One day some students asked if I liked the food. I eat most of it and it's good but I'm not crazy about it. At home, I just cook American foods that I like; but that could also be because that's what I know how to cook. Plus we have Dominican food every day for lunch at school. For all my adventure-ness and traveling I'm pretty content to stick with foods I know I like. I am kinda a picky eater.
I love being around Spanish. Hearing it and being able to speak it--even though I don't very often because tengo vergüenza (I'm shy). I'm learning more little by little. I've found a church without other Americans and my friend is the only English speaker. I'm looking forward to getting more connected next semester and using lots of Spanish.
I love, love, love singing worship songs in Spanish. My roommates from last year were probably tired of Spanish worship because I played it so much. My church plays some songs I know in English, but many are of the Spanish songs are new to me. I love that. I feel like it gives me a chance to experience how Dominicans worship, rather than American worship in Spanish. Once while listening to Spanish worship a friend said, "I love this. It's so happy!" Another friend replied, "It makes me want to dance." Perfect summary right there.
I love teaching. Even though I'm a sub this year I am still able to do some of my own ideas and plans. Last week our librarian was away for a training conference for a day. For the kindergarten lesson she gave me the book but let me create the activity. I fully enjoyed finding a worksheet to go with it on Pinterest. Then I adapted it to find the kindergarten level and amount of class time we had. This week I was in fourth grade for most of the week (one of the teachers is sick). This was such a great learning experience. Surprisingly, I've never worked much with kids at this age level so everything was new to me. This was really my first experience with upper elementary kiddos. I have so much knowledge and experience with younger kiddos that it's pretty easy to make something up on the spot and go with it when I need to. This week with fourth grade was just so different. They don't like the same things younger kids do, they don't respond to things the way I expect. Every day got a little easier as I learned a little bit more about how to interact and teach this level. If I have my own classroom I'd still want lower elementary but I'm glad for this experience and the chance to learn something new. Who knows? Maybe if I spend more time in fourth grade it will grow on me.
I love that it's 80 degrees out while friends back home are posting picture of 18 or 4 degree weather. I just Skyped my family and they showed me a foot of snow out the front door. I love that snow, but the cold, not sure how I'm gonna handle that when I get back next week. Brrrrr....
I love that I work at a school that makes it possible to live in the DR (I even get paid this time!) while helping those less materially blessed than us. Last Saturday I helped carry concrete for a new floor at the home of one the school cleaning ladies. Previously, she'd had a dirt floor. SCS was able to raise the money for the concrete through a Jean Day fundraiser. When I arrived four or so of her family members were working. Several other staff members were also there to help out as they could. My legs were covered in concrete and my arms ached the next day but I loved serving were I could. I've heard stories all week from different staff members sharing this lady's thankfulness and joy for her new floor. She's the only believer in her family, but we pray this act of kindness will soften some hearts.
I love so much about being here, being in this culture, but if I kept adding to this list I'd never post this blog. Gracias por leer. ¡¡Feliz Navidad!!
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