Week 2: Top 10

10. Began class reading, starting with Eric Carle's The Mixed-Up Chameleon. Things went better than I expected and the children really seemed to enjoy the fun story. Along the way, they learned 7 new vocabulary words, what the word "fantasy" means, and how to divide words into syllables - all while reading about a chameleon. Hooray for children's literature!

9. Had recess inside for most of the week because of all the mud from Maria's rain. Used the time to play "Heads Up, 7 Up" a game I played when I was in 2nd grade. It took a whole week, but the kids finally started getting the hang of being sneaky and tricky. Had to laugh. =)  I was very glad Friday afternoon when we finally got to go outside again.

8. Joined choir. Every Wednesday, Julie and I will eat out, then walk up the hill for choir. Dues for the year are 50 EC. We will wear a choir uniform, and our first appearance is next week, 11am. Just so happens that Grades 1-2 are singing in that same service, and Genesis, the Steel Pan group I joined on Saturday is also playing in the 11am service. Go big or go home, I guess. (By the way, pan is awesome!!!)

7. Stayed up late to call home Wednesday night. Got some good advice from Mom and Dad; just wish there wasn't a 3 hour time difference. Makes getting a hold of them a little tricky and a little inconvenient.

6. Played music during work time on Friday. That was a treat! I had always imagined I would get to play music in my classroom, and on Friday my dreams were realized!

5. Friday we had our first class birthday, complete with cake at lunch and treats to send home. Friday was also the first opportunity I had to pull out a child's tooth! It was traumatic, but I think she will survive. =)

4. Babysat for the Johnstons on Thursday so Pastor and Cindy could go out to a movie. They left baby Grady behind. Too bad he got hungry and refused to be comforted. Mommy and Daddy left the movie 1/2 hour in to come home and feed the poor dear. Guess we'll try again soon.

3. Friday night we went over to the Sternhagens' for a ex-pats/pastor get together. Had barbeque chicken, potato salad, and jello. It was a wonderful evening full of stories and fellowship.

2. Saturday morning Julie and I were treated to a trip to Stingray City! It is a sandbar out near Bird Island (from our Island Safari last month) where they have trained the stingrays to come at the sound of the motorboats for feeding. You get in the water, hold and feed the stingrays, kiss them if you are brave enough. We went snorkeling, got pictures, and bought a t-shirt as a souvenir. All thanks to a generous first grade parent who works there. Just awesome!

Julie and me at Stingray City

Julie faced her fears and held the rays, even bravely giving
this one a kiss!

One of the coolest opportunities... to hold a stingray

1. God is good! All the time! He has been helping us settle in, learn from our mistakes and tough days, enjoy His beautiful world and the people He has put in it. Some days are rough, and some days your face hurts from smiling so much. God is truly good!