yesterday was my first day on the job! I will be serving at Mary's Center as an early childhood preschool teacher for bilingual students. I will be assisting a great teacher named Lorena who has worked at Mary's Center with 2.5-4 years old for a while. we spent an entire day getting the classroom ready for school to start on Wednesday. preschool classrooms are colorful! there is not only dull spot on the walls! there are huge spots of color and patterns in every section of the classroom, making my eyeballs at first freak out wondering where I should focus! not only will a colorful classroom fill my time at Mary's Center, I learned that preschool teachers do a lot of art projects. Lorena gave me several jobs to create new games for kids to work on learning shapes, colors, and patterns. I spent a whole hour cutting out circles of different colors, gluing them on to bottle caps. a whole hour! I am greatly looking forward to meeting the students and learning how a typical day feels. from the first day, I believe I will have a great time teaching at Mary's Center.
*update*
I really miss having two family doctors within a half a mile away from me. I woke up this morning with 19 bug bites on my left leg! itchy! I have no idea where they came from! I am spending my morning washing my sheets and deep cleaning my room, hoping that will help. say a prayer for my leggies.
23 August 2008
08 August 2008
Free Food!
yesterday I had my first food distribution experience in DC. man, was I out of my element!
there is an elementary school, Harriet Tubman Elementary to be exact, right across the street from the MVS house. every Thursday afternoon, they give away produce and food goods to people for free.
I was walking home from my day at the teaching conference when I noticed a long line forming outside the school gate. I did not really have anything I needed to do at that moment, so I decided to join the line to see if there was anything that would liven my dinner.
I have never stood in line for free food before. well, take that back. in elementary school, when I swam each summer for the Mosqueda Mariscos, on sight was a free-lunch program for neighborhood kids. every day, my Mom would have us eat there, which was awesome because I got to eat white bread sandwiches, and we did not have white bread at home. totally cool!
for clarification then, this was my second time in a free-food line. wow, was it an experience. I was the only one there who looked like me. there were grandmas and grandpas, baby-sitters with young children; everyone lined up with their carts and grocery bags. I stood in line in back of a Mexican grandpa who tried his best to tell me in English what to do. I wish I knew Spanish to communicate with him. I wish I knew Spanish to be able to communicate with most of the people in line. I was surrounded by people who had walked a few blocks to get food to help round out their food pantry.
after waiting one hour, the workers were finally ready to start distribution. the mood in the line swifted. people were no longer grumpy from the heat, tired on their feet. they were alert, ready to gather their food. I was just curious what they were giving away, hoping it would help our house's $100/ week food budget.
what did I get? 12 medium potatoes, a 6 pk of hoagie rolls and two bottles of water. not bad!
I decided to experiment at dinner and make vegetable croquettes with the potatoes and carrots and onions from the refrigerator. I have a deep feeling that this year will be quite a challenge for me come meal time. I love food SO much! now, I will have to learn to love it, without eating so much of it. well, that might be a good thing too!
there is an elementary school, Harriet Tubman Elementary to be exact, right across the street from the MVS house. every Thursday afternoon, they give away produce and food goods to people for free.
I was walking home from my day at the teaching conference when I noticed a long line forming outside the school gate. I did not really have anything I needed to do at that moment, so I decided to join the line to see if there was anything that would liven my dinner.
I have never stood in line for free food before. well, take that back. in elementary school, when I swam each summer for the Mosqueda Mariscos, on sight was a free-lunch program for neighborhood kids. every day, my Mom would have us eat there, which was awesome because I got to eat white bread sandwiches, and we did not have white bread at home. totally cool!
for clarification then, this was my second time in a free-food line. wow, was it an experience. I was the only one there who looked like me. there were grandmas and grandpas, baby-sitters with young children; everyone lined up with their carts and grocery bags. I stood in line in back of a Mexican grandpa who tried his best to tell me in English what to do. I wish I knew Spanish to communicate with him. I wish I knew Spanish to be able to communicate with most of the people in line. I was surrounded by people who had walked a few blocks to get food to help round out their food pantry.
after waiting one hour, the workers were finally ready to start distribution. the mood in the line swifted. people were no longer grumpy from the heat, tired on their feet. they were alert, ready to gather their food. I was just curious what they were giving away, hoping it would help our house's $100/ week food budget.
what did I get? 12 medium potatoes, a 6 pk of hoagie rolls and two bottles of water. not bad!
I decided to experiment at dinner and make vegetable croquettes with the potatoes and carrots and onions from the refrigerator. I have a deep feeling that this year will be quite a challenge for me come meal time. I love food SO much! now, I will have to learn to love it, without eating so much of it. well, that might be a good thing too!
05 August 2008
The Start of the DC Chapter of My Life
I made it! after missing my morning flight by 10 minutes, I flew stand-by from LAX to Atlanta to finally land in DC around 10.30pm. a long day!
I am in DC for this week to attend a curriculum conference for my teaching position this next coming year. so this week I will be able to move into my new house and get a feel for the DC life.
here are some pictures of my new life!
I live in the Columbia Heights district of DC. the neighborhood acquired a metro stop in 1999, and as a result the city life has improved greatly in the area. there is a huge building that houses a Target, Best Buy, Marshalls and other big-brand name stores.
there are many row houses in the neighborhood. everything looks really old, reminding me of my Fresno neighborhood. here is the view from my front porch.
and here is the MVS house!
it is a really nice house, almost exactly like I pictured it! once in the front door, on the left is the living room.
straight ahead entering from the front door is a quaint dining room, with the kitchen attached.
housing three stories, there is a winding staircase and takes one from the bottom of the basement to the top of the third story.
and my room! the VSer before me just painted the room a nice light yellow. I am thinking of how I should decorate given the wall color. the room's windows face the street, Kenyon St. here is a nice closet in the room, begging me to fill it with my many shoes & blouses!
all in all, I am beginning to feel very much at home. it was very overwhelming at first, my house mates have already lived with each other for a while. it helped me realize that at times I do not include others when I am in a familiar situation. it helped me reflect that I need to be inclusive in all my surroundings, and especially when new people are present. Jodi-beth McCain, the house supervisor, is coming over in a bit to get be more settled in the house and with the neighborhood. I have been learning a lot about this new life and I am continually praying that this is a good fit.
I am in DC for this week to attend a curriculum conference for my teaching position this next coming year. so this week I will be able to move into my new house and get a feel for the DC life.
here are some pictures of my new life!
I live in the Columbia Heights district of DC. the neighborhood acquired a metro stop in 1999, and as a result the city life has improved greatly in the area. there is a huge building that houses a Target, Best Buy, Marshalls and other big-brand name stores.
there are many row houses in the neighborhood. everything looks really old, reminding me of my Fresno neighborhood. here is the view from my front porch.
and here is the MVS house!
it is a really nice house, almost exactly like I pictured it! once in the front door, on the left is the living room.
straight ahead entering from the front door is a quaint dining room, with the kitchen attached.
housing three stories, there is a winding staircase and takes one from the bottom of the basement to the top of the third story.
and my room! the VSer before me just painted the room a nice light yellow. I am thinking of how I should decorate given the wall color. the room's windows face the street, Kenyon St. here is a nice closet in the room, begging me to fill it with my many shoes & blouses!
all in all, I am beginning to feel very much at home. it was very overwhelming at first, my house mates have already lived with each other for a while. it helped me realize that at times I do not include others when I am in a familiar situation. it helped me reflect that I need to be inclusive in all my surroundings, and especially when new people are present. Jodi-beth McCain, the house supervisor, is coming over in a bit to get be more settled in the house and with the neighborhood. I have been learning a lot about this new life and I am continually praying that this is a good fit.
14 July 2008
week 1 at Camp Keola
I LOVE this place! I see now that I look forward to these camps weeks just as much as the young campers! I was all smiles driving up the hill! this year, Keola will be such a great retreat for many reasons.
#1: escape from Fresno heat! hallelujah! once I reached Shaver Lake, a thick cloud of cool air entered the car, removing the yucky, sticky feeling that rode along with me from the Valley. up at Keola, the temperature during the day has fluctuated between 65-75 degrees. that's right: a high of 75 degrees! wonderfulness! as the campers were arriving yesterday to start week one, a thundercloud greeted them with lots of rain, coming down hard! I felt bad for the parents who were stuck carrying their child's sleeping bag across the wet wet field! but the smell of fresh rain! uhMAEzing! right now, I can hear thunderclouds above; I hope we get more rain! this three week retreat up here will be a great break from the 95 or even higher temperatures in the Valley. Fresnans: you are in my prayers. we will get through summer together!
#2: great, loving staff. it amazes me every year how God hand picks our staff. though we do not have some of the old-timers that have come to camp every year for last 10 years, this year's group is just as energetic, excited, willing to serve, kind to the campers. I am looking forward to three great weeks of watching the staff grow as a camp family and develop lasting friendships with the campers.
#3: fun campers! kids are just too darn funny! every activity I am forcing myself to laugh more quickly because these kids have the funniest observations and stories! it kills me every time. we have a lot of 3rd and 5th graders up here this first week and man, do they have personality! (thunder clap) at dinner last night, every camper was off the wall excited about every little thing. we had the staff introduce themselves and after each name was called, the campers went wild with applause and shouts for their counselor! it was so great! I enjoy every meal time to sit with a new cabin and learn about each kid. those 20 minutes are not much, but they invite me into their lives and I have now become apart of their camp family. I am sure I will have many stories to report during this week.
#4: a life of simplicity. okay, I know I am on the computer writing this blog; that does not project a life of simplicity. but being surrounded my God's beauty, the wonderful cool air, the smell of pine trees, (thunder clap) the sight of the blue, calm lake. I love this change to escape for the business of city life to slow down and really enjoy each minute of my life. I read more up here, which is wonderful because being such a slow reader, there is not much up here to distract me! I might even finish a book in one week! uhMAEzing!
#5: the close feeling I have to God. every year at Keola I am challenged to live my life everyday glorifying God. being surrounded by a loving, supportive community for three weeks, I come home feeling empowered and ready to take action for the Kingdom. with the many life changes that are going to (thunder clap x2) happen once I get home, this time to refocus my priorities is greatly needed.
five really great reasons that make this camp and ministry so special to me! please for the campers, that they remain accident-free and that they have a wonderful time up here. for the staff, that they may grow in friendship with each other and not get burnt out living (thunder clap) with these wild campers! we'll see how God moves at Keola this week. I am excited!
it's raining! smells so good! bye!
#1: escape from Fresno heat! hallelujah! once I reached Shaver Lake, a thick cloud of cool air entered the car, removing the yucky, sticky feeling that rode along with me from the Valley. up at Keola, the temperature during the day has fluctuated between 65-75 degrees. that's right: a high of 75 degrees! wonderfulness! as the campers were arriving yesterday to start week one, a thundercloud greeted them with lots of rain, coming down hard! I felt bad for the parents who were stuck carrying their child's sleeping bag across the wet wet field! but the smell of fresh rain! uhMAEzing! right now, I can hear thunderclouds above; I hope we get more rain! this three week retreat up here will be a great break from the 95 or even higher temperatures in the Valley. Fresnans: you are in my prayers. we will get through summer together!
#2: great, loving staff. it amazes me every year how God hand picks our staff. though we do not have some of the old-timers that have come to camp every year for last 10 years, this year's group is just as energetic, excited, willing to serve, kind to the campers. I am looking forward to three great weeks of watching the staff grow as a camp family and develop lasting friendships with the campers.
#3: fun campers! kids are just too darn funny! every activity I am forcing myself to laugh more quickly because these kids have the funniest observations and stories! it kills me every time. we have a lot of 3rd and 5th graders up here this first week and man, do they have personality! (thunder clap) at dinner last night, every camper was off the wall excited about every little thing. we had the staff introduce themselves and after each name was called, the campers went wild with applause and shouts for their counselor! it was so great! I enjoy every meal time to sit with a new cabin and learn about each kid. those 20 minutes are not much, but they invite me into their lives and I have now become apart of their camp family. I am sure I will have many stories to report during this week.
#4: a life of simplicity. okay, I know I am on the computer writing this blog; that does not project a life of simplicity. but being surrounded my God's beauty, the wonderful cool air, the smell of pine trees, (thunder clap) the sight of the blue, calm lake. I love this change to escape for the business of city life to slow down and really enjoy each minute of my life. I read more up here, which is wonderful because being such a slow reader, there is not much up here to distract me! I might even finish a book in one week! uhMAEzing!
#5: the close feeling I have to God. every year at Keola I am challenged to live my life everyday glorifying God. being surrounded by a loving, supportive community for three weeks, I come home feeling empowered and ready to take action for the Kingdom. with the many life changes that are going to (thunder clap x2) happen once I get home, this time to refocus my priorities is greatly needed.
five really great reasons that make this camp and ministry so special to me! please for the campers, that they remain accident-free and that they have a wonderful time up here. for the staff, that they may grow in friendship with each other and not get burnt out living (thunder clap) with these wild campers! we'll see how God moves at Keola this week. I am excited!
it's raining! smells so good! bye!
04 July 2008
God Bless America Bless God
we see this inspirational phrase everywhere. "God Bless America" bumper stickers, t-shirts, posters, flags, buttons displayed daily and proudly by faithful Americans. during this holiday weekend, this phrase is uttered to friends, proclaimed in commercials and history specials. while I am proud to live in a country that has many freedoms, that is home to many different ethnicities and nationalities, I wonder if this phrase should be looked at another way...
"America Bless God." say that phrase several times for a while. "America Bless God."
that's a bold statement. sounds more like a command.
upon reflection though, while our country is not unified in religion, what if there was a great effort to come together to act as a nation that seeks to do good for the loving, larger God of the Universe?
how can America corporately act to reflect its love and appreciation for a god that brings such good to its people?
as I smile widely this night gazing at a dark sky lit with colorful fireworks, I will be singing my version of the beloved song, "America Bless God."
"America Bless God." say that phrase several times for a while. "America Bless God."
that's a bold statement. sounds more like a command.
upon reflection though, while our country is not unified in religion, what if there was a great effort to come together to act as a nation that seeks to do good for the loving, larger God of the Universe?
how can America corporately act to reflect its love and appreciation for a god that brings such good to its people?
as I smile widely this night gazing at a dark sky lit with colorful fireworks, I will be singing my version of the beloved song, "America Bless God."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
