Week of Continuance

I am nearing the two month mark of my time here, which would equate to roughly 1/5 of my "contracted time"....and it seems almost surreal, mostly because so much has happened within the past two months- while I simultaneously feel as if I just arrived. Hmmm, an oddity of time which it seems I am forced to reconcile so often in life.

The after-school program began this past week, with activities on Mon. Tues. & Thurs. I expected a bit of a slow-down, and in comparison to last week it surely was, yet I have been continually busy (hence my title for today) trying to wrap up ends from Homecoming week, get the after-school program (and respective 21st Century grant record keeping) on its feet, and plan for the upcoming Halloween Carnival. The after school program thus far consists of a study hall and tutoring each day, in addition to one or two of the following clubs: drama, guitar, Lakota, Rubik's Cube (surprisingly a dozen+ students enjoy this), Knowledge bowl, Film, Service, and SACNAS (science). Everyone seems pretty excited, and I really haven't done much in regards to recruitment. Everyone sort of fell into place nicely, I must say.

This week has been full of other activities as well, including the usual bus driving (which is a time crunch w/ the after-school program thing as well.) My part during the afternoon is ensuring that all students sign-up and are receiving ONE snack (perhaps the most difficult of my duties) :) and to roam the halls and outside courts to make sure no students are "unsupervised"...(perhaps the most unpleasant of my duties). I also must keep detailed records of each student's participation, and the # of snacks to be reimbursed, etc. Overall not a hard job, but the first week presented challenges, as one might expect.

Okay, so about the other activities I neglected in the previous paragraph. On Wednesday we had our Back-to-School Pow Wow here in the Fieldhouse (varsity gym). Several students participated, in addition to many family and community members. This was my most exciting Pow Wow experience, b/c I knew several of the students, and I was able to ask (or they simply shared) about details such as their Regalia (ceremonial dress), the physical exhaustion of Pow Wow dancing, and more about their family members and childhood background. I have a few Student Council members who dance for Pow Wows, one weights student, and several students I know through Homecoming Activities- so I felt very much a part of the ceremony, cheering on my students.

Another meaningful ceremony during the Pow Wow was something called "Wiping of the Tears"- during which those who lost a loved one throughout the past year are welcomed to participate, and as they are encouraged to remember and mourn the loss of their loved ones...they hear a moving speech from an elder, and all are invited to offer them a handshake or hug to extend compassion towards those who are mourning. It is really quite a beautiful way of commemorating life and bringing people into the moment of remembering and healing.

During the Pow Wow the usual dancing competitions were held, and it was so great to see my students participating in something which is entirely different than school, yet somehow intricately connected to being a 'student' of their culture. Another great dynamic of Pow Wows such as this one is the intergenerational experience which comes w/ family participation, from the new little babies, the young children, youth, young adults, parents, and elderly....everyone comes together in a ceremonial, yet non-formal environment to celebrate their culture and their school.

The high school girls who applied were able to participate in a contest called Miss Mahpiya Luta (which is Lakota for Red Cloud)...and they had several dance competitions and each gave a short speech before they crowned Ida Clarke the new Miss Mahpiya Luta. Coincidentally, Ida also received the title of Homecoming Queen, so she has been honored quite well lately. She is also in my weight lifting class, and it had been great getting to know her in her various endeavors.

Speaking again of Homecoming, I just read the article posted on our school website, and it is quite well written- in addition to mentioning several elements of Homecoming week which I neglected to share: so, check it out if you wish...

http://www.redcloudschool.org/breakingnews/2007/homecoming2007.htm

Yesterday I had quite an adventure, by agreeing to drive bus for the football team to Hill City. Shall we say adventure is an overly positive term for this experience? Ha, okay, it wasn't all bad- but I did intially drive 10 miles with the bus in 3rd gear rather than drive- oops! So, the trip got started on a 50mph busload of success. The drive was long (appx. 2hours) and the scenery was beautiful, as we made our way through Hot Springs, into Custer State Park, past Crazy Horse & Custer (and Sylvan Lake drive- where I remember sharing of my sister's recent engagement), and into Hill City. I had quite a few tight maneuvering adventures around the school and then the football field (situated quite a ways further on)...and back to the Hill City school (where the guys changed and ate pizza) after the 54-8 win against Hill City.
Running a little low on fuel, I was contemplating stopping along the way back, but thought I would make it so I went on...and thankfully much of the way back was coasting down hill (quite the contrast to the uphill climbs @ 30mph going)...so I did make it, despite the constant headache I maintained throughout the trip home (partly due to the 'scent' of dozens of football players & the noise they make after a rousing win). 9hours after departure, we made it back to Red Cloud, and I must admit- it was a truly beautiful feeling, coming back w/ enough fuel and no deer remains on the front of the bus! :):)

So, thus ends my weekly recap of events. It has been wonderful enjoying the new fruit stand in my room (and the madness of high schoolers grabbing a snack btw. classes!)...in addition to the fridge, which ignited a desire to rearrange my room. I am not completely finished, but I must say that I am pleased thus far w/ how things are looking in there. Feel free to stop by and enjoy the new layout whenever you're in the area! :):) Such the simple things that make me happy, really it's true.

As I contemplate the rest of my relaxing day- perhaps running, making banana bread with the remains of my fruit stand, and reading- I realize that I have yet to share homecoming pics w/ you....so enjoy the sights of Homecoming.... through the lens of Emily's camera. :):)

Roman & Andrew (in my weights class) looking oh so tough!

The Second Grade class b/f marching in the parade.

The Elementary Dance Team

Seniors holding their 'puppies' on leashes

The senior class after decorating their winning hallways

Sophomores enjoying their float!

Chyler entering the picture rather ghost-like

Seniors posing in front of their banner

Ida, Grey & Stevie decorating the senior hallway

CaSarah working on the senior banner

Bobbi w/ the Junior Class banner

The Freshman banner

Sophomores partying like rockstars!

Winners of "twins day"

My own twin, Katie (also my housemate), & I!

Finalists for 'crazy outfit day' (I forgot to photo myself...oops!)

Finalists for Faculty Look-Alike Day (not as compelling for you, I'm sure, not knowing the faculty they look like) :)

John and I w/ John's clothes on- for Faculty look-alike day!

Junior Class pyramid at the bonfire

Senior Class pyramid @ bonfire

Many sophomore girls at the bonfire

Junior class winning "best foundation" b/c of solid offensive line

Paddy (Scholastic Jesuit) & Jess during Twins day

Saige, Portia, Danielle, and Billy at the bonfire

Thumbs up for a successful bonfire!

Two of my weights girls (both in blue)

The fireworks were even more spectacular than this picture suggests

Ali (son of coach Matt Rama) & I enjoying the fireworks together

Kaitlyn, Kayden, Me, Daisa, & Calsee

Senior Class- posing as the friends they are

A little fun at the bonfire...

Two guys who make my weights class a bit lively!

Elliot & I enjoying the bonfire

I must say, looking at these pictures once again makes me incredibly happy to be here, knowing the students, feeling as if I can connect in a real life sort of way- hearing the stories of kids to stop in to chat... realizing that they respect me because I care...and knowing I have a whole lot more to learn.

May you all experience the peace and joy of fall- as you also see the leaves turning beautiful shades of golden colors & fall gently with the breeze.

In the love of our Creator God,
Emily

True to Blue 2007

Hello to everyone who reads (or happens upon) my blog....

I have been hearing of various people lately (to whom I have not personally sent the link) who seem to be tracking w/ my blog- and it reminds me that my thoughts are actually more exposed than I expect.... SO- welcome to everyone who takes an interest in my somewhat haphazard reflection on life here at Pine Ridge.

Well, gosh. It's Monday night, and I have been marveling at the week which was "Homecoming." My marveling is not due so much to the fact that everything went spectacularly (although I was quite pleased) as to the reality that it is over. Yep, Homecoming came and went in a flurry of Blue & White, Whipped Creamed excitement! I feel the need to be a bit more specific than these few words.... so allow me to detail the week...

On Monday I was becoming a bit frantic getting everything together for the bonfire... at this point I still needed faculty prefects, WOOD, confirmation on a variety of details, and WOOD. I wore pajamas, which was of course the best part of the day!!! In the evening a few of the guys in my weight lifting class ended up helping w/ the wood- and a very gracious faculty member who took it upon himself to procure the wood and the driving skills necessary to reach the wood pile in a truck which I KNOW I couldn't have driven. We managed to gather quite a bit of wood, and in addition I found out about another pile of wood coming in from a freshman girl and her father- what joy my heart felt!

Tuesday I enjoyed the outdoor adventure of (trying) to cut up a few pieces of wood- along with a dozen or so students- a few of whom were more brave than I with a chain saw! I dressed as a black and purple twin, and this has nothing to do w/ the wood- except for the fact that being dressed as a twin to my housemate Katie prevented me from being overly helpful in the hauling wood deparment (darn slippery sandals!). We also dug out the old stump and put in a fantastic new center beam for the bonfire (okay, so the football team actually did the manual insertion of the beam)... but I DID dig quite a bit of the hole. :):) The rest of the evening was slightly relaxing- after my bus run, that is. I felt prepared for the bonfire to come, and was praying for the other elements of Homecoming to fall into place.

Wednesday came in a flurry of crazy outfits, and I must say I added my (evidently hippie) mark on this day, w/ my randomly combined outfit and stupendously large & frizzed out hair. Ha, if you know me, you are probably smiling as you ponder my excitement at being able to dress in whatever crazy outfit I pleased, under the clever guise of necessity (as the student activities director, of course!) The morning flew by, and soon I found myself in the midst of weight lifting 7th period, wondering how things would all go down after school (what w/ hallway decorating and all)....and again, a weights student came to the rescue by suggesting the brilliant idea that my weight lifting class build the bonfire....YES! So, our class 'lifted' wood that afternoon- and they all received A+ grades for the day! :):)

In the evening we had everything ready to go- the fireworks confirmed, DJ plugged in, and fire dept. available to light the fire! :) In the afternoon we had hallway decorating, which was fun but hectic- as I had a last minute run across campus to retrieve the large roll of white paper necessary to effectively decorate class hallways! Good thing I remembered my camera, b/c I think I took a little less than a million pictures that evening! :) (some of which you will see come my next post)... The fireworks were awesome, to kick off the night- and the bonfire was big (enough- I have nothing to compare it to)... the students were participative and excited, it seemed- and I thoroughly enjoyed the evening. I stayed up until midnight that night to make sure the firefighters' foam took full effect to squelch the flames. :) A bit creepy walking back in the dark, but I'm pretty tough :)- and/or insane.

Thursday I was feeling the pressure of the following day on my shoulders, but in God's good grace, things all fell into place, and hallways were decorated nicely (although not exactly cleaned up as nicely, I must say)... That day a donor from (somewhere?) stopped by my office to congratulate me on a successful bonfire the previous night- which obviously made me smile and say, "ah, I love this job!" My happy spirit continued on into the evening, as I became more and more excited for the following day!!!

Friday I woke up, put on my "True to Blue 2007" homemade T-shirt, and entered into the chaos of Homecoming Day! We decorated floats in the morning, had a fantastic parade w/ elementary and middle school participating and enjoying the event.... We moved into the little gym for the talent show featuring two solo singers, a trio, the VB girls, and the BB boys.... we ended w/ Coronation- and Casey Zimiga & Ida Clarke are the Homecoming Royalty...FYI :):) The next thing on the agenda was the pep rally, and I must say- it got a bit chaotic and rather unsightly perhaps (what w/ the mess of configuring order, supplies, condensing for time, etc....and we ended the time w/ a lovely pie-in-the-coaches-face episode- which also became "Pie Emily" time as well.... so for days my hair smelled like sour whipped cream (note to self: wash out ASAP...or else). :)

After the pep rally, I played custodian for a good 2 1/2 hours (hallways and gym)... but didn't mind it too much- fewer people and commotion, which was helpful....and after finally removing the pie from my hair- I went to the game/ little gym for decorations/ game/ Pizza Hut for DJ's pizza/little gym/dance set-up, etc.... I enjoyed the beautiful weather (which I forgot to mention was another blessing)....and we set up for the dance in good time, enjoyed the anticipation pulsing from students (or was it just me?), and danced the night away. Correction: I actually took $2 or $3 from students and became skilled at writing an "R" on people's hands while the students actually danced the night away. Needless to say... it was a good time.

Besides no students staying to clean up, I felt extremely pleased with the entire week- and Saturday I celebrated never being done w/ things to do- by line judging for a varsity volleyball triangular... for 5 hours- and THEN cleaning up the gym w/ my dear friends John and Katie (and the occasional help of 9 year-old Shadi)....Saturday evening and into Sunday I crashed, but with a smile on my face.

So, this ends the saga of homecoming- but today we began after-school program, and I discussed the intricacies of after-school snacks w/ the Superintendent...which was refreshing and fun. I feel prepared for the coming week- and have a few new things to look forward to! I will be receiving a FULL SHELVING UNIT of fruit for my office!!! The Superintendent noticed that I have been routinely stopping by to pick up fruit- and he suggested it would be good to return fruit to the high school- and place it in my office!!! Hurray! :) Also, my office will soon be enjoying the addition of a fridge for after-school snacks! :):) Yep, I'll be a regular healthy food vendor soon enough!

I feel as if I've been spouting out my schedule from the past week- without much for reflection...and I apologize to those who appreciate a more insightful look into my learning experiences here. I will say this: I feel called (especially after my week of homecoming) to pursue the challenge of fostering a sense of responsibility amongst the students- but this will come in time- and/or my reaction to such episodes will adjust. :)

I end with a fun story about something quite random. So, one evening our group of volunteers was discussing what Disney character we'd like to be- and I mentioned that I'd like to be Fiona, from Schrek.... and no kidding- a sophomore girl says to me a few days later, "I know who you remind me of- Princess Fiona!" Is it a sign? Perhaps- that craziness is contagious! :):)

Much love to everyone who is kind enough to follow my adventure and respond w/ gracious words. Actually, even if you don't have time to respond w/ gracious words, I still love you.

Peace, Em

Homecoming 101

Greetings!!!

The talent show is filled, the pep rally planned, the wood (semi) collected, the fireworks in place, the decorations gathered, the faculty prefects (yet to be) found, and the dress-up days decided.

Yep, it's time for Homecoming to begin!

My past week has been a blur, literally. It's hard to say when I did what- but somehow, amidst several meetings with student council, administration, and faculty- we have successfully planned out our week of Homecoming- and with an adequate amount of excitement as well! I have come to find that even the stress of planning for Homecoming is not unbearable, and the more I let go of previous preconceptions and allow the students to imagine ideas- and new ways of seeing things 'done' here at Red Cloud- the more useful and invigorated I feel!

I have been affirmed in my work and organization several times throughout the week, and my student council members (along with several other students from school) have really opened up to me with their ideas this week...perhaps because they feel I actually care (which I do, in case you were wondering) :) So, this year's homecoming may look a little different than past years- and I'm hoping for the best through it all.

A few things I've learned this week:

Pilamiya is Lakota for Thank You. My weights student Lester (also the star of the football and basketball team) kindly asked me if I knew any Lakota and wanted to learn? I said I hadn't learned- but wanted to...so he taught me "thank you" as my first word. What a kind soul.

Lakota has been originally spelled "Lakhota" -with a stress put on the 'ho' in pronunciation... and although I'm not good at remembering this, it does give me a sense of 'being here'... and trying to understand the culture.

Toksha (pronounced Doksha) means maybe/later... and it is a phrase we learned in school to respond when students ask (in Lakota) to get their pass-book signed. :) Also, Hiya means No and Ohan means Yes. If you ask how to spell words- you might find a mixed bag of spellings, because until recently, the Lakota language was simply a spoken language... and so spellings are at times relative to the writer's perspective.

I hope to learn more- and actually, I am considering taking a Lakota Language class next semester at the Oglala Community College here in town. I am fascinated with the complexity of the language and the beauty in the phonetics. It is difficult for me to pick up w/out seeing it spelled out, I'm finding- so I assume the students get some entertainment as I learn.

I finally worshipped at the Episcopal church this morning- @ 9:30am, in case anyone finds themselves looking for a place to worship in Pine Ridge anytime soon! :) (do not be deceived by the signs- one of which reads "8:30am" and the other "9-12".... two years ago they changed to 9:30am w/out changing their signs) :):) Gotta love it here, huh? The service was great, I really enjoyed the Priest and the interaction between him and the other Lakota lay priests. Also, a five year old girl named Whisper was baptized during the service- and the family provided a celebratory meal following the service. I was able to meet some great members of the church (most of whom are Lakota- and they sing their hymns in Lakota which I enjoy very much; since I know the English words already- the lakota means more and I will hopefully be able to pick up some more language in this manner)...

I met Dorothy, a life-time member of the church, Pauline, a member for two years, and a man named Guy who goes by Boob and married into the Episcopal church several years ago. What a fun bunch! Although they are a few generations older, I find their discussions entertaining and informative- particularly in regards to the history of Pine Ridge. I was also asked (second to my name, by the way) if I would be interested in teaching Sunday School and embroidering pillowcases for a Bazaar they will have later... :):) (who knows, perhaps I shall teach SS....unfortunately no embroidering experience in these fingers!)

Anyway, this weekend has been great- relaxing and fun! I met some former volunteers who came back for a memorial of two Priests who died one year ago, and the former volunteers were great to hang out with and hear stories from! I am looking forward to experiences throughout the coming year which will lend to stories of my own!

So, Homecoming is soon upon us here at Red Cloud, and I will provide a link to a schedule we have posted online (along w/ a short story) for Homecoming. You will find the story on the home page of our website, next to a blue balloon picture~!

http://www.redcloudschool.org "Be True to Blue"

If you're interested, Monday is pajamas day- don't worry about your co-workers strange looks, simply explain you are supporting the efforts of Red Cloud Student Council on behalf of your friend Emily. :):) Ha, I know- I have officially re-entered High School and love it! :):)

Well, I suppose that's about it...the more I type, the more random things I think of, and I have to draw the line somewhere. __________ This is it. :)

Peace to you all, as you also seek to find God in the midst of your endeavors,
Emily

The week before Homecoming...

And I started the week off in a haze of homecoming preparation, but what a joy!!!

It has been over a week since my previous post- and in many ways I feel like more time has lapsed...months? :) No, really my days are much more full than the first weeks here, yet I feel a sense of familiarity with a busy routine...and I am also feeling God's presence in the midst of the mayhem.

Last week was a random week of prep work- hard to say exactly "what" I do with my time. I was extremely productive creating workouts for my fabulous weights students...I know, if my muscles don't impress them, surely my intimate knowledge with repetitions and weight proportions will! Okay, joking- but it has been fun...and today, my 15 guys ALL lifted hard! Amazing. One guy named Billy says to me (several times a day)... hey, you're my weight lifting teacher!!! it's pretty endearing.

So last week we also had our first home football game, (I am not writing chronologically today, sorry).... and we won 46-0 against Pine Ridge HS.... whom Red Cloud hadn't beat in 10 years. It was quite the game- lovely weather, great front row standing in order to congratulate my lifting guys.... one interesting note- they play home games at 2 or 3pm...because they don't have lights for the field. It's a cool experience, I must say- and the weight lifting is clearly affecting their playing ability in a tremendous way. Okay, enough explicit references to the pride I take in my weight lifting class.

Student activities- are going well... I've had a few episodes this week (lasting only about 5 minutes- you know me)...where I questioned why I was volunteering in this capacity. For instance, when too many people are demanding too much of me for my level of expertise and time commitment- yet I get over myself quickly and am learning to take things in stride.

The student council is really good, I feel. Today we had a meeting to finalize our Homecoming theme- and also dress-up days, and scheduling. I then met w/ Nick and Russ (admin) to go over details for the week- which is promising, considering several others are asking for specifics which I cannot give them until everything goes through the proper channels of communication. Yes, that is a key word I may refer to often: communication is my job, basically- whether it be communicating between students and faculty, faculty and activities, administration and students, admin and faculty, and posters, memos, emails, letters. Yep. It's pretty invigorating when it all goes well...extremely frustrating when I am ignorant, thus creating communication difficulties (like- well, what's been done in the past? Someone forgot to send that memo!) :):)

Ah, so the volunteer community continues to thrive. We are becoming more acquainted with one another - and have had some interesting conversations regarding personal life- especially in regard to our experiences growing up within various sized families, and the joys and difficulties inherent in adolescence. I think being around so many high schoolers has really caused me to deliberately apply my "theories of adolescence" to various circumstances I am encountering. I would say one huge idea is this: when an adolescent says a rude remark or seemingly hurtful social gesture... one cannot take it personally, because most often it has NOTHING to do with the person with whom they are interacting, and EVERYTHING to do with the fact that they are too caught up in their own world to even acknowledge the affect their presence is having on someone. Yep- so, advice to myself: accept all adolescent remarks with two grains of salt, and life at Red Cloud will be much more pleasant.

I am not implying that students are overall rude, b/c they certainly are not, it just seems that the few negative moments are easy to remember, and beautiful moments tend to be forgotten more easily. I will try to remember the beautiful moments- and by sharing them with you, hopefully they shall have a greater affect than will anything negative.

One beautiful moment: Jesse is a transfer student who seemingly lives to consume the entire amount of candy in my jar that sits on my office desk ...oh, by mid-morning or so each day... and he is just so likable (along with the 4 or 5 others guys who do the same), it's hard to stop him from doing this. Today, as he was literally "passing through" my office to grab more candy...he waved at me and said, "Thanks Emily, you're my hero!" And although I seriously doubt that his comment has as much validity as does his desire to continue taking my candy- it was still a beautiful moment.

On that note, I don't want it to be spread that I am increasing their negative eating habits- because all of the previous week, I actually had only FRUIT for them to take- and gosh did they! We have a "free fruit" wellness policy here, and so I am able to obtain fruit for those who seem to be constantly consuming calories.

I have a rather sad story to share as well, but one which seems to possess hope as well. Jose is a sophomore on the student council, and he is also a frequent visitor to my office. I have learned recently (after he spent an evening at our cottage)...that his father abandoned his family for another woman, his mother is an alcoholic, and he (along with several siblings- of whom he is the oldest) lives with his grandmother in a sparse trailer w/out running water. yep- I don't know his entire situation- but I do know that I want to show him as much love as possible this year- even if that means bringing plenty of fruit and candy to work with me.

Well, that's about all for now. I am contemplating returning to school tonight to finish up some things- but perhaps I'll wait until morning. My time seems to fly by when I'm there- and I know Homecoming is creeping up quickly!

Today as I was driving back into Pine Ridge from my bus run, I had this sense of the familiar- as if I was returning to a place I knew well. I wouldn't say I actually do, but it is comforting, becoming familiar with this place and these people. It surely is.

Much love to you all, wherever you find yourselves. I long to relay my above thoughts in person- but I appreciate your willingness to accept my thoughts as they are- written.

Peace, joy, and in the presence of God,
Emily

Students...Are Here!

Hello from the Cottage Residence!!!

Currently, I am unwinding from an eventful week!

Monday marked the start of school for freshmen here at Red Cloud. They came for a day of orientation, in which they were introduced to faculty, agenda books, and lockers! :):) (oh, and each other) :) This day was particularly exhausting for me, as I was in charge of morning ice breakers and afternoon games! We had a good time, and I really think it helped the freshmen feel more confident coming into the new school year, and I have included some pictures below of one game involving newspaper, tape, characters (often faculty), and imagination!

Ms. Leah (art teacher) dressed as a cow!

I was also dressed as a cow- oh, and trust me, the girls were more enthused than the picture reveals! :):) (I think they're camera shy)

And we have a mermaid in our midst!

Yeah, um...well, my housemate John (theology teacher) is actually hiding under the newspaper here- pretending to be a...boat? (who thought of these games, gosh!)

This group made a cowboy...trust me.

My housemate Mike (English teacher) is dressed as a clown...perhaps one of my favorite characters! (one freshman took off his size 15 shoes for "clown shoes" :)

They dressed Sarah (Red Cloud graduate, teaching computers) as a princess...quite beautifully, I might add.

Ian (Full-time Substitute) is dressed as a flying witch- oh, the ingenuity of freshmen boys! :)

The following pictures are of the Annual First day of school Class tug-of-war competition!

Finally, this is Wendall (science), Katie (library and Spanish), Danny (Science), and Ian

So the days have flown by... whew! I am currently celebrating being here for one month. I feel quite at peace with my surroundings, and although I may be suffering from a case of poison ivy/oak...the itching does not diminish my happiness of seeing the stars on a late night hike! :)

The first day w/ freshman was an eventful day- and I remarked to my friend Jackie (Kindergarten aid).... "can it be that I feel both exhausted and invigorated when I'm with youth?" and she graciously agreed with me. It is a phenomenon I am grateful for, b/c the invigoration I experience allows me to continue the high energy tasks involved with student activities. The first day of school was a bit chaotic, w/ students changing their schedules all around, etc.... but I finally have a solid class for weight training. 5th period is with 5 girls, and 7th period I have 14 boys in my class! Whew! You can imagine the focus it takes to keep that many boys on task in the weight room! I love it though, I really do!

On Tuesday I also had my very first official bus run! I dropped off a whopping 4 students! :) This will not be typical, but they had a volleyball game, which takes many of the girls from my bus run (I take students home after the "after-school" sports and activities- around 5:30pm). The following day I rode as Katie drove the bus (we share a run)...and she dropped off 16 students- plus a nice 4 mile drive on a wash-board gravel road! :)

In addition to preparing for homecoming (by ordering materials, brainstorming ideas, etc.) I have also been coordinating student council elections (coming this Thursday), holding my first student council meeting, preparing sheets for weight class, and organizing my budget and supplies in the office. On Thursday I also subbed for two classes, in addition to being a spotter for the Cross Country meet, dropping off 8 kids on a bus run, and line judging for a volleyball game! It was quite the day.

This past Friday I traveling to Martin to watch the guys' first football game, and although they lost, it was fun to be a part of the crowd again- as it has been awhile since my last HS football game! :) Many of the guys are in my weights class, and they all were hoping I would come...so I have a feel that my Friday nights are taken for quite awhile... :):)

All in all, it has been wonderful meeting the students: being a part of the faculty is weird- I have to maintain certain boundaries that are new to me, especially trying to figure out discipline when I have a fairly easy-going personality w/ youth. Hmmm, I'll figure it out, I suppose. And truly, I just adore spending time with my students- Lester, Ken, Jake, Mike, Zim, Dave, Billy, Bobbi, Charity, Saige, Ida, Amber, Jeremy, Andrew "tooky", Jeff, and the list will go on, I'm sure. It is a pleasure being accepted and respected by them so early on- and I hope to further my relationships with them, so they realize I truly care and want to learn from them...

As I wrap this up, I must remark that the past month has been a wonderful experience of "cultural habituation" in which I find myself loving my surroundings, and anticipating each day's new adventures.

Thanks for listening. You are appreciated. :)
Much love and peace, Emily