Obiyan Beach 8th Grade Pathfinder Camp Out 11/19/10
Growing up, I remember fondly going on Pathfinder camp outs. They were usually in the fall, and the smells and sounds and feelings I experienced are still with me. I remember the smell of a camp fire permeating the material of a favorite hoodie, the feel of hot cider in a paper cup warming my hands, the crackling of leaves underfoot; The steam of my breath in the morning and the cool, musty smell of a log turned over as we searched for critters. All these things are memories I hold dear to me.
So it was quite a contrast then, to go to sleep with the sound of waves gently lapping against the shore at Obiyan beach; to go snorkeling on Friday afternoon before supper instead of throwing around the ‘ole pigskin; to wake up sweaty, rather than shivering.
Some things were different, but there were many things that I couldn’t help but chuckle at how similar they were. For example, the kids all ravenously devoured enormous quantities of food for supper and breakfast. There was the usual drama that characterizes the relationships between adolescent boys and girls. There were the pranks, the sleepy conversations, and the bonding that all help to make Pathfinders such an important influence in the lives of youth around the world. It was interesting to see just how similar young people are, no matter where they happen to be.
Friday night, Mr. Odiyar led us in a thought provoking worship about how God reveals Himself to us through nature, and many of the kids shared how this was relevant to their lives. In addition to the serious side, there were a lot of just plain fun things that we did. That night, a few of them couldn’t sleep and stayed up all night with us chaperones. Mr. Odiyar fended off an ant attack, and we went hunting for shrews and bugs. We found an uncomfortably plentiful population of these, in addition to a rather large green lizard who was not altogether enthusiastic about being woken up at 4:00 AM. Sabbath morning eventually came and (after disposing of a massive spider that had spent the night with Mrs. Calla) we had church and a scavenger hunt for hidden letters spelling out ‘CREATION’. Everyone had a great time, and nobody wanted to be the first one to leave.
Seeing God in action in the lives of young people is a beautiful thing, and I thank Him for the privilege of playing a part in these important years. It is my hope that the time they spend in Pathfinders is as beneficial for them as it was for me.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Of mice and men
One of the perks to living in a tropical place is the abundance of roaches and spiders and various other assorted critters. Last night, I had the pleasure (no sarcasm really; it was an awesome man moment) of dispatching of a rat.
---
It all started a few days ago. We (the girls and I) were sitting around gossiping about the students, comparing war stories, when one of them suddenly shrieked. MOUSE!!! I jumped up, ran over to my apartment and grabbed my machete. A great commotion followed as couches, tables, and refrigerators were thrown asunder while I in hot pursuit chopped wildly at the enemy. That night, he managed to escape the mighty claws of death. But I am a foe not easily discouraged. Night after night I kept careful vigil out of the corner of my eye during movies, conversations, meals, etc. From time to time a small grey nose would appear then dart into cover before I could eviscerate him. My nemesis was mocking me.
Then last night, he slipped up. I was halfway through my movie when I saw him dart behind the fridge which is located in a corner. I knew I had him. I carefully arranged a series of roadblocks which rivaled the trickiest of mall parking lot exits in an effort to keep him at hand, should he manage to make the short trip from the fridge to the wall safely. I wanted him out in the open.
Then, I waited.
Like a sniper, like a trap door spider, like a stalking butler I waited. Spear (mop handle) in hand, poised to strike. My muscles were taut. My eyes (all 1 1/2 of them) were keen. My heart was thumping wildly. I waited. And waited. So long I thought I would die. I began to wonder if somehow in the excitement he had slipped out unnoticed.
Then.
Whiskers. I held my breath, perfectly still- waiting for that perfect shot. He came out, I struck. Miss. He retreated. I regained my composure. And waited. Minutes passed. Again he ventured out. This time, I waited until he was clear of the fridge before striking and when I did, BAMSQUEEKSQUEEKSQUEEEEK! My heart was filled with gladness! I held the spear in place and bent down to look closer at my prey and ALAS!
Gone.
He had slipped out.
I drearily went back to my watch. However, instead of the same mouse coming out, wonder of wonders, in my periferal vision I see another, LARGER rat run under the ridge! This was more than I could have asked for! Filled with a new strength and vigor, I assumed my striking position. He would ever-so-tantalizingly poke out his nose, but then retreat. I brought in the reinforcements- bombed the underside of the fridge with RAID. More waiting. More jostling of the fridge. More waiting. Literally it seemed like forever (about an hour and a half had passed since the first contact).
Then the money shot.
The big rat.
I struck like a message from the gods. No mercy. Such an eruption of squeaking and scratching (on the rats part) and primal screams of victory (on my part) erupted as to wake the dead. I trapped him up against the corner of the wall. My strength was crushing! He was fading fast. As one final death-blow, I filled his gaping maw with a heavy handed blast of RAID and slowly the life went from him.
I sat down, shaking, gasping for breath from the struggle. One had triumphed, one had tasted the bitter wine of defeat.
I gloated for a while, basking in my glory.. His limp soggy rat body hoping to serve as bait for his wily companion; but after another several minutes of no sound and no activity, I concluded that the initial wound and repeated doses of RAID had done the trick.
I bid the womenfolk goodnight, they paid me with kisses and song (hey a guy can dream, can't he??), and I went home to bed.
I slept like a baby.
---
It all started a few days ago. We (the girls and I) were sitting around gossiping about the students, comparing war stories, when one of them suddenly shrieked. MOUSE!!! I jumped up, ran over to my apartment and grabbed my machete. A great commotion followed as couches, tables, and refrigerators were thrown asunder while I in hot pursuit chopped wildly at the enemy. That night, he managed to escape the mighty claws of death. But I am a foe not easily discouraged. Night after night I kept careful vigil out of the corner of my eye during movies, conversations, meals, etc. From time to time a small grey nose would appear then dart into cover before I could eviscerate him. My nemesis was mocking me.
Then last night, he slipped up. I was halfway through my movie when I saw him dart behind the fridge which is located in a corner. I knew I had him. I carefully arranged a series of roadblocks which rivaled the trickiest of mall parking lot exits in an effort to keep him at hand, should he manage to make the short trip from the fridge to the wall safely. I wanted him out in the open.
Then, I waited.
Like a sniper, like a trap door spider, like a stalking butler I waited. Spear (mop handle) in hand, poised to strike. My muscles were taut. My eyes (all 1 1/2 of them) were keen. My heart was thumping wildly. I waited. And waited. So long I thought I would die. I began to wonder if somehow in the excitement he had slipped out unnoticed.
Then.
Whiskers. I held my breath, perfectly still- waiting for that perfect shot. He came out, I struck. Miss. He retreated. I regained my composure. And waited. Minutes passed. Again he ventured out. This time, I waited until he was clear of the fridge before striking and when I did, BAMSQUEEKSQUEEKSQUEEEEK! My heart was filled with gladness! I held the spear in place and bent down to look closer at my prey and ALAS!
Gone.
He had slipped out.
I drearily went back to my watch. However, instead of the same mouse coming out, wonder of wonders, in my periferal vision I see another, LARGER rat run under the ridge! This was more than I could have asked for! Filled with a new strength and vigor, I assumed my striking position. He would ever-so-tantalizingly poke out his nose, but then retreat. I brought in the reinforcements- bombed the underside of the fridge with RAID. More waiting. More jostling of the fridge. More waiting. Literally it seemed like forever (about an hour and a half had passed since the first contact).
Then the money shot.
The big rat.
I struck like a message from the gods. No mercy. Such an eruption of squeaking and scratching (on the rats part) and primal screams of victory (on my part) erupted as to wake the dead. I trapped him up against the corner of the wall. My strength was crushing! He was fading fast. As one final death-blow, I filled his gaping maw with a heavy handed blast of RAID and slowly the life went from him.
I sat down, shaking, gasping for breath from the struggle. One had triumphed, one had tasted the bitter wine of defeat.
I gloated for a while, basking in my glory.. His limp soggy rat body hoping to serve as bait for his wily companion; but after another several minutes of no sound and no activity, I concluded that the initial wound and repeated doses of RAID had done the trick.
I bid the womenfolk goodnight, they paid me with kisses and song (hey a guy can dream, can't he??), and I went home to bed.
I slept like a baby.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
The days they fly
Man. So much.
Last week recap...
Two teachers down and out sick, Silvia Virlie Tina and myself taking turns covering all the classes for K and 3/4 grade. Craziness. Good craziness.
Then theres this: I have more classes to teach full time now! :) One of the other teachers here was intending to be teaching a certain number of classes. However, since this is Saipan, we all wound up taking on extra stuff. He took on a LOT of extra stuff, more than he was expecting. So I have been assigned some of his classes. This is a huge blessing for a couple reasons; he gets a bit of a break, and the school saves on money because he will be working as part time. He will be working part time then also for his former employer, a hospital in Florida. Everybody wins :) It's cool the way God is looking out for the school, helping things work out in a way that is best for everybody. And I'm happy, because I feel like I have a more active part in the success of the school. The classes I'm taking over are Lit. and Typing for grades 7/8 and Bible for grades 3/4. The last one is for another teacher who will be covering the first teachers Algebra class... Because we all know that I would definitely not be a good choice for Algebra ;)
That's all for now. Stay tuned!
Last week recap...
Two teachers down and out sick, Silvia Virlie Tina and myself taking turns covering all the classes for K and 3/4 grade. Craziness. Good craziness.
Then theres this: I have more classes to teach full time now! :) One of the other teachers here was intending to be teaching a certain number of classes. However, since this is Saipan, we all wound up taking on extra stuff. He took on a LOT of extra stuff, more than he was expecting. So I have been assigned some of his classes. This is a huge blessing for a couple reasons; he gets a bit of a break, and the school saves on money because he will be working as part time. He will be working part time then also for his former employer, a hospital in Florida. Everybody wins :) It's cool the way God is looking out for the school, helping things work out in a way that is best for everybody. And I'm happy, because I feel like I have a more active part in the success of the school. The classes I'm taking over are Lit. and Typing for grades 7/8 and Bible for grades 3/4. The last one is for another teacher who will be covering the first teachers Algebra class... Because we all know that I would definitely not be a good choice for Algebra ;)
That's all for now. Stay tuned!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Lessons
You know, it's funny how we spend our time. When I have the will to write in this particular blog, it's usually during the day at a time when I only have but a few moments to spare and then they usually get spent on Facebook checking to see who is the latest to change their profile picture or some such nonsense. Then when I have plenty of time, like after watching the kids in aftercare, I usually just want to go home. So now I'm willing myself to post.
Lately (most every day at some point actually) I have moments where I feel like I'm learning more from the kids than they are from me; which may be of course terrible, or it may sneakily be what this whole SM thing is about after all. At any rate, here are some recent events that have given me pause.
The other day at Kindergarten PE, we were playing tag. They tired of this after a few minutes, so in an effort to freshen it up a bit, I sprung upon an idea. One of the kids is faster than the others, and likes to be the center of attention. So I considered all the possible (or so I thought) negative outcomes and acted on an idea that I thought would cater to both points. I told them that next we would play reverse tag! Meaning of course, that every one BUT this one person would be it; they all would try to tag him. Squeals of skepticism and glee erupted, and the game was afoot. He kept them at bay for a while, but soon the inevitable caught up with him. However, instead of merely TAGGING him, all the kids (who are all friends and feel no ill-will towards one another) dog-piled on him and pushed him into the dirt with great zeal. It took me a second to respond, and when I finally got them all cleared off of him, he had a somewhat dazed and perplexed look on his face as though he, too was caught off guard at the ferocity of the attack. Lesson learned: There is a reason tag has not evolved one bit over who knows how long; it's pretty safe to say that it works just fine the way it is, and requires no tampering.
Yesterday (or the day before, this week has kinda run all together), I was not feeling well at all. So when it came time for 1-4's PE class, I told them that they had a brief exercise time and then would have (what I thought was) every child's dream, free time for the period. Imagine it! Free to play any game they liked, free to run and jump, and I (or so I thought) free to sit dejectedly on the bench feeling sorry for myself. Well, the first 30 seconds of free time went swimmingly well. A cheer went up, they went running onto the court, and I sat down. Then before my head could even reach my hands, disaster struck. All of a sudden, that sinister fiend that is boredom reared its ugly head.
"Miiiiister, I don't know what to play".
"Miister, I'm bored".
"Mister can we play dodgeball?".
Well of course you can play whatever you like my children, it is FREE TIME. However, that did not satisfy them. So I encouraged one or two of the leader types to go about and try to drum up support for their game of choice. The half-heartedly wandered about trying to make the sell, and wouldn't have succeeded at selling a coat to an Eskimo with their sullen faces and weary tone. It was pitiful. Never in my life would I have predicted that a group of 1-4 graders would tire so quickly and enthusiastically of FREE TIME. I mean, what kid doesn't like recess?!
Along the same lines, the other day I was subbing for one of the sick staff and in the morning I had to take them (5 and 6 year olds) outside for about an hour and a half while some needs were attended to in the room. It was barely halfway through before they started asking when we were going back inside.
Now this means either of two things to me: either they are dependent on TV and have no will of their own to be active outside in a ball court or on a playground with slides and swings and future generations will have no idea what it means to get fresh air and exercise OR we are doing such a great job of teaching them that they can't bear the thought of being out of the classroom or without instruction for too long. I always suspect that the truth is stirring around somewhere near the middle.
Until next time!
Lately (most every day at some point actually) I have moments where I feel like I'm learning more from the kids than they are from me; which may be of course terrible, or it may sneakily be what this whole SM thing is about after all. At any rate, here are some recent events that have given me pause.
The other day at Kindergarten PE, we were playing tag. They tired of this after a few minutes, so in an effort to freshen it up a bit, I sprung upon an idea. One of the kids is faster than the others, and likes to be the center of attention. So I considered all the possible (or so I thought) negative outcomes and acted on an idea that I thought would cater to both points. I told them that next we would play reverse tag! Meaning of course, that every one BUT this one person would be it; they all would try to tag him. Squeals of skepticism and glee erupted, and the game was afoot. He kept them at bay for a while, but soon the inevitable caught up with him. However, instead of merely TAGGING him, all the kids (who are all friends and feel no ill-will towards one another) dog-piled on him and pushed him into the dirt with great zeal. It took me a second to respond, and when I finally got them all cleared off of him, he had a somewhat dazed and perplexed look on his face as though he, too was caught off guard at the ferocity of the attack. Lesson learned: There is a reason tag has not evolved one bit over who knows how long; it's pretty safe to say that it works just fine the way it is, and requires no tampering.
Yesterday (or the day before, this week has kinda run all together), I was not feeling well at all. So when it came time for 1-4's PE class, I told them that they had a brief exercise time and then would have (what I thought was) every child's dream, free time for the period. Imagine it! Free to play any game they liked, free to run and jump, and I (or so I thought) free to sit dejectedly on the bench feeling sorry for myself. Well, the first 30 seconds of free time went swimmingly well. A cheer went up, they went running onto the court, and I sat down. Then before my head could even reach my hands, disaster struck. All of a sudden, that sinister fiend that is boredom reared its ugly head.
"Miiiiister, I don't know what to play".
"Miister, I'm bored".
"Mister can we play dodgeball?".
Well of course you can play whatever you like my children, it is FREE TIME. However, that did not satisfy them. So I encouraged one or two of the leader types to go about and try to drum up support for their game of choice. The half-heartedly wandered about trying to make the sell, and wouldn't have succeeded at selling a coat to an Eskimo with their sullen faces and weary tone. It was pitiful. Never in my life would I have predicted that a group of 1-4 graders would tire so quickly and enthusiastically of FREE TIME. I mean, what kid doesn't like recess?!
Along the same lines, the other day I was subbing for one of the sick staff and in the morning I had to take them (5 and 6 year olds) outside for about an hour and a half while some needs were attended to in the room. It was barely halfway through before they started asking when we were going back inside.
Now this means either of two things to me: either they are dependent on TV and have no will of their own to be active outside in a ball court or on a playground with slides and swings and future generations will have no idea what it means to get fresh air and exercise OR we are doing such a great job of teaching them that they can't bear the thought of being out of the classroom or without instruction for too long. I always suspect that the truth is stirring around somewhere near the middle.
Until next time!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)