Salt!

Hello Friends,

I hope your evening is lovely and restful, from which seemed a very long day.

It has been a while, so I thought I would start with the adventure we took to the Salar two weekends ago. The Salar, in Bolivia is the largest, and also highest (at this point, the highest thing is a given :) salt mine in the world.

We started our trip on our 3-day weekend, myself and 5 other girls were ready for a break and an adventure! We did not have a plan set in stone, living here you really can't live like that, but we had an idea of what we wanted to happen! We got in a taxi and headed to the bus station! From there we took a 4ish hour bus ride to a small city with a train station! We stayed the night in a hotel and in the morning left for the train, that would take us to our final destination! Without flaw, thanks be to God, we got on the train and 7ish hours later we were in Uyuni. We found a hostel, which was $5 a night if that gives you any ideas, and went to bed anticipating the next days adventure! When we awoke in the morning we headed to book a tour and find breakfast. We headed out into our adventure, cameras charged and the most touristy outfits you could imagine! We saw the train cemetery, another part of town, a cactus island and finally the salt! You wouldn't think salt could be that much fun, but it was one of the coolest things I had seen here yet. There were so many things to see and explore, it felt like our one-day trip was much longer. After staying less then 24 hours, we headed back to the train station and was bound for La Paz. It was a short trip, and a lot of transportation, but it was a new place of Bolivia to explore!

Almost to the top of the cactus island! 

Gangs all here!!

Really close to the volcano! 

Did I mention there were dinosaurs?

I also grew a bit too...

Matching tourist outfits!! 

Where trains go when they die :( 

Just sitting on a train! 

As I ponder these wonderful memories surround by Gods amazing landscape, I am able to see the true adventure I am on! Although I have difficult days, I am reminded of the opportunity that I have here in La Paz. I am so grateful of the support I have received and am trying to stay focused on the now, and not on the next!

Until next time, 

Sara

We went Vegan!

Happy Monday friends!

 I hope you had a lovely day full of excitement! I don't know what you did, but I went Vegan tonight. Now this is not going to be a life change, sorry to disappoint those of you who are Vegan. But, in a desperate need for brownies, with no eggs in the house, we had to get creative and trust google. My roommate and I stumbled across a recipe for eggless brownies and went for it! We just happened to only have the things to make them Vegan. They are not like the trustworthy pillsbury brand, but when you need chocolate, you NEED chocolate! And this recipe did the trick!

I have also discovered that I love Mondays! I know I might be a little crazy, and possibly the only one in the world who likes them, but there is just something about Mondays that I love. It could be the wonderful feeling of standing at school welcoming in my 10 year old friends, who are just as excited about the new week as I am. It could also be the idea of the new week that lies ahead, the week that could go in any direction with many adventures to be had. It could have something to do with the fact that I am rested and rejuvenated from the weekend break. Whatever it may be, I have come to love Mondays.

This particular Monday was quite pleasant. Nothing extraordinary happened, in fact a lot of things were very strange today. I had to talk with my students about the possibility of not having school because of the strikes, most were disappointed which made me feel swell. The electricity went out at the end of the day, but in Bolivia you keep on teaching, even if it is a little darker then usual. Even though the lack of internet took my lesson in a new direction, and the kids were a little weirded out by the electricity going on and off, I was able to see so much joy in today.

As I was reading aloud, I asked my students to retell what had happened in the story last week. One student (who is never really paying attention) raised his hand and told me word for word what happened. I was stunned, and so were the other students. This little boy knew the answer, and better yet  he understood how to apply the strategy we had been working on for the last week. I later pulled him aside and asked him about it. I asked him what was different today, because at this point he had participated in every activity. His answer was "I don't know Miss".Grr. I then asked him if he was going to keep it up all week and he responded by saying" I will think about it". Really. I am praying that he keeps it up, but only time will tell. I know it is not a huge accomplishment, and tomorrow he many very well turn back into the same space cadet he has been all year, but on this Monday I felt as though I was accomplishing what I am here to do.

I learned today to let go a little bit more. I have been holding onto this idea that everything has to get done when I want it too. Today I was working with a small group and we were talking about making predictions. One thing led to another and we were soon pretending to read each-others minds. At one point they were standing above me pointing their fingers and pretending to pull the thoughts out of my head. Don't ask me how I got here, I couldn't tell you. In the moment though I thought, wow, these kids look like they have to poop when they make that face. I did not just think it, but I said it. Oops. About three seconds after the words escaped my mouth, there was an uproar of laughter. Pure, genuine giggling from their bellies, coming from my 4th graders because I made a joke about pooping. It was silly, and ridiculous, but I was reminded of how much fun I can have with my students and how much joy they have inside of them. It was a wonderful afternoon.

As I was reflecting on the day I was reminded about how restful this weekend was. On Sunday I was able to listen to a sermon on Galatians. We are studying this letter in our Bible study, but I always find enjoyment hearing others perspectives. I was reminded and convicted of something crucial about the Christian faith. In the first few verses Paul is addressing those who were changing the gospel. When I first read this passage last week I assumed it meant that they were changing facts, and turning it into a different religion. However, as I listened to the sermon, and re-read the passages, it was pointed out this was not what the Galatians were doing at all. They were not denying that Christ came, died, and was resurrected for us. They were denying the simpleness of the gospels truth. This is not something that just happened then, but something that is still a struggle in the church today. "Christians" try so hard to be these "perfect" people that we loose the point. I have been struggling so much with who I am supposed to be, especially in my role as a missionary, that I lost sight of my faith. The true raw faith that brings me to my knees searching for who God really is. We add so much to the Bible, when God specifically says not to. We make rules about how to speak, how to dress, what to eat or drink, who to be friends with, who to judge, and we transform into these people that we think are ideal. In reality this pushes more people away from the truth, doing exactly the opposite of the gospel's intention. I have not been able to understand a lot about my faith, but I am starting to realize that it is not the gospel that I am questioning, it is the people who are acting it out and putting rules that do not exist. I am certainly not an expert, and by no means except from this behavior, but I want to challenge you the way I was challenged. Do not look at the person next to you, but look to the truth. Are we acting as we should be, or are we just like the Galatians who are changing the gospel to satisfy are own needs? We are desired by God, that is the truth that should label us and those around us.

May your Monday be blessed,

Sara

If you send a girl to Boliva...

These past two weeks in school I have been teaching my kids how to write roundabout stories.I however,  had no idea I would be living one out this week.  In case you are unfamiliar with this type of story we are using If You Give a Mouse a Cookie as our mentor text. In class the kids had to think of their own character and then some ridiculous item to give them. During the lessons we discussed consequences that follow decisions we make and also rewards that can come with them. The kids were having a blast, wrote some very creative pieces and were so excited to show their parents at conferences this week! Me week however, was a tad different. This is a brief description of my week in roundabout form.

If you give a girl a birthday...

As many of you know it was my Birthday this week, and with this thank you for all of your kind thoughts and posts. I had a wonderful day at school! Birthdays are a bigger deal here and so the kids sang to me in 5 different languages, how many people get that in one day! A couple of my girls gave me some fantastically sparkly jewelry that I wore proudly, and some other students brought me chocolate candies and a cake to share with the class. It was a wonderful day that ended in extra recess and no one complaining, what else could a teacher ask for? However other things were stirring during the day without my knowledge. It turns out that there was conflict about some things happening in my personal life and by the end of the day I felt defeated. I was able to end the day with friends who treated me to dinner, and I thought the drama was behind me.

After the drama has settled of course it will be time for parent/teacher conferences...

I know what some of you are thinking, especially my fellow teachers, however I LOVED conferences.Yes, I said it. As my co-teachers stressed and worried I was excited when the next parent came though my door! I had my students do most of the talking, best idea ever! I also had met with my more challenging parents earlier in the quarter, so I knew what to anticipate. What I was not expecting was the amount of praise I would receive from the parents of my students. I had so many give me high remarks about what a great job I was doing, and also how much their student loved going to school. One Dad told me that at the last school they attended his daughter dreaded Mondays and never wanted to go, but now she complains about how long Sundays feel! I started tearing up. What more could I have asked for, I have so many days where I feel like I am not giving these kids enough and now their parents are sitting across from me telling me how grateful they are that I came to Highlands this year. Thursday and Friday were long days don't get me wrong, but they were exactly what I needed.

When the emotions are high she will want a break....

As much as I loved conferences and the encouragement that came, I still was feeling emotionally drained from the drama which was my birthday. One of the hardest things for me, here and even in the states, is when people are talking about me, and not to me. In this case it was out of concern and it was hard for me to focus in on this reasoning, however I was so emotional and upset that I was not sure what to do so I started to cry. I cried on the way to school Friday and when I thought I was able to get it together I started to cry at school. Some of my students saw me, but a good friend covered my class while I could get myself together. As I reflected on why I was crying, and as many of you know sometimes I just can't help it, I realized the the past 10 weeks I have been in La Paz have been so all over the place (wonderful and hard) and I had not taken the time to really recognize what I was feeling. I had built up so much frustration against my job, and the way some things were going I just needed to let it go. Luckily after talking with someone and getting back to class, I was able to end the day with praise as I mentioned before.I hope you are not freaked out or really concerned right now, because I am doing much better, but as promised I was going to share the good and the not so good days in Bolivia.

When she is feeling better she will go out to breakfast...

To continue the "awesome" birthday that had been happening all week, I went out to breakfast with my roommates. It was a wonderful morning followed by a haircut, where the man told me I was beautiful (you take it where you can get it).  It was one of the best days I had had all week and I was so grateful for the people I was with. We headed home and my goal was to try to get some work done, but lets be honest I would probably watch T.V and go on Facebook.

When she opens her computer....

I went to grab my computer and when I opened it I was less then enthusiastic. It had died. To be more specific the screen was out and all that was left were pretty colorful lines that filled my screen. I did not know what to do. I know nothing about computers and was just so mad at that point it wouldn't do any good to try. So I called my friend, he told me that the screen was gone and it would cost more to replace it then the computer is worth. So now what, although my week had highlights this was the icing on the cake! Now I have to spend money that I do not have on a new computer. I thought for a moment about going all hippie and not getting one, but the reality is that a computer is a necessity here. I use it for work, for fun, to communicate with people here and in the states and it has all of my lesson plans on it!!

So if you send a girl to Bolivia she might just loose her mind...

Right now I am in the state of acceptance, my friends are going back to the states and are able to bring a new one back but it is a matter of funds at this point. I know the Lord is a provider and he would not let me starve here in Bolivia, but this week I have seriously questioned a lot of things. I am grateful for where I am and for who I am with but my heart is a little bitter and I am trying to move on. I was reading in this fantastic book, that has pretty much been therapy the last few days. There were two parts that stuck out to me, the first was when she said " I choose to believe that sometimes that happiest ending isn't the one you keep longing for, but something you absolutely cannot see from where you are". The second part that I felt really hit me was about prayer. "That's the core of prayer: Admitting that just maybe, there's something going that we can't see. So when I am afraid, I pray, and I ask for God's help, that I will be able to see something I wasn't able to see before, or at least trust him to do the seeing." Shauna Niequist, Bittersweet.

I need your prayers, I need to see or at least trust that God is seeing the happy ending that is out there. There is a lot of unknown in our lives and things that are far worse then a broken computer, but this is where I am at right now. I need to feel that peace that I had when I chose to come here and the peace of trusting who God is in all his glory.

I pray that this week you are able to see the good things God has given you as well, and also try to thank him for the hard times. It is not easy, I will be the first to tell you, but he is sovereign and has not let me down yet.

With Love,

Sara

9 weeks in...9 weeks to go!

I'm not really sure how to start this post. The last month has been full of exploring new places, hardships with my job, ridiculous moments with my students and being run over by a giant plastic ball (yes, a plastic ball). 

Last month we had a three day weekend! It was such a blessing and a much needed break from school. I was able to travel down to Coroico with one of my roommates and two other teachers from school. It was much different from the place I live now, in fact I think it is where a lot of people think I live. It took us about two and a half hours by bus to get there but it was worth it. There are a lot of plants and "jungle like" trees, the streets are warm and filled with color and many tourists too. The weather was beautiful and I was able to where shorts!! It was wonderful! We stayed at a hotel that was hidden away on the outskirts of the city with only a few other people. It was not a 5 star hotel by any means, but it was a getaway and a new part of Bolivia I got to see. I did not bring any work with me and I was able to lay by the pool, drink yummy juice and read a book for fun! 

After the weekend was over we had to face the reality of work once again :( I love my job, but sometimes it is hard to come back after such a lovely weekend. The school had a lot to do that week, and so did I. We had the annual spring festival (yes spring :)) that helps raise money for the school and gives families a fun day. My job was to co-lead the intramural tournaments, and for those of you who know me well I am not by any means sporty. After that event was over, and with only a few glitches, I was sent to work the inflatable. This inflatable was like no other I had seen; it was a large blow up slide and the kids got inside a huge plastic ball and rolled down. Now I know you are thinking shouldn't there be professional people working it? Yes, and there were a few but they needed us too. Only in Bolivia. My first role was to collect tickets and I did that well, but then I got run over. Yes friends I was run over by the big plastic ball, pushed into a table and still have a bruise to prove it. It was not by any means my favorite part of the day and waking up and not able to move my neck all the way was no joy either, but the kids loved it and the school made money so I guess it was worth it. 

At our school the kids speak English, however they are all at very different levels, making conversations difficult but also extremely funny sometimes. This past week my student who has been living in Bolivia and Japan comes up to me and said "Miss, I first though outstanding meant you get to go stand outside". This was very funny because in my classroom I have a clip-chart for behavior. If they do well all day, which she usually does, they can move their clip up to "outstanding". She was not here the first day and did not get the whole story, so it was very funny when she thought her reward was to stand outside. Now to some that might be a reward I guess, but that was not the original intention. 

Another example of humorous things 4th graders say happened at recess this week. One of my co-teachers comes up to me and said "Sara your kids just asked if I wanted to play "One" with them?". We both looked at each other and soon realized they were referring to the game "Uno". One of the students had recently received this game as a gift and translated it so that we would know what he was talking about. After explaining that this is the name of the game and you do not have to say "One" I think he understood, but then again I never really know. 

In my classroom the kids and myself are working on staying organized, which is not my strongest strength at the moment. I was having my kids clean their desks before they left for the day and one student did not do his job. I called him over and told him that he needed to clean his desk, he said okay and proceeded to do so. He looked up after he was finished and asked "Miss, do I have to clean the inside too?" I told him no not today and with a sigh of relief he said "Oh good, because the inside of my desk looks like yours and it would take me forever". I just started laughing because although mine was not nearly as messy as his he had a point. I must say I love the honesty that these kids have. They are not afraid to tell you what is on their mind and I praise them for it! 

This job is not easy, not that anyone ever told me it would be, but somedays I think to myself I was not expecting some of the challenges I face. I was not expecting to have so much heartbreak in my class and not being able to do anything about it. I was not expecting to have some parents that are so hard on their kids they ask me if they can stay a little bit longer. I was not expecting to be as tired as I am some nights. This job is difficult, and their are even more challenges teaching ELL students in a grade with no other teachers. It is a love/hate relationship I have with teaching right now, but fortunately God is always reminding me more of the love. 

On that note I ask that you pray for patience and endurance for me. Pray that when the kids push so hard on the markers that I don't snap. Pray that I am the love they need, but I also can discern when they need more discipline. I have watched and learned from a lot of great people/teachers in my life, and I do not know how they do it so well! 

Sweet dreams, 

Sara 

Astronauts and Puppies!

Hello friends,

Sorry I haven't updated this thing in a while. It has been a long and challenging few weeks. After weeks of battling what to teach and also how to teach it I finally feel like I know what I am doing (for the most part anyway). There are good and bad days but the majority have been lovely. I finally have all of my students with me, unless I get some surprise ones during the year, and they are goofy but we get along swimmingly! I was telling my director the other day I feel like I learn something new about our school everyday. Whether it be how to do progress reports or the part of the playground called "the wasteland", everyday is a new surprise.

In my personal life I have never felt more blessed by the women I live with. They are extremely supportive when I have a bad teacher day, am frustrated with life or when I miss the States and just want to run back. No one said this journey was going to be easy and that is certainly true but it is an adventure and that is what I was hoping for!  I have had days where I have decided to become an astronaut and quit my teaching gig, but those have past for now. I am continuing spanish lessons with another teacher and it is a interesting experience. It has humbled me and taught me how to be a more understanding teacher, but it has also shown an ugly side of pride. It is not an easy language by any means, but I am determined to learn it! This past Monday we had the chance to visit one of the middle school students houses and play with the puppies her dog just had! It was one of the best Monday afternoons I think anyone could have. We all decided we should take one, but unfortunately our apartments will not let us house a puppy. I'm sure they would be fun but then destroy everything in sight and loose their cuteness :)

Thank you for all of your prayers and support. If you could keep praying for my transition here and also for my patience with the challenges that come with it. I am so grateful to have family and friends in my life that are excited for what lies ahead!

I hope the puppies made you smile,

Sara

The Breakfast Train is leaving at 9!

This week was filled with sheep chasing, real Bolivian food, and lots of tourist experiences!

At school the kids are finally used to our new schedule which is such a great thing! Now they know what comes next, and what to do if they are finished! This eliminates many what do I do now, Miss and what time is it? It was a successful and overwhelming week planning and curriculum wise. I keep finding stacks and stacks of papers from previous teachers that I am not quite sure what to do with, and I am pretty sure some of it is older then my students :).  It is such a blessing coming into a classroom with some supplies and stuff to work with, but then there are things that I am not sure what the heck I am supposed to do with. Teaching is overwhelming at times, but in the hard times it is so cool to see how the Lord has given me gifts in handling situations and also the ability to make up songs in order to help the kids remember concepts ( they are not in tune, and surely not award worthy, but they seem to be working). Then there are times like last week, where the kids have to chase the sheep off the school campus and I just give in and laugh. I have been told this happens quite frequently, however I don't think it will ever get old. I have already learned so much about myself as a teacher it is a little crazy! The kids can definitely push me but it is reaffirmed that this is where I am supposed to be everyday.

This weekend was the first time I think I really had Bolivian food. I have had mellowed down versions at school but this was a new experience. On Friday a few friends and I went out to a fancier Bolivian restaurant and it was so good! I don't know if I would choose to eat it everyday, but I would try it again for sure! I have also learned that half the fun of going out is never knowing what I am really going to get because most places just have menus in Spanish!

I also had a chance to go into the city to the more touristy part of La Paz on Saturday. I have not seen that many white people in one place in a while, it was a little bizarre! There were a lot of fun little stores to go into and a really yummy restaurant that took us a while to find, but it was worth it! To end the week we went to a fancy hotel in our "backyard" that has an awesome breakfast buffet on Sundays! (I just realized I have eaten out a lot this week). They had the best French Toast I think I have ever had and it was so hard to stop eating!

My friend Meg and I  in the touristy part of the city! 

Some other great girls I work with :) 

Overall this week has been full of challenges, but a lot of fun with friends!

I hope your week is blessed!

Sara

Everyday's an adventure!

This week has been really long and really quick all at once! 

We continued our Visa process and had to go to a clinic/hospital/I can't really explain it. We spent almost our entire Monday in the medical place and were only originally supposed to be there for a few hours. I had to pee in a cup (afterwords some nice Bolivian men kindly let me know my zipper was undone :/) see a doctor, get my teeth checked by a dentist, and have an x-ray of my chest taken. I met all the standards of Bolivia and was checked off as a healthy lady! I also found out I have lost about 8 pounds since I have been here, the girls and I have labeled it as the missionary diet :) 

This week at school went well. The students have now warmed up to me and the idea of being back at school, therefore their true behaviors have come out! I had to make some minor adjustments to the behavior plan I have in place, but they responded well and have definitely improved! I have been overwhelmed by differentiated instruction and after reviewing the levels of the kids they range from 2nd grade to about 5th. It is crazy the difference, not because they are not bright, but it all falls on the amount of English they speak. It is a crazy and overwhelming job to take on but I can already see the struggles and learnings making me into a better teacher! After talking to one of my students parents this weekend I learned I have my 4th graders stamp of approval and respect.  I will take that as a great victory! 

I am looking forward to really diving into our routines and curriculum this week! We are studying life science and I am chilling a jello mold for an animal cell this very moment! There are definitely days I wish I were back in college and just talking about the possibility of teaching, but when I look back at the week it is worth the struggles and tears!
Here are some pictures of my classroom! Its a little messy still, but things are really coming together!

Before! 

We have to move everything into the middle of the room during the summer break! 

The front entrance with the library and cubbies! 

 Some Pictures from our Olympic Party last weekend! We had olympic themed snacks!

The RINGS!

We tried to show American Pride, but the powdered sugar melted haha! 

My desk and also our small group table! 

Popcorn Torches! 

With love, 

Sara

Miss, Miss

I have probably heard Miss, Miss about 400 times in just the last 3 days, however it is a great reminder why I am here. I was told over and over how difficult the first year of teaching was going to be, and don't get me wrong I am starting to see the mountain growing higher and higher of planning, grading and e-mailing parents (and it's only the third day). However, it is overwhelming and incredible to feel the sense of belonging and peace I get from standing in the classroom with my 4th graders. I do have some challenging students, and when people kept offering to pray specifically for my class it made me a little nervous, but I have some great kids that are excited to be back at school. 

 It has also been a while sense I have been this tired and I am pretty sure I fell asleep in the taxi on the way home from school today :) The long days of teaching on top of beginning of our visa process have sent me to bed around 9 and honestly I wish it was earlier sometimes!

We started our Visa process yesterday and had to be fingerprinted twice! Not to mention that no one spoke english in the interpol office, which is not a surprise anymore :) We went with a woman from the school and one of the girls spoke a little spanish but it definitely caused one of my friends and I to set a day for lessons :) The other doosey was having to give our height and weight in metric (thank God for google). 

I have been quickly forced to see that I am the minority in a country very different from my own. The comforts that have been here to keep me sane have been watching live US T.V and streaming the Olympics with my roommate, while eating lots of homemade cinnamon rolls!  I am surrounded by incredible teachers/new friends who love the Lord and are so supportive as I transition into this new time in my life. It's only been a week, but I feel like it has been a whole lot longer! 

Please be praying that this transition continues to go smoothly, no sickness, and lots of patients for my new little friends :) 

I will post pictures soon when my classroom is not overflowing with tissue boxes and books with no shelve! :) 

Until next time, 

Sara 

My First Few Days in a New Country!

Hello Family and Friends! 

I made it to La Paz! These last few days have been crazy and I feel like I have been here for weeks, but it has only been 3 days :) 

It has been a great time so far! I am in La Paz, but it is broken up into different sections. I live in the middle-upper class area called Calacoto with my own room and two other wonderful girls! 

I have learned so so much just in a few short days: 

( I'll just share a few) 

I have learned:

... the ATM is a lot more confusing then one would think

...the money ratio is 7 Bolivianos per 1 US dollar. It feels like you are spending a crazy amount of money when you use bs.

...there are no driving laws here and people just do what they want, but no one ever gets in an accident because there is so much traffic. Its a little scary but I am adjusting! 

...sometimes random sheep and pigs will come on to our school campus and the children will chase them.

...I need to learn some spanish! 

...it can get very cold at night and my space heater is my best investment yet! 

... and finally I have seen that the Bolivians I have met are incredibly welcoming and wonderful people! 

I could go on for days, but I am sure there will be a lot more learning to come! 

The pictures below are from a tour of La Paz we took on Friday. 

It is not specifically where I am living but about 20 minutes away in the main city :) 

Sorry if they are a little crooked, the streets are very bumpy here! 

The wires were extremely close to our heads :) 

It is crazy how many people live in La Paz. On the tour they said that the higher up the houses, the poorer the community. 

Some of the lovely ladies I will be working with! 

The real work begins Monday! Please be praying that I will have discernment in planning and also meeting the needs of my kiddos!  

Adios, 

Sara 

Hello!

I am new to this blogging thing so please be patient with me as I figure this all out!

As many of you know, I am leaving for Bolivia TOMORROW! I can't believe it is already that time but it is happening! My suitcases are packed full of underwear, clothes, soap and peanut butter cups! I have had more shots (vaccines ;) then anyone should have to have, and my Visa is approved and ready to go!

Before I leave I just want to say thank you again to those who have given financially and also those of you praying for me! If you have not given financially and would like to you can do so online at http://nics.org/Donate-start for a tax deductible receipt. Just select missionary fund and then type in my name.

Thanks for all of the encouragement! Talk to you soon from BOLIVIA!

Love,

Sara