lessons learned...

Wow, it's officially been one week since I've started classes and already I'm learning the little ins and outs of becoming an effective teacher. It is tough to say the least but most certainly rewarding in many little ways. From tying shoe laces, bandaging boo boo's, to teaching the proper way to shoot a basketball, this week has been full of lessons. Some things I've learned are to not make promises to play kickball when you doubt the students will even remember the promise. Trust me. They do not forget promises. God truly has little quaint ways of showing me that I have quite a bit to work on. I have a wonderful support system here though, it is like one big family, everyone is looking out for each other. It is a feeling I can't describe. Christ's love is ever so blatant through the faculty and their genuine desire for Susi and I to have just a big of an impact on the students as they have. I love it here. Yes, I know it has only been two weeks, but my attitude has been consistent, and I'm praying for God's guidance throughout this journey. I'll be honest, the kids do test my patience throughout the day, but if there is one thing I have learned is that I have little patience, and that is something that I can work on for sure. I'm far from perfect. Anyone who truly knows me, knows that. This year, however, will shape me into the young woman God intends. Anyways, I love the kids here. They are beautiful inside and out. Some may be a bit rowdy, some may be very reserved and quiet, but past their initial shells, they all seem to have a genuinely innocent composure to others and the desire to have everyone happy. I think that is amazing. Today, I was teaching 3/4 P.E. In this class is a boy named Corey. Corey, is a different child yet at the same time, I've noticed to be quite knowledgeable about various random subjects he's interested. But, Corey does not understand the meaning of no talking back. He always has to have the last word or has to just continue talking. I've learned he loves hopscotch ...oh and WITH A ROCK. (He gives those he asks about hopscotch a question whether they like playing it with a rock or a leaf). :P This whole week though, I have made the assumption that Corey has a type of behavior disorder seeing how his parents and teacher treat him compared to the other students. BUT, today I decided to go against the rules and find it out for myself. So, today was soccer day. Every one chose a partner, and Corey had one too, but before I knew it he ran off to the restroom and his partner found someone else. Therefore, Corey was left without a partner. I got the rest of the kids set up and in action and by the time Corey returned, I decided to partner with him. "Corey, lets kick!" I said. He proceeded to tell me that he'd rather be playing hopscotch. I didn't ignore him but as a responce to his hopscotch request, I kicked the ball to him, thinking it'd go past. NOT SO MUCH! The kid pulled a total Beckham on me! He trapped the ball, juggled it um maybe 5 times, and passed it perfectly back! To say I was in shock is an utter understatement. So I asked Corey, "do you play soccer at home?" He said no he's never kicked a ball before, but he liked watching the world cup this summer. I put two and two together and found myself completely behooved by Corey. Another incident to cover the lessons I've learned this week. I was tutoring in 2nd grade after school one day this week with two students with dyslexia. I can honestly say that this was my favorite part of the week. I loved it. One student, Tyler, is the funnest kid alive. He is extremely smart and loves attention. The latter I've found can be a bit complicated when it comes to teaching him how to pronounce his "ae's, ch's, mb's" and whatnot, mainly because he did not focus. BUT, I realized that all he needed was the one-on-one close attention and encouragement. He had it. I was so proud of him! The little lessons this week have taught me all kinds of patience. I love how God works through my life in the simplest of ways. The small mannerisms of a student can truly change a teachers heart. This week my one of my prayers will most definitely be to have God take the lead in my life and my teaching of the kids. He taught me the ultimate lesson to love. The least I can do is pass it on to a child and show them patience that God shows me everyday, every moment of my life. That's the least I can do.
Well, this weekend I am going camping with the church, I'm looking forward to it most definitely. I will update soon I promise! :)
Much love,
Ari

up till now...

So the apartment is quite homey. I like it. At first I walked in and was hit with a kind of humidity I've never felt before. Sticky and muggy! But, I quickly told myself to get over it. My hair...thats a different story. Mr. Mooy took us out to California Pizza Kitchen, one of my favorite restaurants. And over the next couple days, we were given tours around the island so we could see the different beaches/mountains/inactive volcanoes. This place is beautiful. I've fallen in love with it immediately. The people here are very kind and loving. And yes, the Hawaii mentality of "take it easy" is true. The cashier at the supermarket proved that for me. On friday evening, a group from one of the local churches gets together to go to the marina to watch fireworks. Every friday night in the summer this occurs. Sabbath morning, I grabbed my violin and headed off to church where I joined a quartet that actually plans to play this coming sabbath and sunday for two funerals. Interesting, yes. Church was surely an experience in and of itself. We went to the Japanese American SDA church here on the island. Sabbath school was very insightful. It really made me think about why I do the things I do and believe differently than the next person. Praise and worship was almost the most uplifting thing I've experienced and I truly felt the presence of God while the ukelele was playing some of my favorite songs. After church we were asked if we wanted to join the choir. Of course, me being me, I said yes immediately without thinking about the other 5000 things I have going on. But, I dont regret it for a minute. So, I said yes, and the director said "ok, GREAT, alto's here, sopranoes there, tenors over there." I took a second or two to grasp what just happened. Yes, choir was starting at that moment! So, the selfish/hungry part of me was thinking, "what about potluck." Just as the thought crossed my mind, no sooner said than done the director said "oh and, no worries, they start potluck late." So I happily sat down. Sung my heart out. And enjoyed every moment of it. We then all separated our own ways to potluck or wherever. Potluck was lovely. Susi and I made a few friends here which was nice being able to get to know some of the locals. I was then called to the violin group. I hadn't really picked up my violin much to play since my senior year of high school so I was quite nervous when I picked up my bow and violin to play. God truly took away any worry I had, because once I started playing, I felt like I had never stopped before. At that moment, I realized it would be a sin to waste the talent He gave me 16 years ago. Strangely, that is something my parents have been telling me for YEARS. After violin, me, Susi, and a couple friends we met at church went to the beach across town. There really is nothing like a sabbath afternoon in the sun with the breeze, relaxing and reflecting on the blessing to have this day we call SABBATH. We eventually returned home, changed and met up with the other taskforce workers working at the high school for ice cream. It was a great ending to an even greater day. As for sunday, that was probably one of my busier days. The night before Susana and I pretty much swore we would not wake up till 10. Not so much, we were up at 7, ready for the day. So we walked to Jamba Juice, my first experience. I'll give it an A++. :) I'm sure they'll be seeing more of us. Then we went to Ross to buy beach towels, then off to the beach we went. Or I should say, off to the beach to get burned. That lasted all of 30 minutes before we realized we needed to get back and get ready for snorkeling later on in the day. We got back to the apartment with enough time to change again, and we drove the long way to the North Shore, sharks cove where we went to snorkel. This had to have been the highlight of my year most definitely. God truly is the master artist. From the parrot fish to the urchin to the random waves of the reef, the awe I was in could not ever be explained. It was amazing to say the very very least. But there always seems to be a down for every up. Susi and I came back with raw backs from sunburn. The Hawaiian rays truly get to the skin. We decided that very moment, we did not want to look like old raisins. Now sunscreen is the best friend ever. Monday came around and it was down to business. Till yesterday we filed, cleaned, made calls, ran errands, in all, we prepared for the upcoming year of school at HMA. In one short week the staff seems to be much like a family. Everyone only wants the best for the students. Anything less, is unacceptable. Through all of this we found time to train. It has been a tough week but God has truly been leading the whole way. I know this upcoming school year has plenty of ups and downs but I think I'm ready...but God KNOWS if that is true or not. Susi and I have really gotten to know each other and it has been great having someone here because Lord only knows how lonely it can be here. You can be in paradise physically, but if you are not there in the mind, "paradise" isn't very different from your problems themselves.Today is my first day at school! The past week Susi and I have been preparing for this day. It is only a half day but wow, what a joy it was to see the little ones walk onto campus. I have been helping Mr. Mooy most of the morning, with short spurts of helping teachers and forming my lessons for the next couple weeks. I have noticed, now more than ever, that the expression that we wear on our faces really can make a difference in how you are approached. At one point in time today I was walking across campus focused on getting back into the office when Auntie Penny said "Hello Arielle!" I was completely caught off guard because I did not see her. But when I turned around my face lit up. She proceeded to ask how I was doing and had a concerned look on her face when she asked if everything was ok. I asked why and she said I looked a bit stressed and down about something. I nonchalantly blew it off saying that I was fine I was just focused on getting back to the office. As I was walking away, I realized how much of an affect my facial expressions(or lack thereof), can really make a difference in how I am approached. Shortly thereafter, I was walking back across campus while all the other students were at recess when Maekyla said "Hi Miss Ari!" I had seen them playing 4 square and she immediately asked if I wanted to join. I had to politely and regretfully decline, but I thought back to the previous incident and thought, what really made the difference in this little girl's approach to me as opposed to Auntie Penny. One big thing, but simpler than most, A SMILE. It has been a rough week so far but God has definitely pulled me through, the day isn't nearly over, but I am glad to have made it this far. Tomorrow will be a great day :) I'm sure. So I've written a book. I'll post something shorter next time. I promise. :)

<3

left on a jetplane...

So right now I'm in the Seattle International Airport. My flight left at 10:50 this morning and it already been an experience. It started off from last night where my parents and I thought we were going to have to pay an extra $125 for my baggage. Till around 8 we were packing and finding different ways to lighten the load. I'd say it was a miracle that we managed to get the necessaries in the bags. This morning we went to the check-in counter and used a test scale to see how heavy each bag was. All three were over 50. I packed text books for work so thats what made things more difficult. So again, we shifted things around to make things lighter, and it worked with the exception that I had to leave a couple pairs of pants and shoes behind and one bag over a pound. We then walked up to the baggage check-in counter and I let my dad take care of the baggage. We started talking to the clerk and she was very nice and interested in where I was headed. We already knew going into the airport that we'd have to pay for the third luggage. However, she believed in what I was going to be doing and very kindly waived the $125 fee for the third bag and completely disregarded the other overweight bag. I feel that this was one blessing of many to come. Then out of the blue, she whispers to my dad if he and my mom would like to walk me to the gate. WOW. That really was the icing on the cake. I was already a bit sad knowing that I'd have to leave them much sooner than when I'd get to gate. But the fact that she let them walk with me was the nicest thing. After arriving at the gate, we said our last goodbyes. It was quite an emotional rush. I'll be honest and say it took me a good half hour to completely stop the tears :( but it was a bittersweet goodbye. I love my family very much. That's all I have to say.
The plane flight wasn't too bad, but I started to get a bit restless just because it was long. Then about the last hour, the lady next to me and I started talking. She told me she and her husband (who was sitting next to her) were pastors in Melbourne, Fl; a place I used to live when I was a kid. We had a great conversation to say the very least and I feel that that short amount of time we spoke really gave me a spiritual boost for what is to come in the coming months.
Otherwise. My flight today officially marks the end of my summer 2010. What an experience it has been. Full of super ups and major major downs. But on a positive side of things, I have learned loads about myself, that has only made me a better person. God has helped me through it all.
In about 2 hours I'll continue my journey to Hawaii. I figured I'd take a break and sit at the terminal to settle for some time. I think I'll go get a bagel. I hope to update tomorrow :)
peace :)

oh and here's a pretty neato song I heard on the plane that I've liked but totally forgot about.

• Angel by Massive Attack

More Massive Attack music on iLike

on and on and on...

So the past couple weeks have been a blur...getting ready for Hawaii and all. Also my sister is headed out to mexico for a couple weeks so the whole family has been enjoying the last few precious moments we have together till next year. Its a bit bittersweet that for sure. I am uber excited though to go though, I was counting down the days till today but then I forgot in the midst of the rush :P I have no idea what to expect but on the other hand I'm also going there with such an open mind I wont be surprised if I find everything fascinating.
Today the island student missionaries left for their respected countries. They are well on their way to the new journey and I'll definitely be praying for them. :)

On the random note,
I love pandora. I found a neat song yesterday. A bit of what is on my mind :P
Butterfly Bouchet
I Can't Make Me