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!