Some Pics

Panama's National Flower-Orchid Exhibit

It's called the Holy Spirit Orchid because of this little guy sitting in the middle

These were just pretty

Panamanian Orchid Mola

Our amazing desserts at Crepes & Waffles, that's mine on the bottom left--it was a coffee, caramel mini-waffle

Isle Mamey

Isle Mamey, but auntie...I'm owling for you!

It's all packed in

Hello Blogger Peoples,

This past week was much better than the week before. Still very trying and frustrating, but in comparison it was much better. God is helping me become more assertive. Thank you all for your prayers please keep praying because I'm feeling a little torn down and not so much a good teacher.

Was told this past week that I have some tics by the kids. Apparently when I have to yell to be heard I comfort myself by rubbing my arm. Also, it seems I keep my hands straight and never point, but do this karate-type movement. I don't mind so much the latter, I think it's pretty funny (it's true, I hate to point), but the other one I'm not too happy with. I think they just caught me at a bad time because I was sun burnt and my arms were sore...I'm going to say that was it. Also, it seems there is to be a fundraising show where they imitate some of the teachers, I've already been told I was a go. I've noticed the kids are picking up the random things I say, with even the same inflection-I don't know what to think of that. It may be dangerous.

Went to the orphanage this past Wednesday, it went very well once we got past the procrastinating Panamanians. The orphanage was under construction so half of the kids were somewhere else. The other half were toddlers and babies and when we (our group of 12) arrived they were asleep. We ended up cleaning a mildewy wall with the three brushes they gave to us, which meant (for a time) nine people were standing around cheering the three on. Very unproductive, but eventually we were able to go in and play with some of the toddlers (not the babies-only about 7-8 toddlers). It was sad to go, one of the little boys was giving huge smiles as we were walking out and throwing hugs and arms out...hard to walk away. I was very emotionally tired when we left. Funny story, when we finally got word of a task we all walked out following the head lady. I had no idea what was happening as I was at the back so I asked Abby (haha...Asked Abby) what was happening. She said, "We're following the heffa." As if I could change what was said, I piped up in shock, "Whoa, Whoa, Whoa!" [Which apparently is becoming my trademark of sorts as I say it often when I feel someone else may have been wronged--you can ask me when I puked/drooled after a confrontation and saying my motto another time] My shocked face must have made Abby explain further and the few 11th & 12th graders near were baffled by their unknowing of what must have been going on in my head. Abby linked it pretty quick and said, "Heffa, like the boss lady." I responded with cupping my mouth and laughing. She then explained to the others why I'd gotten upset by telling them that I thought she had just called the lady a heifer, which was a cow. Had a really good laugh and I still am giggling about it as I write.

Crossfire group went well, the girls were chatty and we definitely didn't have any awkward silences. They were sweet. I asked if there was anything that I could do to make the group run the way they wanted and they said, 'No, just be you.' I don't think they realized how sweet it was.

Game night Friday night, where I did laugh until I cried. Had a great Saturday with the Louderbacks + friends. Went to a locally-known private beach. Was actually pretty close to the other one we went to, it was very nice. We could swim out and look straight to the bottom. I saw a starfish and a bunch of little fishies. I didn't have any goggles. I brought a pair with me from the US that somehow are missing the rubber ring around one eye. They wouldn't be very helpful. I need to buy a new pair if we go again. Fun day. Then today it was work work work then a little play at a dinner party at the Richardsons where I made chili, cheese dip (I think it was a hit).

Thanks all for keeping tabs on me. And thanks, too, for reading these long rants about my days!
Love you!

Hard Week...

I am so grateful that the week has concluded. I think this past week was probably my most difficult to date while being in Panama.

It was a combination of many many things. I told God I had too much on my plate, but I guess he thought I was secretly still hungry for more because he piled it too high. I'm sick, full and ready to spew (I, literally, was feeling sick today with the weight I was carrying, causing a headache, which in turn caused the nauseated feeling-Lovely) It is not that I have taken on too much, I am managing. It is the unforeseen circumstances and difficulties that arise from those. I realize many of you are reading this and probably thinking, "Quit being so vague!" I will not. All I ask for is prayer, at this time. Now that this week is done, I'm hoping the next weeks can't really be any worse...so, there's my bright side.

Quite a few funnies this week and a sweet, sweet compliment that I needed at just the right time. The compliment was from a student that was telling me her goals for the future today. She said she wanted to be a teacher. I asked for what. She said, "...a teacher like you, that teaches English and Writer's Workshop." The full impact of what she said didn't hit me until I got home and could recuperate from the day, but it was just the right words.

I'll share a couple of the funnies...
*Many students this week decided their goal was to throw as much stuff towards the trash can as possible. At the end of my tether I eventually told a student to go outside. As soon as I let those words out, I followed up by saying, "...and go stand in the sun!" The mental picture that came rushing to my head was priceless and instead of maintaining my composure I lost it and laughed hysterically. As I looked up and saw the student's confused/baffled face, I laughed even harder. He ended up not going outside because I just couldn't compose myself to be serious. [It was the last class of the day and one of the harder ones yesterday]
*One student felt his hand needed to be up in the air for much of the period and at one point when I'd had enough of the questions I told him, "Put your hand down or I'll cut it off." Probably not the best thing to say to a 6th grader...may need to keep those comments on the down low.
*Another 'I can't believe I had to say that...': Direct quote: "...Put your shirt down and get to work!"
*Lastly, I've picked up this very entertaining (at least to me) habit of when a student is hunched over (too far over) in there desk and they don't realize I'm there, I lightly place a finger right at the edge of their hair. Again, this is very entertaining...the trick is to do it just long enough that the student is perturbed and realizes there's something happening to his hairs, but not long enough that he then has a chance to look up at you with a questioning look.

I'm a great teacher! (I'm sarcastic and I definitely am not)

Love you all!

Many things

Hi all,

School is engulfing me. I feel constantly busy, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. This week we'll be having parent/teacher conferences and I'm so lucky that my list seems to be the fullest! [That was dripping wet with sarcasm]. I'm very nervous and frustrated.

Kids at school are going ok. I feel I'm challenging in a good way, but I'm starting to see the flair and interest begin to sag. Lots of complaining from the kids, too. Cheryl is not liking it.

Kinda funny story, as I'm drowning in edits and grading I find myself trying to encourage on their papers by wanting to just say 'Like.' Funny how FB is overtaking our minds and thoughts. I'm not 'Liking' my want to 'Like' on their papers! There is no button!

Oh, I'm driving now...and if I do say so myself I am quite excellent at it.

I ran out of school so fast today that I completely forgot my power supply and also my Bible! So, I'm cutting this short. Love you all.

OH! I have pictures...just a few though, I've got work to do.

Why Smurfs is called Los Pitufos I have no idea, but I do really like the name. I like to think Los Pitufos could be translated to: tiny, blue fat men (plus, a lady).

Yes, those are all Pinas. Went to a fruit & veggie market this weekend with the lovely Louderbacks. We were exposed to the underside of the backside of the massive Albrook Mall.

We stopped and stared at this man and questioned his behavior. Those are beans he is poring into another bucket. Some of us just couldn't understand why he wouldn't just pour them a little lower instead of having the balance and aim of a magician...The picture doesn't capture this, but there is dust and other dust stuffs flying out while he is pouring, which was the intention. Smarty Rebecca figured that out. Great picture though, so big thanks to Tina for encouraging me to be the typical tourist.

These are lynchees. Quite a few of them too. You bite into the outer shell, then pull this grape-type fruit out and suck on it. It is slimy like a grape without its skin, but it's tasty! I was impressed with the amount in the back of this truck.