The blogs will definitely slow down even more when school starts. I hope I do not stop altogether because I am also using this as a journal. I have been going to school since Sunday to have meetings and start setting up my classroom. So not that we are in the Dinosaur age or anything but yeah I have to trace letters and then cut them out. There is no going to the teachers lounge to di-cut on the Ellison machine or going to the local teacher supply store to buy the newest bulletin board set that goes along with what theme you are teaching. So as you can see I am in the process of recreating the wheel and making my own stuff! And with school starting so soon, I am running out of time. I would LOVE to bring some work home with me but the construction paper is HUGE pieces and I have to walk or take a taxi home, so it is hard to bring everything I would need home with me.
But....Today...I met my assistant! She is AMAZING! I cannot tell you how much I already love her! She has been a Pre K assistant with the teacher I took over for. She was one of three that I could have gotten. Everyone begs and asks for her and I didn't think I had a shot but guess what I think the man upstairs knew I would need some help this year, especially with no years under my belt with 4 year olds. She is bilingual, but not really allowed to speak to the kids in Arabic because it is supposed to be total immersion. Of course if a kid comes up and says they need to use the bathroom, she can help me with that. She sat right down and started helping me with ideas and things that they used last year.
But she knows her professional boundaries and she always asks me if she can do something., I think she wants to make sure that I know she is not trying to take over. I told her that I welcome her help. She is just so sweet. She also said she would help me with my Arabic. So that was awesome! I think I am really going to enjoy this year more than I thought. 12 kids, 2 plan times, an assistant and a great staff. Which by the way, today I met the entire staff of teachers. Being a Pre K- 12th grade school, the staff is very big. I will not remember all of the names but I will work of the elementary half at least. Eventually I will learn them all. Plus there are a ton of support staff as well.
I went to a woman's coffee tonight with the ladies at the church and learned a little bit more about the town I live in. I also learned about a refugee school here. I almost broke down crying listening to this story. This is a school that the church I go to supports. They meet in a basement of an apartment building. There are about 3 kids in a room about the size of a bathroom. They only have desks. No room to put anything on the walls. No real teachers. Just about 18-19 year olds who have a heart for children that escaped their country with these kids. They have no supplies, these kids have not shoes, socks, ect. Vitamins, toiletry items and the list goes on of things they do not have. Not to mention school supplies or books. I am setting up a visit to check it out. There is just so much need in this country and my heart can be stretched in a million directions. I need to really take time and decide where I really want to volunteer and where I feel the man upstairs is leading me. I also need to remember not to stretch myself to think too fast. It seems so easy to do here!
Anyway there is so much whirling through my head right now. And so many possibilities here. If anyone ever wants to experience Egypt or get involved in a short "work" trip there are plenty of possibilities here! I am sure I am missing something I wanted to share but it is late and I am very tired.
Miss you all!
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