Back to Island Life

After a wonderful 3-week-long vacation visiting friends and family in the COOOOOLD Midwest, Kirsten and I have returned to our beautiful island home!
While I was home, I got quite spoiled not having to plan suppers or cook for myself. The first couple days of being back were an adjustment, realizing that we have to stock up on food, and actually prepare meals in order to stay alive. I am striving to become a better cook, and this week I learned how to make popcorn on the stove! What an achievement! You have to start somewhere...
It felt quite odd to be back, spending our time in the classroom and being reunited with our kiddos. I am so proud of my students, who hopped right back into the swing of things, but still showed signs of exhaustion and were often tempted to put their heads down on their tables. No way jose! Not in my classroom!
In my classroom, we started writing SHOUT OUTS to each other. It is heart-touching to see the smiles on the children's faces when a classmate reads their name and compliments them for doing something well. I even have dedicated part of my limited wall space to post the shout outs, and will send the shout outs home with the students after a week or two. I pray this will bring my TEAM and FAMILY even closer as we build each other up!
Kirsten's sister, Kelsey, is visiting the island for two weeks and is staying with us. The other day, she made supper for us, which was DELICIOUS! She is quickly learning the ways of the island and seems to enjoy spending as much time as she can at the beach, which is where we are headed later today.
One of the first days back at school, another teacher commented how I had gotten "chubby" over break and how I must have enjoyed myself being home. Five months ago, this kind of comment would have made me upset, but I have adjusted to the directness and bluntness of Lucian people. Nevertheless, I have been waking up early before school to exercise. I have even started doing yoga before bed. It's a new year, and I am trying new things!

Kirsten and I love our Packers!!!

Last night, Kirsten, Kelsey, and I met with Professor Hunter from MLC and his wife at their hotel for supper and drinks, as Kirsten and I shared stories of our experiences at school and church and life in general. We are giving him our OFFICIAL decision soon as to if we are staying or receiving our assignment in May. Prayers are appreciated!
This weekend, we are looking forward to relaxing, the beach, being reunited with our church family tomorrow, and probably a bit of school work. Can't complain!
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." Ephesians 4:2