The Eagle team mascot. :)
Loving life. :)
Monday, October 12, 2009
InterHouse Sports Day...
This last Friday we had the InterHouse Sports Day, which was basically an "our school only" track meet...and it was great fun! It was a BEAUTIFUL day...one of the nicest we've had since we've been here. Chris manned the high jump, and I was in charge of registration in the afternoon. I didn't feel quite as connected to the races as I did for the last cross-country day (because the elementary school wasn't involved in this day), but it was still SO much fun!
The Eagle team mascot. :)
Loving life. :)
The Eagle team mascot. :) Loving life. :)
Our INDIA Family!
SO much has happened, and I’m feeling helplessly backlogged on my blogging. It feels frustrating to not be able to share everything I want to share with the people I love the most. But, I guess that’s one of the negatives of this WONDERFULLY positive experience. I’ve decided to just post a bunch, and get as caught up as I can. :)
I’ve wanted to share our “India Family” with everyone for a while now. I was AMAZED at how quickly we formed family-like relationships the people here. The majority of our closest friends are people that we came here with because they were the very first people we met here…and none of us knew anyone! It’s kind of like showing up on a freshman floor your first year of college. No one knows anyone, so you suddenly get to know everyone!
And so, here's our India family!
Jenny is one of my wonderful music friends, and is an ex-college-rugby player! Watch out ya’all, you do not want to mess around with this girl. Things you should know about Jenny: she doesn’t do kid song actions, she’s a SWEET cook, brushes her teeth 5 times a day (to keep food from getting into her clarinet!) and is becoming quite the instrument “fixer”. She also coined the term “they’re in the hole”…when you’re so tired you can’t stop laughing. Oh, and she’s our neighbor!
Greg is the “foodie” of the group. I haven’t had a conversation with Greg yet that hasn’t ended up talking about one of his culinary creations. Greg is also a fellow “Amazing Race” lover, and is actually sitting with us right now watching the show! Greg teaches RE classes, so is the expert on the various (and confusing) religions that surround us. Greg has traveled quite a bit, and taught in Mexico before coming here.
Dave is married to Beth (I don’t have a picture of her…sad!), and together they are the LIFE of the middle school. They both teach major subjects, and seem to run every club, lead every hike, love every kid. Dave is a BIG guy, is goofy, and a blast to be around. He’s also quite brilliant, and amazingly good at explaining terms in Catch Phrase. Beth teaches science, is SO extremely hospitable, and a great example of Christ’s love. A really great couple.
Christina is the art teacher…has a SWEET personal style…is from Canada (we don’t hold that against her), and is pregnant! It’s been really fun getting to know her and her sweet spirit. She’s married to Casey, and their first baby is due at the end of November. WOW! She’s currently painting/decorating the “baby room”…so much fun!
Casey is ALSO from Canada, and like any good Canadian is a HOCKEY guy! He came to the U.S. on a hockey scholarship, and is apparently pretty awesome. He’s a soon-to-be daddy, is a guy that Chris really loves to hang with, and is my co-leader for our big week-long activity week. Pretty hard core, and definitely knows what he’s doing in life!
Brady is another student teacher that came over in the same program as Matt. Brady is king of pop music, and knows every lyric to every song ever made. One of my first memories with Brady was singing “Love Story” on one of our first hikes…WORD of WORD. Always hilarious, always making his sarcastic funny comments, always fun.
Aman is of Indian descent, but was born in Singapore and grew up in Hong Kong. He recently went to school in the U.S. and worked at M.I.T. before he took a job here as a dorm parent. Soon after we got here though, he took over the college counselor position. He has the biggest vocabulary in the school, is very well spoken, and is always good for a big hug!
Karan…oh Karan! Karan is an alumni of Woodstock, and came here this year as a volunteer. He is now on staff (wahoo!), and basically works in PR for the school. He’s done a ton of the work on the website, and writes all sorts of things to send out to alumni and prospective students. Karan is a hoot, and seems to know everyone. He’s had someone visit him almost every weekend, and is definitely a “maintainer” of relationships. AND, he shared his umbrella with me during my first monsoon experience!
Stephen is also “native Indian”, and has a passion for inner-city students. He taught in Chicago for the last couple of years, and volunteered in an Indian public school for 6-ish weeks before starting his job here. He’s got “techniques” of keeping his kids in line…and they all love him. He also has SUCH a passion for math. While the rest of us get excited about a day off for school sports, he feels upset because his kids are missing out on learning math! He’s a blast, is extremely kind, and has definitely found his life calling.
Nan is the “know-all” girl around school…she student taught last year, so helped us all figure things out when we got here! She also knew tons of people that were still working here, and helped introduce us all. Nan is a WONDERFUL cook, has a sweet personality, and used to be a canoe guide at a camp in the boundary waters (with Laura). Oh, Nanners…
Laura is a great friend from Minnesota. We got really close during the first week of “staff only” time, and now struggle to find time to see each since we’re on totally different schedules! Laura has a master degree in divinity, and is an extremely skilled speaker…she just spoke at chapel the other night, and it was wonderful! She’s always up for “bare your soul” talks and “belly laugh moments”, and is never without a smile.
Kate is one of my new music friends, and is ALSO from Minnesota. Kate is always on top of things, and has often saved me from making a fool of myself in the music department. She teachers piano lessons and elementary choir, so we definitely tag team on some things! She’s an amazing piano player, and a great friend!
Steve-o (a.k.a. Smilin’ Steve) is a personality unto his own. He’s run 5 marathons, is always up for the hiking adventure, and has bi-polar energy swings…he’s either RIDICULOUSLY energetic, or dead on his feet. He’s kind of the brother we all miss from home, and is the one we ALL banter sarcastically back and forth with. He’s unfortunately decided to grow out all his hair…us girls on campus are still trying to talk him out of it. :)
Megan is Jenny’s roommate, and the other band director…the brass side of this instrumental duo. Megan is the “man” in this roomie relationship, killing spiders and mice without a blink or a scream. Megan’s quite amazing at the French horn, and LOVES her students so much. She’s also “been in the hole” with us multiple times, and has a VERY infectious laugh!
Matt is a student teacher this semester from Minnesota, and an adventure-seeker. He’s a triathalon-er, seriously hardcore in life, and another goofy guy. He’s Dave’s student teacher, and they’ve put on multiple comedy skits for middle school assembly. Matt’s one of my “hiking buddies”, is SO easy to talk to, and we’ll miss him SO MUCH when he has to go home!
Dave is also a friend of Chris’ aunt and uncle, is married to Cookie, and (as you can tell by his picture!) matches Cookie's energy step-by-step. Dave seems like he knows something about everything, and has been our hike leader on many a trek. Dave’s always up for an adventure, is a math teacher here, and one of our great friends.
Cookie is a friend of Chris’ aunt and uncle from Kansas, and we actually got to meet her and Dave back in Iowa! Cookie is EXCEEDINGLY energetic, is a hard-core biker back home, and got asked to step in as HR interim director soon after she got here…she has many talents. :)
And, that's our India family! We love you all dearly...
I’ve wanted to share our “India Family” with everyone for a while now. I was AMAZED at how quickly we formed family-like relationships the people here. The majority of our closest friends are people that we came here with because they were the very first people we met here…and none of us knew anyone! It’s kind of like showing up on a freshman floor your first year of college. No one knows anyone, so you suddenly get to know everyone!
And so, here's our India family!
Jenny is one of my wonderful music friends, and is an ex-college-rugby player! Watch out ya’all, you do not want to mess around with this girl. Things you should know about Jenny: she doesn’t do kid song actions, she’s a SWEET cook, brushes her teeth 5 times a day (to keep food from getting into her clarinet!) and is becoming quite the instrument “fixer”. She also coined the term “they’re in the hole”…when you’re so tired you can’t stop laughing. Oh, and she’s our neighbor!
Greg is the “foodie” of the group. I haven’t had a conversation with Greg yet that hasn’t ended up talking about one of his culinary creations. Greg is also a fellow “Amazing Race” lover, and is actually sitting with us right now watching the show! Greg teaches RE classes, so is the expert on the various (and confusing) religions that surround us. Greg has traveled quite a bit, and taught in Mexico before coming here. 
Dave is married to Beth (I don’t have a picture of her…sad!), and together they are the LIFE of the middle school. They both teach major subjects, and seem to run every club, lead every hike, love every kid. Dave is a BIG guy, is goofy, and a blast to be around. He’s also quite brilliant, and amazingly good at explaining terms in Catch Phrase. Beth teaches science, is SO extremely hospitable, and a great example of Christ’s love. A really great couple.
Christina is the art teacher…has a SWEET personal style…is from Canada (we don’t hold that against her), and is pregnant! It’s been really fun getting to know her and her sweet spirit. She’s married to Casey, and their first baby is due at the end of November. WOW! She’s currently painting/decorating the “baby room”…so much fun!
Casey is ALSO from Canada, and like any good Canadian is a HOCKEY guy! He came to the U.S. on a hockey scholarship, and is apparently pretty awesome. He’s a soon-to-be daddy, is a guy that Chris really loves to hang with, and is my co-leader for our big week-long activity week. Pretty hard core, and definitely knows what he’s doing in life!
Brady is another student teacher that came over in the same program as Matt. Brady is king of pop music, and knows every lyric to every song ever made. One of my first memories with Brady was singing “Love Story” on one of our first hikes…WORD of WORD. Always hilarious, always making his sarcastic funny comments, always fun. Aman is of Indian descent, but was born in Singapore and grew up in Hong Kong. He recently went to school in the U.S. and worked at M.I.T. before he took a job here as a dorm parent. Soon after we got here though, he took over the college counselor position. He has the biggest vocabulary in the school, is very well spoken, and is always good for a big hug!
Karan…oh Karan! Karan is an alumni of Woodstock, and came here this year as a volunteer. He is now on staff (wahoo!), and basically works in PR for the school. He’s done a ton of the work on the website, and writes all sorts of things to send out to alumni and prospective students. Karan is a hoot, and seems to know everyone. He’s had someone visit him almost every weekend, and is definitely a “maintainer” of relationships. AND, he shared his umbrella with me during my first monsoon experience! 
Stephen is also “native Indian”, and has a passion for inner-city students. He taught in Chicago for the last couple of years, and volunteered in an Indian public school for 6-ish weeks before starting his job here. He’s got “techniques” of keeping his kids in line…and they all love him. He also has SUCH a passion for math. While the rest of us get excited about a day off for school sports, he feels upset because his kids are missing out on learning math! He’s a blast, is extremely kind, and has definitely found his life calling.
Nan is the “know-all” girl around school…she student taught last year, so helped us all figure things out when we got here! She also knew tons of people that were still working here, and helped introduce us all. Nan is a WONDERFUL cook, has a sweet personality, and used to be a canoe guide at a camp in the boundary waters (with Laura). Oh, Nanners…
Laura is a great friend from Minnesota. We got really close during the first week of “staff only” time, and now struggle to find time to see each since we’re on totally different schedules! Laura has a master degree in divinity, and is an extremely skilled speaker…she just spoke at chapel the other night, and it was wonderful! She’s always up for “bare your soul” talks and “belly laugh moments”, and is never without a smile.
Kate is one of my new music friends, and is ALSO from Minnesota. Kate is always on top of things, and has often saved me from making a fool of myself in the music department. She teachers piano lessons and elementary choir, so we definitely tag team on some things! She’s an amazing piano player, and a great friend!
Steve-o (a.k.a. Smilin’ Steve) is a personality unto his own. He’s run 5 marathons, is always up for the hiking adventure, and has bi-polar energy swings…he’s either RIDICULOUSLY energetic, or dead on his feet. He’s kind of the brother we all miss from home, and is the one we ALL banter sarcastically back and forth with. He’s unfortunately decided to grow out all his hair…us girls on campus are still trying to talk him out of it. :)
Megan is Jenny’s roommate, and the other band director…the brass side of this instrumental duo. Megan is the “man” in this roomie relationship, killing spiders and mice without a blink or a scream. Megan’s quite amazing at the French horn, and LOVES her students so much. She’s also “been in the hole” with us multiple times, and has a VERY infectious laugh!
Matt is a student teacher this semester from Minnesota, and an adventure-seeker. He’s a triathalon-er, seriously hardcore in life, and another goofy guy. He’s Dave’s student teacher, and they’ve put on multiple comedy skits for middle school assembly. Matt’s one of my “hiking buddies”, is SO easy to talk to, and we’ll miss him SO MUCH when he has to go home! 
Dave is also a friend of Chris’ aunt and uncle, is married to Cookie, and (as you can tell by his picture!) matches Cookie's energy step-by-step. Dave seems like he knows something about everything, and has been our hike leader on many a trek. Dave’s always up for an adventure, is a math teacher here, and one of our great friends.
Cookie is a friend of Chris’ aunt and uncle from Kansas, and we actually got to meet her and Dave back in Iowa! Cookie is EXCEEDINGLY energetic, is a hard-core biker back home, and got asked to step in as HR interim director soon after she got here…she has many talents. :)
And, that's our India family! We love you all dearly...Wednesday, October 07, 2009
The sun and the rain and the FAMILY!
Lots of times when my family is together we sing our prayer before we eat. One of our favorites...
Oh, the Lord is good to me, and so I thank the Lord
For giving me the things I need
like the sun and the rain and the appleseed (family)
the Lord is good to me.
Instead of appleseed, we've always just substituted family...and right now I'm thanking God for family!
This has been a WONDERFUL week with Rachel and Yvonne here. It's been really fun (so full I haven't blogged yet...so full I've barely taken any pictures!) So you'll get lots of words, but here are my thankful thoughts of family!
GOA: We had a GREAT time in Goa! Rachel and Yvonne actually got in to Delhi later than expected...AirIndia pilots were on STRIKE, so their flight was cancelled! Luckily, they got another flight. We left Delhi around 12:00 on Thursday, and headed to Goa. Check out Rachel's blog for pictures...she was much more diligent than I was!
We stayed in a bed and breakfast type place for the first night, but once we realized it was going to RAIN our entire stay, we moved to a big resort with a spa. WAHOO! I got as many massages in two days as I have the rest of my life. It was WONDERFUL! We also did get to run on the beach, eat lots of great food, and sit out on a balcony overlook the Arabian Sea! It was fun to add that body of water to our swimming repertoire. :)
And then, we came home. It's been so much fun having them here! Here are some of the highlights...
- We had a breakfast supper with all our closest friends here so they could meet our "India Family". LOTS of great food, and then a couple great games of Catch Phrase. Hmm...
- SWEET shopping trips to the bazaar! After our first trip the three of us came home with 24 stolls and scarves, and I have personally bought 6 pairs of dangle earrings this week. They're rubbing off on me, and I'm embracing my inner tourist!
- GREAT talk time...ah, family!
- Date night with Rach! (and Yvonne and Chris had a date night!) I had some great processing time with Rachel tonight...Chris and I have both changed SO MUCH, but sometimes it's hard to process with each other because we're both changing so much. Rach has known me for a long time, and it's been really fun to process through some of the transitions that I'm experiencing in my life. Thanks darling!
And this weekend we're going to Rishikesh! I'm in the middle of a book about the history of the Ganges, and once I've wrapped my mind around it's significance I'll post the condensed version. I'm committing to take a ton of pictures this weekend...hippieville India, here we come!
Sorry about all the text lately, there'll hopefully be more pictures to come soon. To all the family that can't be here...we love and miss you SO MUCH!
Oh, the Lord is good to me, and so I thank the Lord
For giving me the things I need
like the sun and the rain and the appleseed (family)
the Lord is good to me.
Instead of appleseed, we've always just substituted family...and right now I'm thanking God for family!
This has been a WONDERFUL week with Rachel and Yvonne here. It's been really fun (so full I haven't blogged yet...so full I've barely taken any pictures!) So you'll get lots of words, but here are my thankful thoughts of family!
GOA: We had a GREAT time in Goa! Rachel and Yvonne actually got in to Delhi later than expected...AirIndia pilots were on STRIKE, so their flight was cancelled! Luckily, they got another flight. We left Delhi around 12:00 on Thursday, and headed to Goa. Check out Rachel's blog for pictures...she was much more diligent than I was!
We stayed in a bed and breakfast type place for the first night, but once we realized it was going to RAIN our entire stay, we moved to a big resort with a spa. WAHOO! I got as many massages in two days as I have the rest of my life. It was WONDERFUL! We also did get to run on the beach, eat lots of great food, and sit out on a balcony overlook the Arabian Sea! It was fun to add that body of water to our swimming repertoire. :)
And then, we came home. It's been so much fun having them here! Here are some of the highlights...
- We had a breakfast supper with all our closest friends here so they could meet our "India Family". LOTS of great food, and then a couple great games of Catch Phrase. Hmm...
- SWEET shopping trips to the bazaar! After our first trip the three of us came home with 24 stolls and scarves, and I have personally bought 6 pairs of dangle earrings this week. They're rubbing off on me, and I'm embracing my inner tourist!
- GREAT talk time...ah, family!
- Date night with Rach! (and Yvonne and Chris had a date night!) I had some great processing time with Rachel tonight...Chris and I have both changed SO MUCH, but sometimes it's hard to process with each other because we're both changing so much. Rach has known me for a long time, and it's been really fun to process through some of the transitions that I'm experiencing in my life. Thanks darling!
And this weekend we're going to Rishikesh! I'm in the middle of a book about the history of the Ganges, and once I've wrapped my mind around it's significance I'll post the condensed version. I'm committing to take a ton of pictures this weekend...hippieville India, here we come!
Sorry about all the text lately, there'll hopefully be more pictures to come soon. To all the family that can't be here...we love and miss you SO MUCH!
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Rest for body and soul :)
This weekend I did NOTHING. And, when I say nothing, I actually mean A LOT...but I did it ALL by myself! (and of course, my wonderful husband!). I came home right after school on Friday, and didn't see another non-husband member of the human race until late Saturday night when our neighbor stopped over to say hi. It was seriously wonderful.
So, I spent all of Friday night and Saturday working on school stuff....things that I've been struggling to find time to do for over a month, and this weekend I found it! It's been a struggle to figure out what each grade should be achieving each quarter, but I now feel quite organized and on top of things. :) It feels SO good!
Not much to tell about the weekend, and it feels wonderful to have not much to say about the weekend. And, I really love my husband a lot!
This next week is a short week ended by mid-quarter break, and we're going to Goa with Yvonne and Rachel! Haven't thought much about the actual trip, but have thought a LOT about getting to be with family again!
Later ya'all!
So, I spent all of Friday night and Saturday working on school stuff....things that I've been struggling to find time to do for over a month, and this weekend I found it! It's been a struggle to figure out what each grade should be achieving each quarter, but I now feel quite organized and on top of things. :) It feels SO good!
Not much to tell about the weekend, and it feels wonderful to have not much to say about the weekend. And, I really love my husband a lot!
This next week is a short week ended by mid-quarter break, and we're going to Goa with Yvonne and Rachel! Haven't thought much about the actual trip, but have thought a LOT about getting to be with family again!
Later ya'all!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Things I DON'T like...
I officially DO NOT like how humid everything is here! Or rather, how humid our home is. I can't put on clothes without feeling like I'm going to get sick...they're all cold and damp! It's officially DUMB. There's my rant for the night. :)
On a happy note, this weekend looks like it should be quite wonderful. I'm excited for some down time, maybe extended date time with Chris?! Hanging at a coffee shop?! Getting ready for our guests and traveling to Goa!
On a happy note, this weekend looks like it should be quite wonderful. I'm excited for some down time, maybe extended date time with Chris?! Hanging at a coffee shop?! Getting ready for our guests and traveling to Goa!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
India Book Club #3: Princess
Princess is a book telling the story of Princess Sultana, a member of the royal family in Saudia Arabia. It's a true story with changed names, and has really struck my heart in a new, strange way. I don't remember all the details, but it's one of those books that has left me stewing over "concepts" and "injustices". I finished it a couple of weeks ago, and just today started the sequel, Daughters of Arabia. (the sequel started out by telling the readers that 1 month after Princess was published, her family found out that she was the princess! Intense...)
The thing that struck me about Princess was how oppressed I felt by just reading it. The entire story is just a narrative of her life's events, and the struggle she's had living in such an oppressive society. Sultana is fiery, vivacious, troublesome, and NOT one to conform. Unfortunately, her society doesn't respond well to non-conformist women!
I learned about the abaaya, and how women have to cover immediately after reaching puberty. The abaaya covers the entire body (excluding the face), and is worn with a niqab, which covers the entire face except the eyes. I've seen a few women wearing the hijab (traditional Islamic dress) in Mussoorie, and feel an overwhelming sense of sadness every time I see them. To the outside world, they seem nondescript, almost than a person.
Another "concept" that has refused to leave me in peace has been whether or not I'm wiling to "fight". This princess has lived her whole life in anonymity from the men of her culture, and yet somehow she managed to tell her story to an American writer, and her story has now reached millions, and stayed on the New York Bestseller list for 13 weeks. DETERMINATION! A specific example of her unwillingness to give in when she didn't have to came when her husband told her he was planning to take a second wife. This is a VERY accepted tradition in the Muslim world...the Koran says that men may take up to four wives. (and they can divorce them for any reason!) Sultana and her husband had a marriage of love, so when he told her this news she FLIPPED OUT, secretly stole money from him, forged his permission to leave the country (These men aren't dummies, they know how to keep their women in bondage!), and took their three children to Europe. She REFUSED to be treated as less than she deserved!
The biggest concept, though, that I will take from this book is how important it is to possess passion of purpose. What do I really believe strongly in? How strongly do I want to see things change? WHY do I want to see change? What am I willing to give up in order to see change happen?
An area that I've felt strongly about for many years is adoption/the care of orphans. I really need to do some soul-searching about how God wants to grow this passion in my life...and make sure that I'm really willing to let myself be challenged! Sometimes I think I'm ready, but when I'm completely honest with myself I realize that I'm unwilling to give up my own dreams or comforts. Something to ponder...
Reading this book ultimately made me SO thankful for my God, my family, my country, and particularly the men in my life. I feel very blessed.
***There was a commentary/film made in 1980 about Princess Sultana's cousin called Death of a Princess. She was forced to marry an old man at a very early age, and ended up falling in love with someone else. She had an affair and tried to escape the country with the man she loved, but was caught and they were both executed for sins against God and the state. It's an interesting story, and really makes you think about morals and expectations. Adultery is never okay...but then, neither is marrying early teenage girls to 60-year-old men! Thoughts?
The thing that struck me about Princess was how oppressed I felt by just reading it. The entire story is just a narrative of her life's events, and the struggle she's had living in such an oppressive society. Sultana is fiery, vivacious, troublesome, and NOT one to conform. Unfortunately, her society doesn't respond well to non-conformist women!
I learned about the abaaya, and how women have to cover immediately after reaching puberty. The abaaya covers the entire body (excluding the face), and is worn with a niqab, which covers the entire face except the eyes. I've seen a few women wearing the hijab (traditional Islamic dress) in Mussoorie, and feel an overwhelming sense of sadness every time I see them. To the outside world, they seem nondescript, almost than a person.
Another "concept" that has refused to leave me in peace has been whether or not I'm wiling to "fight". This princess has lived her whole life in anonymity from the men of her culture, and yet somehow she managed to tell her story to an American writer, and her story has now reached millions, and stayed on the New York Bestseller list for 13 weeks. DETERMINATION! A specific example of her unwillingness to give in when she didn't have to came when her husband told her he was planning to take a second wife. This is a VERY accepted tradition in the Muslim world...the Koran says that men may take up to four wives. (and they can divorce them for any reason!) Sultana and her husband had a marriage of love, so when he told her this news she FLIPPED OUT, secretly stole money from him, forged his permission to leave the country (These men aren't dummies, they know how to keep their women in bondage!), and took their three children to Europe. She REFUSED to be treated as less than she deserved!
The biggest concept, though, that I will take from this book is how important it is to possess passion of purpose. What do I really believe strongly in? How strongly do I want to see things change? WHY do I want to see change? What am I willing to give up in order to see change happen?
An area that I've felt strongly about for many years is adoption/the care of orphans. I really need to do some soul-searching about how God wants to grow this passion in my life...and make sure that I'm really willing to let myself be challenged! Sometimes I think I'm ready, but when I'm completely honest with myself I realize that I'm unwilling to give up my own dreams or comforts. Something to ponder...
Reading this book ultimately made me SO thankful for my God, my family, my country, and particularly the men in my life. I feel very blessed.
***There was a commentary/film made in 1980 about Princess Sultana's cousin called Death of a Princess. She was forced to marry an old man at a very early age, and ended up falling in love with someone else. She had an affair and tried to escape the country with the man she loved, but was caught and they were both executed for sins against God and the state. It's an interesting story, and really makes you think about morals and expectations. Adultery is never okay...but then, neither is marrying early teenage girls to 60-year-old men! Thoughts?
A list of Jean Sasson's books...
Princess (read)
Daughters of Arabia (reading currently)
Princess Sultana's Circle
The Rape of Kuwait
Growing Up Bin Laden
Ester's Child
Mayada, Daughter of Iraq (just checked it out!)
Princess (read)
Daughters of Arabia (reading currently)
Princess Sultana's Circle
The Rape of Kuwait
Growing Up Bin Laden
Ester's Child
Mayada, Daughter of Iraq (just checked it out!)
Sunday, September 20, 2009
A fun weekend...
Life has really picked up here lately, and I feel like I'm finally catching my breath for the first time in about a week. I am, however, catching it just in time to lose it again, because this week looks to be quite full. :) Being a Stellmaker at the core, most of you know that we tend to thrive on the "crazy" in life...so even though I do feel a bit overwhelmed, there's that underlying sense of excitement. I somehow hear myself saying, "Self, can you do it?" And then of course, I say back to myself, "BRING IT ON!"
So, I'd like to breathe in the present, take a look at the past, and then look forward to the future. BREATHE...here I go!
Friday
This last Friday was the new gym dedication here at school.
The ground-breaking ceremony for the gym to
ok place over 11 years ago, so the P.E. department has been without ANY facilities for the last 11 YEARS! The P.E. teachers were beaming all day, and the ceremony was really exciting. I ended up taking care of the elementary kids, and had a great time of it! They got a bit squirrelly during some of the long talks, but in all were VERY well behaved. WAY TO GO kidddies!
After the ceremony they had a FEAST...where they flew in food, had hot dogs, burgers, salads...all the things that we NEVER have here! Granted, it wasn't beef. But, it was a GREAT chicken burger! And, ice cream. The simple pleasures!
And then, we danced the night away! Seriously, an awesome dance. They flew in the best D.J. in the country, and a guy who did the laser shows for Michael Jackson when he was in India. SWEET! Danced our hearts out, and CRASHED. We were so tired afterwards! GOOD NIGHT!
Saturday
Megan (our neighbor) and and I left for the inter-school cross-country meet at 7:30 AM Saturday morning. I'm officially the girl's "coach", but I've quickly come to realize how loose that term is here. Basically, I gave little pep talks and took times. It was fun! Woodstock swept the meet...in LAST place. :) It was okay though...the school's spirit wasn't dampened in the least!
After the meet we went to look at Mount Herman, a place where a bunch of our friends will be moving. Now it doesn't look so bad...but if they had put us up there when we first got here, I would have run away screaming! Funny how perspectives change! We ate at chardukan (a place on the top of the hill), I went to Hanifl to reserve some camping equipment for the night, then FINALLY came home around 4:00 to see my hubby for the first time in the day!
We had two hours to pack up for a night of camping, get snacks together, and make a dish for the once-a-month woman's bible study. I head off to the bible study (which is SO encouraging!), while Chris head up to Flag Hill with some other guys. The rest of our group head out for Flag Hill around 9:00 PM, at which point I was almost hysterically tired (Amy, I missed you!). It was quite funny. :)
Dave and Beth, Greg and Jenny came up to just hang out for the night (but didn't spend the night), while the Burchell's (Joie, Nate, Will and Annie), the Guenther's (Casey, Christina, and baby-to-be!), Kate, Megan, Laura, and Dave and Cookie Wiebe stayed the night. We had a BEAUTIFUL night to go camping, and woke up to a BEAUTIFUL morning. Life is good!
Sunday
Came home, showered, and headed to school for a FULL day of grading. And, I'm DEFINITELY not even close to being done. They require us to write a paragraph comment for each student in each of our classes, THEN give them an academic grade, THEN give them 6 different effort grades. It's intense! I still have lots to do, but knew I needed a break when the computer screen in front of me started spinning. :)
COMING UP...
This week is filled with getting grades in, the regular evening/morning activities, and getting ready for Yvonne and Rachel's visit! Here's my To-Do List:
- Order music from J.W. Pepper, send to Yvonne.
- Think through, make sure I've thought of everything I want them to bring us!
- A little bit more painting/decorating
- Get one more mattress
- Figure out our 2nd weekend in Rishikesh!
- Stock the house with food/water
- Work ahead at school, so I don't have to do anything while they're here. :)
- Figure out things to do/places to go during the week while they're here
Next weekend, it looks like the plan may be to try Nag Tibba again. :) I think we decided to take a taxi down, so we can make sure to get up this time. Still on the fence, though...not sure if I want to face that monster again!
Here I go...more grading awaits!
So, I'd like to breathe in the present, take a look at the past, and then look forward to the future. BREATHE...here I go!
Friday
This last Friday was the new gym dedication here at school.
The ground-breaking ceremony for the gym to
ok place over 11 years ago, so the P.E. department has been without ANY facilities for the last 11 YEARS! The P.E. teachers were beaming all day, and the ceremony was really exciting. I ended up taking care of the elementary kids, and had a great time of it! They got a bit squirrelly during some of the long talks, but in all were VERY well behaved. WAY TO GO kidddies!
After the ceremony they had a FEAST...where they flew in food, had hot dogs, burgers, salads...all the things that we NEVER have here! Granted, it wasn't beef. But, it was a GREAT chicken burger! And, ice cream. The simple pleasures!
And then, we danced the night away! Seriously, an awesome dance. They flew in the best D.J. in the country, and a guy who did the laser shows for Michael Jackson when he was in India. SWEET! Danced our hearts out, and CRASHED. We were so tired afterwards! GOOD NIGHT!
Saturday
Megan (our neighbor) and and I left for the inter-school cross-country meet at 7:30 AM Saturday morning. I'm officially the girl's "coach", but I've quickly come to realize how loose that term is here. Basically, I gave little pep talks and took times. It was fun! Woodstock swept the meet...in LAST place. :) It was okay though...the school's spirit wasn't dampened in the least!
After the meet we went to look at Mount Herman, a place where a bunch of our friends will be moving. Now it doesn't look so bad...but if they had put us up there when we first got here, I would have run away screaming! Funny how perspectives change! We ate at chardukan (a place on the top of the hill), I went to Hanifl to reserve some camping equipment for the night, then FINALLY came home around 4:00 to see my hubby for the first time in the day!
We had two hours to pack up for a night of camping, get snacks together, and make a dish for the once-a-month woman's bible study. I head off to the bible study (which is SO encouraging!), while Chris head up to Flag Hill with some other guys. The rest of our group head out for Flag Hill around 9:00 PM, at which point I was almost hysterically tired (Amy, I missed you!). It was quite funny. :)
Dave and Beth, Greg and Jenny came up to just hang out for the night (but didn't spend the night), while the Burchell's (Joie, Nate, Will and Annie), the Guenther's (Casey, Christina, and baby-to-be!), Kate, Megan, Laura, and Dave and Cookie Wiebe stayed the night. We had a BEAUTIFUL night to go camping, and woke up to a BEAUTIFUL morning. Life is good!
Sunday
Came home, showered, and headed to school for a FULL day of grading. And, I'm DEFINITELY not even close to being done. They require us to write a paragraph comment for each student in each of our classes, THEN give them an academic grade, THEN give them 6 different effort grades. It's intense! I still have lots to do, but knew I needed a break when the computer screen in front of me started spinning. :)
COMING UP...
This week is filled with getting grades in, the regular evening/morning activities, and getting ready for Yvonne and Rachel's visit! Here's my To-Do List:
- Order music from J.W. Pepper, send to Yvonne.
- Think through, make sure I've thought of everything I want them to bring us!
- A little bit more painting/decorating
- Get one more mattress
- Figure out our 2nd weekend in Rishikesh!
- Stock the house with food/water
- Work ahead at school, so I don't have to do anything while they're here. :)
- Figure out things to do/places to go during the week while they're here
Next weekend, it looks like the plan may be to try Nag Tibba again. :) I think we decided to take a taxi down, so we can make sure to get up this time. Still on the fence, though...not sure if I want to face that monster again!
Here I go...more grading awaits!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
OH, India...
Today I had a couple of moments that I thought...."WOW, I'm definitely in India!"
1. As some of you readers may know, much of the world pronounces their "w's" as "v" and their "v's" as "w". Today an Indian co-worker said "we vowed...", except it came out as "we woved". I giggled for 15 minutes!
2. I was walking to school, and passed two men on the road. We said our "namaste's", and as I passed one of them "tooted" quite obviously. Nothing like saying hello from various orifices! (and there was no laughing...I don't think it was intentional!)
This last one isn't necessarily Indian, but it is necessarily ELEMENTARIAN!
3. One of my VERY cute kids has a tendency to be negative in his words...he started calling the guy in front of him "trashcan" (which, in itself, is kind of hilarious!). I asked him to stay behind to talk with me, and when I asked his side of the story, he looked around for a while (obviously coming up with his story), and said "I didn't call him a trashcan...I said, 'You're sweet!'" Oh, the stories kids come up with.
1. As some of you readers may know, much of the world pronounces their "w's" as "v" and their "v's" as "w". Today an Indian co-worker said "we vowed...", except it came out as "we woved". I giggled for 15 minutes!
2. I was walking to school, and passed two men on the road. We said our "namaste's", and as I passed one of them "tooted" quite obviously. Nothing like saying hello from various orifices! (and there was no laughing...I don't think it was intentional!)
This last one isn't necessarily Indian, but it is necessarily ELEMENTARIAN!
3. One of my VERY cute kids has a tendency to be negative in his words...he started calling the guy in front of him "trashcan" (which, in itself, is kind of hilarious!). I asked him to stay behind to talk with me, and when I asked his side of the story, he looked around for a while (obviously coming up with his story), and said "I didn't call him a trashcan...I said, 'You're sweet!'" Oh, the stories kids come up with.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
India Book Club #2: White Tiger
"In the old days there were one thousand castes and destinies in India," says Balram. "These days there are two castes: Men with Big Bellies, and Men with Small Bellies."
This quote comes to life on the streets in Mussoorie or Dehradun. Very interesting...
I had heard a lot about this book since coming to India, and had the chance to read it recently. This book is Aravind Adiga's first book, and is unlike any other book I've ever read. It's written from the perspective of Balram, an Indian man born to a lower-middle caste of no importance...born in a family with few chances for education or meaningful opportunities. He's quite a bright boy, however, and his family makes sure he knows their expectations of him: to make something of himself! He has one goal: to wear a smart-looking uniform. He achieves the goal, and continues to set higher and higher goals for himself...eventually achieving them all.
The most interesting thing about this book is that it's all written in the form of a letter from Balram to an official in China. He slowly unfolds the story of his life, ALL in narrative-story form. I loved it, because it seemed to give a really strong voice to the perspective of the lower-caste Hindu working man in India.
The caste-system is EXTREMELY oppressive. Since Hinduism teaches reincarnation, there is a belief in self-worth determined by birth. At it's core, it depends on hierarchies of worth, and therefore perpetuates harmful cycles of social oppression and inequalities. Since the narrator was born into a lower caste, his opportunities were very limited. The story unfolds his journey to break free of the constraints placed on him from birth.
Balram ends up doing some horrible things to break free of his social bondage, and ends the book as a millionaire with a very successful taxi company. It's interesting, though, to see how he had to do so many WRONG things to get there...the frustrating thing is that you almost feel like he was justified in doing them! The author paints a very clear picture of the hopeless struggle that much of India finds themselves in.
This quote comes to life on the streets in Mussoorie or Dehradun. Very interesting...I had heard a lot about this book since coming to India, and had the chance to read it recently. This book is Aravind Adiga's first book, and is unlike any other book I've ever read. It's written from the perspective of Balram, an Indian man born to a lower-middle caste of no importance...born in a family with few chances for education or meaningful opportunities. He's quite a bright boy, however, and his family makes sure he knows their expectations of him: to make something of himself! He has one goal: to wear a smart-looking uniform. He achieves the goal, and continues to set higher and higher goals for himself...eventually achieving them all.
The most interesting thing about this book is that it's all written in the form of a letter from Balram to an official in China. He slowly unfolds the story of his life, ALL in narrative-story form. I loved it, because it seemed to give a really strong voice to the perspective of the lower-caste Hindu working man in India.
The caste-system is EXTREMELY oppressive. Since Hinduism teaches reincarnation, there is a belief in self-worth determined by birth. At it's core, it depends on hierarchies of worth, and therefore perpetuates harmful cycles of social oppression and inequalities. Since the narrator was born into a lower caste, his opportunities were very limited. The story unfolds his journey to break free of the constraints placed on him from birth.
Balram ends up doing some horrible things to break free of his social bondage, and ends the book as a millionaire with a very successful taxi company. It's interesting, though, to see how he had to do so many WRONG things to get there...the frustrating thing is that you almost feel like he was justified in doing them! The author paints a very clear picture of the hopeless struggle that much of India finds themselves in.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
GO CROSS-COUNTRY!!!
This last Friday we had the Inter-House Cross-Country day. Now, only in India could they POSSIBLY think it was a good idea to make Cross-Country a compulsory sport. :) Actually, it ended up being a REALLY fun day, particularly for the elementary kids.
I ended up handing out place cards and helping out where I could all day, and it was a GREAT day! Now, I have to tell you. The school is divided into three different houses: Eagles (blue), Condors (green), and Merlins (red). Guess which one I am!
Hisaeoo is a dorm parent...can you guess which house she's in?!
Mr. Anderson is the head of high school, and didn't want to show any favoritism,
so he wore this...
This is our friend Nisha, who just adopted this girl from the orphanage we're hoping to partner with eventually. She's BEAUTIFUL!
Hmm...interesting. :)
Whatever staff wanted to run could...this is James, Brady and Aman right before their race!
One of my favorites! All the school guards got flags, and marked the course for the day.
They got really into it!
The junior highers cheering for their team. Get rowdy!
Me and my girls. :)
Little cuties. :)
More little cuties. :)
More little, LITTLE cuties!
Ready, set...(SLAM!) go!
Run run run!
Mr. Mark (head of P.E. department)
GO EAGLES!
Go MORE EAGLES!
Smile pretty!
It was a really fun day, and of the first times that I felt really REALLY happy that I have elementary! I seriously am starting to love these kids...their smiles, hugs, energy. ADORABLE!
AND...I ran with the 11/12th grade girls, and ended up getting 2nd. WAHOO! Now the top 11/12th and 9/10th girls run at Inter-School Cross-Country day on Saturday, so I'm the coach for the next week. I was trying to size up the runners we've got. Should be an interesting day. :)
I ended up handing out place cards and helping out where I could all day, and it was a GREAT day! Now, I have to tell you. The school is divided into three different houses: Eagles (blue), Condors (green), and Merlins (red). Guess which one I am!
DURING one of the races, these ladies AND this car blocked the road. Quite funny. :)
Hisaeoo is a dorm parent...can you guess which house she's in?!
Mr. Anderson is the head of high school, and didn't want to show any favoritism,
so he wore this...
This is our friend Nisha, who just adopted this girl from the orphanage we're hoping to partner with eventually. She's BEAUTIFUL!
Hmm...interesting. :)
Whatever staff wanted to run could...this is James, Brady and Aman right before their race!
One of my favorites! All the school guards got flags, and marked the course for the day.
They got really into it!
The junior highers cheering for their team. Get rowdy!
Me and my girls. :)
Little cuties. :)
More little cuties. :)
More little, LITTLE cuties!
Ready, set...(SLAM!) go!
Run run run!
Mr. Mark (head of P.E. department)
GO EAGLES!
Go MORE EAGLES!
Smile pretty!
It was a really fun day, and of the first times that I felt really REALLY happy that I have elementary! I seriously am starting to love these kids...their smiles, hugs, energy. ADORABLE!
AND...I ran with the 11/12th grade girls, and ended up getting 2nd. WAHOO! Now the top 11/12th and 9/10th girls run at Inter-School Cross-Country day on Saturday, so I'm the coach for the next week. I was trying to size up the runners we've got. Should be an interesting day. :)
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