3 days of school down, 32 to go! Hebron is an adorable, California campus style school with THE MOST respectful students perhaps on the face of the planet. I first met my staff when walking into our Monday morning staff devotions approximately 5 minutes late. You see, when there are 4 kids scrambling to get ready, 2 parents packing lunches, combing hair, watching faces, and feeding animals…..not much seems to get done on time. Willa and I bolted out of the house at 8:05, scurried along the 10ish minute walk and then couldn’t even find where all the teachers were. So, what a wonderful first impression. Soon I learned that everyone here is so laid back and forgiving. These first 2 days meant learning the ropes, feeling awkward wondering if I could use one of the school’s mugs during tea time, getting lost in the corridors, feeling like maybe they do speak a different language, feeling like the students were staring, and hoping I could remember students’ names. But through it all, they expressed they felt I was learning quickly. Today was a breakthrough. I got to help monitor and do group work with students learning figurative language and close reading(my favorite topic!) and even used my smoldering teacher look to persuade a Year 12 class clown to shush. Sweet as.
So far I’ve picked strawberries, eaten 3 slices of Watermelon (formally one of my least favorite fruits….okay I still don’t LOVE it), taken a tour of Sarah’s garden, discussed politics/music/sports with Vince, had a fake fight with my 16 year old brother (Levi), done the dishes 4 times, gone with Willa (7 yrs old) and Theo(10 yrs old) to buy “lollies” aka gummy candy, climbed Mt Albert (1 of 9 dormant volcanoes in Auckland), learned loads of new phrases, watched a diarrheic puppy poop on a rug, and learned how to play countless games on the trampoline.
Tomorrow, Lane and I have a staff meeting and then we’re catching the bus into town. So wish us luck!
Here are some snaps.
Lane and I about to leave Columbus....awful photo, but I thought I'd include it.
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| The sunrise as we were about to land in Sydney. |
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| My BEAUTIFUL bedroom, the window stays open always :) |
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| Our first "Lolly" trip together |
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| Willa and the puppy...We're best friends already |
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| Kitchen...Their house is lovely |
Good to hear about how things are going. Since Lane is having trouble with internet and sending messages, I feel like I can keep up some through you. Have a good bus trip and mom love to you both!
ReplyDeleteDenise
Wow. Okay I admit it, I might be living vicariously through your blog a little bit. Hope that's okay! ;)
ReplyDeleteI loooove that you have used the smoldering teacher look already. You rock girl! And I know that you will continue to conquer the awkward moments of mug confusion and misunderstandings. New Zealand is lucky to have you.
Keep being you!
Angela
p.s. Willa is such a cute little thing! I can almost imagine her offering you mud pies with her enviable accent.
oh my gosh, i lost it when you said "sweet as" haha too adorable. I miss it and i miss you! So glad you're having a great time - and yes, they are definitely all laid back there. My prof showed up to our exam late for the final! So i think 5minutes is ok haha
ReplyDeletei love you love you love you and cannot wait to read your next post!