Birthday Girl!

         

           What a spoiled little birthday brat I am!!! I have just had an amazing day filled with children singing happy birthday, a dinner out with my family away from home, and a major change in school that is going to give me some room to breathe and enjoy the rest of my time here.  Overall this day was incredible!

            I woke up this morning and immediately facetimed Brian.  I knew if I could facetime him before school I could catch him between classes, and then I could facetime my parents at lunch at school because my dad would be home from work by then (is it not crazy how messed up being halfway around the world is?!)  It was the perfect way to start my birthday!! It’s amazing how comforted you feel by talking to your boyfriend and parents. 

            When I walked upstairs for breakfast, my host family immediately shouted happy birthday and began singing to me! It was so so sweet!!  Next they brought out a whole bag of individually wrapped gifts (compliments to Emma who begged Tanya to wrap each gift individually).  I was blown away by all of the meaningful gifts they gave me.  I received two beautiful cards, a stuffed animal Kiwi Bird (one of the national birds of New Zealand), New Zealand magnets, a deck of cards for my two week trip (and to teach my host family how to play euchre since I’ve been blabbing about how much fun it is), key chains, a gorgeous wooden sign that says “Aotearoa” (New Zealand in Maori), and this incredible “love” bead for a Pandora bracelet that is only made in New Zealand.  Oh and of course, my addiction here, CADEBERRY CHOCOLATES!!! I was so touched that it took a lot not to cry on the spot.

            I then headed off to school.  I got to see an ESOL class, and a Reading Recovery class, which was amazing!! I learned so much!  But the best part of my day had to have been the meeting I had with my assistant principal.  I have been having a lot of trouble with my host teacher. Long story short, my time here has been a bit miserable as far as teaching is concerned.  After talking to my assistant principal on Monday (I actually stood up for myself for once!!!) I was told today that I am able to move rooms!  As if Tanya was not already my guardian angel, she is going to be my new host teacher!!!!! I GET TO TEACH A BRAND NEW CLASS OF NEW ENTRANCE KIDDOS (kindergarteners-my favorite age!!!!).  The school system is set up differently here so every child starts school on their 5^th birthday.  So this class will be starting school for the first time EVER after my two week break!!!! I am so beyond excited and blessed!!!  Again I will say TANYA IS MY GUARDIAN ANGEL!

            As if my day wasn’t already perfect, Nick drove the family and I into Takapuna for dinner at an authentic New York Style pizza place called Sal’s!!  I got a little slice of home-pun intended! I ate pizza, drank beer and enjoyed the first night of being 23!!! Every day I am here I know I am so blessed to be in the host family I am in.  I cannot express the love they have shown for me and the support in all of the difficulties I have had abroad.  Although I miss home everyday and wish I could have spent my birthday with Brian and my family, I have a second family here and they made today the perfect day.  I love and miss you all! Today is officially the halfway point of my trip, so be ready because this traveling girl only has 6 weeks left!!!!