Friday, October 20, 2006

Door

Okay, can you guess which of the mummies is me? Who said the adults were the serious ones? So much is going on, where to start…Ah, yes…We spent this week learning about Halloween and making decorations for our Halloween Party at the end of the month. Some of the younger kids made pumpkins, bats and ghosts, and the older kids drew skeletons, pirates, and many other “scary” things. I made up an Energizers to the Time Warp (adding monster movements during the verses and leaving the chorus the same), and we will do some Energizers at the party. Next week we will make some masks and other costumes. It seems like Halloween, Halloween, Halloween everywhere I look, but there are many other things, like an up-coming family movie night, grading home works from the high school, and getting ready for a Youth Worship in the church.
Last Sunday we invited the children of the two youngest classes to the church to say thank you and only two of them came. I was a little disappointed, and more so discouraged by the negative responses some of the parents had been sharing between each other and not with me. I began to think that maybe we shouldn’t be inviting them on Sundays to the church. Then the parent of one of the children drew this picture for me, and I saw the door, almost a shield, a door, and a window all at one time. We’re opening the door and inviting people to come. It’s their choice, and curiosity may win over in time, but they are not being forced to come. It’s only natural for me to invite them, because the music in the services is a part of my work in the church, just like the English classes. It’s their choice to come or not, but the door will always be open, and I will continue to invite them.

Friday, October 13, 2006

Thank you


This week we talked about Fall and things that change. We were blessed with beautiful weather this week, and so we played outside in the yard. With the older kids, we also talked about things that don't change with the seasons, like good friendships. Then with the younger kids we also learned to say "thank you" when someone gives you something. I want to thank all of you for your support and friendships. I have had momentary battles with being homesick and feeling overwhelmed with work. Then I get an email or a card or a package from a friend back home, and I feel you here with me. I miss you all, and I want to thank you for letting me know that your friendships will endure through my time away from home.

I'm just about to send out the second issue of my newsletter that comes through the snail mail. If you didn't receive the first one and you want to be on my mailing list, just send me an email (katisalmons@gmail.com) with your address. Unfortunately, I left my CPC directory in OK. I had it packed, but somehow it didn't make it. So, for some of you, I just don't have your contact information. I'm sorry. I would love to send you a copy of the short newsletter with details about the classes and my cultural experiences.

Tuesday, October 03, 2006

Exhausted, yet Exhilarated


Wow, We've actually completed two days of classes, plus two successful English Parties! We're having a great time. I'm having a great time. I must say that I never thought that it was possible to feel exhausted and exhilarated at the same time, but that is how I feel right now. I taught at the High School today(Anna and I gave the first test! ugh!) and when it was time for the class in the church, I thought I was too tired. And yet, when I got upstairs to the classroom, I found all of this energy. I love working with these kids, seeing how they respond. I have just posted new pictures from the English Party. You can click on the link to my pictures and the password is policka. I hope you can enjoy seeing the faces of these kids. They're really fantastic!