"God is good all the time, and all the time God is good"

These words became my strength yesterday.

This is a very common phrase here. The worship leader or speaker says, "God is good!" and the congregations responds, "all the time!" Then he/she says, "and all the time" and the congregation responds, "God is good!"

If you have read my earlier blog posts, you will remember that there was a death in the Rick's community early this week. A tenth grade girl died early Tuesday morning, from what they claim to be chicken pox. Yesterday Holly and I, along with many faculty members and students, attended Joann's funeral. As we arrived at her house, Olu told Holly and I, "you are going to have to be strong today." It was not until the events of the day were over, when I understood why he said this. I have never in my life experienced something like this. Yes, I have been to funerals, but this was unlike any funeral I have ever been to. I have never seen so many emotions in one room before.

When we arrived to the home of Joann's family, there were screams, moans, and sobs coming from all directions. It was so loud, and I began to feel a little uncomfortable. I didn't know what to do. I felt awkward and out of place. People were falling over, being held by friends, and yelling to God and Joann. The reality began to hit many of the students, and tears began to flow heavily. We entered the house, and went to a room where Joann's lifeless body was in a casket. This was only the second time in my life that I have witnessed a viewing. Both times it was someone 21 years old. I kept telling myself, "be strong."

We walked into the church that was directly behind the house. Rev. Teba (a Bible teacher at Rick's) led the service. The Rick's choir sang beautiful hymns... Blessed Assurance, It is Well, etc. I sat on the second row. Holly was on my right, and a student (on the girls basketball team) on my left. The sobs began to grow, as the casket was brought into the church. People were falling on the ground in front of Joann's body, unable to accept the fact that she had died. As the student next to me put her head in my lap and began to weep, my strength began to dwindle. The tears that I had been holding back, began to fall down my cheeks uncontrollably. As I embraced her, I kept saying the words in my head that Rev. Teba spoke, "God is good."

The church was packed with people. The choir sat to the far left, we were in the middle, and the fathers side of the family sat to our right, along with friends. The mothers side of the family sat up in the front corner of the church. You could feel the tension in the room between both sides of the family. During a time when you would think two families would come together, they were only torn more apart. It was so sad to see how much they disliked each other and put blame on one another for this tragedy.

The service consisted of hymns, scripture, and tributes by family and friends. Artificial flowers were laid on her casket. When the service was over, we got back in the vans and drove to the cemetery. It was pretty far away, and we got lost several times. We eventually got to this old, beautiful church, and got out of the vehicles. We walked down a path to the cemetery. Several Rick's students carried the casket back to the grave, as people began to sing.

Rev. Menjay led us in a prayer and the benediction. He encouraged family and friends to leave in peace with one another. People left as the casket was being placed in the grave. We loaded back in the vans, and the tears slowly began to go away. Silence was broken with laughter. The drive was long and bumpy, but there was a peace knowing that Joann was home. "God is good all the time, and all the time God is good!" Although it is hard and sometimes we don't understand, we can rest in the fact that God is good!

Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding."

Computers!

The brand new Mac computers are officially up and running! My class was the first group of elementary students to use the computers yesterday! For some of them, this was their first time to ever use a computer. I am sure you can imagine their faces when they sat down and looked at that huge monitor. It took about 15 minutes for them to learn how to use the mouse, but then they got the hang of it. Earlier in the week I introduced a math game called Fact Dash. We came into the library and played it as a class from my computer, using the projector. Yesterday they got to play it on their own. We were short on time, so only half of them were able to finish. The rest of them will finish early next week. This game was also a great way for me to assess them on their addition. I was so impressed with how well they did. I can't wait to use the computers for more fun projects this year!!

Mamba Point Hotel!

Last night we went to dinner with Olu and Ottolee at the Mamba Point Hotel. This hotel was where most journalist stayed during the war. It is also where Olu and Otttolee got engaged, and spent the night after their wedding. The hotel is located very close to the US Embassy. Many Americans stay here when they come on business trips. The restaurant was very nice, and even included a sushi bar. There was seating inside, but we opted for the patio that overlooked the ocean. The cool breeze made the temperature just right. The menu was about 10 pages long, and had everything from Chinese food to pizza. After eating a lot of rice and beans the last 4 weeks, I was really excited about having something different. So, guess what I got? A big fat hamburger, with bacon and cheese!! It was delicious, and also came with french fries and union rings. It was a little taste of home!

The best part about dinner was our time and conversation with Olu and Ottolee. We talked about our experience in Liberia and at Rick's thus far. Holly and I were able to share some of the joys and frustrations. Olu gave us lots of feedback, which was very helpful.

We talked about the student who passed away on Tuesday. Holly and I didn't realize that she was a student this year, and went home sick last week. I don't think anyone realized the severity of the situation, and there are still many detail that remain unknown. I believe the funeral service is on Saturday, and many of the students and teacher will attend.

We also learned a little more about Liberian history, which is always very interesting. Every time we are in Monrovia, we are introduced to new places and experience different things. This country has such a rich history, and as we were driving last night, I saw more of the beauty.

Our time with the Menjay's is always a lot of fun! I am enjoying getting to know them (and their adorable children!!), and beginning a friendship that I know will last for years to come.

The Question "WHY?"

Even into my adulthood, I find myself asking this question... Why?

On Wednesday evening I started getting a cold, and got really congested. For the next four days I was all stopped up, and taking medicine. Holly probably wanted to throw something at me when I was sleeping because I was breathing so loud. What became annoying were the nose bleeds. I was having 3 to 4 a day. Why? I wish I knew. Yesterday it started gushing while I was teaching. It was a moment of frustration and embarrassment. Fortunately, I have not had one since.

This morning, during the school wide assembly, Olu made an announcement that was absolutely heartbreaking. Last year there was a 20 year old, 9th grade student that got chicken pox. She became very ill, and eventually had to be hospitalized. Her health became a problem, and she was no longer able to go to school. Olu told us that this student had remained in Liberia during the civil war, and lived in a small village. She was separated from her father. When the war was over, she reconnected with her father and brother who are now in the US. Her mom passed away shortly after. Olu announced this morning that she was at home on Sunday, and seemed to be doing fine. She was cooking and cleaning, just like normal. Yesterday she was re-admitted to the hospital where she passed away. As the words came out of Olu's mouth, the room fell silent. I felt like my breath was taken away. You could just feel the grief in the room. I could tell from Olu's face and voice how hard it was to tell everyone. Tears built up in my eyes, as that question kept popping into my mind. Why? It is another question that I will never have all the answers to. Chickenpox? I had chickenpox, my brothers had chickenpox, my friends had chickenpox... I don't know all the details, or the actual cause of death. There could be more to her situation than we were told. But I had so many thoughts running through my head. I remember when I heard about malaria for the first time. I did not really know what it was, and had certainly never had it before. I was told how cheap it was to cure malaria and that it was kind of like having the flu, but yet I was hearing stories of children in Africa who were dying from it every day. I kept asking "why?" Today it was not malaria. It was chickenpox. I know what it is like to have chickenpox, but I also know what it is like to watch them go away. Why did this girl not have the resources to get better? I wish I had the answers. I am beginning to see the direct effects that war and poverty can have on people. Is the question "Why can't we help?" or "Why don't we?"

On a more positive note... I had three students stay after school today for me to help them with their homework!! This is a HUGE deal!! I have been telling my students over and over again to please see me during recess or after school if they need help. Several of the students never turn in homework, and it is really hurting their grade. I have realized that some of the students never do their homework because there is never anyone at home to help them. Some of them don't have the time or the resources to do it at home. So... I have made myself available during recess and after school. I was talking to the first grade teacher about this, and she said they will never come during their free time. I asked, "Why?" She said, "because they don't want to spend the extra time in the classroom." I have been determined to motivate and encourage them to come. This afternoon, as I was packing up my things, one little boy in my class came up to me and asked if I would help him with his homework. I almost started jumping up and down. I sat down with him and we did it together. There were about 10 children watching from the window. Some of them even came in the room to see what we were doing. After we finished, I was locking my door, and two more boys in my class came up to me. They asked if I would help them too. I unlocked the door and we went back in the room. I was sooo excited! They each left with a big smile on their faces and thanked me on their way out the door. The really exciting part is... this is the first homework assignment that two of the boys have ever turned in this year. As I was leaving, I went by the first grade teachers room and told her. She was shocked, and asked me what I said to get them to stay and ask for help! It didn't take much... They just needed an extra push. I was so glad that the day ended on such a positive note.

Another little piece of my heart!

How can this little face not make your heart melt? I see faces like this one countless times every day. On this particular day, I was sitting underneath the porch of the clinic on campus. It was pouring down rain. I decided just to sit down and wait a little while for the rain to let up some. Four little girls ran over to me, soaking wet. This little girl just clung to my side. They were laughing, and smiling from ear to ear. We sang songs, and talked about school. The girls were all fascinated with my hair. The four of them divided my hair into 4 sections and played with it for about an hour. I just sat there as they all pulled in opposite directions, my head moving from side to side. I told them a number of times to be easy or that all my hair would fall out. In response to that, the little girl in the picture above said, "no, your hair is plenty". I laughed. As much as it began to hurt, I couldn't make them stop. Their giggles somehow made the hair falling out my head not feel so bad, haha. After my hair was in about 8 braids and ultimately one big knot, they decided they were finished. They sat down next to me and became very intrigued with my camera. They loved seeing themselves on the screen, after I took their picture. It has been the moments like these that have really left an imprint on my heart. 

Telling stories, taking pictures, a small piece of candy, playing with my hair, singing songs, coloring, using a computer, reading a book, a hug... These things light up their world. It is the joy in the children's faces that completely leaves me speechless. Even with so little, they are so happy. It doesn't take the newest Vera Bradley bag, Wii game, or name-brand clothes to make them happy. Some of these children wear shoes that are 4 sizes too small and clothes that are torn, but they are happy! This happiness is something that is hard for most of us to understand. It is not based on money or material possessions. Most of these children don't have a lot of either one of those. It is based off relationships, individual attention, and LOVE. And it is so REAL! The spirit of the children is so contagious. It is so genuine and authentic. Every time I hold them, play with them, teach them, sing with them, and talk with them, they take another little piece of my heart! 

Back to School Jam!

Today was a very long and exciting day! School ended at 10:55 am, which is when Recess starts. The students, teachers, staff, and families that live on Rick's campus, all made their way to the sports field. Today was the kick off of all the sporting events at the school. The old students played the new students. This is a tradition at Rick's Institute. We started with the girls kickball team. Kickball is played a little differently here, and is very competitive. The girls were so much fun to watch. The new girls actually won! Right as the boys soccer game was about to start, it began to rain really hard. So... soccer and basketball are being moved to Monday. I am really excited about watching the girls play basketball. Hopefully this will give Holly and I an idea of where to start with our first practice. 

After a long day of sports and rain, Holly and I ate lunch with the students in the dining hall. I enjoyed meeting more of the older students. After lunch we came back to the house, and I took a nap. 

At about 7:00 pm, the party started! Tonight was the Back to School Jam! The students paid $20 Liberian dollars for their ticket. This is roughly equivalent to $0.30 in US dollars. The auditorium was packed with students and teachers. We danced and sang for hours. It was very much like a talent show/school dance. The teachers participated too. Holly and I taught everyone the cupid shuffle. They loved it! Tonight was kind of the ice breaker for me. It was a chance to just kick back and have fun with the students. I felt like I was back in middle school. We were up on stage dancing most of the night. It was a lot of fun, and a great work out! Now I am tired, and ready for the weekend!

My Typical Daily Schedule

7:15 am- Students and teachers begin arriving at the flag pole in front of the school

7:30 am- Students line up by grade level to say the pledge, sing the school ode, and sing the national anthem

7:40 am- Students and teachers go into the auditorium/chapel for devotions and announcements

8:15 am- 8:55 am -1st period: Language Arts

Currently in Language Arts we are working on basic phonics and phonological awareness. We have been learning about vowels, and the difference between a long and short vowel. Next week we will begin word families. We are also talking about sentence structure, and how to write a good paragraph. This week we focussed on capitalization and punctuation. The students are doing a lot of creative writing, and we are talking about the difference between fiction and non-fiction books. One of my main focus points is comprehension. We are learning how to make predictions, re-tell a story, discuss our favorite part, and what the book reminds us of. 

8:55 am- 9:35 am- 2nd period: Math

We are going back to the basics! We are reviewing doubles, and doubles + 1. They have a quiz tomorrow, so we will see how that goes! I have also introduced even and odd numbers. The students seem to be catching on pretty quickly. We have also been reviewing place value. I hope to get into double digit addition next week. 

I have introduced several Math games to the students. Most of the games are played with dice and playing cards. The students love the games, and ask every day if we can play them. Tomorrow I am introducing some computer games. The students do not know how to use the computers yet, so we will be playing the games as a whole class, using a projector. They are really excited about this too!

9:35 am- 10:15 am- 3rd period: Science

We just finished covering the 5 senses, and are now doing some fun activities to review. I gave each student a piece of hard candy. They had to write about what it looks like, smells like, feels like, and tastes like. Of course, they love the tasting part! They have a quiz next week, and they are going to use fruit snacks! I can't wait to see their faces when they I show them!

10:15 am- 10:55 am- 4th period: Social Studies

I have really enjoyed teaching Social Studies! We have been talking about communities and neighborhood. They have talked and written about themselves, and their families. We also have started talking about maps, and map skills. I showed them Monrovia and the school on Google Earth. This was such a neat and new experience for them. Awesome! Next week we are going to talk more about community service. The students are going to write letters to the security guards, custodians, farmers, the nurse, etc. to say thank you for all that they do for the school. 

10:55 am- 11:40 am- RECESS!

 This is basically unsupervised time where the students can play, buy a snack, get caught up on homework or studying, or get help from a teacher. It is also used as detention sometimes... I have already had couple of students experience this. This is normally seen as a break for the teachers, but I am getting ready to start using it as an opportunity for more individual time with my students. My goal is to make a schedule so that every day 2 students can stay in the room with me. This will allow me to help them with anything we are covering that they don't understand. I will also be able to introduce them to activities on the computer. It will be good quality time for us!

11:40 am - 12:20 am- 5th period

On Monday we do an Art activity, Tuesday and Wednesday we have Bible, Thursday we go to the library, and Friday we have PE. I really like this period at the end of the day because it is fun! I have really enjoyed teaching Bible, although it is very hard to grade. It is a great way for me to encourage and empower the children. They love going to the library on Thursdays. Right now we have just been reading with partners, but hopefully the computers will be up and running soon. I am hoping to do some fun projects this year! I love that we end the week with PE. This is a great way for us to bond as a class. We play all sorts of games, and do team building activities. 

At 12:20 the school day is technically over for elementary classes. I am realizing how hard it is to cover all of the material in just 3 1/2 hours of school. I am so used to 7 hour days in the US. However, I have students that come visit after school and soon I will have study hall and tutoring available. This also will allow me to have more one on one attention with them. Basketball season is also getting ready to start, so we will have practices in the afternoon. Holly and I are also trying to go eat lunch with the boarding students a few days a week. Lunch is at 2:00 pm. There are lots of other school and extra curricular activities in the afternoons/evenings!