First of all I would jut like to say how excited I am to have two weeks off for my term/Easter break. I am travelling starting Monday, so I hope to update you with some of my adventures. It feels like I have been teaching here for a lot longer than two weeks and so the break is a welcomed one, and a good time to get away.
Rewinding back a few days I just wanted to share with you one of my favorite things I have done so far. Both of my cooperating teachers are fairly young still, and have kids who are elementary- high school aged. They play on a touch footbal rec league on Monday nights and needed another girl to play so they asked me if I would like to. SWEET! I would love to! I have learned to ask this question though..." Now when you say touch football, what does that mean in Australia?" Most people probably assumed I was talking about two-hand touch American style football (American style football also known as gridiron). No no, touch football, or footy, is a whole new game. I gave him a blank stare when Graeme started explaining it, so he said we would get the 7th graders to play it at recess. My first exposure to the game was a recess version (with way too many players, and iffy rules) played by the year 7 boys the afternoon before our game. That evening I was tossed a jersey, met the team, and then thrown on the field.
I have not felt that lost on an athletic field in a long time. I had no idea what was going on. A few of the rules were explained to me, but I barely caught mot of them. I felt like I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off the whole first half! There are no forward passes, you have six poessions to try and score, it is constantly moving, and the ref is constantly talking to you. (which incidentally led me to stop right before I scored because I thought something had been called on me, but lets not talk about that). Second half went a little bit better. I started to figure out the tactics of the game a bit more and see some holes on the field. It was great fun. I do not remember the last time I had to completely learn a new game like that; if anything it is usually just modifications of games that I already know. The good news for me is that I still have a few more Mondays to figure the game out:) I cannot wait to play again after break.
Here is the link for the Autralian Touch Football Official site if anyone is interested. Be prepared to play when I get home. http://www.austouch.com.au/
Until next time...Hope all is well stateside.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
I love you with all my heart
Teaching is going great. I have had a few days teaching the PE classes, and most of them have been year three and under. Now as many of you know, those probably would not be my favorite grades, but they are really growing on me. I had a great lesson planned for the year ones the other day and my coo-op thought it looked great, so I was ready to go. Well it was one of those lessons that you figure out very quickly is going to tank. So you scramble to come up with simpler more basic games for them to do. The locomotor game I had planned for them went from using different movements to move around the space while tossing beanbags, to lets stand in one specific spot and do beanbag toss relays. I was looking around and thinking "Holy smokes I just bombed that one!" My co-op gave me some encouragement through that though. He said that even for him if 50% of his first grade lessons go like planned he is happy. He thought I did a good job reorganizing the task so that it turned into something that they would be successful with. So in my eyes I completely sunk with the anchor, but from the outside he said it really was not that bad. One of those teacher lessons learned. I had the other first grade class today and with adjustments that lesson went a lot better. Also, after that class my co-op walked up to me and said "That class is probably in the top three worst classes in the school, and you had them sitting quietly around the blue circle, I am stepping back, you can have those guys." Haha, it was probably a combination of a few things that they were able to sit today, but it was a great feeling to hear that.
Another teaching story for you. I taught my first English lesson ever on Monday; I was not really nervous, but I had planned a fair amount for the lesson so I felt ready...which was a good thing I did. On the outside it seemed like a very simple Spelling lesson, but it used lingo even I had to look up. What is a grapheme? What the heck is a digraph? Well I now know. So planning went well; it was fairly cruisy apart from the lingo, I just had to go through the tasks in the workbook and explain a few new prefixes. Here is the fun part, during my lesson I had a few guests.......my co-op was sitting in the back, my principal walked in, and my supervisor was in town with a group of 4 Indonesian teachers that also visited my classroom. My Supervisor was there for pretty much the whole lesson, which did not phase me much, but my co-op told me bits of information after the fact that probably would have made me a lot more hesitant during my lesson. I found out that not only was my supervisor just sitting in on my first English lesson, but she is the English curriculum overseer for all of Queensland, so the lady knows her stuff. I haven't taken an English class in 3 years and probably grammar in about 7, so I am a little rusty to say the least. However, she was impressed with the research I did for my lesson, and said that she thought it was a great lesson. That was one of those times that you say thank you God for making me prepare extra for this lesson!! Glad that was not a lesson where corners were cut (not that I ever do that).
Ending on an "awww" note today. I had my preps today (also known as preppys and basically Kindergarten in the States). One of the little girls in this class just has a mega personality, she has something to say about everything, and she knows how to voice her opinion; probably also one of the smallest in the class. We were going over playground rules and they all have their own to add to ours right, so Abbey pipes up and says "And no saying cheeky words and poking people in the stomach. It is not nice!" Hahaha, yes! Best rule ever. When I was lining them up later she came over to me and looked up and started with the "Umm.....umm....." and then said "I love you with all my heart" and gave me a great big leg hug. Talk about making my heart melt:)
Great day of teaching. I am preparing for tomorrow's all school Cross Country Meet (which they also call carnivals over here.....a bit confusing for me). Should be a good finish to the week.
Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Another teaching story for you. I taught my first English lesson ever on Monday; I was not really nervous, but I had planned a fair amount for the lesson so I felt ready...which was a good thing I did. On the outside it seemed like a very simple Spelling lesson, but it used lingo even I had to look up. What is a grapheme? What the heck is a digraph? Well I now know. So planning went well; it was fairly cruisy apart from the lingo, I just had to go through the tasks in the workbook and explain a few new prefixes. Here is the fun part, during my lesson I had a few guests.......my co-op was sitting in the back, my principal walked in, and my supervisor was in town with a group of 4 Indonesian teachers that also visited my classroom. My Supervisor was there for pretty much the whole lesson, which did not phase me much, but my co-op told me bits of information after the fact that probably would have made me a lot more hesitant during my lesson. I found out that not only was my supervisor just sitting in on my first English lesson, but she is the English curriculum overseer for all of Queensland, so the lady knows her stuff. I haven't taken an English class in 3 years and probably grammar in about 7, so I am a little rusty to say the least. However, she was impressed with the research I did for my lesson, and said that she thought it was a great lesson. That was one of those times that you say thank you God for making me prepare extra for this lesson!! Glad that was not a lesson where corners were cut (not that I ever do that).
Ending on an "awww" note today. I had my preps today (also known as preppys and basically Kindergarten in the States). One of the little girls in this class just has a mega personality, she has something to say about everything, and she knows how to voice her opinion; probably also one of the smallest in the class. We were going over playground rules and they all have their own to add to ours right, so Abbey pipes up and says "And no saying cheeky words and poking people in the stomach. It is not nice!" Hahaha, yes! Best rule ever. When I was lining them up later she came over to me and looked up and started with the "Umm.....umm....." and then said "I love you with all my heart" and gave me a great big leg hug. Talk about making my heart melt:)
Great day of teaching. I am preparing for tomorrow's all school Cross Country Meet (which they also call carnivals over here.....a bit confusing for me). Should be a good finish to the week.
Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
St John Kingaroy
I figured you all may enjoy seeing some pictures of where I get the pleasure of working everyday. Here are a few snippets.
This is my homeroom classroom where I spend my mornings teaching the core subjects. This view is looking from my desk in the corner.
This is the building that my classroom is in. Our room is the first on as you walk up the stairs. Although it looks like what our mobile units look like. This is a permanent classroom building.
This is a view over the middle of campus looking from the playground outside of our classroom.
Here is looking the other way on campus. The big building that you see is the multipurpose center where I spend a lot of time in PE under the cover, but still outside. It also houses the chapel area.
This is a view of the main office. It is right at the front gate when you walk into campus. The campus is shaped in a square.
I hope this gives you an idea of what it is like. It is crazy having such an open campus, especially for being just a gradeschool. I love it! It is so nice to be outside most of the day, and the views are just beautiful.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
First Week
So I survived the first week Down Under; and it was, as the Australians say, pretty cruisy. Not a whole lot going on. I taught a few lessons here and there, but I have not fully taken over any subjects. It is an interesting time to jump into the class because they are trying to wrap up the end of term one. Next week I am taking on history, spelling, math, mentals, and the PE. So it should be a bit busier, but looking forward to it.
I am really looking forward to Sunday when we are going to Brisbane for Dance Fever. The kids have worked so hard preparing for this, and it will be great to actually see the performance. The only downside is that we are meeting 6AM and it will be about a 12 hour day, there is always a price to be paid.
So you know how I said that the elementary students are growing on me? Well they really are. I like to teach the middle schoolers, but the kindergartners just melt my heart. There is this one little guy who is just great. His name is Indiana, Indy for short, and he has this long blonde curly hair and these bright blue eyes. Put an Australian uniform hat on that kid and anyone would take him home.
Not a whole bunch else to report on, I am sure things are going to get a bit more interesting soon. Until then, cheers.
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 "We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ"
I am really looking forward to Sunday when we are going to Brisbane for Dance Fever. The kids have worked so hard preparing for this, and it will be great to actually see the performance. The only downside is that we are meeting 6AM and it will be about a 12 hour day, there is always a price to be paid.
So you know how I said that the elementary students are growing on me? Well they really are. I like to teach the middle schoolers, but the kindergartners just melt my heart. There is this one little guy who is just great. His name is Indiana, Indy for short, and he has this long blonde curly hair and these bright blue eyes. Put an Australian uniform hat on that kid and anyone would take him home.
Not a whole bunch else to report on, I am sure things are going to get a bit more interesting soon. Until then, cheers.
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 "We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ"
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Lorikeet Face-off
So I am guessing that when the average person thinks of Australia and all of the animals they may encounter and could possibly have troubles with, the list may consist of kangaroos, crocodiles, or one of the many deadly spiders and snakes. Me? Nope. In my experience so far I have found a different animal to be a little bit of a thorn in my side.
The Lorikeet.
The temperature outisde is such that we keep the windows open all of the time, which is awesome don't get me wrong, but at about 5a.m.every morning there is a gang (yes a gang, blood brothers til the end) that hangs out diretly outside of my window. Now imagine the most annoying pet bird you have ever heard and multiply that by about 30. Yup. Good morning world. The Lorikeet is a Beautiful bird, google a picture of it, yet we are going to have a showdown soon. That is because they are not just my broken alarm clock in the morning, but there is another gang that hangs out in a couple of trees on our street. The route of my morning run takes me right past these trees just before I reach home. They caught me off gaurd the first couple of days, but I know their tricks now. They are (miraculously) silent as I approach and then as soon as I hit the first tree the whole gang explodes into the shrillest screech and they take flight. Not just anywhere, oh no, some go up some fly at about my level and then some in front and some in back. I am convinced they are trying to drop bombs; every day there has been a near miss of bird poop in front and to the side of me. So help me the day that one hits my head. It is going down, not quite sure what I will do but it won't be nice. We will see who wins this war before I leave.....it has only begun!
On a school note, things are going very very well. I taught a couple of the PE lessons this week and they went great. I taught them a new game and I am pretty sure they are hooked. I learned it from St. John Seward and it is called Shark Island. Just ask and I will explain it to you if you would like. Next week I will start picking up more of the main classes, but my heay load will not be until after term/Easter break which begins after next week. Like I said before it will be very interesting to see how teaching core lessons will go. I am teaching English, science, math, spelling, and Australian history. I am fairly excited though, it will keep me on my toes for sure. And do not tell anyone, but middle school is really growing on me; they are a fun age:).
Today I got to sit through some introduction presentations for a few other new staff members and me. We went over the handbook and some other safety regulations and things: enthralling day. Was not too bad to be inside though because it rained all day long. I have yet to see a full sunny day since I have been in Australia. All I keep hearing is how unusual this weather has been, prove it!
This Sunday I get to tag along to Brisbane for the dance competition that the students are entered in. I believe there is about 60-80 kids that participate from our school and it is a ballroom dancing competition. Every Friday at school they have what is called Dance Fever where professionally trained dancers come in and teach the students different types of dances. One of our teachers is professionally trained as well so she puts in a lot of time and helps the kids put together these routines. From what I have heard our school usually comes home with a few awards, so I am excited to see what the competition will be like. I have watched a couple of the practices already, and I am impressed with the students' skills. It is a really unique program to have at a school.
Tonight Sonya and I were invited to dinner by one of the families at her church, an American family that I met over the weekend. The father is a professor at the University of FL and they moved over here for a few months for his sabbatical. The mom was great, she made sure I had everything I needed and told me her parents were coming over in a few weeks if I were to need anything from the States. It is nice to just have that American connection as weird as that sounds, but it is a little comfort even from people you have never met. So I am excited to get to know them a little better.
Hope all is sunny and well Stateside!
Psalm 95:1-2 "Come let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before Him with thanksgiving; and extol him with music and song"
The Lorikeet.
The temperature outisde is such that we keep the windows open all of the time, which is awesome don't get me wrong, but at about 5a.m.every morning there is a gang (yes a gang, blood brothers til the end) that hangs out diretly outside of my window. Now imagine the most annoying pet bird you have ever heard and multiply that by about 30. Yup. Good morning world. The Lorikeet is a Beautiful bird, google a picture of it, yet we are going to have a showdown soon. That is because they are not just my broken alarm clock in the morning, but there is another gang that hangs out in a couple of trees on our street. The route of my morning run takes me right past these trees just before I reach home. They caught me off gaurd the first couple of days, but I know their tricks now. They are (miraculously) silent as I approach and then as soon as I hit the first tree the whole gang explodes into the shrillest screech and they take flight. Not just anywhere, oh no, some go up some fly at about my level and then some in front and some in back. I am convinced they are trying to drop bombs; every day there has been a near miss of bird poop in front and to the side of me. So help me the day that one hits my head. It is going down, not quite sure what I will do but it won't be nice. We will see who wins this war before I leave.....it has only begun!
On a school note, things are going very very well. I taught a couple of the PE lessons this week and they went great. I taught them a new game and I am pretty sure they are hooked. I learned it from St. John Seward and it is called Shark Island. Just ask and I will explain it to you if you would like. Next week I will start picking up more of the main classes, but my heay load will not be until after term/Easter break which begins after next week. Like I said before it will be very interesting to see how teaching core lessons will go. I am teaching English, science, math, spelling, and Australian history. I am fairly excited though, it will keep me on my toes for sure. And do not tell anyone, but middle school is really growing on me; they are a fun age:).
Today I got to sit through some introduction presentations for a few other new staff members and me. We went over the handbook and some other safety regulations and things: enthralling day. Was not too bad to be inside though because it rained all day long. I have yet to see a full sunny day since I have been in Australia. All I keep hearing is how unusual this weather has been, prove it!
This Sunday I get to tag along to Brisbane for the dance competition that the students are entered in. I believe there is about 60-80 kids that participate from our school and it is a ballroom dancing competition. Every Friday at school they have what is called Dance Fever where professionally trained dancers come in and teach the students different types of dances. One of our teachers is professionally trained as well so she puts in a lot of time and helps the kids put together these routines. From what I have heard our school usually comes home with a few awards, so I am excited to see what the competition will be like. I have watched a couple of the practices already, and I am impressed with the students' skills. It is a really unique program to have at a school.
Tonight Sonya and I were invited to dinner by one of the families at her church, an American family that I met over the weekend. The father is a professor at the University of FL and they moved over here for a few months for his sabbatical. The mom was great, she made sure I had everything I needed and told me her parents were coming over in a few weeks if I were to need anything from the States. It is nice to just have that American connection as weird as that sounds, but it is a little comfort even from people you have never met. So I am excited to get to know them a little better.
Hope all is sunny and well Stateside!
Psalm 95:1-2 "Come let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before Him with thanksgiving; and extol him with music and song"
Monday, March 19, 2012
Finally some pictures
Dream come true. This little guy was so cute! We were at Lone Pine Park, a sanctuary for Koalas.
The kangaroos were very friendly:)
The Sunshine Coast. Not so sunny, but still beautiful.
The front of the house where I am staying.
My backyard. not a bad view in the morning.
First Day of School
Hello all!
So today was my first day of school. It was amazing! I know I am absolutely going to love it. I think that elementary students have grown on me especially after my first eight weeks in NE. The school campus is just gorgeous; once again I will hopefully be able to upload some pictures soon. I am pretty sure staying here would not be the worst thing ever :) My cooperating teacher Graeme Moseling, also known as Mr. Mo, is a great teacher, we get along very well. It will be a steep learning curve for me as I am going to be teaching year 6 math, science, spelling, and Australian history (so not only have I not taken elementary methods classes at all, I know a big goose egg about Australian history, HA!) It should be fun, I am actually kind of looking forward to it. Spelling is going to be an interesting one I know because the students were trying to sound out some words today and we say them completely differently; so if most of them pass spelling the next term it will be a miracle.
A few of the young ones have taken to my accent. One little girl told me I had a beautiful voice; good confidence boost, while another asked me why I spoke a different language. So cute. The uniforms they wear, can I just tell you how amazingly awesome and straight out of a movie they are. Also by the way, I am now wearing a fullbrimmed hat outside everyday, stylin. (required)
I really think that American education should take a few pointers from the Australian education system. My abolute favorite part is the fact that they have two breaks. The first one being for morning tea, and the second for lunch, brilliant. The days move so quickly.
I went to church yesterday with my host person, her name is Sonya by the way so I am just going to use her name from now on, and she attends the Church of Christ (denominations down here really do not mean the same as back home) There are a few American families at church so it was nice to have some connection to back home; one is from Alabama, one from Florida, and I have not met the third couple yet.
Not too much else to report at this time, but I am keeping a tally of all of the spiders I kill while I am here and I am up to number five which I killed crawling up my leg during class today. uck. Hope you are all having a wonderful Monday! Love and Blessings
Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" (grade 6 memory work for today)
So today was my first day of school. It was amazing! I know I am absolutely going to love it. I think that elementary students have grown on me especially after my first eight weeks in NE. The school campus is just gorgeous; once again I will hopefully be able to upload some pictures soon. I am pretty sure staying here would not be the worst thing ever :) My cooperating teacher Graeme Moseling, also known as Mr. Mo, is a great teacher, we get along very well. It will be a steep learning curve for me as I am going to be teaching year 6 math, science, spelling, and Australian history (so not only have I not taken elementary methods classes at all, I know a big goose egg about Australian history, HA!) It should be fun, I am actually kind of looking forward to it. Spelling is going to be an interesting one I know because the students were trying to sound out some words today and we say them completely differently; so if most of them pass spelling the next term it will be a miracle.
A few of the young ones have taken to my accent. One little girl told me I had a beautiful voice; good confidence boost, while another asked me why I spoke a different language. So cute. The uniforms they wear, can I just tell you how amazingly awesome and straight out of a movie they are. Also by the way, I am now wearing a fullbrimmed hat outside everyday, stylin. (required)
I really think that American education should take a few pointers from the Australian education system. My abolute favorite part is the fact that they have two breaks. The first one being for morning tea, and the second for lunch, brilliant. The days move so quickly.
I went to church yesterday with my host person, her name is Sonya by the way so I am just going to use her name from now on, and she attends the Church of Christ (denominations down here really do not mean the same as back home) There are a few American families at church so it was nice to have some connection to back home; one is from Alabama, one from Florida, and I have not met the third couple yet.
Not too much else to report at this time, but I am keeping a tally of all of the spiders I kill while I am here and I am up to number five which I killed crawling up my leg during class today. uck. Hope you are all having a wonderful Monday! Love and Blessings
Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" (grade 6 memory work for today)
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Sunshiney Day
Hello all!! I have settled into Kingaroy for one night now, not really struggling with jet lag at all; last night was a little tough at times to keep my eyes open after a late trip the the grocery store and then dinner at about 9:30, but bed came soon after that. My principal and assistant principal were in in Brisbane for a conference on Friday so they picked me up in the afternoon and we headed for Kingaroy. The time for converstaion was great as I learned what the education system is like a little bit more, and learned words and strange Australia facts. Lots of comparisons come in the first 20 minutes of a conversation. It kind of cracks me up how many times already I have had the same conversation, but oh well, to be expected.
A couple of interesting facts you may find funny ( well I least I find them entertaining, so humor me)
- Trucks are first of all a LOT smaller than our Dodge rams and Fords, especially the ones found in NE, and they are referred to as Utes (pronounced with a long U at the front)
-haha, this one I just like, we passed through a town called Blackbutt. Ha!
- There are signs along the side of the road that have koalas on them, because thats right, there are just wild koalas living in the trees- Awesome! Oh and they are NOT koala bears......JUST koalas.
- We passed a farm on the way into town and I did a double take. "were those?....yes those were deer" Here, the deer are found on the farms, and the kangaroos are the ones you have to watch out for at dawn and dusk on the side of the road. Apparently it just as annoying (and sad!) to hit those pesky guys too. Crazy!
I have been learning a great deal already. Today, my third day in, we woke up and headed to the Sushine Coast. My host person, Sonya, already had a trip planned with some friends and I happened to come in town a little earlier than expected, so I got to go along. It was gorgeous. Can I just tell you how much I love the ocean. The only problem was today was not a Sunshiney day, it actually rained all day; But it was still a great day. About a 2 1/2 hour drive each way so I was able to see some more of the countryside, which is such an incredible shade of green. Apparently quite the opposite of a couple of years ago when they were in their 7th year of drought.
I bought my full-brimmed hat today and am set and ready to go for Monday....I think. I am getting excited an nervous at the same time. I will certainly let you know how my first day goes.
Oh another side note. I will probably not be posting as often as I would like, and pictures will hopefully be coming soon. The house that I am staying in does not have wireless, so I cannot get that on my laptop, and I cannot plug in with ethernet. Also, her computer does not have skype or a camera, so Skypeing will be another thing to figure out in the next few days. :) Pictures will come soon, and I may be posting multiple days at once, so stay tuned. Thanks for reading! Blessings.
Colossians 1:11 "...being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light"
A couple of interesting facts you may find funny ( well I least I find them entertaining, so humor me)
- Trucks are first of all a LOT smaller than our Dodge rams and Fords, especially the ones found in NE, and they are referred to as Utes (pronounced with a long U at the front)
-haha, this one I just like, we passed through a town called Blackbutt. Ha!
- There are signs along the side of the road that have koalas on them, because thats right, there are just wild koalas living in the trees- Awesome! Oh and they are NOT koala bears......JUST koalas.
- We passed a farm on the way into town and I did a double take. "were those?....yes those were deer" Here, the deer are found on the farms, and the kangaroos are the ones you have to watch out for at dawn and dusk on the side of the road. Apparently it just as annoying (and sad!) to hit those pesky guys too. Crazy!
I have been learning a great deal already. Today, my third day in, we woke up and headed to the Sushine Coast. My host person, Sonya, already had a trip planned with some friends and I happened to come in town a little earlier than expected, so I got to go along. It was gorgeous. Can I just tell you how much I love the ocean. The only problem was today was not a Sunshiney day, it actually rained all day; But it was still a great day. About a 2 1/2 hour drive each way so I was able to see some more of the countryside, which is such an incredible shade of green. Apparently quite the opposite of a couple of years ago when they were in their 7th year of drought.
I bought my full-brimmed hat today and am set and ready to go for Monday....I think. I am getting excited an nervous at the same time. I will certainly let you know how my first day goes.
Oh another side note. I will probably not be posting as often as I would like, and pictures will hopefully be coming soon. The house that I am staying in does not have wireless, so I cannot get that on my laptop, and I cannot plug in with ethernet. Also, her computer does not have skype or a camera, so Skypeing will be another thing to figure out in the next few days. :) Pictures will come soon, and I may be posting multiple days at once, so stay tuned. Thanks for reading! Blessings.
Colossians 1:11 "...being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light"
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
The lost day
I am here, finally made it! Well mostly, I am sitting in the Sydney airport waiting to hop on one last flight to Brisbane. I would say it has been a heck of a day, but I really don't know what day it is:) I left on Tuesday from STL and then walked off of an airplane in Australia on Thursday. Welcome to the future, crazy feeling. No jet lag has hit me yet and I managed to get about four hours of sleep on the plane. Great movie selection so I was alright, ha.
Couple of things I have noticed already just at the airport: ok the obvious driving on the opposite side. Not only that but the people movers move on the opposite side, you get on the left one. It must be the side you walk as well because I have run into about four people when we are passing because I stay to the right and they stay to the left. Oops:)
More to come in the next few days.
Couple of things I have noticed already just at the airport: ok the obvious driving on the opposite side. Not only that but the people movers move on the opposite side, you get on the left one. It must be the side you walk as well because I have run into about four people when we are passing because I stay to the right and they stay to the left. Oops:)
More to come in the next few days.
Monday, March 12, 2012
Here we go......
First of all I would like to thank all of you for your patience with me as my blogging lagged a little (ok stopped) by the last few weeks of my student teaching one experience. I promise that will not happen as I set to embark on my Australian adventure.
It was a tearful parting with all of my friends as I drove away from Seward for the last time (as a student at least). It was hard leaving all of those people I love behind. But as the days pass it means the dawn of student teaching 2 approaches. The last few days have been full of laundry, errands, seeing family and friends, walks with the dog, and packing! I think I have finally fit the next 11 weeks into one checked bag, one small carry-on duffle, and a backpack. It took a lot of organizing, stacking, reconsidering, and thinking how stupid it was to be spending so much time deciding what shirts to bring! When I get there, I will have what I have and I probably will not look back. I will go over my last minute checklist in the morning before I load my bags in the car.
I received an e-mail this evening from my cooperating teacher and he sent me the schedule that I will have for teaching when I finally get to Kingaroy. I think that made the whole teaching part of this trip a little bit more of a reality. There have been a few times where I have to remind myself that the main reason I am going down there is to teach.....not just hang out and travel. My schedule looks almost as busy as my first 8 weeks, but it looks like my days will have a little more variation; I am excited to see what it will actually be like when I get down there and the schedule is deciphered a little bit for me:)
I have been overwhelmed with prayers and support and all of them are so greatly appreciated. I am going to ask for forgiveness now if I do not keep in as good of touch as I should while I am down under, but I will do my very best.
My plane leaves St. Louis tomorrow, March 13th at 3:20pm. I arrive in Atlanta around 6 and then take off for Sydney at 7:15pm. I will land in Sydney on the morning of Thursday March 15th and then hop on one more short flight up to Brisbane, which will be my destination for a few days until I am taken up to Kingaroy. It will be a whirlwind of travelling, but hopefully it will mean a lot of sleep, and some reading:)
My main forms of communication while I am there will probably be Skype, facebook, e-mail, and this blog. My Skype ID is mgpauluhn if you are interested. I would love to chat with anyone who wants to. Hope all is well for everyone reading. Blessings.
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