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March and April have been pretty low key compared to the past few months. Only a few things really stick out in my head.

1. Maturita- In order to graduate high school in Slovakia, you need to pass the leaving exam, otherwise known as the Maturita. The students, during March, took the English writing, math (optional), and the 4th years took their Slovak language exam. This was a little nerve racking, even for me, because I have been the one in charge of the 5th year writing class. We will see in just a few short months whether or not I have been an effective teacher. They still have English conversation remaining, along with their choice of any two other subjects coming up in May.

2. English club- My first year English club has continued to hang on, sometimes by a thread, but it is still withstanding the length of this year thus far. In the past few months, we have watched movies, sang karaoke, painted eggs and made cupcakes, and this past week made halušky- the national Slovak food- potato dumplings with sheep cheese and bacon.  It has been nice getting together with students outside of the classroom to really just spend time together, do a fun activity, speak English, and get to know them better.  On top of all of this, I have seen a huge growth in the students since the beginning of the year.  The past two weeks, they have worked completely on their own with just my overseeing help.  In Slovakia, most people do not make cupcakes or even know what they are.  My students not only made them on their own, but they also read and followed an English standard measurement recipe.  They also completely prepared the halušky on their own and gave me a few pointers and directions along the way.  I have been mighty impressed with their abilities to lead and take control.

A few of the boys cutting up the bacon for the halušky.

3. Easter- Over Easter, I first travelled to Košice once again to meet Ashley and her parents.  It was wonderful to see her again and to be able to meet her terrific and hilarious parents.  The first moment upon arriving at the hotel, they handed me a gift of American peanut butter.  What isn’t to love about them??  After two days in Košice, I travelled to Krakow, Poland with Krystal, one of the new American lectors in Tisovec.  We went to Auschwitz concentration camp on Saturday and got a tour of the grounds.  After the tour, we went to the Easter market in the town square which was full of Easter eggs, taffy, and porcelain.  It was so festive and amazing.  We were also able to go to an English church service Easter morning which was the best thing ever.  I have not been able to understand a full service since November, so it was a real treat.  Although the weather was not ideal at some points in time, it was still a very informational and cultural experience. 

Inside of the gas chamber. 

At Birkenau, if you were deemed not able to work upon arrival, you were sent to the right, down this path, which led straight to your execution.  If you were chosen as able to perform manual labor, you were sent to the left, into long, drafty “homes” where you slept on planks of wood, and sometimes hay or paper if you were lucky, with about two to three other people per “bed”.

The little Catholic Church we went to on Easter morning. 

4. Easter traditions- Thankfully, I did not have to partake in any Slovak traditions since I was in Poland, but I thought I would share the biggest one.  On Easter Monday, the boys celebrate their favorite holiday of the year.  At this time, they go to girls (it can be any at all, but most often they just go to family and friends) and splash them with water or perfume, or tap them (hopefully very gently) with a whip.  This is to give the girls health and fertility for the upcoming year.  After this, the girls must reward the boys with chocolate, candy, or money.  I haven’t exactly figured out yet how or why this tradition started or still exists, but it sure is a one of a kind event. 

5. Birthdays- Since beginning to write this post, Katherine and I have both now celebrated a birthday in April.  It was my first birthday away from home, which was hard, but nonetheless, it was pretty good.  I baked a fruit cake for the staff at school and celebrated today, the Friday after.  I received a bunch of chocolate, a mug, and a few interesting words of wisdom/ gifts from some of my colleagues.  I also had one of my classes all stand up and sing to me before the class began and one student sang a very short rap that he composed himself.  In addition, I also received a bunch of cards written from home from family, friends, and people in our congregation.  It was the little things that really made this birthday special, despite the people that were missing in the celebration.  Finally, I was able to call my grandmother the midnight before my birthday.  By doing this, I was able to talk to her on both of our birthdays at once.  Hers is the tenth, mine the eleventh, and by calling at midnight, it was my birthday in Slovakia, and her birthday in the states.  Pretty awesome thought on my behalf, I must say.  

Otherwise, school is continuing on and drawing to a close oh so quickly.  It will be so soon when there will no longer be months to count, but weeks.  Until then, remain positive in spirit, hope, and prayer. 

“However many years a man may live, let him enjoy them all“- Ecclesiastes 11:8 

Now that the holidays and celebrations are over and spring has yet to be sprung, at least here in Slovakia, there may be times and days when we get down on ourselves, about our luck, situations, or others.  But, we must always remember the good that has been created in our lives by our sovereign lord.  Although the weather may be dreary and miserable, this means that spring is here and good weather is on its way.  This also means that harvests will be plentiful and the vegetation will be numerous.  There may not be any holidays or special days of which to commemorate in the near future, but we have just celebrated one of the most joyous and essential holiday seasons of the year, Easter, the rising of Christ, and should continue to celebrate this all throughout the year.  We must always keep in our minds the good that will triumph in our lives if we just keep our hearts and minds open to the possibilities.  As long as we live on this earth, we shall enjoy the days, celebrate, and praise the lord for what we are given.

“This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” - Psalm 118:24

 

The day we returned from our Christmas holiday was a little overwhelming.  We found out that the other two Americans, Michael and Beckah, were departing in a little less than a week due to the inability to attain their visas.   Katherine and I were also asked about returning for a second year of teaching.  The solution to the first situation was solved after a bit of time.  We have since gained two more American teachers to the EGT staff, Andrew and Krystal.  As for the second situation, I have decided to spend another year here in Slovakia, crazy! 

Here are a few other events that have taken place. 

January:

- Ples- Ples is prom which is put on by the fourth year student company group.  They perform a few dances, songs, and skits, dinner is served, and the rest of the night is spent dancing.  It was a lot of fun spending time with the other teachers and the students in a completely relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere.

 

The teacher table

A traditional folk dance performed by a group including quite a few of our students. 

Katherine and my rendition of a typical Slovak student picture.  

- End of the semester- To some, this may not sound like anything important or spectacular.  But, for anybody who has ever taught, it was an absolute nightmare.  I had students follow me around school, find me during every possible second of free time, and just pester until they received the answer that they wanted to hear.  A warning for all who want to go into education, the time before grades are due, especially with older students, is horrendous!  They will complain and throw a fuss until they get the grade they think they deserve or will just have an extreme hatred toward you for your refusal to allow make-up work.  Or, the best option, they will just subtly, and not so subtly, tell you their feelings explicitly through the form of their final test. 

 

February: 

- English competition- I was given the opportunity to go to Zvolen for the day with two of our fifth year students.  They competed in a regional English competition.  I was one of the three native English speakers and had to read dialogues and perform role plays with the students I was assigned.  It was actually a lot of fun, and both of our EGT students came in second in their category.  It was a terrific experience!

- Spring break- Yes, I know, it is still not even spring.  But, schools throughout Slovakia break at different times, and they also enjoy spending this spring vacation skiing.  Therefore, spring break at EGT this year was the last week in February.  This was a huge highlight within the past few months.  Although travelling was completely horrible and I’d care not to relive it, once the vacation began, there were not any snags along the way.  I travelled to Munich, Germany and met my parents!! We spent four nights in Germany.  We took a tour of Munich and saw all of the old Nazi buildings and Hitler’s headquarters.  It was really awesome, and we were even able to see some buildings that survived the war and have battle wounds.  We also went to sleeping beauty’s, King Ludwig II’s, castle for a day.  It was really gorgeous despite the fog, and I might now want to live in a castle on the top of a mountain.  After our few days there, we drove back to Tisovec.  On our way, we stopped in Vienna and Bratislava for a tad.  We then toured the cozy town of Tisovec, had a few meals out, and spent some time together after seven months apart.  All in all, it was a really great vacation.  

Actual scars from the war.  

Hitler’s office building.  It was somehow completely untouched.

 

Hofbrauhaus, Munich 

Sleeping Beauty’s castle 

This past week, after our vacation, was the hardest week I’ve ever had. I have never felt more exhausted than at this time.  I don’t know how it was possible.  I also realized during this week that I have had a pretty decent number of students who say/ have said derogatory things to or in reference to me.  I think that this must mean I am doing something effectively.  When I think back to high school, the teachers that I learned the most from were those that I disliked the most at the time.  They gave too much work, expected too much, and never, in my opinion at the time, took the time to see things from our point of view.  I have now become one of those teachers.  I know the ability level and handwriting of all of my 64 first year students, and they cannot get away with anything.  I guess that they may not like me now and may get fed up with my constant work, but they will soon realize how much they have acquired because of the effort that I have made them put in.  I’m actually very excited for them to realize this despite the amount of time between their contempt now, to then.  

 

Psalm 32:8

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” 

Each and every person is a teacher in life.  As teachers, we are all constantly instructing and showing others what the best options and paths may be.  But, the good teacher always has an eye upon his pupil; the outcome and road must always be monitored carefully so the instruction is tailored and pure.  I feel like knowing the handwriting of my students this past week has shown me that I do take that extra step of counseling and keeping an eye on each and every one of them.  I cannot help but feel a strong sense of nurturing both in and outside of the classroom.  

Additionally, this is how we are viewed by God.  He watches, advises, and counsels our every step and every decision that we make.  So, each time we do something and think that the teacher and instructor of our lives is not present, we need to remember that He is.  My students may not notice that I watch over them and their work so closely, but I always do.  God is even more attentive and loving than any of us could ever think of. 

A tad of an amount of time has passed.   Many exciting and memorable things have happened in that time.  Some of the things I have encountered since around September include:

- “All Hallows Eve” -  which is a celebration that each family takes part in on the 1st of November.  They do not celebrate Halloween.  Instead, each family goes to the cemetary and commemorates those that they have lost by praying and lighting candles in their rememberance.  

- Stužková- Each grade level is broken into two catergories: A’s and B’s.  At the beginning of their fifth year, the students take part in Stužková.  It is a program to celebrate the students who will be graduating.  They are first pinned for their Maturita (exam that is taken in order to graduate in the Spring).  After this, there are skits put on by the students.  Lastly, there is a dance for the students, parents, and faculty to celebrate.  

- Thanksgiving:

> celebrated in Bratislava with all of the other Americans in an ELCA program in Central Europe.  We had traditional American Thanksgiving foods such as turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, and pecan pie.  We were all able to rejoin with those that we went through orientation with in August and also meet those who are currently serving in Hungary.  

> celebrated in Tisovec with all of the EGT faculty.  The school held this occassion for the faculty since it is a huge part of our culture.  It was a great opportunity to sit and talk with some of my colleagues that I never had the chance to communicate with before.  Again, although it was not as typically prepared, we enjoyed turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.  

- Christmas Program-  Since I teach first years for 16 out of my 22 hours per week, I  was given, in my opinion, a special opportunity at the end of November.  Each year, the first year students write, organize, and perform a Christmas program.  I was able to be with these students all day, every day for the week to help them prepare.  I helped to translate/ fix the text, observe, and basically do anything else I was able to.  I had such a wonderful experience spending so much time with a great group of students outside of the classroom where they also were very focused and determined at the same time.  They put on the show three times, and in the end, it was a huge success!!

- Slovak traditions- There were four traditions I was able to take part in during the preparation for the Christmas holiday:

1. Cabbage pressing- preparing the cabbage for the Christmas soup that is made in each family.

2. Sausage making- making homemade sausage, again for the Christmas soup

3. Kapustnica preparations- the making of the Christmas soup which includes cabbage, sausage, ham, and pork.  It varies by family recipe, but this is the general idea.

4. Gingerbread making- most families prepare gingerbread as their Christmas dessert, and it is absolutely delicious.  

- Debate- So far this year, I have been trying my best to help with an English debate club.  Six of these students went to Košice for an English debate, but it fell on a weekend of Stužková, so I was unable to attend.  Because of this, I was later given the chance to accompany the students in Pieštany as they went for a Slovak debate competition.  Although I was unable to understand the debates that occurred, I was able to help keep time.  More importantly, I was able to talk to this group of students outside of the classroom and really get to know them on a more personal level.  Again, it was wonderful getting to interact with them in a completely different setting. 

- Christmas- This was the first time that I have ever celebrated away from home and family.  Despite this fact, I had a great time partaking in another culture.  Instead of staying in Slovakia, I traveled to Hungary to celebrate with Ashley, an ELCA volunteer I met during our Thanksgiving festivities.  We went to several church services, had communion, got acquainted with one another, watched movies, and ate some traditional American food.  After Christmas was over, we travelled to Debrecen, a Hungarian city south of her town, to explore.  From there, we went to Košice for the day, again just to explore.  Both cities were absolutely amazing, and we had a magnificent time!  

- New Year- This New Year’s Eve was spent with some pretty fantastic people including some I have known for quite some time now, and others who I just had the opportunity of meeting.  We celebrated together throughout the evening, and although there was no ball drop in Time Square, there were fireworks lit all over the town.  

Now, it is time for 2013.  I am very excited to see what it holds and what will come by this time next year.  I hope everybody had a wonderful holiday season and has a safe, happy, and prosperous new year!! 

Week five was a little stressful with the amount of teacher related jobs that began coming my way. 

As mentioned earlier, last week I gave my first two sets of tests.  This meant that I had to grade 120 tests: 60 for Monday, and 60- 220 word essays for Friday.  This entire past week was spent grading, planning, and organizing all of the papers that were now in my possession.  Aside from keeping everything in line, I also had to account for all of the students who had to make up the tests that were given.  Basically, I had to stay after school three or four days to give make-up tests.  I cannot even remember how many days it was.  It just seemed like it took forever.  The bad thing is that I still have a few students who were missing all week and therefore need to schedule a day after school this week to make it up.  There is so much to do! 

Tuesday was our fist First grade English club meeting.  There was not nearly the turnout I expected, but the students that did come were assigned a pen-pal from Lehighton Area High School.  It was so great getting them started, and I am really excited to assign the rest of the pen-pals this week.  I know that the students have a lot of differences, but I have also noticed a lot of similarities that they will most definitely bond over. In the evening, the Second grade English club, run by my roommate, met at our apartment.  There were eight girls who came over, made pancakes (which are more or less crepes), and had great conversation.  It was wonderful to get to know a few of the girls I’ll have this year on a more personal level.  I haven’t really learned their names yet, but now I at least know what they look like and a little bit about them. (:

Wednesday evening was also a treat.  Two of our colleagues came over, Peter and Eveka, for dinner.  Peter cooked, and Eveka made us an apple desert.  It was all absolutely delicious.  The best part was that all Katherine and I had to do was clean-up afterwards.  Definitely a win from my point of view. 

Once Friday came, I decided it was time for some much needed relaxation.  Although I still had a lot of homework to look over, the majority of my work for the upcoming week was already complete.  On Saturday, one of our students’ fathers held a “pre-Christmas” party for his company and employees.  The headmistress and a few of the teachers were invited.  I joined our headmistress (aka principal), and we went to the outing.  It was in the middle of vacant land surrounded by mountains.  It was absolutely gorgeous.  They had a horse show, potluck, and homemade goulash.  We then walked home, and I spent the rest of the evening once again taking a break from reality.  In all, it was a hectic week, but the weekend most definitely made up for the hustle and bustle.  There is another busy week ahead, but I know that fall break and the arrival of the other two American teachers is quickly approaching.  There is so much to be grateful for!!

A picture of the horses, landscape, and a few of the other people at the gathering. 

A field full of sheep.  Not too uncommon to see here, but I just had to take a picture on our walk back.

Psalm 30:2- “Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.”

Tis the time of year for changing seasons and colds to begin to take over. Over the past few days, I have begun to experience those wonderful cold symptoms: runny/ stuffy nose, sneezing, sore scratchy throat, occasional headache…  But, I know that with time and prayer, these symptoms will most certainly pass.  God is our healer.  Whether it is large or small, He can heal it all (yes, I just made a rhyme.  But in my defense, it was pretty great, and I am currently laughing about how witty it was).  I know that He can heal all our burdens that we carry to Him.  He can heal my little oncoming illness just as simply as any major affliction.  The question now becomes, what is it that you need God’s healing power of?  We all need His help, guidance, and healing.  Are you calling Him and requiring Him to be all that He is for us, or are you viewing Him as somebody who is only needed when major troubles are in store?  Ask God for healing over whatever ails you, whether it is physical, emotional, or spiritual.  I promise that He will provide.

In the past two weeks, there has been a lot going on. 

Last week, or week 3, was my first full week in it’s entirety.  I even had to substitute a class, so I had an extra class thrown in there.  At EGT, they take part in internal substitution.  This means that whenever somebody is absent, people on the staff need to take over his classes.  It is okay in some instances and a real bother other times.  For example, last week it worked out really well.  I had one first year class that was two weeks behind everybody else.  I, luckily, had to sub for their class, and I was able to make them only a week behind which later caught them up.  It was very satisfying having that class catch up.  I know, it is pathetic that this is what makes me happy, but it does. 

We had our first English debate meeting on Wednesday.  We had a pretty good turnout, so we had a few people give little two minute speeches on a topic.  Then, the coaches (Peter, Vratko, and myself) critiqued them and gave them feedback.  They were very good overall, and the three of us were incredibly impressed with the level of English the two first years brought.  Their speaking abilities and vocab both astounded us, and we are really looking forward to working with them and having them compete later in the year. 

On Thursday, we had a pretty decent storm come through.  We lost our power momentarily, but more importantly, we lost our internet for four days.  It was torture being without it.  Over the weekend, we biked down to the school so that we could use the internet, connect with others, and plan our lessons for the week.  Other than that, we had a very relaxed weekend and caught up on all of the sleep we lost during the week.

This past week was full of events and gave me lots to do.  The other two American teachers will be arriving half way through October.  Because of this, I am trying to make all of my second and third graders at the same place.  I had to plan “fluff” lessons so that the other sections could catch up.  I have to continue some of those “fluff” days for this week as well.  There is so much planning!  I also gave my first tests.  Two out of four of my first year classes took their tests this week, and the other two sections are testing on Monday.  Again, I have to get them all on the same pace this week.  My fifth graders also had their first test.  They had to write a 200-220 word descriptive essay in forty minutes. 

On top of all of the testing that took place, we had a half day on Thursday for a school wide run that supported a former student who has passed away.  After the run, they had a nice little ceremony for the fastest students in each grade.  Later on, Thursday evening, the third graders hosted Matriculation.  Matriculation is a “hazing” for the first years and first year teachers.  It was movie themed, and the first graders had to put on skits that the third graders organized.  It was very comical, and it definitely brought the student body closer together.  I had to dance to a song from Madagascar.  I was supposed to be the king, and I had six first graders dancing behind me who were supposed to be like the other animals.  They did up my hair and put make-up on my face.  I looked quite silly, but I know the first graders especially enjoyed laughing at their teacher making a fool of herself so it was worth it. 

Over the weekend, we again had a relaxing time.  We watched a movie, made some homemade dinners, and graded, graded, graded.  This upcoming week is swim week.  The third graders will be gone every day, so I won’t see them at all this week.  There will also be a lot of substituting to make up for the missing teachers who are teaching them how to swim.  It’ll definitely be a crazy and long week.  Here we go!

The 3rd graders put together a dance to start off the evening.  Watching the differences in their dancing styles was incredibly hilarious.  They all dressed up as if they were in different movies to go along with the theme.  

My very nice look that my first graders gave me.  This is right before we began our lovely dancing.  If you’ve ever seen me dance before, that’s exactly what I did in front of the entire school.  Embarrassing??

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, ²⁴ since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” -Colossians 3:23-24

Giving my first tests this week, and seeing some of the not so great results, I really started thinking about things.  Did I teach to the best of my ability?  Were the students fully engaged and prepared for their tests?  Is there anything more I could have done to make my students succeed? It took me awhile to realize and really come to terms with the facts that I did all I could do to make them succeed.  It was then on them to take the information and do with it as they pleased.  Obviously, some chose to disregard the information they were given which was incredibly heart breaking.  I tried my best and gave it all I had; that is all somebody can ask of me.  But, I need to begin applying these thoughts and questions in my everyday life.  Am I doing all that I do with all of my heart and working for the Lord, or am I doing what I can to get by and satisfy that voice in my head? I know that God will reward me for living to my fullest potential.  I just now need to realize what my potential is and always make sure to live up to it.  Do what you can to satisfy others and yourself, but also make sure that what you are doing always satisfies God.  His are the only set of eyes that should ever judge or matter. 

This week, I completed my first “full” week teaching high school in a foreign country.  On Monday, I saw a few of my first years for the second time and began the actual curriculum for the year. Tuesday, I had one class, and then we went to chapel.  This week for chapel, we watched the movie “The Iron Lady”.  It was a very interesting retelling of the life of Margaret Thatcher. The movie was in English but had Slovak subtitles.  It was only about an hour in length, so I was somehow able to stay awake. After chapel, I only had two classes of first years since one of them was canceled due to the time of the movie.  When we got home from school, Katherine and I went on a walk.  Apparently, Slovakia had a very prosperous year in the apple growing department.  While we took our walk, we may have picked a few apples from a tree that did not look like it had a rightful owner.  We may have also gone a little overboard on the picking, but they definitely will not go to waste.

 

Our apple dish overflowing just a tad.

Wednesday, I had my last two welcome to (insert class name here) speeches.  It was such a great feeling finally being able to meet all of my classes and get everybody started.  The pace for the classes is now all over the place, but I am still thankful I can begin all of the curriculum.  Thursday was my personal favorite day this week.  All of the teachers around Slovakia had planned to go on strike on 13.9.2012.  This means that every teacher across the country did not work this day.  They all had to go into school, do work that was not school related, and show that they were refusing to do their jobs.  It was planned quite a bit in advance, and I am also not sure when they will hear back whether or not their strike worked.  Since I am technically not contracted through the school until my visa arrives, and I am also contracted through the ELCA, I did not have to go to school to be a part of the protest.  Instead, Katherine and I went to Banska Bystrica, a nearby town, to go shopping and exploring.  We traveled along the main road and went into a few tiny shops.  We then headed to the mall to do some shopping/ browsing.  After that, we had lunch at an adorable little restaurant where I was able to have alfredo again (the food I tend to crave the most when I don’t have it for awhile) and then proceeded to go for a coffee.  It was a lovely afternoon.  We took our hour/  hour and a half bus ride back home and relaxed.  Before our evening was over, we decided to make apple crisp with our abundance of apples.  It was incredibly delicious. 

A picture of the little fruit and vegetable vendors along the road. 

The fountain in the middle of the town square.

We then had our normal half day of school on Friday.  One of the fifth year classes that I teach had eleven students present.  Fifteen of them were not there.  I could not believe the fact that I had more absent than present!!  When school was over, we came home, had a relaxing afternoon, and watched a movie after Katherine made us home made chicken noodle soup for dinner. To end the week, on Saturday we decided to start exercising each day beyond our walk to and from school.  We started 30 day shred (Kayla Sherry, hopefully I’ll actually make it past the first week this time).  We then took a walk to buy milk and bread, worked on school papers, and decided to bake.  Today, with our ever-present apples, we made muffins.  My favorite!! They are so incredibly delicious! All in all, it was a pretty great and reflective week.  I am looking forward to next week when I will have to teach for an entire week straight without any days off or major interruptions.  Let’s hope I get plenty of rest this weekend to prepare!

Also, we had our first day of rain in Tisovec!! So exciting!  Unfortunately, it canceled tennis plans, but having rain after a dry spell is a pretty good thing I guess.

Zechariah 10:1

“Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms.  He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone.”

This bible verse tells and reminds us of so much.  First, it tells us that we must ask the Lord for things we need.  If we ask, they will be given to us.  It is as simple as that.  Make your needs known to Him, and He will fulfill them beyond your wildest expectations.  Next, it also talks about how God is continuously providing for us.  It is He who sends the thunderstorms.  He knows when we need rain.  He knows when we need more.  He will never fail us but will always prevail.  Lastly, He gives to all.  He is here for each and every one of us.  To protect us, provide for us, and answer whatever we may be asking.  It is amazing how much God can do for us if we just allow ourselves to be open to the possibilities.  Looking back, this week was incredibly great.  I got to meet with almost every single one of my classes and was able to make a lot of progress.  I was also given a day just to get out and explore a new place.  God provided my reassurance this week of why I wanted to be a teacher.  I may not have ever imagined teaching high school, and I still may not be completely ready, but God is with me every step.  He’s not only providing the strength and wisdom, but He is also providing me with tactile things such as old tests and papers that are good resources in the classroom.  This week, He provided the rain: literally and figuratively. 

This week has been absolutely crazy but wonderful at the same time. 

Monday was the start of the school year for the students.  For the first two days, they spent their time with their classroom teachers.  They discussed rules, regulations, expectations, and other important items as well.  These two days  were then free days for the rest of us who don’t have a classroom to tend to. 

Monday, we went to the foreign police (hopefully for the last time) to submit all of my paperwork for my visa.  According to the department head, we are way ahead of where they were last year, and my visa should be here in no time! Tuesday was used as one last work day before the year began for teachers.  It was very productive, and it helped me to be fully ready for the start of the year. 

On Wednesday, I began my first day of teaching.   I had two 5th year writing classes and one 3rd year conversation class.  They were kind of talkative, but I got over all of the expectations and guidelines for the year, and I even had the chance to have my 5th graders start writing.  (Here, the Lutheran high school has 5 years of school.  They therefore graduate when they’re around 20-21.  They also tend to call the students 1st grade, 2nd grade… If I ever refer to that grade level, I am not talking about elementary school.  Although they may be easier to handle at times). 

Thursday I had both of my 3rd year conversation classes, one of my 2nd year conversation classes, and one of my 1st year Across Culture classes.  It was in this last class that I have now come to love the fact that I am working with 1st years in a foreign language for them.  I took the template for my syllabus from another teacher.  I then changed it as it needed, copied it from year to year, and made additional appropriate changes.  Apparently, I never re-read my first year syllabus because while we went over in class, I realized it couldn’t have been more wrong.  I even had the other teacher’s name still on the document.. Woops!  I told them it was a typo and just went with it.  If that would have been any other class or in any other situation, I would not have gotten away with it.  Good thing their language skills are in progress! After school, we had our first debate meeting.  It is set up a little differently than what I am used to from high school.  They had the entire meeting in Slovak, so one of the other advisers had to translate the entire thing.  They then had some of the experienced students hold a mock debate so the newcomers could see exactly how they are run.  Again, the entire thing was in Slovak, but you could see and hear their intensity and enthusiasm after just a few minutes of prep time.  In two weeks, we will have our very first English debate practice, and I am really excited to actually be able to contribute to the team.  In addition to that, there were three students from EGT last year who went to Mexico for debate competitions, so I’m hoping I’m an awesome coach and we can travel too!!

Today, we began our actual schedule of classes.  I had both of the 5th years, and one of my 3rd year classes.  I completely realized today why I didn’t major in secondary ed.  Although it is a lot of fun so far and I wouldn’t trade it for the world, this experience is completely catching me off guard.  I had students, on the second day of class, ask how much an assignment was worth so they could skip it, had a 20 minute conversation on what was inappropriate to write in an essay, and realized I couldn’t completely trust high school students to just do what they’re told.  It is so different than everything I’ve ever been taught!  Kids this age also never want to sit quietly.  Either that or I’m kind of a dull person.  I guess I’ll decide that one with time.  If anybody has any tips on how to get their attention, please let me know.  I’m going to soon resort to clapping, singing, and flickering the lights…

These kids are all so wonderful and I look forward to my first full week next week.  It’ll be great to work with them this year, and even though they’re already driving me a little bit crazy, I will be a little upset when the other two teachers come and I’ll lose half of them.  I’m excited to see what is in store for the rest of this year!!

My schedule.  Po= Monday, Ut= Tuesday…  I have my 1st years four times a week, and everybody else, I meet with once a week.  Not too bad!

Ephesians 4:3

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

In my opinion, this bible verse is completely relevant to how I have been feeling these past few days.  I have definitely struggled with getting the students attention and holding it.  They are much more prone to talking when there is absolutely nothing to talk about.  I began getting frustrated with this.  I also was a little taken back when I had a 3rd grader today tell me he hates teachers, but I shouldn’t take it personally.  High school is not what I remember.  At least not how I acted, I hope.  But through it all, I must keep my peace and calmness.  There will be days which will be a real struggle, but God reminds us that we must keep him there with us by keeping the bond of peace.  This is a good reminder, because I am foreseeing days where I may need Him in ways that I have never before.  In any situation that you may get into, keep a calm and collected attitude.  The Lord and spirit will work through you in these times, and He will help you through whatever may be testing you. 

p.s. Do not read this blog in a negative light.  Although it hasn’t been the easiest few days, I’ve absolutely loved being back in front of a classroom.  Even when I had to spend 20 minutes discussing why describing a favorite place with parties and nude beaches isn’t appropriate, I had a great time talking and joking around with my students.  I know that it’ll be a great year despite how much they are already trying to get away with (:

Work: what I have been doing the past two days.  Between yesterday and today, with the help of some of my colleagues for this year, I was able to make a year plan for each of the classes I’ll be teaching.  I have also come up with conversation topics and questions for each of the conversation classes I’ll have and writing prompts for my fifth year writing class.  It’s been a crazy last two days, but it’ll all be worth it when all I have to do is create tests, worksheets, and journal entries throughout the year.  I’m so glad it’s done!! On top of doing all of that, I was given materiel for my most intense class I’ll have: across cultures.  I’ll be teaching four sections of first years, and each class has this topic for 4 hours a week.  That means I’ll be teaching 16 hours of just this one class!! Luckily, for me, the person who taught it last year not only gave me all of the tests, quizzes, homework, and ideas, but he also made me a year plan to the day of when I should teach what.  His year plan also included extra days where I can fit in fun activities, relevant movies, or possibly pen-pal letters with classes back home.  Absolutely Amazing! There are no other words for how great it is to be given such supplies and have everything planned. 

I have now met all of my colleagues, and they are wonderful! Everybody has been working together, and all of the English teachers speak English which is quite a relief.  I am also going to be helping to coach debate for the school this year.  I am really eager to help with this club because I loved it so much in high school, and I believe that advising will be even better!!

This weekend, Katherine and I plan on taking a trip to Brezno, a nearby town, to go to Tesco (what she has informed me is the Wal-Mart/ Target of Europe).  On Sunday, we are also required to attend/help at the first year mixer which will consist of the first years all going to the school to meet one another, get acquainted, and play games.  We all know how much I love games, so it shall be a lot of fun. 

Life in Tisovec is pretty great!!  The town is quaint and surrounded by mountains.  It sometimes makes me forget that I’m nowhere near home.  It’s crazy that despite the language, life in a completely foreign land can resemble our lives so closely. 

Philipians 4:19

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

These past two days especially, God has really provided for me.  I know that He has given me this opportunity, a great place to live and work, an astounding roommate, and more, but He has also taken care of me in the sense of work this week.  I have been getting so stressed out wondering if I’d be able to make a year plan, let alone finish it by the time that the students began school next week.  I have met my expectations and exceeded them by far.  I cannot believe how much progress has been made, and I cannot believe how God has supplied for me in all of my areas of need.  He has given me time, patience, guidance, and the physical supplies I longed for.  I did not even ask for His help in this matter, yet he provided more than I could have imagined.  I am so lucky that our God is so powerful and caring, and through it all, He will always watch over us. 

A day late, but here it is:

Monday/ Tuesday:  Over two days, I did not go to one day of in-service.  Instead, I was driven to multiple areas of Slovakia to get my criminal record check for Slovakia: twice, to the foreign police office, and to get my foreign health check.  The good news is that I don’t have any foreign diseases, and I haven’t committed any crimes in Slovakia thus far.  Aside from all of the errands, I finally received my bags and unpacked everything into our place.  I also had extra time throughout the two days to move all of my school supplies into my office and clean out all of the old paperwork and unneeded items that were there.  Lastly, I was informed of the classes I will be teaching for this upcoming year!! I will have four first year classes of Across Cultures for four days a week, two third year classes of conversation once a week, and two fifth year classes of writing a week.  Katherine and I are currently the only two American teachers through the ELCA.  We were supposed to be joined by a newly married, young couple.  But, due to health problems in the family, they have not yet made it.  The good news is that they are coming sometime in October!  Until then, we all have to pitch in and help cover the classes that they will take over once they arrive.  Plus, I think I’ll be helping coach debate which will be incredibly fun and exciting.  This year is looking pretty good so far, but there is a lot of work ahead.

Wednesday: Today is a national holiday in Slovakia marking the National uprising against Nazi Germany.  Everything in town is shut down, and we are off of school!  We woke up this morning and met one of our colleagues for a hike up the mountain.  It took us about an hour to get to the top, but it was so gorgeous and definitely worth it.  The view was absolutely amazing, and you could see the entire town nestled into its little valley.  After our hike back down, we decided to relax for the afternoon and work on lesson plans and outlines for the year.  It was a very calming and relaxing day, and it was certainly needed.  I finished my entire year plan for fifth years and am about half-way done with third years.  Yayy!! Tomorrow I will receive all of the information for my across culture class, and hopefully I’ll finally be ready to start my first year of teaching on Monday.  How crazy!!

Our food cabinet.  Do you see all of the cereal??  I’ve found somebody who loves cereal just as much as I do!  Aren’t I lucky?!

The mountain we hiked up and a view of the elementary school in the background.

A view of Tisovec from the top.  Isn’t it breath-taking?

A view of the school: it’s just about in the center of the picture. 

This is the limestone mountain not too far from our apartment.  I accidentally cut it off, but the lower right hand corner is the factory for the limestone once it is removed.

Luke 10: 38-42

“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things,but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

As everything is getting a little crazy around here trying to prepare for school, plan lessons, organize all of my belongings, enjoy the new area, learn the language, and more, I am reminded that in all of this I still need to put God first.  It is important to get wrapped up in things that you love because it shows your hearts interest and desires, but one of those desires should be our Lord.  In these verses, we see that Jesus reminds us that even though these things are all important, none of them are as important as He is.  All of the things we are working so hard towards will one day be of no value.  If we neglect what is truly important above all else, what will we have when we lose it all?  We must keep God at the center of our lives and be constantly reminded that it is thanks to Him that we are given what we are working towards.  I pray that I can remember this as the stress grows and times get even busier.

Saturday:  Katherine and I had a very fun-filled day.  We started off by receiving bikes from Andrea, the English Department Head.  She informed us that we will most likely be able to keep them for a majority of the year.  I hope that I get just a little bit better at biking by then.  After we pumped the tires to the appropriate pressure, we rode our new bikes to Rimavska Pila, the next town over.  There, Rimavska Pila was holding an adorable little festival.  The three of us enjoyed a freeze pop and nice tall glass of Kofola (the Slovak soda which is a sweeter version of Coca-Cola).  When we got back, I had my very first introduction to the school.  It was so beautiful and much larger than I imagined.  Katherine and I then took some time to sort through all of the items left over by previous ELCA volunteers.  Later, we unpacked our new things and decided to make some changes to the apartment.  We moved the refrigerator out of its own little room into a more convenient location.  It was just a little more difficult than it sounded though.  We tried to squeeze it through the doorway with the wrong sides facing out, and we may have gotten it stuck for just awhile.  Although it doesn’t sound too horrible, during our time of worry, Katherine was now stuck in the non-essential room.  Woops…  Finally, we unlodged the fridge, turned it around, and got it out.  It may have taken a little longer than proposed, but we finally made it work.  After we put the refrigerator in its new location, we then had to move all of the living room/ dining room furniture so the fridge wasn’t in the middle of our living room.  It was an exciting day but also very long, so we both headed off to bed for the evening after we were all nice and settled in.  Now, I cannot wait until my bags get here so everything will finally be unpacked, and it’ll be our new little home for the next few months.

Festival in Rimavska Pila.

 

The religion classroom.  How completely amazing.

A classroom which will most likely resemble the ones in which I’ll be teaching.

Sunday:  Today was amazing for the shear matter of weather.  Since I arrived, it has been somewhere in the 90’s every day.  Today, on the other hand, it was a cool 70-80 degrees.  It was glorious!! Aside from that, we began our day by going to the local Lutheran church service.  The entire thing was done in Slovak, and it was much different than what I am used to.  They stood for the lessons and sat for the prayers and songs.  I tried my best to sing the songs based off of the pronunciations I learned last week.  I still need some practice though because I’m pretty sure that the lady next to me lost her place a few times because she had no clue what I was saying.. After church, we took some time to relax.  We had some great conversation while taking time to look up lesson plans and other ideas for school such as get to know you games.  Later in the day, we went on a tour of the town.  Although Tisovec is rather small, it is jam-packed full of history and culture.  It is so great to be immersed into this lifestyle and have the opportunity to live in a culture I never knew existed.  When we returned, we again took the chance to relax as tomorrow begins our first day of work.  I am incredibly excited to find out what I’ll be teaching, to clean out my office, and to get my bags.  So much anticipation for one day!!

A view of the school from the front.

The school dormitory across the street.

The town’s two grocery stores.

The local Lutheran church.

During communism, every building was a really bland shade of gray.  When the Slovaks broke away from the communist party, one of the things they did was repaint to show their freedom and individuality.  This is one of the results.

Romans 12:6-8, 11-12

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

God has blessed each and every one of us with special talents that are unique to us all.  As I am embarking on the beginning of this new journey, I must always keep this in mind.  God knew exactly where I’d be at this point in my life, and I’m here because He is using me and my talents in ways that are still unknown to me.  I am going to set a personal goal this year of listening and following God’s direction, and always serving Him, for it is due to His power and might that I even have this opportunity.  Praise God for the blessings, and know that despite the affliction and hardships, His love and guidance for us will always shine.  Our talents are gifts from the Lord, and it is our responsibility to use them to our advantage and to inspire others.