This trip has been a great stretching experience. One, I had never flown before, so that was a stretch. Two, on Saturday we went to a waterfall (with a steep climb!) and a cave and pools to swim in. Never in a million years did I think I would climb down the side of a mountain (of sorts) and back up intact. Three, I never that I would work with 5th graders. I'm certified to teach Family and Consumer Sciences to grades 7-12. It has been interesting and challenging but I have found my heart growing more and more full. These students can look at life in such an innocent and unspoiled way. I think that I have learned just as much, if not more, from them as they have from me. This trip has been a great stretching experience. I have been stretched physically, emotionally, and spiritually, but God has been with me, strengthening me, every step of the way.
Rebecca Fahrni
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Attacked
I taught the rest of the day yesterday (Tuesday) and arrived back at camp pretty exhausted. There were a lot of ups and downs to the day. I could really see some of my students progressing and lighting up when I praised their work, but I was also frustrated with the lack of classroom management and how I felt that I sometimes wasn't in control of the classroom. When I returned to camp and did devotions I was drawn to the verse 2 Corinthians 4:1, "Therefore, since through God's mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart." I can not lose heart with all of the negatives that I see. I am take the negatives, learn from them, and focus on the positives.
After a delicious spaghetti dinner with the best cheddar biscuits I have ever had in my life, we returned to lesson planning. Liz, Rachel, and I took a quick break and headed out to the basketball court to watch the stars. By this time it was pitch black outside and as we walked to the basketball court (just a few hundred yards from our cabin) with our flash lights we made a quick comment on how creepy it was, seeing that the basketball court is not too far away from the forest. Putting our worries aside we lied down on our towels and gazed at the night sky. I have never seen more stars (Yes, Dad, they even beat the stars on our trip in New York). As we were relaxing we were startled by voices. Turning around we saw two little boys walking towards us. They were looking for Clarissa so we directed them to the cafeteria, before they left that asked us if we were scared of being out at night. We hesitantly replied with a no, we weren't that far from the cabin. The boys made a comment that they were surprised that we weren't scared of anything running out of the woods and then left. That comment sure didn't help our imaginations. Shortly after they left we heard what sounded like a large pack of dogs attacking something by the woods. We were a little disheartened but were too in awe of the stars to move just yet. A few short minutes later we found ourselves being charged by two dogs growling ferociously and barking madly! I don't even remember standing up because we all jumped to our feet quickly and yielded our weapons out of instinct. Liz and Rachel grabbed their flashlights and I was left with my Pringles can. We yelled, what I am sure was a rather pathetic battle cry and shined the light in their eyes. The dogs quickly retreated and we made our way back to the cabin in record time. We all said that the one thought that flashed through our minds was, "No way am I going all the way to Belize to be killed by dogs/rabies." We were pretty shocked that the same dogs that don't move when we walk by them during the day would try to attack us later at night. We have learned our lesson! No being out at night without a flashlight, a Pringles can, and your best battle cry. Haha. Looking back it was a great time!
This week is flying by and we will be done teaching before we know it, but we still need your prayers! God has done a lot during our time here. He has drawn us into community with each other, he has humbled our hearts, he has made us better teachers, and he continues to make us more culturally responsive. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
After a delicious spaghetti dinner with the best cheddar biscuits I have ever had in my life, we returned to lesson planning. Liz, Rachel, and I took a quick break and headed out to the basketball court to watch the stars. By this time it was pitch black outside and as we walked to the basketball court (just a few hundred yards from our cabin) with our flash lights we made a quick comment on how creepy it was, seeing that the basketball court is not too far away from the forest. Putting our worries aside we lied down on our towels and gazed at the night sky. I have never seen more stars (Yes, Dad, they even beat the stars on our trip in New York). As we were relaxing we were startled by voices. Turning around we saw two little boys walking towards us. They were looking for Clarissa so we directed them to the cafeteria, before they left that asked us if we were scared of being out at night. We hesitantly replied with a no, we weren't that far from the cabin. The boys made a comment that they were surprised that we weren't scared of anything running out of the woods and then left. That comment sure didn't help our imaginations. Shortly after they left we heard what sounded like a large pack of dogs attacking something by the woods. We were a little disheartened but were too in awe of the stars to move just yet. A few short minutes later we found ourselves being charged by two dogs growling ferociously and barking madly! I don't even remember standing up because we all jumped to our feet quickly and yielded our weapons out of instinct. Liz and Rachel grabbed their flashlights and I was left with my Pringles can. We yelled, what I am sure was a rather pathetic battle cry and shined the light in their eyes. The dogs quickly retreated and we made our way back to the cabin in record time. We all said that the one thought that flashed through our minds was, "No way am I going all the way to Belize to be killed by dogs/rabies." We were pretty shocked that the same dogs that don't move when we walk by them during the day would try to attack us later at night. We have learned our lesson! No being out at night without a flashlight, a Pringles can, and your best battle cry. Haha. Looking back it was a great time!
This week is flying by and we will be done teaching before we know it, but we still need your prayers! God has done a lot during our time here. He has drawn us into community with each other, he has humbled our hearts, he has made us better teachers, and he continues to make us more culturally responsive. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Reflection from Rachel
Awe.
I think that has been one of the words that I've thought the most this trip. From palm trees waving, to magnificent caves, to a brilliant sunrise on the plane. I literally have had no words, but just stand there, tongue-tied, and think, 'God, you are SO AWEsome. Awe-inspiring.' God's power, creativeness and beauty have been displayed.
I know the other girls have posted explaining about what we have done since we've been here, so I won't recount everything, although climbing huge Mayan ruins, seeing waterfalls, and hiking in caves has been SO cool (don't worry Dad, I refrained from climbing rocks in the cave, although I really wanted to :) ).
I think I can speak for everyone in that we have tried many new things and have enjoyed a beautiful landscape (Ohio's cornfields can inspire awe, but mountains and waterpools are a nice change of pace).
I really don't know what to write about, because we have had so many good experiences, but I think I will give an update about school as we are all consumed with writing lesson plans this week. It has been encouraging to see how everyone has helped each other come up with ideas, share supplies, and really come together as a community. When one of us has a good day in our class, and lessons went well and students behaved, that person is able to be support for another who just wants to cry and quit teaching because the students are bouncing off the walls from being cooped up from the rain. I am so proud of ever girl here, and have enjoyed getting to know them all on a deeper level. God is working in all of us, even through hardships.
The past few days we have inhaled enough chalkdust to last a life time. We have signed in desperation because the kids are crazy, and classroom management is not what we expect or would desire. We have smiled when kids have given us kisses before they leave for break. I've come back somedays with bruises from kids hitting me and the next day covered in stickers for being a good teacher. I think for everyone, there are up and down moments, but all in all, we are discovering why we love teaching. I am realizing how a smile and encouragement can really make a difference between hating school and enjoying learning. Tomorrow is a new day, and a chance to be Jesus to our students!
Continue to pray for us as we are stretched and especially as our lessons are observed this week and some are nervous. Pray for patience, especially as communication barriers make it extremely frustrating at times to remain calm and kind. We love and miss everyone back home! See you soon!
Love,
Rachel
I think that has been one of the words that I've thought the most this trip. From palm trees waving, to magnificent caves, to a brilliant sunrise on the plane. I literally have had no words, but just stand there, tongue-tied, and think, 'God, you are SO AWEsome. Awe-inspiring.' God's power, creativeness and beauty have been displayed.
I know the other girls have posted explaining about what we have done since we've been here, so I won't recount everything, although climbing huge Mayan ruins, seeing waterfalls, and hiking in caves has been SO cool (don't worry Dad, I refrained from climbing rocks in the cave, although I really wanted to :) ).
I think I can speak for everyone in that we have tried many new things and have enjoyed a beautiful landscape (Ohio's cornfields can inspire awe, but mountains and waterpools are a nice change of pace).
I really don't know what to write about, because we have had so many good experiences, but I think I will give an update about school as we are all consumed with writing lesson plans this week. It has been encouraging to see how everyone has helped each other come up with ideas, share supplies, and really come together as a community. When one of us has a good day in our class, and lessons went well and students behaved, that person is able to be support for another who just wants to cry and quit teaching because the students are bouncing off the walls from being cooped up from the rain. I am so proud of ever girl here, and have enjoyed getting to know them all on a deeper level. God is working in all of us, even through hardships.
The past few days we have inhaled enough chalkdust to last a life time. We have signed in desperation because the kids are crazy, and classroom management is not what we expect or would desire. We have smiled when kids have given us kisses before they leave for break. I've come back somedays with bruises from kids hitting me and the next day covered in stickers for being a good teacher. I think for everyone, there are up and down moments, but all in all, we are discovering why we love teaching. I am realizing how a smile and encouragement can really make a difference between hating school and enjoying learning. Tomorrow is a new day, and a chance to be Jesus to our students!
Continue to pray for us as we are stretched and especially as our lessons are observed this week and some are nervous. Pray for patience, especially as communication barriers make it extremely frustrating at times to remain calm and kind. We love and miss everyone back home! See you soon!
Love,
Rachel
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Hurricanes
I am pretty sure we slept through a hurricane Sunday night, at least it sounded like that from all the rain hitting the tin roof. Monday morning I had 10 students missing from my class of 26. My cooperating teacher said that they were absent because of all the rain and the mud that it caused, parents don't want their children walking through all the mud to get to a road that leads to school. Plus, all the rain brings out the tarantulas and snakes, I can't really blame them for not wanting to come. Monday morning I taught a lesson on addition without regrouping and my students were awesome!! They really got a grasp of the lesson and worked so quietly when they had seat work. I even had them play a game in groups (I was concerned about the group work because my cooperating teacher never has them work in groups) and they worked so well together! I could not have been more proud of them! I got to read to them a lot in the afternoon and school ended before I knew it. The school days just seem to fly by. After dinner we convinced Jean "The Beast" (nickname from her awesome driving capabilities) to drive us to the Chinese Market to get some ice cream. We ate away our homesickness with the delicious treat and returned to the campgrounds for devotions. The night was spent listening to the rainfall and preparing for our lessons.
Tuesday: I am already exhausted from school and it is only 12:31. My highlight of the was when I walked into the classroom and saw many of my students huddling around books that I have read and given to them in previous days. They are really learning to love reading. My cooperating teacher handed me the Scripture passage first thing this morning and told me to teach it. So I had a nice impromptu lesson on God providing for the Israelite's needs as they left Egypt and traveled to the Promised Land. I then retaught my addition lesson from yesterday (mainly to catch up the 10 students that were absent). I introduced addition problems that were written horizontally instead of vertically and that proved to be quite a struggle. We worked our way through and made it to morning recess. As I was walking out of the classroom to go get a snack from the cafeteria my cooperating teacher handed me a large sheet of paper and instructed me to write down sentences that had words containing the blended consonants "ch" and "sh". I diligently came up with a few absurd sentences and ran down to get a snack. I returned to the classroom to discover that my cooperating teacher was nowhere to be seen. Recess ended and still no cooperating teacher. I lined the students up, had them enter the classroom, read them a few books, and then taught an impromptu lesson on the blended consonants "ch" and "sh". (My cooperating teacher eventually returned 30 minutes into the lesson.) After the hour long lesson I was finally able to get them some silent reading time. They were so excited to read the books and I was really proud of them for making their best attempt at the words. Prayers are appreciated for all us as we don't know what the afternoon will hold. :) We love and miss you all!
Tuesday: I am already exhausted from school and it is only 12:31. My highlight of the was when I walked into the classroom and saw many of my students huddling around books that I have read and given to them in previous days. They are really learning to love reading. My cooperating teacher handed me the Scripture passage first thing this morning and told me to teach it. So I had a nice impromptu lesson on God providing for the Israelite's needs as they left Egypt and traveled to the Promised Land. I then retaught my addition lesson from yesterday (mainly to catch up the 10 students that were absent). I introduced addition problems that were written horizontally instead of vertically and that proved to be quite a struggle. We worked our way through and made it to morning recess. As I was walking out of the classroom to go get a snack from the cafeteria my cooperating teacher handed me a large sheet of paper and instructed me to write down sentences that had words containing the blended consonants "ch" and "sh". I diligently came up with a few absurd sentences and ran down to get a snack. I returned to the classroom to discover that my cooperating teacher was nowhere to be seen. Recess ended and still no cooperating teacher. I lined the students up, had them enter the classroom, read them a few books, and then taught an impromptu lesson on the blended consonants "ch" and "sh". (My cooperating teacher eventually returned 30 minutes into the lesson.) After the hour long lesson I was finally able to get them some silent reading time. They were so excited to read the books and I was really proud of them for making their best attempt at the words. Prayers are appreciated for all us as we don't know what the afternoon will hold. :) We love and miss you all!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Reflection from Clarissa
Beautiful Belize
Wow. What more can I say than that one word? It has only been nine days since we landed in the little Belizean airport and I already feel like I have been here for at least a month. I remember when we first got here, we were so scared, nervous, and already homesick out of our wits as we went from everything comfortable to, as my friend Brittany likes to say, "cold turkey Belize." Haha. By now we are very settled in at the Nazarene Campground as we have been here a week. We are used to cold showers, have seen a few tarantulas, and have, more than once, gotten caught in a few "torrential" tropical downpours. So far yesterday, Saturday, was the most amazing day by far. After traveling two and a half hours on a bumpy dirt road we arrived at a spot where we hiked downhill half a mile to see a huge waterfall. It was amazing! To add to the rainforest experience, it started pouring on our way back up the hill. It was very fun! We also went to the Rio Frio Cave and were awestruck at the beauty and enormous size of the cave. To end our day, we went to the Mountain Pine Ridge pools. We all swam around moss covered rocks and under a small waterfall. The pools were unbelievable and so much fun! I mean, how many people can say they swam in the rainforest and hiked a few miles also? The day was perfect! Personally, yesterday reminded me of the beauty of God. I mean, he didn't have to create such wonders for us to enjoy, but he did. And that not only makes me feel so loved, but puts a giant smile on my face as well. As for today, Sunday, it has been a nice relaxing day for all of us. We went to church in Succotz this morning. I got to help lead worship with my cooperating teacher! (That was a once in a lifetime experience!) After church, we came back and have spent the rest of the day working on lesson plans for our week in the schools to come. It's been a great day of bonding with each other and laughing. For all of you out there reading this, know that God is doing amazing things here in Belize and in each and everyone of our lives. I know my own eyes have been opened and my confidence has already been built! I can't wait for the next two weeks and not to mention to come home and share my experiences! Continue praying for us! Mom, Dad, Garrison, Carina, and Gavin I love you and miss you all! See you in twelve days! :)
Until then,
Adios amigos!
Clarissa
Wow. What more can I say than that one word? It has only been nine days since we landed in the little Belizean airport and I already feel like I have been here for at least a month. I remember when we first got here, we were so scared, nervous, and already homesick out of our wits as we went from everything comfortable to, as my friend Brittany likes to say, "cold turkey Belize." Haha. By now we are very settled in at the Nazarene Campground as we have been here a week. We are used to cold showers, have seen a few tarantulas, and have, more than once, gotten caught in a few "torrential" tropical downpours. So far yesterday, Saturday, was the most amazing day by far. After traveling two and a half hours on a bumpy dirt road we arrived at a spot where we hiked downhill half a mile to see a huge waterfall. It was amazing! To add to the rainforest experience, it started pouring on our way back up the hill. It was very fun! We also went to the Rio Frio Cave and were awestruck at the beauty and enormous size of the cave. To end our day, we went to the Mountain Pine Ridge pools. We all swam around moss covered rocks and under a small waterfall. The pools were unbelievable and so much fun! I mean, how many people can say they swam in the rainforest and hiked a few miles also? The day was perfect! Personally, yesterday reminded me of the beauty of God. I mean, he didn't have to create such wonders for us to enjoy, but he did. And that not only makes me feel so loved, but puts a giant smile on my face as well. As for today, Sunday, it has been a nice relaxing day for all of us. We went to church in Succotz this morning. I got to help lead worship with my cooperating teacher! (That was a once in a lifetime experience!) After church, we came back and have spent the rest of the day working on lesson plans for our week in the schools to come. It's been a great day of bonding with each other and laughing. For all of you out there reading this, know that God is doing amazing things here in Belize and in each and everyone of our lives. I know my own eyes have been opened and my confidence has already been built! I can't wait for the next two weeks and not to mention to come home and share my experiences! Continue praying for us! Mom, Dad, Garrison, Carina, and Gavin I love you and miss you all! See you in twelve days! :)
Until then,
Adios amigos!
Clarissa
Pizza!!
The rain continued last night leading to a lazy Sunday. A few of us education majors went with the other two MVNU groups to church in San Ignacio. My school is in San Ignacio and I was hoping to see some of my students there. Unfortunately, I didn't see any of my students while I was there. The service was nice and the message was one that I needed to hear. An after church lunch of BBQ chicken was a delicious way to transition into a sweet midafternoon nap. The afternoon was filled with lesson planning for most of us. The other two MVNU groups staying at the campgrounds with us left after lunch for a week in the southern part of the country. It has been strangely quiet without the other 25 students here. We had PIZZA for dinner, I think it was the highlight of everyone's day. It will be a long night of preparing for lessons and hanging out. Today was a much needed day of rest.
I have found myself wishing away this next week. Next Sunday we will be leaving for Caye Caulker and we are all really excited about it! This week also brings a lot of stress as we are being observed and graded on the lessons that we are teaching. I know this next week in the classroom will be an amazing one that I know I will want to relive. I am praying for patience and to just enjoy the moment, not rushing ahead and thinking too much about the future.
Prayers for all of us are very appreciated this next week as we pour out our hearts into our classroom. We all send our love home!
I have found myself wishing away this next week. Next Sunday we will be leaving for Caye Caulker and we are all really excited about it! This week also brings a lot of stress as we are being observed and graded on the lessons that we are teaching. I know this next week in the classroom will be an amazing one that I know I will want to relive. I am praying for patience and to just enjoy the moment, not rushing ahead and thinking too much about the future.
Prayers for all of us are very appreciated this next week as we pour out our hearts into our classroom. We all send our love home!
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Reflection from Brittany Roberts
Picture this: You wake up at 6am to roosters crowing and dogs barking like crazy. You know how in the movies, the rooster crows once, everyone wakes up, and the day goes on? No, roosters crow EVERY second of the day AND night. Anyways, you sit up in your canopy of a bug net, peel yourself out of your damp sheets, climb down from the top of your triple decker bunk bed, and walk past 45 other sweaty, snoring girls to the bathroom. Oh the bathroom. The bathrooms are BYOTP (bring your own toilet paper). Luckily, toilet paper was bought for us shortly after we got here, but no tp is typical for Belizean restrooms. The bathroom smells awful and it only gets worse when you turn on the shower. While standing in the shower, wearing flip-flops, you have to hold your breath as the freezing cold water flows down from a skinny stream out of the shower head. As you dry off with your damp, smelly towel you've used way too many days in a row, you're thinking, what the heck am I doing here? And then we start to see Belize, meet its people and you realize, I'm here because God led me here.
This life us girls are living while being here is WAY out of most of our comfort zones. We complain about our cold showers, damp beds, the fact that we have to brush our teeth with water out of our water bottles...but this is life for most Belizeans, minus the fact that we have access to clean water. We complain about our cement floors, walls and tin roofs, but most Belizeans live in run down, cement homes with dirt floors. But these people are the most beautiful, happy, loving people I've ever met. It puts so much into perspective.
When you think of developing countries, you have the mindset that you're going there to help them. But the people here have already done so much for me in the week I've been here than I could ever imagine doing for them in my life. They are so family oriented and friendly. Everywhere we go, we get smiles and waves. When I go home I know a piece of my heart will be left in Belize. With the people, with Howard Smith Nazarene Primary School, with the amazingly beautiful land, and with the Succotz Nazarene campgrounds.
When I reflect on this past week, I am so thankful I get this experience, that God chose me to completely step out of the routine of my life, and to minister to me. In the classroom, God has blessed me with the greatest cooperating teacher I've ever had, some of the cutest 3 and 4 year olds I've ever seen and, despite the language barrier between my students and I, the opportunity to find unique and special ways to connect with my students. I am looking forward to this next week, to have more chances to love and be loved by my students, to connect with them and my cooperating teacher, and to continue to enjoy this amazing experience God has brought my way. I miss home more than anything, but I know that God is allowing me to use these last 2 weeks to continue building the relationships I am building here, with my students, and the other girls on this trip.
To everyone back home, I miss you all so much, I love you tons, and I will see you all in two weeks! Continue praying for us all. We appreciate every prayer!
Much love,
Brittany Roberts
This life us girls are living while being here is WAY out of most of our comfort zones. We complain about our cold showers, damp beds, the fact that we have to brush our teeth with water out of our water bottles...but this is life for most Belizeans, minus the fact that we have access to clean water. We complain about our cement floors, walls and tin roofs, but most Belizeans live in run down, cement homes with dirt floors. But these people are the most beautiful, happy, loving people I've ever met. It puts so much into perspective.
When you think of developing countries, you have the mindset that you're going there to help them. But the people here have already done so much for me in the week I've been here than I could ever imagine doing for them in my life. They are so family oriented and friendly. Everywhere we go, we get smiles and waves. When I go home I know a piece of my heart will be left in Belize. With the people, with Howard Smith Nazarene Primary School, with the amazingly beautiful land, and with the Succotz Nazarene campgrounds.
When I reflect on this past week, I am so thankful I get this experience, that God chose me to completely step out of the routine of my life, and to minister to me. In the classroom, God has blessed me with the greatest cooperating teacher I've ever had, some of the cutest 3 and 4 year olds I've ever seen and, despite the language barrier between my students and I, the opportunity to find unique and special ways to connect with my students. I am looking forward to this next week, to have more chances to love and be loved by my students, to connect with them and my cooperating teacher, and to continue to enjoy this amazing experience God has brought my way. I miss home more than anything, but I know that God is allowing me to use these last 2 weeks to continue building the relationships I am building here, with my students, and the other girls on this trip.
To everyone back home, I miss you all so much, I love you tons, and I will see you all in two weeks! Continue praying for us all. We appreciate every prayer!
Much love,
Brittany Roberts
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