Oi! The days go fast and the nights go faster! I have no recollection of how many days we've actually been here, but I can say that at a meeting after school yesterday, I found out that we are technically in the 4th week of school! Seems almost impossible to be true. Especially since my first unit was supposed to only take 2-3 weeks and we need another 2 weeks to finish.
The students are different than I expected. None of it in bad ways, just different. They are definitely ESL students and I am continously reevaluating how I am teaching. I am a writing, reading and language teacher. Many staff and students alike come to me for English advise, just being a native speaker on campus gives you the authority. The students, however, are appreciating some of my teaching methods, which are slightly different than what they are used to.
This past weekend was both busy and relaxing at the same time, if that makes any sense. It's kind of oximoronic, but there is no better way to describe it. Sierra had a sleepover with a friend and was sad to come home. I think she was afraid the fun would end. She received a second birthday party invitation at school today, and she continues to smile every morning on the way to school and talk my ear off every afternoon on the way home.
Since she was sleeping over at a friend's on Sat. Joe and I took advantage and ventured out to Santa Tereza with a group from school. We had a nice evening of music, conversation and Chopp (beer). Came home late, slept in, napped the next day, and waited for Sierra to return. Sunday I think was the first day I actually felt "at home" since our arrival.
We also ventured to an art crawl of sorts in a nearby neighborhood. Found a charming ceramic vase and it looks fabulous on the dining room table for our weekly fresh flowers.
My language instruction begins Thursday this week. I will study for an hour and a half 2 nights a week and I am anxious to get those underway. There is a certain isolation that accompanies not being able to communicate with the man at the store on the street on the bus or anywhere around you for that matter.
The weather has been cool. I would guess in the low 60s. It feels very cool--I dare say cold. We haven't had a beach day in a couple of weeks, since our friends Tania and Kirstin were here visiting. I am hungering for the sand and the sun, but it will come in time I'm sure. Until then, we're actually wearing our long pants and long sleeves.
Sierra started volleyball and gymnastics at school. She has each two afternoons for an hour after classes. It works out perfectly for timing when I am contractually finished with the day and still gives her time to begin her homework before she and I head to the shuttle to come home. She is really enjoying both. Her volleyball coach speaks very little English, so she is exercising her observational skills as well as her volleyball skills.
Not sure what the weekend will bring. I tell ya, in MN I thought I worked for the weekend...when there are so many things all around to see and do, a person really starts wishing for the weekend! It's pretty incredible.
It's been great hearing from family and friends throughout the days. An email here and a reply to this blog there are welcomed signs of life outside of this huge city. Keep them coming.
Oh, one other thing, I gained authorization from Hamline this week to begin my action research with the students. I only needed a letter showing approval from the school to be sent to St. Paul for the official go ahead, so I am thinking that I will stick to my original intended date of graduation of December '06. Pending nothing too crazy comes up between now and then.
Love to all...