I find it difficult blogging because I never know what people want to hear about and I don't feel like its my day to day life that makes it interesting....but as I was talking to someone the other day they reminded me that what is now "normal" to me was not just a few short months ago. So I thought I would share what a normal day would look like for a teacher at Faith. what now may seem normal to me may not be to you, so here we go....
5:30 am: wake up sweating, not too bad today, sheets weren't wet so I feel pretty clean.
5:35 am: turn on the Today show "live" from the previous US morning.
5:40 am: put the coffee on (make an extra cup for my friend Sharon who's coffee maker spontaneously stopped working earlier this quarter) but won't drink my cup til I'm in the air conditioned classroom.
5:45 am: wash the layer of grim that has formed on my face from the pollution coming in my open window...thought about doing my hair today..but realize my hair is starting to stick to my neck, time to pull it up.
6:20 am: Leave for school.
*avoid the small herds of cows and the occasional chicken crossing the road, pass any slow moving jeepneys
6:21 am: the minute I walk into my classroom I put on my beloved air con (I have even considered naming my first child air con, love it so much)
6:40 am: Out to morning duty, standing in the 90+ degree heat sweating already...
7:15 am: kids come up and the day begins
9:35 am: kids come back from merienda (means snack break) and tell me about their newest adventures...who's chasing who, and who got hurt, ask me what are we doing next.
11:00 am: send kids out to lunch and head over to the cafeteria to see what they're serving...usually kimbob, bicol, bulgogi, or some off color potato boat...when in doubt go with the Korean food (our cook is Korean)
2:00 pm: Kids are dismissed, first time you walked outside since lunch....seems more humid than you remember...feels like a wet blanket has been draped over me...maybe I'll stay in my air conditioned classroom to work a little longer.
4:00 pm: Finally leaving school cause I have to go "run" to the grocery store...traffic is bad of course...and even though the grocery store is 5 km away from my house it takes 20 minutes to get there...darn trikes
4:30 pm: finally found a place to park in the parking garage...now have to fight the crowds to the market...too bad most grocery stores are in the malls.
4:45 pm: don't have exactly what I'm looking for..so I guess I'll have to find a substitute...disappointing since they had it just last week.
5:00 pm: time to check out...but the bar code seems to have a small scratch on it, or the mangoes haven't been properly labeled so someone has to run back and find a new one...waiting waiting. I'm finally noticing all the staring people, and kids giggling whispering to their moms, "americano mammi". All while the annoying market's jingle is going on in the background, "Shop to til you drop at hypermarket, no matter where you turn there's another exciting adventure, the Hypermarket experience, lots of choices funs and prizes, for everyday living, everything you need all in one place that's the hypermarket....Happy to Serve!" the cashier and bag boy are asking me whole long I've been in the Philippines and why don't I have a boyfriend yet...don't know how to respond.
5:10 pm: As I'm walking out everyone stops to clap and chant "Happy to Serve" while calling out "Hello Mam' Sir"
5:15 pm: Finally out of there, now its time to stop by my sanctuary...Starbucks. Seriously love it here, they even remember my name and drink...Filipinos are excellent with names.
5:30 pm: Finally headed home. My feet are very tired from standing around in flip flops all day.
6:00 pm: So happy to finally be home, my condo feels pretty good. Turn on the TV to see what is on, mostly last seasons of So You Think You Can Dance, Live to Dance, ABDC, Criminal Minds or Glee....
6:30 pm: too hot to cook, so I guess it's a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for dinner, but lucky for me I found Sunchips at the grocery store :) yum. and frozen mango for dessert.
8:00 pm: realize just how gross I feel so I think it's time for a shower...virtually no water pressure....and luke warm water...at least it's draining today.
8:30 pm: stand in front of the fan trying to dry my hair...but too hot to get the hair dryer out...oh well, I'll probably end up wearing a ponytail tomorrow again anyway.
9:00 pm: been a good day, start thinking, "what's on the agenda for tomorrow?"
My life is pretty exciting...
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
A very special visitor
A week with Mrs. and Miss Cosper?...what a treat! The kids loved having my mom visit, and I loved spending the week with her!
After spending a few days in the classroom, we were able to drive out to Subic a beach about three hours out of Manila. It was very relaxing, and gave us an excellent excuse to lay out in the sun while reading a good book.
When we got back to Manila we were welcomed by a tropical storm and I have seriously never hear rain and wind so loud. It was so loud we couldn't even hear the thunder outside. After three hours of restless sleep mom and I got back in the classroom.
It was so fun having her hear, being able to meet all my friends here, my students, and spend some time in Manila my new home. It was such a blessing having her here, but it made me realize how much I miss my dad and sisters. Can't wait to see them again soon!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
A few 4th Grade quotes
In our class we have a jar that has everyone's name on a popcicle stick and my kids now have named the jar "destiny" haha... today one of my kids said, "I love you Destiny..please pick me!"
"Miss Cosper I'm not going to college, cause I'm going to join the NBA!"
While talking to his plants that he's growing in science he started chanting, "Please grow panties grow panties...oh wait..thats not what I meant!"
When reading Hatchet one of my boys confessed to me, "Miss Cosper I know that the characters in my book aren't real, but I pray for them that they would become Christians so that they could pray for help."
Me: "What could I do to start getting myself excited for next year's fourth graders?" 4th grader: "You could imagine them with beards"... (what made this funnier was that he was totally serious)
"Miss Cosper, I've never been more embarrassed then when I was in church talking to two girls when I noticed my tucked in shirt was sticking out of my zipper and they saw it!"
"Can I go call my mudda?"....
"Mr. Rene, how much more do you weigh than Miss Cosper?"
"Miss Cosper I'm not going to college, cause I'm going to join the NBA!"
While talking to his plants that he's growing in science he started chanting, "Please grow panties grow panties...oh wait..thats not what I meant!"
When reading Hatchet one of my boys confessed to me, "Miss Cosper I know that the characters in my book aren't real, but I pray for them that they would become Christians so that they could pray for help."
Me: "What could I do to start getting myself excited for next year's fourth graders?" 4th grader: "You could imagine them with beards"... (what made this funnier was that he was totally serious)
"Miss Cosper, I've never been more embarrassed then when I was in church talking to two girls when I noticed my tucked in shirt was sticking out of my zipper and they saw it!"
"Can I go call my mudda?"....
"Mr. Rene, how much more do you weigh than Miss Cosper?"
Monday, April 25, 2011
The Resurrection
While living in a predominately catholic country, I haven't noticed many differences until our recent Easter holiday.
First of all, I have never gotten Maundy Thursday off of school, and not even sure if I've ever heard the official name for it. But I was excited about having an extra day off from school.
People had warned me that everything shut down on Thursday and Friday and that there was no one on the roads on Saturday. They weren't lying...my friend Kelli and I ventured out on Thursday afternoon to see if we could find a McDonalds or something open to eat. It was like driving through a ghost town (not literally, there were still people, but compared to the normal Manila traffic it was unbelievable). Then later than night we went out to see the "Ortigas blitz" which is when people from all over Manila walk literally miles on the main road to the big Catholic church, Antipolo Church, on top of the hill. There were thousands of people crowding the streets just walking, and the farther along you go the more you see processions that include devotees who self-flagellate and sometimes even have themselves nailed to crosses as expressions of penance, in fulfillment of a vow, or in thanksgiving for a granted request.
After three o'clock in the afternoon (the time Jesus is traditionally believed to have died), all noise and merrymaking is discouraged and the faithful are urged to keep a solemn and prayerful disposition. The city becomes so quiet, where I would normally hear karaoke and talking there was nothing.
Holy Saturday known locally as "Black Saturday", has the traditional silence and solemnity from the previous day spill over. Some parishes will even have a presentation where Judas hangs himself because of his treachery towards Jesus.
The death of Christ was important, but it was so important because of what happened three days later. He conquered death and rose again! It is because of this that we have been given an opportunity to live eternally. I was shocked at the sadness this weekend in Manila...He is no longer dead, He has risen and lives today.
This Easter I have been touched by the humility in the death of Christ. He wasn't pretending to be fearless, but went to His heavenly father and asked "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will (Matt. 26:39b)."
I think Jesus' prayers in Gethasmane have challenged me to be completely honest with God and to serve with even more humility. I may not always love what I do every hour or even every day, but I pray that I can serve my Lord with humility and honesty. I know that He has always been with me, and His will is ultimately the best thing for me.
I pray that His will be done in my life.
First of all, I have never gotten Maundy Thursday off of school, and not even sure if I've ever heard the official name for it. But I was excited about having an extra day off from school.
People had warned me that everything shut down on Thursday and Friday and that there was no one on the roads on Saturday. They weren't lying...my friend Kelli and I ventured out on Thursday afternoon to see if we could find a McDonalds or something open to eat. It was like driving through a ghost town (not literally, there were still people, but compared to the normal Manila traffic it was unbelievable). Then later than night we went out to see the "Ortigas blitz" which is when people from all over Manila walk literally miles on the main road to the big Catholic church, Antipolo Church, on top of the hill. There were thousands of people crowding the streets just walking, and the farther along you go the more you see processions that include devotees who self-flagellate and sometimes even have themselves nailed to crosses as expressions of penance, in fulfillment of a vow, or in thanksgiving for a granted request.
After three o'clock in the afternoon (the time Jesus is traditionally believed to have died), all noise and merrymaking is discouraged and the faithful are urged to keep a solemn and prayerful disposition. The city becomes so quiet, where I would normally hear karaoke and talking there was nothing.
Holy Saturday known locally as "Black Saturday", has the traditional silence and solemnity from the previous day spill over. Some parishes will even have a presentation where Judas hangs himself because of his treachery towards Jesus.
The death of Christ was important, but it was so important because of what happened three days later. He conquered death and rose again! It is because of this that we have been given an opportunity to live eternally. I was shocked at the sadness this weekend in Manila...He is no longer dead, He has risen and lives today.
This Easter I have been touched by the humility in the death of Christ. He wasn't pretending to be fearless, but went to His heavenly father and asked "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will (Matt. 26:39b)."
I think Jesus' prayers in Gethasmane have challenged me to be completely honest with God and to serve with even more humility. I may not always love what I do every hour or even every day, but I pray that I can serve my Lord with humility and honesty. I know that He has always been with me, and His will is ultimately the best thing for me.
I pray that His will be done in my life.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
She'll be coming over the ocean when she comes!
This weekend I was blessed with being able to help out with Faith's production of Annie by doing all the hair. It was a fun experience getting to know some of the high schoolers and middle schoolers. However, it left me drained and very tired. I walked into school this morning groggy, and with coffee in hand I was barely able to get through the morning.
I am also looking forward to a special visitor coming in just under two weeks. MY MOM! So excited for her to see my class, my work, my friends, my condo, and hopefully some of the fun things there is to do in Manila! As her visit is coming closer I'm realizing I'm missing home more and more. I think the anticipation and knowing that she's coming soon is stirring up some mixed feelings. I love the Philippines, but I'm also missing Seattle and even Chicago right now. This time of the year is one of my favorite times in Chicago. The cool wind, and playing frisbee on oak street beach...but here in the Phils it's reaching into the 90s and I'm having trouble sleeping at night because hot season is just starting to hit.
But over all God is good, and I'm reminded of what a gift it is to serve Him here in the Philippines this easter. I know that many of these feelings I'm feeling now Christ felt...he was someone living away from his family in a foreign land and struggled with cultural changes as well. When I am weak He is strong, and I can know that He is with me and has already gone through what I am going through now.
I am also looking forward to a special visitor coming in just under two weeks. MY MOM! So excited for her to see my class, my work, my friends, my condo, and hopefully some of the fun things there is to do in Manila! As her visit is coming closer I'm realizing I'm missing home more and more. I think the anticipation and knowing that she's coming soon is stirring up some mixed feelings. I love the Philippines, but I'm also missing Seattle and even Chicago right now. This time of the year is one of my favorite times in Chicago. The cool wind, and playing frisbee on oak street beach...but here in the Phils it's reaching into the 90s and I'm having trouble sleeping at night because hot season is just starting to hit.
But over all God is good, and I'm reminded of what a gift it is to serve Him here in the Philippines this easter. I know that many of these feelings I'm feeling now Christ felt...he was someone living away from his family in a foreign land and struggled with cultural changes as well. When I am weak He is strong, and I can know that He is with me and has already gone through what I am going through now.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
The King and I in Thailand!
Two weeks ago a few of my friends and I were blessed to go on a trip to Bangkok, Thailand. It was an amazing opportunity and I am so thankful that I was able to see more of Asia. I found myself amazed with the rich culture and the hospitality of the people.
On the last night that we were there we were able to go see a Thai cultural show. I felt like I was part of the King and I eating, and watching this beautiful performance and taking in as much of the Thai culture as I could. The show illustrated the different regions of Thailand and the different cultures of each, one being a fishing community, and another being a mountainous region.
As I sat there watching the show my heart was breaking for these people. They have come from some a strong roots, and the traditions of this country are beautiful, and yet they are so far from the truth. They truly are a nation that is searching for truth.
The night before the show we were exploring more of the night life in Bangkok because we heard about the amazing night markets. Little did we know that with the night comes evil from it's dark corners. The streets were lined with women and men who held folders filled with pictures of women, and flyers being passed out to passer-byes. I have never felt so dirty in my life.
After living in Chicago for many years I witnessed some terrible things, and was not surprised by the evil things people partook in. Now living in Manila it's a regular occurrence for me to see poverty, drugs, and a unlimited supply of trash and filth. But for some reason there in the streets of that Bangkok night market I have never felt such a spiritual darkness.
All this to say I have come away from this trip with a new burden. To pray for Thailand. I can't imagine what it must feel like to feel forced into something that is so inhumane. Please pray for these women and their families and that there would be a light in those communities where they can run to Christ.
A great experience, with great friends. I count myself extremely lucky to be able to visit these different places in the south pacific. It was also a time to get refreshed after another quarter of teaching. But I love my kids and I was so ready to get back to them.
These are some of the pictures I took on the trip. So many vibrant colors. Overall I would love to go back again soon
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| An old sculpture at the Grand Palace... Love the gold in the background. |
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| There is literally so much gold in the palace it was beginning to hurt my eyes with the sun... |
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| Love this face... he's got a huge burden on his back... |
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| wish I had enough time and courage to talk to this monk...he was in conversation with someone already... |
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| The only reason I am wearing that sweater is because there was a dress code...long pants and sleeves. Yikes it was warm. |
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| love the color in this one. |
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| One day we were walking down the street when we ran into a small parade with elephants. They were raising money for relief work in Japan. Who can say no to that big ol' elephant face... |
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| This is me on the River Kwai and the bridge in the background. It was a great day to get out of the city and see some of the more rural parts of Thailand. |
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| Bridge over the River Kwai. |
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| More idols at a nearby temple. |
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| view from up top... |
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| La Mia and me...she was a great elephant. This picture was taken right after she had sucked up some water and sprayed it on herself trying to cool her off...and got me instead. Yuck! |
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| our "river rafting" expedition... more like a peaceful float down the river. |
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| feeding the babies :) |
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| so precious. |
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| they took us on a train ride called "the death train"... |
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| elephant foot. |
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| a very happy couple of friends. |
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| On our last night we went to a cultural show which was amazing and so beautiful. Love the Thai people and their beautiful culture. |
Monday, March 14, 2011
Minstry in the Philippines?
Pray for Faith as the administration begins to plan for the 2011-2012 school year. We have many positions that need to be filled. It's sad to say good bye, but God has been faithful to this school for over 50 years in bringing exactly who needs to be here and when.
Please pray that these positions will be filled, and if any of you are interested in serving at an MK school in Manila please pray and email us ;)
Please pray that these positions will be filled, and if any of you are interested in serving at an MK school in Manila please pray and email us ;)
Positions Needed for 2011/2012 school year
Athletic Director
Boarding Home Parents
Chaplain
Curriculum Coordinator
Librarian
Teachers:
Bible
Computer Teacher
Elementary Teachers
Elementary Music
English
ESL
Industrial Arts
Home Economics
Korean Language Arts
Korean Civics
Math
Modern Languages
Science
PE
Social Studies/Geography
Spanish
Special Ed
Boarding Home Parents
Chaplain
Curriculum Coordinator
Librarian
Teachers:
Bible
Computer Teacher
Elementary Teachers
Elementary Music
English
ESL
Industrial Arts
Home Economics
Korean Language Arts
Korean Civics
Math
Modern Languages
Science
PE
Social Studies/Geography
Spanish
Special Ed
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