Today was busy once again! I am exhausted not to mention I do not feel all that good. My nose (sinus) is bad and my stomach hurts but it is a weird type of hurt. I don’t know how to explain it.
Anyway I woke up this morning at 6:30 which is not normal to being with. Robyn usually wakes up takes a shower and then typically I wake up and then get ready for class. But like I said today I was up right after she left the room. I made both beds and then waited until she got out the shower so I could get ready. Robyn walked in and was like “this is weird”. So we had breakfast, pancakes. It was pretty good. Then Kanki picked us up and we went to go teach at the school.
Then after school Kanki picked us up and we went to Meriam’s house where Dr. Button and Dr. Johnson made an “American” lunch for our host mom’s and Kanki. Let’s just say by American meal I mean typical things you will find on thanksgiving. Then for dessert we had apple crisp. MOM yours is amazing and it made me think of when Dave and I were little and you made it. Goodness it made me miss it, it was like I could almost taste it. The apple crisp we had was okay but not as good.
During the lunch we gave out host mom roses we bought before the lunch. We also gave Meriam a dozen roes. The moms were so excited. Robyn and I also gave Monchi a thank you card. Because I wrote it earlier we had a teacher translate the letter from English to Spanish. So on top of the card was Spanish and on the bottom was English. She started crying and kept telling us to come back. Robyn and I really lucked out. She is just so nice.
Then after lunch Monchi along with the other moms took us to her orphanage and we got to see the girls. There are only about 14 girls and when I got there, there was a girl who came to me and let me hold her. I think she was about only 3 years old. She was so cute. Goodness I did not want to leave. Since I have six graders I don’t get the kids hugs like Robyn does and it was kind of good to see a little kid because I am with the older ones all day. Robyn took pictures so they will be posted eventually.
Finally after that we went home for only 30 minute and I layed down and was out! Goodness it took all the energy I had left to get up and come to class. Not to mention my sinuses are acting up and giving me a headache. Right now I am in class and I need to be paying attention. If you want more information then check out Robyn’s blog. I am sure she wrote an Epic Tale.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
To read more check out Robyn's blog she wrote more...
Robyn's blog:
http://robyndwoo.blogspot.com/
This weekend was a lot of fun. Saturday we went to the beach and it was a lot of fun. Too much happened so therefore it would take forever and a day to describe everything. Sunday we went horse back riding and took the horses up to a waterfall and then hung out there. Then the horses took us back to main area and we had lunch. The lunch was really good! Then we got to hang out there for a while. It was fun and tiring we got back home at 5 p.m. I was excited because that way I could relax.
When I got home I took a shower! It felt so good. Then Robyn took one and we ended up reading. I finally went to bed around 9 or 10. It was great.
Today Robyn did not feel good so she stayed home. I am finally getting the routine of the teachers and where I am supposed to be. Larissa the teacher I am working with at the school teaches 6th grade until 10:30 and then she teaches 5th grade social studies. Because I am working on social studies and Language Arts I need to be in both of the classes.
I honestly like the 6th graders better. It is weird I never thought in a million years that I would enjoy a 6th grade class but I love them. Not to mention that they help me with my Spanish when I want to get a coke from the cafeteria. They are also funny. I love them.
So this week will be crazy. Today we have a long break and so we don’t have Spanish or our college class. However, at 5 we have to go to class with the other teachers. I am excited because today when I get home I am going to take a nap! I am running on pretty much no energy.
I am ready to come home but I am also having a lot of fun here. I have had dreams about home already and it is weird because in my dreams people are speaking to me in Spanish and I have no idea what is going on. I finally wake up and I remember where I am. It is weird.
I feel like I don’t have a lot to write but at the same time I have a ton. It just would take too long to type everything. Anyway I will write more later, tomorrow I teach again and am reading a book to my 6th graders. I am super excited.
http://robyndwoo.blogspot.com/
This weekend was a lot of fun. Saturday we went to the beach and it was a lot of fun. Too much happened so therefore it would take forever and a day to describe everything. Sunday we went horse back riding and took the horses up to a waterfall and then hung out there. Then the horses took us back to main area and we had lunch. The lunch was really good! Then we got to hang out there for a while. It was fun and tiring we got back home at 5 p.m. I was excited because that way I could relax.
When I got home I took a shower! It felt so good. Then Robyn took one and we ended up reading. I finally went to bed around 9 or 10. It was great.
Today Robyn did not feel good so she stayed home. I am finally getting the routine of the teachers and where I am supposed to be. Larissa the teacher I am working with at the school teaches 6th grade until 10:30 and then she teaches 5th grade social studies. Because I am working on social studies and Language Arts I need to be in both of the classes.
I honestly like the 6th graders better. It is weird I never thought in a million years that I would enjoy a 6th grade class but I love them. Not to mention that they help me with my Spanish when I want to get a coke from the cafeteria. They are also funny. I love them.
So this week will be crazy. Today we have a long break and so we don’t have Spanish or our college class. However, at 5 we have to go to class with the other teachers. I am excited because today when I get home I am going to take a nap! I am running on pretty much no energy.
I am ready to come home but I am also having a lot of fun here. I have had dreams about home already and it is weird because in my dreams people are speaking to me in Spanish and I have no idea what is going on. I finally wake up and I remember where I am. It is weird.
I feel like I don’t have a lot to write but at the same time I have a ton. It just would take too long to type everything. Anyway I will write more later, tomorrow I teach again and am reading a book to my 6th graders. I am super excited.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Crazy Canadians Dance Better than Americans!
Well yesterday so much stuff happened! First I went to the school and then went on the field trip with all the students 5&6th grade went. I was in the 6th grade bus and they were awesome. Rachel a teacher that graduated from Tech and has been teaching here for a year went for with my class and so did two other girls. It was a lot of fun. I fell asleep in the bus. The kids were great, especially for 6th grade.
Before we went to the museum we went to Papa Johns and had Americans pizza. It was good but it upset my stomach because I was not used to the food. Then I had some yummy ice cream. Goodness it felt like home. The kids ran around and there was not structure but they listen to Rachel and do have respect for teachers. It is just a lot different from at home. One I know I would get into a ton of trouble if I fell asleep on the bus at home two if kids ran around wild because of excitement I would have also got into trouble. Here things are really chill and relaxed. It is good at times and stressful at other times.
At the museum the tour was in Spanish so I had not idea what was going on. The kids were so excited and super happy to be there. They were so cute. Everyone had their camera out and was taking pictures. Then after the tour the teachers and kids had ice cream bars that I think was included in the museum fee. All of us girls did not have to pay for the museum, lunch, or ice cream bars because the school paid for it. Then on the way home from the museum (2 hrs back to the school), I feel asleep again in the chair upfront of the bus. I asked him if I could sit there and put my feet on the dash and he said yes and pointed to my socks. I just was wondering but he proceeded to take my shoe off. It was so funny. So then I took my other shoe off and slept. It was great. We got back to the school at 7 so we missed our college class. Then we went home at 8:00p.m.
When we got home Robyn and I had dinner. Hot dogs!!! It was good but it was on a hoagie bun so I only ate one side because it was too big. We then got ready to go on the carriage ride. Kanki came to pick us up and in the car we found we were not going on the ride instead we were all going out because it was ladies night at a club. Well we got there at 9:30 like early birds we had to pay $100 (Pecos) $3.00 to get in and then it was free drinks. So we agreed to go in and of course we were the only ones there at 9:30. We ordered drinks and man were they strong I did not even drink a whole one.
After people got there of course ½ the girls got hit on. It was funny yet weird, too. Robyn got hit on and of course I got protective. It was funny; apparently because this guy was talking to her and he asked what we were doing her (by the way I could not hear the conversations because it was too loud). She told him for school and that we were from Canada. He then asked her if she danced and she said no. Then he said that Canadian’s dance better than Americans. Little did he know that we are American!!! Then he told Robyn that she was going to make a FINE teacher. At that point I was ready for him to be done talking to her (remember I can’t hear them). So I proceeded to lean over her and yell “SHE IS MARRIED” he said oh and left her alone and then went to hit on another girl. Robyn starting laughing so hard, and then she told everything he had said. Can you say perfect timing!! Then we all decided to get on the dance floor. Yes, I danced; No, I was not drunk. Like we did not stick out enough, 9 white girls from “Canada” got on the dance floor. It was a blast. Kanki watched our purses. He is the best driver ever!!! Then most of us girls went home around 11:30. I had a lot of fun and brushed my teeth and then crashed.
Today May 15, 2009
I am currently at the school and I started my inquiry project. My questions for the class was what do they think of Americans and then the second question is what do you think of when someone says the word America.
The students wrote about the different questions for about 15 minutes. The student did not write their name on any of their work so it would be anonymous. When I collected the paper work their answers were hilarious. Some of them think we are crazy, mean, rude, nice etc.
Before we went to the museum we went to Papa Johns and had Americans pizza. It was good but it upset my stomach because I was not used to the food. Then I had some yummy ice cream. Goodness it felt like home. The kids ran around and there was not structure but they listen to Rachel and do have respect for teachers. It is just a lot different from at home. One I know I would get into a ton of trouble if I fell asleep on the bus at home two if kids ran around wild because of excitement I would have also got into trouble. Here things are really chill and relaxed. It is good at times and stressful at other times.
At the museum the tour was in Spanish so I had not idea what was going on. The kids were so excited and super happy to be there. They were so cute. Everyone had their camera out and was taking pictures. Then after the tour the teachers and kids had ice cream bars that I think was included in the museum fee. All of us girls did not have to pay for the museum, lunch, or ice cream bars because the school paid for it. Then on the way home from the museum (2 hrs back to the school), I feel asleep again in the chair upfront of the bus. I asked him if I could sit there and put my feet on the dash and he said yes and pointed to my socks. I just was wondering but he proceeded to take my shoe off. It was so funny. So then I took my other shoe off and slept. It was great. We got back to the school at 7 so we missed our college class. Then we went home at 8:00p.m.
When we got home Robyn and I had dinner. Hot dogs!!! It was good but it was on a hoagie bun so I only ate one side because it was too big. We then got ready to go on the carriage ride. Kanki came to pick us up and in the car we found we were not going on the ride instead we were all going out because it was ladies night at a club. Well we got there at 9:30 like early birds we had to pay $100 (Pecos) $3.00 to get in and then it was free drinks. So we agreed to go in and of course we were the only ones there at 9:30. We ordered drinks and man were they strong I did not even drink a whole one.
After people got there of course ½ the girls got hit on. It was funny yet weird, too. Robyn got hit on and of course I got protective. It was funny; apparently because this guy was talking to her and he asked what we were doing her (by the way I could not hear the conversations because it was too loud). She told him for school and that we were from Canada. He then asked her if she danced and she said no. Then he said that Canadian’s dance better than Americans. Little did he know that we are American!!! Then he told Robyn that she was going to make a FINE teacher. At that point I was ready for him to be done talking to her (remember I can’t hear them). So I proceeded to lean over her and yell “SHE IS MARRIED” he said oh and left her alone and then went to hit on another girl. Robyn starting laughing so hard, and then she told everything he had said. Can you say perfect timing!! Then we all decided to get on the dance floor. Yes, I danced; No, I was not drunk. Like we did not stick out enough, 9 white girls from “Canada” got on the dance floor. It was a blast. Kanki watched our purses. He is the best driver ever!!! Then most of us girls went home around 11:30. I had a lot of fun and brushed my teeth and then crashed.
Today May 15, 2009
I am currently at the school and I started my inquiry project. My questions for the class was what do they think of Americans and then the second question is what do you think of when someone says the word America.
The students wrote about the different questions for about 15 minutes. The student did not write their name on any of their work so it would be anonymous. When I collected the paper work their answers were hilarious. Some of them think we are crazy, mean, rude, nice etc.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
May 13
So today I went into the classroom and it was fun. The kids were wonderful! Even though they were 6th grade I loved it. I read to them a book and then the students write in their journal. Then I had them share. It was really cool to hear their stories. After the school it was time to meet with Dr. Johnson and Dr. Button about my class.
I found out today that I have two large projects for advanced social studies and a few projects for advanced language arts. It is going to be busy. I start my inquiry project (research) tomorrow. I have to formulate questions. I am going to ask my DR students what they think when they think of America and what do they think of Americans. I can not wait to hear their answers.
Then it was time for lunch. Well Robyn as in the Santo Domingo so my unofficial translator was gone and I had to go home to Monchi alone. Goodness I was stressed!!! Leave it up to Monchi to have already made arrangements to have her daughter and grandson over who are bilingual. It was awesome. We still had a good laugh because I was trying to speak Spanish and Monchi was trying to speak English and well you can imagine what that was like. Her grandson told me that she said that she (meaning Monchi) speaks better English than I speak Spanish. Which the sad part of that is, it is true. For lunch we all ate together and Monchi told her daughter to tell me that I am the nicest and funniest girl she has had from America and she has had 9 girls stay with her. That made me feel good, I think she thinks I am funny because I have no idea what is going on 99% of the time and according to Robyn I show it on my face.
Tonight I am going on a carriage ride and then to a Bar. It is on our agenda. I think it will be fun but man I feel like I am not getting any sleep and it is kicking my butt. However, I am lucky tomorrow because tomorrow night we do not have anything planned and I am going to SLEEP!! That was the plan last night but I stayed up late with Robyn practicing Spanish and talking to Monchi.
This weekend we are going to Sosua Beach on Saturday and this is the link:
http://www.sosua.com/pictures/
Anyway I am really excited and still have fun! I miss everyone though.
I found out today that I have two large projects for advanced social studies and a few projects for advanced language arts. It is going to be busy. I start my inquiry project (research) tomorrow. I have to formulate questions. I am going to ask my DR students what they think when they think of America and what do they think of Americans. I can not wait to hear their answers.
Then it was time for lunch. Well Robyn as in the Santo Domingo so my unofficial translator was gone and I had to go home to Monchi alone. Goodness I was stressed!!! Leave it up to Monchi to have already made arrangements to have her daughter and grandson over who are bilingual. It was awesome. We still had a good laugh because I was trying to speak Spanish and Monchi was trying to speak English and well you can imagine what that was like. Her grandson told me that she said that she (meaning Monchi) speaks better English than I speak Spanish. Which the sad part of that is, it is true. For lunch we all ate together and Monchi told her daughter to tell me that I am the nicest and funniest girl she has had from America and she has had 9 girls stay with her. That made me feel good, I think she thinks I am funny because I have no idea what is going on 99% of the time and according to Robyn I show it on my face.
Tonight I am going on a carriage ride and then to a Bar. It is on our agenda. I think it will be fun but man I feel like I am not getting any sleep and it is kicking my butt. However, I am lucky tomorrow because tomorrow night we do not have anything planned and I am going to SLEEP!! That was the plan last night but I stayed up late with Robyn practicing Spanish and talking to Monchi.
This weekend we are going to Sosua Beach on Saturday and this is the link:
http://www.sosua.com/pictures/
Anyway I am really excited and still have fun! I miss everyone though.
more pictures
Last night...written last night
So tonight when we got home we had a grilled ham and cheese sandwich with mayo and ketchup. Let’s just say once again Robyn liked it. Just to let everyone to know she is a very picky eater. But everything we have had she has mostly liked; I just can’t let her eat stuff when I claim not to be picky haha.
About thirty minutes ago we found out we could use the internet phone for how ever long we want. It is awesome, but I don’t want to talk too long because I feel bad. The conversations are getting better between Monchi and I. Robyn is there when I fail which is amazing! In the kitchen Monchi was talking to us in Spanish (duh) and we were trying to understand it. She is actually trying to work with me but we all just end up laughing. I don’t know when I have laughed this hard. I nearly end up in tears because it is so funny. It is also embarrassing because her maid, daughter, and Robyn end up looking at me with my stressed deranged look on my face. Once again despite everything I am having a blast!!! I am already worn out but have so much fun!
A side note after dinner and the conversation in the kitchen or should I say lack of conversation Monchi placed a Spanish/English dictionary in my room for me. Once again it made me laugh. Oh by the way did I mention Dominicans try to feed us all the time and cook a ton of food. Robyn and I could not even finish our dinner. Breakfast we eat and usually lunch but by the time dinner rolls around we are so tired that eating is hard because we are usually hot and tired.
Also today I was able to talk to Cory, Mom and Dad. Monchi has a telephone that plugs into her computer and so Robyn and I were able to talk for free. Of course we did not want to talk long because we are still weary but Monchi still wanted us to talk to our family. Then it was time for bed. A few minutes after I laid down I passed out. Robyn is going to Santos Domingo with her students tomorrow and Thursday I get to go. I am really excited.
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