Friday, October 12, 2012

It's Been Too Long

Hello Blog World! I apologize for the month long absence! I was unaware of the length of time since our last update. My mother reminded me it has been a long time and that I have some spelling errors in my last post. As an educator, I will attempt to use better phonetics. Can I somehow blame the laptop keys?? I promise I pushed the spellcheck button, Mom! :)

Classroom Fun. I am hanging on strong to my four kiddos. We keep plugging away through the curriculum.  This past week one of  them celebrated their birthday and brought McDonald's and a cute cake.  After we sang and the student blew out the candles, his mom gave him the sharp knife to cut the cake. I was a little surprised...but then she cut some and fed him the first bite.  I am still unsure if that was cultural or just the family tradition.  Interesting though to say the least.  Pinterest is still making learning more fun! We did some bubble gum how-to writing activity and I let the kids chew gum...in school!! They thought I was a rock star with how well I was at blowing bubbles. I did confess to them that I had a few years on them.  The next week we talked about dinosaurs and they asked if I was alive when the term dinosaur was coined in the 1800's. I confirmed no, with a laugh of course! We haven't talked about time yet in math so I am not too worried....yet.  We took our yearbook pictures last week. For our class picture, we went outside and jumped altogether. It looked pretty rad!! That is a perk to having a small class! :)

School Spirit.  When new students or staff come, they are assigned a team color. We have four teams. I am part of the Red Army Ants.  It's perfect because red IS my favorite color.  On our first get-to-know you activity I taught them a cheer to encourage team pride/spirit/unity. The cheer is thanks to my days of Winshape Camps. (thanks guys!)  Throughout the year teams host two events - one during school hours and one on the weekend.  Red team hosted a water day.  It was fun...and gross by the end of the night.  We did it on a Saturday and had a good attendance, not to mention made some good money for the school. We went through the water supply the school had and the school began to stink. Not to mention the color of the water in the baby pool was NASTY! Pretty sure my children poured some of it on me...little tricksters!  I felt like I needed an immediate shower!  Blue team hosted an event during school this past Tuesday. We played relay games in the gym and I am proud to say our team won one of the games!  It was so fun to watch some of them play leapfrog. I will have to show you sometime...

Fall Break. Teachers have two days off to relax.  While I am accustomed to having a week off (thanks to the spoiling of Cherokee county), I am excited about the joys of not biking for two days and sleeping in.  I went to the pool today...different (no chairs) but nice....tonight I am seeing Here Comes the Boom and tomorrow I am going shopping! I am oober excited about it!  Speaking of shopping...my Hasty folks will appreciate this the most...I want you to know that I threw out my pink pumps. I can hear the gasps from here. Let's just have a moment of silence for those sweet shoes............waiting..............still waiting..........they were just gross and I was ready for something new...so I got YELLOW pumps!!!!

Christmas Carols. I may have busted out a couple of Christmas tunes during the opening of my box, but now I am in full fledged listening mode.  I think I busted them out earlier this year  than usual because of the excitement of possilbly coming home!  Which leads me to a prayer request. We started our stay paperwork last week, but we need to have it stamped in our passports before we purchase our plane tickets. Of course the longer we wait, the more expensive plane tickets get.  We were told it could take at least three weeks or not until Christmas. Time is money!  I am planning on seeing my ATL family as well as my biological family in OKC! Get those calendars cleared and guest rooms ready!

Responsible Citizen. I am happy to report that I have mailed my absentee ballot and hope to vote via electronically in the upcoming election. It's amazing what technology can do these days! I have seen some of the debates (if ya wanna call it that) which helps keep me afloat not to mention the outpouring of opinions on Facebook!

That is all I have to add for now! I will try to do another post sooner rather than later!
You are loved and missed,
Megan :) xo

Knowing Megan More... Round 3

Q: If you could throw any kind of party, what would it be like and what would it be for?
A: Anything that involves dressing up as something...LOVE costume-y stuff! I am not sure I really need an event to dress up for!

Q: If you could paint a picture of any scenery you’ve seen before, what would you paint?
A: Right now, I would LOVE to see some fall trees with mountains in the background.

Q: If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be?
A: Childhood.  Can that count??? College years were pretty amazing too. :)

Q: If you knew the world was ending in 2012, what would you do differently?
A: Nothing and everything.  Do what I knew the Lord asked of me.

Q: If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor?
A: Too many amazing people to pick in too many facets of my life. I have had some great influences in my life. I am blessed.

Q: If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be?
A: Creation of the world...

Q: If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
A: I am going to with driving on the opposite side of the road.

Q: If you had to work on only one project for the next year, what would it be?
A: Some role on Broadway...as long as I have the talent for it, of course!

Q: If you were immortal for a day, what would you do?
A: ????? Be able to travel anywhere in the blink of an eye...is that more of a superpower though?

Q: If you had to change your first name, what would you change it to?
A: I kinda like my name...I may change the spelling though to add an H or extra E

Q: If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet?
A: I think I would like to talk to my grandma and tell her I became a teacher just like she was. I wish I could hear some of her stories.

Q: If you won the lottery, what is the first thing you would do?
A: Pay off my student loans!!!!!

Q: If you were reincarnated as an animal/drink/ice cream flavor, what would it be?
A: giraffe/coke zero/something with chocolate but NO nuts....odd question...

Q: If you could know the answer to any question, besides “What is the meaning of life?”, what would it be?
A: What color were Adam and Eve? (just wondered this today)

Q: If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose?
A: Anne of Green Gables :)

Sunday, September 9, 2012

The Box Effect

Howdy!  I hope this post finds everyone doing well!  It has been a great couple of weeks since the last post.  Here is what has been going on...

My kids are still amazing.  We are having so much learning all kinds of things in second grade. I have never seen kids get so excited to do work and finish their centers. They are just precious.  I have lost sleep these past two week staying up till 1am pinning cute ideas of how to teach various ideas.  We made some pretty cute safari people....just sayin'.  Everyday I ask what their best part of their day is and without fail one students always says, "seeing you." I feel so blessed. :)

Skype dates. I was THRILLED to get Skype with Ms. Mitchell's class. I am amazed how much technology has changed since I was in second grade.  I adore her class and I am so excited our kids will get to "meet" eachother. Also, I got to talk to my bff from pfo....Becca. Its so cool we can encourage each other in the field an ocean apart.  She has had some adventures in Ghana. :)

Dengay??? Had I known of this disease before coming to Suriname I may have been a bit more prepared.  It is carried through a specific kind of mosquito and makes you very sick. Of course there are different strands, but all make you wish you were dying.  You get bit and then 10 days later the symptoms show up.  You have to wait it out. I say all of this because one of our teammates got it last week and was out of work for about a week.  You can stalk up on vitamin B and sleep with a mosquito net, but other than that... PRAY. I am having to take my fear to the Lord or I may never leave my room. Bugspray is the new perfume around here. I will be stalking up at Christmas.

Spa day - sorta.  My school's secretary, Fabienne, and my new friend, Ashley, took me to get a pedicure, brows tamed, and shopping. We headed over to the Brazil district.  It was so much fun!! It was nice to feel like a woman again. A cup of coffee was served to me on a saucer and it was DELICIOUS! Brazilians sweeten their coffee when they make it so my 5 tablespoons of splenda was not needed. Anyway....the pedicure experience was different than I am used to...hard chair, tub of lukewarm water, "hairdryer/drill" for dead skin...but my feet looked good and I was so thankful!  What we might look down on at in the States is just a different way of doing things.  Then we got to go shopping...I have found a great place!!  I restrained and only bought one purse but I can't wait till next month's outing and I can get another. When I got home, I was thankful for something that felt home-ish. 

Standardized Testing...already???  We had our first (of three) installment of MAP testing.  I was kinda freaking out about it because there was no meeting about it. I am so engrained from the CRCT I was ready to sign my life away before the students started the test. But apparently it is different here. :) It was no big deal...the stress level is no existent. All my teacher friends are welcome to home here in about March or April if they want.... :)

MY BOXES CAME!!!!!!! My boxes finally came!!!!  Praise the Lord!! The bill has not!! Keep praying about that!!! I am a wee bit nervous... oh well!  The shipment arrived Thursday afternoon while school was still in session. My kiddos were so excited they were jumping up and down! They probably thought something inside HAD to be for them! And some of it was!  I turned on N'Sync Christmas as well as Justin Beiber/Mariah Carey "All I Want for Christmas is You" while I opened and sorted out my items. It felt like Christmas.  Then I would like to call the box effect happened. It was so nice to have a reminder of home, but then I have never felt so far from home. I can't come home easily and that made me sad.  It was like after you open all of your Christmas presents and you sit back and say that's it?? or you are super sad the hype is over.  I am so glad about all the friends and places I enjoy here, but today I miss those who know me best. I wish I could hop in a car and come see you.

Not so sporty spice.  Dusty, Jen, and I did a "5k" last weekend.  We do them for the free t-shirts...not for the exercise. Don't be fooled. :) However, as we were "wogging" (walking and jogging combo in case my lingo throws you) I saw some familiar scenery that I saw at the starting line. I was thinking Jen and I were doing well on time. So I asked her what the time was. She said 5:26. It had only been 26 minutes and we were almost done????  Now I am gonna give you about 2 seconds to be mondo impressed with my improved athletic ability...waiting....waiting...ok...here is the truth. Apparently, it was only a 3.4k.  So we ran...just not the full 3.1 miles only 2.1. But that is still better than nothing.  Our next run is for the police station.  They are raising money for a new building.  It is going to be September 22nd. Maybe I will have go-go gadget legs by then...one can wish.

Alright friends/family.  That is all for now.  Know you are loved and thought about often down here NORTH of the equator. (I was corrected by my mother that I am not south of the equator like I have been saying, but actually north. It kinda ruins my cool factor but I will learn to carry on.)  DON'T FORGET....you can text me for free....

Megan XO

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Happy 1 Month Suriname-versary!!

I can't believe it's almost been a month since I have left what was familiar and comfortable for an adventure. I am so thankful I am here. God has placed me in the right place with the right people. I grow more confident in that every day.

I have met my whole class this week - all five students. I adore them.  They all feed off of different love languages I have decided. I have a hugger, storyteller, encourager, and deep thinker. But I have yet to find the gift giver! :)  I feel blessed to love on and learn from these kids.  They got me so off track the other day...we were studying plants and their climates and all of a sudden we are talking how tornadoes can lift houses.  Such inquisitive (and sneaky) kiddos!!! :)  I would like to meet their teacher last year because she did a GREAT job...so much carry over too! :)  One of the students wants to pray for a new country everyday so that the people may know Jesus. That made my heart melt. We are actually going to be studying a country/week and pray for that country. I hope to have a flag from each country we study hanging on the wall as a reminder. 

I don't think have mentioned b-fit. It is the "gym" here.  It feels like hot yoga. They do group classes all without air-co. I have done the easy aerobics class here. It is not too bad until the 20 min ab/push up shenanigans start. I am sliding all over my mat and the floor because I am sweating so much! Take that Bob Harper and Jillian Michaels! :)

Friday night was kick-off night for youth group. It is a ministry for middle and high school students from our school.  We played games - volleyball, basketball, and board games.  It is still true. I was born for the stage, not the court. But everyone was nice and encouraging even when I shot the ball WAY off court! :) Before I leave Suriname I want to be a baller... :) I think Dusty and Tiffany will help me...(They are teachers from GA!)

Yesterday I did my first Suriname 5k. It was hot. And crowded. There was a group of teachers that did it and within that group we had a wogging (walking/jogging) group.  The warm up started at 4:30, but it was still hot. Terri and I gave our water bottles to Sherry to carry in her backpack (sweet of us, huh?).  Well we were all gonna wog together but we lost Sherry.  At mile marker ????? (they don't post that info - kinda torturous!) we were DYING for water. But we ran across the finish line and were given a water bottle and popsicle. It was melting before I could enjoy it completely.  I look forward to more of these shenanigans.

This morning while making my coffee and breakfast the power went out.  But not all over the house...just on my half of the house.  There was no water, air-co, or lights. But in other parts of the house it worked. I was puzzled and checking the breaker did nothing. I told myself it was not going to break me, but when I got home from service and it was hot and I still couldn't shower I felt my frustrations start to compound. Then I realized we had a wonderful porch! The breeze was nce and it gave me time to escape the discomfort. Thankfully, my roommate was able to call Navin (he is head maintenance man at our school) and he told her to flip a switch outside. All was well again! :)

I think I am still in the honeymoon stage of this journey. I am feeling more independent within the city. I have a bike that is CUTE, stops when needed, and is not too tall! :)  My friend, Tiffany, has a birthday coming in a few weeks and she likes themed parties. I am thinking we are going to get along just fine!!  It is hard not having everyone on speed dial but I am thankful for the Skype dates I have been able to have.  I think it is important for me to write the blog so everyone stays informed on all the happening south of the equator, but I want to hear what is going on in your life - a two way friendship, please!

I am SO THANKFUL for the cards, encouragement, and financial gifts you guys have given me. I may not be able to express how much it means. Thank you for investing yourselves in my journey here.  Happy one month! Let's see what the Lord shows me next!

Beyond blessed,
Megan XOXO

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Cue the Sad Music

So I thought that I had finally gotten the perfect bike. It is not too tall, brakes work, and has a basket.  But other day I was biking home from school (by myself) while the dark clouds were looming over me. I asked the guard at our school if he thought I could make it home before it downpoured and he seemed to think so... Unfotunately that was not the case. In the midst of it starting to rain, my chain comes off of my bike. I am not even halfway home yet. Can you hear the sad music that is played during a pivotally sad point in the main character's life?? I felt like I could hear the music.  I called my roommate, Carmen, who has a car and she came and helped me. She brought the rainjack and took my backpack that had my electronics.  Thankfully, they were just fine. :)  She tried to fix the problem, but the chain came off again.  It was a teachable moment: 1. always carry a rainjacket  2. bring along a plastic bag to cover expensive things  3. have Carmen on speed dial.

But the evening did get better. A group of us hit up McDonald's for dinner and then went to go see the Bourne movie. (It was a REALLY nice theater!!! AND only about $6 for an evening movie!) Be jealous all of you Americans!

On the way out, we ran into the Smileys - well the parents. This is a family that is from Arkansas that just moved to Suriname about two weeks ago. They were having date night, but it was nice to meet someone that I had met via email. They will be going into the jungle for a time so I am not sure how much time we will get to see one another, but it is nice to at least to have met them.

Thats all for now, my friends!!! Be blessed!

The Faculty… I mean Family

Leaving my Hasty family was probably one of the hardest parts of leaving the States. They are an incredible crew of people who I miss daily. (And any of y’all reading this that want to send me teaching tips will be cherished even more – if possible!) HOWEVER, God is good. I have a staff that is taking care of me as if I was one of their own.  Listen to this! A high school teacher here, Mr. Gee, has a son that I graduated college with.  Mr. Gee and his wife have a house in the Jackson area.  It is small world, y’all! Each person has been equipped to help us newbies in different ways. They pick up slack when they see someone needs it. Service over self. They truly care about the whole person.  It was hard to not fall in love with all of them instantly!

And….we even have a running club! Now…I am still trying to learn streets and how to ride a bike so running club was an adventure. But to counteract all this fried food that is served me, I am forcing myself to run twice a week at 5:30 in the jungle climate. J We put this GA humidity to SHAME!!

Church

Sunday services look different here! There are two English speaking churches that the teachers mainly go to. So part of the newbies were taken to the outside church. A group of maybe 20 people meet in a garage at someone’s house, pull songs from YouTube, and someone shares from the Word.  We were welcomed (and obviously stood out that we were visitors) from the moment we walked up.  They played songs from the Maranatha Singers- takes me back to my childhood! It was a very humbling experience to take away all the production that sometimes our American churches can get caught up in.  It made me realize (and have a grateful heart) that while God has called me here, He is along with me with this journey – every step.  We also did communion which was a treasured experience.

Last week we attended Berea - the indoor, Dutch speaking church. We wore headsets and had the announcements and preaching translated into English. Apparently it was a guest preacher and so we were encouraged to try it again.  Everyone was so nice.  It was a larger congregation and we were asked to introduce ourselves.  We had to do it...we stick out! What impresses me about these churches is how long the greeting time is...you really could talk to everyone at the service!

I haven't decided yet where I will be attending, but as soon as the Lord shows me I will pass along this information.  Be blessed, my friends!

Yummy, Yummy in my Tummy!

I have been trying new dishes. I have had a roti roll. It couldn’t tell you what’s in it, but it’s DELISH!  I have had some Javanese soup and chicken and noodle dish. We were taken to McDonald’s and it did taste pretty good. Nice and fattening comfort food!  I have tried a Dutch pancake. It is not at all what you think of when you hear the word pancake. Jennifer (a fellow teacher) and I shared a cookie pancake and a Gladiator pancake. Gladiator was an array of meats and super yummy, but the cookie pancake was gross. A picture of the McNasty dish is included! Don’t worry though…there are 100+ others for us to try. Now if I could only remember how we got there…

The cookie pancake....not so good!

Jennifer and I...we be HUNGRY!

Shane and his son, Townsend.

From L to R: Terri, Jennifer, Kya, Allison, Stephanie, and Anna Brielle eating the table. :)

Where Shopping is a Pleasure??? :)

I miss Wal-Mart and Target. While lines are sooooo loooooooong here and sometimes soooooo slooooooow everyone is pretty patient. We waited in line at Popeye’s for 30 minutes just to order…taking the fast out of fast food. In America, you would hear huffing and puffing and complaints galore but here it is just a way of life.

The school supplies that are available is interesting. Other teachers have said it has improved around Suriname, but I am still trying to find 3m hooks and 3-ring (with pockets) folders.  We went to the office store (at the mall) and I was willing to shell out some money for a 3 whole punch…come to find out it is 100 US dollars!!! I wouldn’t even pay that with my last teaching salary! A three whole punch is now on my list to get at Christmas. J

Grocery shopping has been fun. We have been taken to the grocery stores that carry American brands, but you pay some pretty pennies (or SRDs) for it! Cereal is about $7 a box and hair/shampoo/body wash around $10 for the brands you want.  The other teachers have given suggestions at what to go local on compared to indulging in what’s familiar.   It is harder to eat healthy. Period.  It is more expensive…like in the States.   But I will not give up on my quest to try new things while not being carb central!! :)

Four Wheelin’ to Two Wheelin’

Well….I thought I knew how to ride a bike. I have been proven wrong. The teachers that left also left their bikes - which ideally is a money-saver. However, I can’t seem to find one that fits. I am like Goldilocks waiting for a bike to be just right. The answer may be at a bike store.

Bike #1: too tall. It was quite humorous to see me try to get on this thing. We get off to walk across the busy streets...well I had a hard time getting started again. It’s hard to get your balance when you can’t really touch the ground. This bike was equipped with a bell AND basket. Perfection! Outside of the fact that safety is more important that vanity that bike would have been the one.

Bike #2 No brakes. The next bike was better because I could touch the ground, however, needing to stop suddenly was out of the question-which on these roads…is a necessary skill.  Also, I don’t know what gear that bike was set on (because that was broken). I had to channel my inner Lance Armstrong to even go on a flat street. Alas, no bell or basket, so this bike was a no go.

Bike #3 and #4 are what I am trying next but the concern with them already is height. I will keep you posted and I am sure post pictures.

Also…the street names in Dutch only make it that much more complicated for me to find my way home. I thought I could do it today, but then I got all kinds of confused. Stephanie is a great wingwoman for the biking adventures. She laughs at my crazy!

The driving here makes a little more sense although I still think it’s more complicated than what I am accustomed to. The honking is not as intense as I thought it was going to be, but biking next to cars is nerve racking. They are more afraid of hitting us, then we are of hitting them. Still..I prefer more personal spaces than is usually extended my way.

Da House

Simply put I love my house. It is cute and big. (Don’t worry…I have included pictures!)  I have two roommates…Carmen and Stephanie.  Carmen is an amazing cook and has a car! She is from Louisiana and teaches Bible and Art at school.  I think she leaves at the crack of dawn and returns well after the sun sets.  Stephanie is my biking instructor and is a constant encouragement.  She is from the Memphis, TN area and has a BFF that I went to Union with. She will be educating 10 little kindergarteners this year.

When I arrived to my house my air-co (air conditioning) was already running and bed was made. That was a huge blessing since it was about 3am! I have an attached bathroom which is a blessing. I am not sure we have decided about a housekeeper. It is culturally accepted, but the roommates are discussing it. I support cultural roles. J  I still am waiting for my shipment of stuff so I don’t have that homey feel yet. No “after” pictures of my room…yet!!
We do have some unwanted house guests – cockroaches. They are called cock-a-lock-a here. (I am picking up the important phrases here and there.) I have killed 6 family members. One is currently playing hide and seek in my clothing closet. We also house a gecko family.
Our neighbors keep to themselves but their pets do not.  Our next door neighbor has (I am guessing) three dogs.  I think they are trying to beat the rooster across the street by barking in the wee hours of the morning. I wanted to open my window and yell some English phrases at them, but since they probably only understand Dutch I didn’t do such a thing. Our neighbor (with the rooster) works for the Dutch embassy and has a guard 24/7. It makes my street feel important…ok…I feel high class. J
The commute to school is the longest compared to the rest of the houses the rest of the teachers are living at. As of now, the plan is to have all the girls move into another house around Christmas, but I think we are secretly hoping we don’t have to mess with that hassle. Not to mention that our house has a dryer…that is a big deal here! The dryer is on speed or something because it takes 20 minutes to dry a large load and doesn’t ever turn off. Maybe I can pack the dryer with me….

My room! (not cute...yet)

From my bed - bathroom on left/door to house right


speaks for itself i'd say!

love the shower! I just need to work on the shower curtain not invading my space while I bathe!
Entering the bathroom...

 A perfect closet size for this diva. :)

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Are We There Yet???

(First off…let me apologize that I have not updated my blog. We only have internet at school right now, and when I am at school I am preoccupied with my job – imagine that! We were supposed to have internet about a week ago, but timelines mean different things here. Once I have internet at the house I will be ready to SKYPE!!!! SO as a way to make amends I have several posts for your reading delight. ENJOY!)

After a wonderful send off from my dear friends, I boarded the plane in Atl with two large (and heavy) carry-ons. I arrived in Miami late Saturday night and felt like I was already out of the US! After only getting a measly three hours of sleep at the Doubletree it was time to board the second flight to Port of Spain.  That morning I met up with Terri (a fellow teacher – teaching first grade). We got to “Spain” and went through customs like pros. However, we didn’t know that we had to get our luggage out of customs. We were told at our original check-ins that our luggage would go all the way to Suriname. Well…they lied.  We had to nervously wait for an American Airlines employee to show up so we could get our luggage. We needed them to show up before our flight began boarding. It was a nail biter. We waited for hours. I didn’t think the employee was going to show! But God provided the employee to arrive before we departed…and I am pretty sure I hugged a few people because I was so happy. J
Once we got to our gate, we met up with Jennifer (teaching 3/4/5 various subjects). We ate “dinner” (picture included) and had a few laughs. By 9:30pm we were boarding for Suriname. We landed shortly after and had to go through customs…again. This was short and sweet…besides having to wait in line. After a looooooooong and emotional traveling adventure it was nice to see the sweet faces of Stephanie and Carmen. We trekked the 45 minute ride back to our houses and called it a night. My bed never felt so WONDERFUL!

"Dinner"

They were hungry and excited about food!


Here we be!
The money Dixie gave me...what am I gonna buy?
Right outside of the airport at Trinidad and Tobago.



What I purchased with Dixie's money...notice I am wearing long sleeves and a scarf (not pictured rainboots)...I was HOT!And getting some strange looks, but it also could be because I am white.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

The Farewell Tour

So on my Farewell Tour I had an ample amount of time in the car...alone.  I have realized a few things...

1. Katy Perry is "Wide Awake."
2. If teaching doesn't work out, trucking may become my new occupation.
3. Car karaoke is best with Becca Warren. She knows how to almost bust out my speakers and manage to sing louder than the artist.  UU girls - I still don't know song lyrics...nothing has changed!
4. God created some pretty beautiful scenery across our land...I took some mental snapshots to enjoy the beauty of America the Beautiful while I am south of the equator.
5. I am thankful God has equipped me with a spirit of independence and learning to have complete dependence on Him.  I am nervous to go from being independence to dependence on a new culture.

Prayer Requests:
1. I found out I can only have 2 50lb bags...how can I pack up my life in 100lbs??? Prayers and packing tips are appreciated... after all, it's only stuff riiiiiiight????
2. Wrapping up the Farewell Tour...I want to leave well so I can enter well.
3. Have I mentioned I have a few to-do lists??? Time management is essential. :)

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Learning to R.A.F.T.

SO I thought that since I had FAILED at posting once a week, I owed at least 2 posts. :)
This past Friday I finished Pre-Field Orientation (PFO).  A whirlwind of information was learned, friendships bonded, and started processing of an array of emotions.  The whole process of transferring your life to a new place (especially internationally) for an extended period of time takes quite a bit out of you.

Information Learned
Topics at PFO ranged from Third Culture Kids (very interesting), dealing with your marital status (or lack thereof :) ), safety, and personality assessments.  I was affirmed in the fact I am people person. My personality test proves that much - in case such an assessment was needed for those in disbelief.  It was a good tool to guide discussion with our school team on our individual strengths and weaknesses. During the safety seminar, a simulation of a bus riot occurred.  (This was after they showed a clip of the movie "Taken".)  Obviously it was staged, but still a wave of fear did come over me. I wouldn't think of what would I do if I was living in the States. It is difficult to sum up what a TCK is...basically children that are living in another country outside of their passport culture during their development years.  We talked about how and why these kids feel displaced and what we can do to help - the RAFT process. More on that in a minute...

Friendships Bonded
I met some simply amazing people. Not to my surprise there were more females than males in attendance. But the quality of these individuals was/is stellar. They have a heart to serve Christ all over the world.  One new bestie, Rebecca, and I met in our small group the first night.  She is going to be the kindergarten teacher at our school in Ghana.  She is a walking pintrest junkie. I am requiring her to make me things before we leave!  Her demeanor radiates joy and I have never met someone so helpful with other's needs.  I am her "mentor" because she is merely 21 years old, but acts at least 10 years older.  I know she will bless her team and kids with her amazing self.  A fellow Oklahoman, Lauren, is heading to Kabul, Afghanistan, to teach health and be the school nurse. This lady bring so much joy to my life.  She always smothered me with her love and bear hugs.  Her humor is infectious and I am confident she will bring so much joy to her students and team.  I only WISH I could be a fly on the wall of her classroom. :)  Another kindred spirit is Missy. She is heading to Lima, Peru, to educated special needs students.   We bonded pretty much immediately.  One thing I love about her is that she is not exactly what you expect.  She will do an amazing job, but she may starve because she eats nothing with color - like fruits and veggies.  Pray for her nutrition for the next two years!  My roommates at PFO were pretty amazing.  We all are going to schools all over - Singapore, Kabul, Caracas, Rio de Janiero, and Suriname.  We spent time encouraging and laughing at each other. I hope to meet up with some day.  I told them my intent was to become bff so that I would have a place to stay when I wanted to travel to their country.  ;)

R.A.F.T.
R - Reconcile hardships
A - Affirm those close to you
F - Say Farewells
T - Think and Talk

The training process with the transition was beneficial for me because I felt normal with all of my emotions. It also showed me how to walk the process when it is time for my students to transition to another country. I have better expectations of my students and my own situation.  It also help me understand how others around me feel about my leaving.  So since the good-bye tour has officially started, be prepared for the following steps: reconciliation, affirmation, farewell, and talking about it.  I may need a hug in there somewhere.

The BEST THING about PFO ending was a call from the consulate of Miami informing my visa has been approved! God is good! Time to buy a plane ticket, people! :)

Raft building,
Megan :)

Here are some pictures of PFO and my new friends!

Lauren, me, and Becca - now part of me
My PFO Roommates - way too much fun


Jenn and Missy
FaceTime! (in the same room!)
Me and Jenn @ Memphis Redbirds game
Ghana crew @ Memphis Redbirds game
Amazing team!
New bestie, Becca. I love: 12am photoshoot,
New Girl marathon, butterfingers,
and quality time and good conversation.



         
           PFO Small Group - so encouraging!
Suriname Team: Me, Jen, Terri, and Shane
Awesome Crew!





The Camp Life

Hot sun. Cool pool. Organized Mass Chaos. Girls' Tea. Boys Karate. Talent Night. Dancing Luau. Followed by More Pool.

I think I was made for camp most days. Not camping as much as camp.  I had the privilege to invest in my same two foster kid campers.  I love those girls to the moon and back.  At this time of so much newness, it was enjoyable to do something so comforting and so me. We played in the sun and shared how special they truly are even when the world screams the opposite message.  They aren't forgotten.

I have had one camper for four years and I thought it was appropriate to tell her about my move to South America. Well she didn't take it quite as well as I thought she was going to. She teared up and was upset the rest of the night, which pulled on my heart strings only that much more. BUT, it was a teachable moment for the both of us.  Her former caseworker and my new good friend was also a big camper (counselor) at camp.  I was able to share how God brought her to the both of us so we can have that much more ease in communicating.  It was neat to share with my camper how God works in ways we can't explain and it is important to be obedient to what He has asked of us, even if it isn't always easy.

Who knows...I just may start a foster kids camp in Suriname....  :)

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Knowing Megan More... Round 2 (WHY SURINAME)

Q: How did the idea of traveling overseas to teach begin?
A: I have always wanted to travel and live abroad. Teaching is my means. :)

Q: When/Where did you first learn of NICS?
A: 2006: Nearing college graduation and NICS came to our education job fair.

Q: What is NICS?
A: It is the Network of International Christian Schools.They are celebrating 30 years of educating minds all over the world and loving kids and families as Christ would.

Q: How did you first learn of Suriname?
A: Honestly, wouldn't even have known what continent this country was on until NICS connected us. But to my credit...Suriname gained independence in 1975...it's a newer place!


Q: What intrigued you most about teaching in Suriname?
A: I immediately felt connected to the staff.  They already feel like family and I have not stepped on the South American continent yet! I want to step outside of my comforts...I know it will be challenging at times, but God has given me a peace...what more do I need?!?!?!  I have to admit, I do say "I will miss you" whenever I walk into Wal-Mart and Target now. :)

Q: Was there anything specific that led to you final decision to say yes to teaching in Suriname?
A: God giving me a peace that surpassed my desire to remain in fear and not step out. I have to give kudos to my amazing family and friends who have prayed for me and with me during this transition.  I definitely credit my wise counsel of some friends who helped me greatly. :)

Q: When do you leave for Suriname?
A:I have a tentative arrival date of August 1st but I am waiting on the VISA hoopla to figure itself out so that I can buy my one-way airline ticket.

Q: How long will you be in Suriname?
A: My contract is for 2 years, but we can sign on for more years at the end of our contract.  Who knows...I may want to try a new teaching locale in 2 years....The Lord only knows...

Q: How can family/friends/followers support you in Suriname?
A: PRAYER, PRAYER, PRAYER!!!! I would LOVE to still feel connected with FB/twitter/blog messages! I want to be friends throughout my two years and see updates on your lives as well! Of course, if you want to send care packages that is ok too!! I will post at a later date, when I know my address. :)  Financial gifts can be made at www.nics.org on my behalf as well. Make sure you include my code of 003626.  All of those gifts are tax deductible. Those financial gifts will help me come home for Christmas and Summertime! :)

Friday, June 1, 2012

Closing a Door and Opening a Window

Hi everyone!!! I hope everyone is doing well!  It will be my goal to update every week with this blog...here is to a new challenge!! :)

The school ended this past week.  I have been so blessed by being placed with amazing co-workers and working for an incredible administration.  They don't know it, but I am taking them with me to Suriname...in my heart that is.  I look forward to many Skype dates! Once a Husky, Always a Husky.

It is funny that at a moment when I feel overwhelmed (by the next giant leap I am taking) God supplies an unexplainable comfort.  He continually confirms His leading me to the International Academy of Suriname.  This week while I was saying goodbye to my Hasty family, my IAS family sent me videos of my classroom, pictures, and what to expect.  They have already spoken so much excitement and peace into my life and I have yet to meet them!  I look forward to exploring the next stage of life with them.

Pre-Field Orientation (PFO) is starting in about three weeks.  I am excited to make a whole new batch of friends.  I may turn into a leech/creeper so that I can visit them after we all get settled in our own places.

Prayer Requests:
  • Prepping for PFO
  • Prioritizing must haves and the have nots. I can't be a hoarder with this move!

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Knowing Megan More.... Round 1

Q: What was your favorite food when you were a child?
A: Spaghetti!!

Q: What’s the #1 most played song on your iPod?
A:I have ADD when it comes to music...I am constantly on shuffle mode with my finger on the FF button

Q: What is one of your favorite quotes?
A:"The heart of a man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps." Proverbs 16:9

Q: What’s your favorite indoor/outdoor activity?
A:Games/Pool time

Q: What chore do you absolutely hate doing?
A:Putting away laundry...just thinking about it makes me want twitch

Q: What is your favorite form of exercise?
A: Dance!!!  Not that I am good...I might practice (at times) in the mirror (like I am 12 again)....just sayin'...

Q: What is your favorite time of day/day of the week/month of the year?
A: More of a night owl than early bird...LOVE Christmas and Summertime gets me pumped too...I start listening to Christmas music in July - Mariah Carey Christmas, baby!!

Q: What’s your least favorite mode of transportation?
A: Skateboard

Q: What is your favorite body part?
A: I think my body fails me more than not...VERY CLUMSY!! :)

Q: What sound do you love?
A: Someone dying from laughter, MUSIC