MY STUDENTS!!!

After weeks of non-stop preparation, the day has finally come.

Today was my first day of classes... possibly the most exhausting, exhilarating, inspirational experiences of my life. I have 123 students to teach, made up of Freshman, Juniors, and Seniors.

My first class was English III... for juniors.  (2 classes, 100 min)

I heard that the Juniors were a challenge, but nothing could have prepared me for their intensity. On top of this, they were the first class I have ever taught in the history of my existence, and my nerves were high. None the less, I stumbled through class, trying to keep my head above water. I feel like i let them down a little bit. How to describe them? The majority of the classes favourite color is Black. I'm gonna need to get creative. I just wanna give them what they want, and inspire them! I know they are passionate, they just need a spark.

Photojournalism with Seniors was next. 2 classes, (100 min)

The Seniors in 1 of my 2 photo j. classes

THEY. ARE. AMAZING. I want to adopt all of them. They all are so passionate about learning, and even though a few students admitted that they took the elective class because the other two classes were "worse choices" for them, by the end of the class, they were talking to each other about how jealous their friends in the other elective classes  were going to be, because this class was "The best." Talk about feeling on cloud nine. They are already talking to each other about projects that effect them, like writing projects on how the marshall islands are going to disappear because of global warming (these islands are their home) and about how Chuuk wants to sussed from the union. MAGNIFICENT. These kids are going somewhere.

Bahaha! I love this.

Computer Skills with Freshman. 2 classes (100 min)

1 of the 2 very large Freshman classes

Loud. Just... so ... loud. It was the end of the day for both of us, and nobody wanted to sit through another review of the syllabi. And yet, we did. Kimo was in my class though, and it was nice to see a familiar face. They are so small and full of energy! I wish I could see them grow through all 4 years. How amazing it would be!

All in all, I loved today. I can't wait of more challenge, more passion, and more Xavier! On to the next lesson plan...

Too cool. (The students in my other Photo J. Senior class)

Attack of the Ants & A Night at Blue Lagoon

8/23/18

Today we had our final meeting with Fr. Dennis, Mr. Carl, and the rest of the faculty. We went over teaching Micronesian teenagers, and the things they might try and get away with in class. I HAVE to be firm, fair, and distanced more than my nature tells me to be. This is the point that I'll be breaking new ground; The point that i'll be growing and learning myself, as well.

The second computer casualty is fast approaching... Ants have now started attacking Jimmthy's laptop...Yesterday we tried finding compressed air, and concluded that we needed to go to Ace hardware around 3:30, although Ace would be closing at 5. The others were planning an evening at Blue Lagoon Dive Resort, so we planned to meet there at 6.

Jimmothy and I took the of road thing (I have no idea what it's called) to town. That thing takes pot holes so smoothly!! I can't get over it. It was such a beautiful day too. The sun was illuminating the whole island, and the mountains shimmered with saturation, light, and intense shadows cast from each tiny true at their tops. Jimmothy hadn't driven the vehicle before, so we gunned it and had a blast!




Blue Lagoon was beautiful, as we sipped beers and watched the sunset. Dinner, drinks, and heated games of pool were to follow. So much fun was had by all. Note: Don't order the B.L.Water. It will end you.

Rachel's Beach Faculty Picnic

Today, a small number of students gathered at Rachel's beach,  alongside faculty and other members of our group. We sat outside most of the day, and got to swim at the "beach" they have on the grounds. We cooked out and enjoyed each others company from 9am-1pm, when I decided to take Fr. Dennis up on his offer to take 3 others in his Ranger truck, buggy, thingy, back to campus early (the event was supposed to last until 4). That thing can really fly! It also takes potholes like a champ. The ride seemed so much shorter than usual that way.

When I arrived back, Greg was there and Kristan (aka, Mac), James (aka, Jimmothy/Jeff), Greg and myself (aka, Waterproof Avocado) goofed off around the building before heading up to the roof to watch the students play basketball and volleyball from above. Although we are about 150ft from where the students are playing, sound travels from the roof to the ground clear as a bell. We coached from above. :)

Today, Greg arrived back to campus. (I missed his energy while he was away on vacation. He really give life to this place!) After dinner, the whole group (about 12 of us, including the Akoikoi Elementary teachers, played secret Hitler till we had had enough of each other for the evening. At the moment, I should be working on lesson planning, but I am nervous out of my mind  for not doing it correctly.    ...might as well get down to it... still no word on the laptop over in Guam. I have my fingers crossed.

The long way around... living without a computer.

Fortunately, I've been able to borrow a Macbook Pro from the Tech room. The only problem is, it's way behind on updates, and it estimates a few days to complete them. In the meantime, most every program on the computer is "outdated" and won't work for me. I've been taking the loooooong route and trying to download the multiple apps from the app store to make uploading pictures to the blog possible. No one said it was gonna be easy.... here's a few pictures from the past week:

My nephews (Although my favourite nephew is Jack, back home! <3 ) 

View of Xavier, from my front porch.  

Our new puppy 'Keech'!

Sunday with my "family".

Sunday, 8/21

After church today, one of Josephine’s 6 daughters took me back to their home with them. (She insists that I call her Mama.) There, two of ther other daughters waited with food prepped. It hit me then that I didnt tell them I was “vegetarian” so they had fish and rice. And so, I did it... the fish looked like a fish... skin eyes and all. The oldest sister instructed me to peel back the skin of the fish, and reach inside with your thumb and index to pulll out the meat. So I did. I told them “I haven’t eaten fish before.” To which all looked at me with amazement. The sisters asked. “A fish? You have had one fish, yes?” “No,” I replied. “I’ve never had fish.”

I tasted it, and it honestly did taste like chicken.

My host sister and I, watching the volleyball game at the family Utt.

We walked from their huts to the family Uut, about 2 miles away. There, from seemingly every side of the woods, family members emerged and started an organised game of volleyball. I wanted to play, but I was intimidated because of how intense the games were. It was so fun to watch! They played by the rules, and hit the ball so hard. Hard enough to make me cringe as other team mates dove and saved each spike back over to the other side. They were better than most back in the states! My host sister said that they practice every Sunday, and sporadically throughout the week.


Coming back we walked slowly and by the time we reached the huts, it was about 5:30 and I was tired.


Their father was there when we arrived. I recognised him from his job in construction at Xavier. He greeted me, and asked me and my host sister how our day together was. She then left to grab water, and her Father was sure to remind me that "Women always bow before men as a sign of respect." ....ok. Gotcha.

I’ve been adopted?!

On the way from my house on the day of my arrival, I was stopped by Josephine, a worker at Xavier. She excitedly asked me (with translation help from her co worker) if she could be my sponsor. Not knowing what this meant, I accepted. Now I know.

Yesterday she ran up to me in the hall, saying that Mr. Carl, the principle, said she had been approved to be my “sponsor”. 

Today, we were told to pack our bags. We were headed to stay with our host families. So THAT’S what they mean’t... I now belong to a local chuukese family...and we are to stay with them every so often on weekends or when family activities happen, to help is learn more about Chuukese culture. 

Talk about culture shock. I packed my back pack, and followed Maria (another 2nd year JV teacher) through the jungle to Josephines land. One of her daughters speaks english, and she told me they would not be ready to host me tonight, and to come back on sunday. 

I honestly don’t know if i’m ready for this...


In other news, my computer died again, and this time it’s for good. I gave it to Roberta, the certified teacher from Guam, to take it back to Guam with her, where she knows a repair shop. At this point, what other choice do I have?

No computer...at least I won’t need a computer where I’m going... 🦎🦎🦎 ALL OR NOTHING!!

Man Down

So Rovan, one of the teachers here at Xavier, stayed home sick the other day with a high fever. The day after, he was admitted to the hospital after they diagnosed him with as case of "chicken pox".

Just now though, we received an email from our principal saying that Rovan now has Dengue Fever.
Thank goodness I wear DEET like it's going out of style. I don't wanna be the next one to be taken down by Dengue.

See? Joey saved my life. What a pal

Orientation Day 4: Overcoming my arachnophobia (Meet Joey!), and wearing my first Chuukese Skirt!

It's around lunch time today, and I'm getting a chance to settle into my office nicely. Of course, being the weirdo that I am, I chose the desk to the far back side of the room, and in the corner there is a spider. If you know me, you know that I have a strong fear of spiders. That being said, the flies here, and gnats, far out number spiders, and are 10x more obnoxious. In retrospect, there is only one occasion in which a spider bum-rushed my foot, and that has been forgiven amidst the daily harassment from various flying pests. 

So without further ado, meet Joey. 

Joey! 

 Joey does my dirty work, removing all flying pests from my general vicinity. It exchange, I let him live here, rent free. I think it's a pretty good exchange. Plus, now that he has a name, I have a psychological attachment to him. I even keep the fan from blowing in his direction, cause he clearly can't appreciate a steady breeze. 

Today also marks the first day in which I have sported a Chuukese skirt! Check it out!

Chuukese traditional skirt

  In addition to all of these additions, Mr. Carl brought back some treats from Guam for us. I had no idea that there was such a fruit, as a Soursop, but it's my new favorite fruit. The juice smelled like grapefruit, but tasted sweet, very similar to Lychee. (I miss Lychee.) Apparently, we have soursop trees around the campus! You'll know where to look for me. :) Yum.

THIS JUICE IS TOO GOOD!!!

Orientation: Day 3: Computer Deaths and Fish Lips

I thought my laptop was gone for good when it was unresponsive and gave 3 loud beeps before dying completely. Nothing worked in waking it up. This morning, I tried again, and nothing helped.

During the afternoon, Roberta, the teacher from Guam who ALSO has a mac book, came in to take a look.  When I touched it, it was hot... so I knew it was on! From there we tried all combinations to rest the computer, and finally it started making noises. From there it took a few minutes and the apple appeared on the screen.... a friggin' miracle. That scare was the last thing in needed.

Without it, I would have been stuck without tools to write lessons or curriculum plans. What a nightmare. I thought for sure I was out of luck.

Orientation proves to be a challenge, since I've never worked with national teaching standards, curriculum writing, or breaking down a school year into units, lessons, etc. It's a lot of things I would have never thought about doing from an outside perspective.

Outside of that, things have been great. Kristan (Yes, the OTHER Kristen) and I ate dinner on the roof top on the school as the sun went down. We talked about our worries, doubts, and gave each other little, much needed pep-talks. Fish was the dinner tonight, and therefore the inevitable happened: dubbing over the song "Your Kiss On My List" song by Hall & Oates with "Your Fish is On My Lips." Naturally. Our singing was so horrible that no one had any clue what song we were parodying. The sky was blue, and the rain didn't fall today. It was a nice change. 

More card games were lost by me, (the game 'Oh Hell', to be exact) and tomorrow's orientation opens up a whole new plethora of challenges. Looking forward to it. 

Orientation: Day 2 - Office space

Today was our second day of orientation. I finally got my office space assignment.

August 13th : Orientation and LOTS of rain

Today was our first day of orientation. We got to listen to the principle & president speak to us about what is expected of us, and how the jesuit school system works.

Getting to know my coworkers has been exciting and rewarding, although there is a little tension between a few people, which I suppose, is to be expected.

Orientation will run for two weeks, and from there we start into the beginning of the semester. I'm sure that this is the calm before the storm... although it seems to always be a storm outside lately.

Starting life on the hill.

12:30pm

I’ve arrived at Xavier for good! Yesterday I came up with a few other teachers when they were headed back to Xavier on the main road, which is both long and rough. We relaxed last night and went to bed early. This morning I was able to have a left over banana pancakes from Blue Lagoon, (a dive resort on the opposite end of the island where the JV's were staying prior to picking me up). Life here at the moment is slow, and I'm loving it. The view from atop the old bunker is breath taking, and it’s all in its own private area for the faculty! I still can’t believe it. I’m hoping to go into town today to grab things I need, like body wash and towels.

The treatment we receive from the local employees surprises me! The local people cook all of our meals for us everyday, and also wash our laundry. Honestly, I feel better doing everything on my own since I feel bad for putting the burden on others, but they seem to insist.

The outside potion of the faculty lounge.

Latter to the left, leads up to a sprawling roof top with gorgeous views.

5:10pm

I did ride into town today, and bought my soap, a rainbow bug net (I COULDN'T RESIST IT'S SO PRETTY), a cloth that I thought was a table cloth but ended up being a window cloth, cleaning supplies, and bread (for those days that they serve meat and I go hungry)

The rains have continued to fall every day for the past week. It doesn't effect the atmosphere much, since it's humid already.

It's so quiet and peaceful since none of the students are on campus yet, but in a couple weeks, all of that will change. August 27th is our first day of classes.

I'm settling into my room well, too! Things are coming together nicely.

My room with attached bathroom, and door to common area. 

...

Last day before heading up to Xavier!

It's been wonderful staying with my kind host, Lukas Padegimas. He is always so kind, gracious, and fun to be with. We went kayaking to the sand spit on August 4th, we went into town to eat at various restaurants across the island, and prepared together for the trip to come. Yesterday, Lukas began his journey back to the states, with a one day layover in Guam. 

Tomorrow afternoon, the volunteers will be knocking on the door to take me up to Xavier with them. The drive is no small feat, considering the unavoidable car-sized potholes, jagged rocks, and rivers that sometimes make up the road. It's a drive that if paved, would take about 20 minutes. Tomorrow's trek will take at least 45. 

Before leaving yesterday, Lukas and I traveled the road to Xavier to drop off the rest of my bags, and meet the volunteers on campus. All of them were so very nice. The only strange thing about it, was that all of our names are the same. I was introduced to a Kristen and Krista, who informed me that a Kristie and Krystal will be joining us as well... in which case I am going to be called either Salem, or Legs... the two other nicknames I've had. hahaha! It'll be interesting.

Pre-Xavier: Snorkling in Kuressa

I went snorkeling for the first time by myself in Kuressa yesterday. It was short, but sweet. I'm sure over time I'll grow braver, and venture out further! How beautiful.

Arrival to Chuuk and the first Adventure to the Sand Slip

After arriving around 9:00pm to Chuuk Airport, I was exhausted. Long flights and no sleep due to screeching babies.

Lukas took me back to his apartment where we rested, ate a light dinner, and got a substantial amount of sleep.

We woke rested and decided to head off toward the Sand Slip, a small sandbar island to the south.