
Well, thankfully the rotundas were not a problem. HOWEVER, we ended up back-tracking twice on one road trying to get to an exit, driving around the airport twice trying to enter the parking garage, and then the party really started. We found her parents just fine, they had only been waiting about 20 minutes. As we start home, we drove for about 20 minutes, and suddenly had no idea where we were. NO IDEA. Nothing looked familiar to Nancy or myself (of course nothing looked familiar to her parents either). We drove a little longer and hit the toll road back to the airport (without turning around at all! How does that happen?) So, the lady in the booth directed us back to San Jose, but somehow we ended up downtown (about 9:30 - not a good time to be out). Every once in awhile we would see a familiar landmark from our many bus rides, but everything is different when you are driving. We all kept praying, Nancy's dad kept trying to make helpful suggestions (one which I appreciated was to occasionally remind Nancy to slow down).
Finally, somehow God led us to San Pedro (an area that Nancy is very familiar with, and I am becoming so), and we were both so happy!! We made it back to San Francisco de Dos Rios and she dropped me off in front of my house. I have never been so happy to be there in my whole 3 months!! So, good story, good experience, and I praise the Lord nothing bad happened!

4th of July

2005-07-16T21:07:00.000-05:00

I promise to be better from now on at taking pictures. I just get so excited about experiencing stuff here, that I don't take photos of it. And when I do take pics, they are usually of other people. Sorry, kids. I'm heading off to the Caribbean side again this weekend. I will try to do better!

This picture was the only one with me in it from the weekend. I am sitting with Nancy and Jen, and Matt and Nelia (look down beside Matt and see an exhausted Austin - poor fella). The weekend was awesome and so relaxing! I'll try to give you a better idea of the Caribbean side after this weekend.

You say Cabra, I say Cobra

2005-07-16T20:52:00.000-05:00

Actually, it does make quite a bit of difference - read on.
For instance, last Thursday in my conversation class, we talked about various topics, some serious, like a comparison between the young adults of the 70s and young adults today. I was very pleased with how I managed to make my thoughts understood, and even conjugated verbs correctly! Then we turned to a lighter topic of typical foods and strange foods. We talked about some of the Costa Ricans eating armadillo and iguana on a daily basis, and how in the States we can try frog legs, crocodile, etc. Then we started talking about "cabras" and how there weren't many of them here, but some farmers raised them and used their milk (combined with cow milk) to make milks and cheeses. I asked how on earth cabras were milked and my profesora responded that it was very similar to the way cows are milked. We talked more about this and my amazement grew. Finally I asked, "Isn't it dangerous?" My profesora was confused and then she said, "Dangerous? For who, the cabras?" I said, "No, for the farmers. Aren't cabras venomous?" At this point my classmate looked at me and I said (in english), "Cobras are venomous right?" Kathy burst out laughing and said, "Emily, CABRAS are GOATS!" We then explained my misunderstanding to our profesora and we all laughed hysterically until the end of class. Some of you may be familiar with the term "milking a cobra," which refers to extracting the venom from a cobra. For some reason, that phrase stuck in my mind, but not the explanation. So to me it seemed perfectly logical that somehow, someone had managed to get milk out of a cobra here in Costa Rica!

red in the face

2005-06-23T16:10:00.000-05:00

This is the hike that almost killed me. at Volcan Poaz there is a lagoon that used to be a volcano but has ceased to be anything other than a lake for a long time. No wildlife in this water, though, it is way too acidic.

Life in General

2005-06-23T15:26:00.000-05:00

Hey friends and neighbors! OK, so none of you can be called my physical neighbors right now, but you are all near and dear to my heart. I just thought I would send our an e-mail talking about my life for the past two weeks. I keep promising more info on how I am doing, and wouldn't you know it, life gets in the way. Right now it is 8:55 on Wednesday night, and really I just want to play a little on my computer, listen to some audio books and go to sleep. But, I want you to know how I am doing, and also what I am doing, so I must press on! :) Isn't it nice to know I am still your friendly dramatic Emily? :)

OK, the last few weeks have been busy, mostly with life, but also some schoolwork. I have loved getting mail (thank you to those who have sent letters!), and e-mails hearing how you have been. It helps to know (1) that I am still a part of your lives, and (2) that you are thinking of me as much as I am thinking of you! So, this past weekend we took a singles trip to visit the oldest Costa Rican coffee plantation, the Volcano Poaz, and also some waterfall gardens (which also had butterfly and hummingbird exhibits). Absolutely gorgeous, but I thought I would kill my heart in the process. I never realize how out of shape I am until I try and hike around volcanos and waterfalls in high altitudes, with people whose hearts are kept in much better condition. Seriously, I am surprised I didn't drop dead. But, God brought me through it, and more importantly, the sights of God's awesome creation "vale la pena" were worth it (literally the pain has worth, but the phrase is just a general modismo to mean something was worth it). I will be setting up some pictures as soon as possible, and I am still waiting on the San Carlos Mission trip pics from other people. I will send out a postcard announcement when I get another page up. Hopefully everyone will be able to see it.

I have been spending a lot of time lately with Nancy Johns, a new friend of mine. She lived with my Tico fam last tri, so we spend many afternoons laughing about similar experiences. Last night she showed me the spiders fellowship on the bottom floor of my closet shelves. Yech, they are everywhere. Consequently, I made her move my shoes to the next shelf up and we discovered a weird brown growth on my leather "clunker" shoes (the Skechers that I wear EVERYWHERE in the states). I cleaned off the growth, which was powdery once it came off and still have no idea what creature decided to do something to my shoes. I think I am happier not knowing, and just knowing that for now they are clean again. The weather has been too hot to wear them here, but I still have hopes of needing them in Bolivia two or three times a year. :)

I heard back from Annette Wood a few days ago. She had mailed me an info packet on SCCLC and what I might be teaching in Sept. Everything sounded fairly certain from her letters, so I e-mailed to ask what the WGM missionaries were thinking/planning. Right now we are fairly certain I will be needed in Bolivia for school starting in Aug. Thankfully everyone realizes I CANNOT be there until Sept, and they are being wonderful about it. I will have my own apartment in the compound (within walking distance to the school) and I will also have 3 grades of HS English (9,10 for sure, and then either 11 or 12), AND I will have a theatre elective 2 times a week!! WAHOOOOOOOO! The HS principal also sent a letter explaining the elective and asking that we only do some possible chapel skits and maybe travel to some churches for skits as well the first semester. That sounds fine with me, I am only praying that I will have suitable and challenging skits for my students to work with. PLEASE pray as I begin to set up my curriculum, with no theatre resources here and very little Language Arts resources. Pray that God will give me wisdom and knowledge. Also pray that my students (and myself) will be yearning for God's truth as it relates to our subject matter. There is a heavy emphasis on integrating the Scriptures into all of our subjects, and I am praying that God will give me ways of doing this and still making the classroom an academically challenging environment. I do not want to make the Bible another textbook, nor do I want all of our lessons to center on scriptural "stories." I would love for my students to get to the point where we are applying Biblical truth as we discuss difficult topics, but our reasoning is beyond simply because "the Bible says so." I want us to get to the place where we understand the truths God has given us and are able to discuss them in relation to what man views as wisdom and truth. So my students can leave SCCLC knowing what man expects them to know, but also understanding God's truth for our lives and the relationship between the two. I hope this makes sense, I am still praying about my own heart in the matter. :)

OK, on to other matters. I am in the midst of Spiritual Emphasis Week here at ILE (Instituto de Lengua Espanola) and simply loving it!!! Our speaker is Dr. Vern Steiner. He has been a professor of college and seminary, as well as a pastor. He specializes in OT literature and Hebrew. I am in the heights of academic heaven!! Now he is the founder and president of Miqra Institute, a training institution for pastors and church leaders that concentrates on learning to read, understand, and translate the meaning of Scripture to others. He has such a love for God's word, and such a complex understanding of it. We have focused on the book of Ruth this week and I have learned so much. The Bible has such depth that I, in my limited understanding, am unable to reach without someone else guiding me. How frustrating, but at the same time, how exciting when a leader does come with this knowledge!! As an added bonus, he has such a theatrical, descriptive way of presenting that I am scribbling like a madman trying to keep up with him the whole time he is speaking. I am praying about writing a short piece for my HS students on Ruth. I have no idea what it would look like, and I have never written a script before, but something beautiful has been planted in my heart. Pray that if God wills, it will take root and flourish. This book is fast becoming one of my favorites in the Bible. And to think, all of scripture has the breath of God throughout, if only we would learn to listen.

If any of you are interested in learning more about what I am learning, let me know and I will try to make enough sense of my notes to type and e-mail them. The basic point is this - Does God always work in the majestic, or can He not also work in the mundane, the practical, everyday humdrums of living, and work in such a way that would leave the angels praising His name? The answer is, of course, He can. But to see this theory fleshed out in the book of Ruth, and then to draw the implications into my own life of "dailiness" is a wonder to behold. Do you know, God's direct action is only mentioned twice in this book? The rest is simply godly people working to live their life in ways that would be pleasing to their God, invoking His blessing and protection for others, and then working in ways that are answers to their very prayers. It is an incredible parallel between God's part and man's part in living a faithful life. Incredible.

Well, that's it for now. It is 9:30 and I really must go to bed. I am having more and more trouble getting up in the mornings. The sign of it being midway through the tri. Everyone is feeling this emotionally. Please pray that our desires to learn Spanish and be a part of the life God has called us to would be new every morning, just like God's faithfulness.

I love you all - Write me!
Em

Thanks Melis!

2005-06-23T15:22:00.000-05:00

I was so thankful that my sis-in-law created a blog for me. I already had this one started, but I couldn't figure out how to make changes in the template (like putting links on the side). Because Melis got a blog started, I could use that template to remake this one the way I wanted. Awesome! Thanks Melis, you are a blessing!

Blogger Bug

2005-06-17T11:23:00.000-05:00

Well, I already had a semi-private blog with some girlfriends, but I figured I would use this one for general use. Then I can link it to my homepage and everyone can know what I am doing. Even though it may not be too exciting! I just finished my institute-wide testing, and I will know in a week how everything went! I pray it went well.

Write me!