Playing Hooky and an Afternoon Tea

           Wow these last two days have been a whirlwind!  I have been hiking on Takapuna beach, wining and dining with some old and new friends in Milford, and learning the ropes in Brown’s Bay.  After all of this excitement I am really quite ready for a relaxing-ish weekend!!

            Yesterday I was blessed enough to go on a “tramp” or hike with my host teacher, Ruth.  She invited me to this GORGEOUS beach called Takapuna which holds some of the most gorgeous views with crystal clear turquoise water and cliffs of black lava rock! The hike was incredible and I was so blessed to have been able to play a little bit of hooky and get to know my new teacher under much more relaxed circumstances!

            Tonight was even more wonderful because I was invited to share “afternoon tea” with the director of my program, Fay Mason, and the rest of the girls who are here in New Zealand with me! I got to catch up with Cassie and Jordan (which was AWESOME) as well as meet some new faces who are teaching nearby.  Fay invited us into her home, which sits on a lovely volcanic crater that is now a “bottomless” lake.  As we shared wine and conversation about our experiences and all the travels we want to do together we were able to look out onto a pristine view! God, do I have the life or what?!

            After the tea, Jordan, Cassie and three of the other girls I can now call new friends, all went to grab pizza at a local Italian restaurant.  This was so fun! It was nice to have girls that are going through similar experiences as me to talk to and relate to!  It was like having a little piece of home.  I am so lucky to have them so close! We are all hoping to plan some traveling here soon!!  We ended the night at the Thirsty Frog Wine Bar, having one more glass of the FABULOUSLY DELICIOUS Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand is famous for, before Tanya (again I must say BEST HOST MOM EVERRRR) picked Jordan and me up from Milford and drove us home to Brown’s Bay.

            I ended the night with a cup of tea and TV with my host family, and couldn’t have asked for better.  After talking to the girls, I know I am truly blessed to have my host family.  They have supported me through doctor’s appointments, fun gatherings, invited me to family friends for house parties, and given me truly the experience I never dreamed of having.  I am so blessed and end this day thanking God for each of them in this incredible adventure. I know tomorrow holds so much more, and yet I am so thankful for what this trip has already given me. And now I must rush to bed because 27 six year olds tend to take advantage of a tired teacher…Sweetest Dreams from New Zealand.

The Start of School

       








  Today marks my second full day of teaching! And God has it been a full two days!!! We have been working with a new writing assessment that is incredibly time consuming.  Yesterday my host teacher, Ruth, and I stayed until 6:30pm and today we were at school well until 8:30pm (which means I was at school 12.5 hours).  Although most people would be destroyed by the amount of work done, I was delighted because Ruth took me to pizza and wine on the beach after we finished tonight! LOVE IT!! We were both feeling like real people again after a nice glass of Pinot Noir and greasy, cheesy pizza! (see it’s just like home!)

            I am in love with my little year twos! I feel so blessed because I can honestly say that I have had the two best teachers I could have ever asked for and the best classes.  I was so nervous to leave my first graders at home and my incredible teacher who I look up to so incredibly much, but I am finding a family here that I never expected.  Ruth is absolutely fabulous and her class holds some of the most interesting little characters that I am growing so fond of already!

            Just to give you all a taste of my school day here are some of the highlights that I LOVE LOVE LOVE:

●      Morning Tea- I get to go to the teacher’s lounge for 20 minutes and drink coffee and have a snack!

●      Lunch- the kids all eat outside.  There is no lunchroom so they have time to play and eat all at once! Such a cool concept!

●      Waterwise- they have a pool that the kids actually take swim lessons in during the day!!

●      Free spirited- every child is catered to individually in their learning! Very little whole-class instruction! EVERY CHILD ACTUALLY GETS WHAT THEY NEED! CRAZY CONCEPT!!!!

Basically if you haven’t caught on, I LOVE THIS SYSTEM!!!  Who wouldn’t like a break in the morning where the kids get to snack and play for 20 minutes, while you get to drink coffee in the lounge?!  But more than that I am really enjoying this philosophy of teaching and think I am better for having experienced it! I know I am just starting this adventure and am going to grow even more, but I am already thankful for this experience and can feel my teaching philosophy changing and adapting to this incredible educational viewpoint.  I can’t wait to see where this adventure is going to lead me!!!

Here are some pictures of my classroom :)

Cheers to the Irish!

           Today was a relaxing St. Patty’s day.  I was able to spend time with one of my friends who is here in New Zealand with me.  We went to a local pub called the Velvet Gypsy and had two Murphy’s Irish Stouts over great conversation and plan making for the remainder of the trip.  It was great to talk about each of our host families and how lucky we are.  Both Jordan and I kept saying we can’t believe after two years of preparation and study we are here enjoying a beer on the beach in New Zealand!  We even got to take a quick walk along the shore when the rain stopped! Who else can say they spent their St. Patty’s day with good bear, a great view, and feet in the sand?! What a life we are living!!!  Both Jordan and I start teaching tomorrow and we shared all the excitement and fears that go with starting in a new school.  It was so nice to have someone from home to connect with and it really helped remind me how fortunate we are to be here.

            After Tanya picked us up and dropped Jordan off at home (which I must say once again I HAVE THE BEST HOST MOM IN THE WORLD) I was able to spend a lovely dinner at home with my host family.  What can be better than roasted chicken with potatoes and carrots?!  The rest of the evening was dedicated to Top Chef New Zealand and Australian soap opera’s (I am already getting hooked on them! Not quite General Hospital but dramatic all the same J) Thomas, my host brother, even made us hot chocolate to enjoy with our “biscuits” or cookies, while we enjoyed the dramatic shows!  It has been such a great day, and to think I start teaching TOMORROW!!! Thoughts and prayers would be appreciated as I take on 28 six-year-olds from a different country and attempt to help them read with my crazy American accent!

I say: CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!

Wish me luck!!

Damper, Dance and Barbies

            Today was my first real experience with my kids at school.  I was so lucky to be included in the “field day” at school today.  This day was can outdoor activity day that taught the kids basic outdoor skills.  They pitched tents, made grass huts from leaves and branches, completed ropes courses, participated in Maori dances and games, competed in obstacle courses, baked traditional Maori bread over a fire, and correctly orienteered throughout the school grounds.  This day was about participating in activities that        connected the children to nature and allowed for great fun!

            One of the best activities for me was the baking of the Maori bread called damper.  This dough was hand made by the students the day before, simply water and flour, then was cooked on a bamboo spit over an open fire.  This is a traditional Maori bread and the kids absolutely loved adding honey and jam to their finished masterpieces!  We then ventured to the Maori dance station where students had their go at Maori Poi Ball Dance.  This particular dance involves a ball connected to a string.  You hold one in each hand and complete intricate movements and dances.  This is done by the women of the Maori people.  I even got a chance to practice my Poi dancing! You’ll see by the pictures that my 6 year olds far outdid me in the talent of Poi!

            
           After our adventure to school, we came back and got ready for my first real “barby”.  I was invited to join my host family to a family friend’s house for a barby or what I now know to be a dinner party!  Over great wine, food and conversation I grew to know some great friends.  At the dinner party alone there were three Australians, two Kiwi’s, three Brits and me, the one American.  As conversation and wine flowed, the talk turned to funny stories about accents and differences in customs and sayings. 

          As the conversation started I told the crew that I was told never to say “root” as in “I will root for the Blues rugby team”.  They all died laughing and explained to me that, although I could truly root for the team, I would not want to be known as that girl…! This caused an eruption of laughter and other stories began to unfold.  So here is my list of must not says:

            Root=to whore oneself

            Shag=to have sex

            Fanny=women’s genitalia (this one made me laugh until I cried! Shout out to                                       all my sorority sisters and our fanny packs we love so much!!)

            Overall this may have been my favorite night thus far simply because I was able to spend time with such lovely people.  I am growing to love this country more and more as I spend time here.  To think that I was invited into a home for a “barby” without any question, offered fine New Zealand wine and provided endless hospitality and companionship simply for staying with this family’s friends.  I am so fortunate.  Tonight will easily go down as a highlight of my trip.

VOLCANIC VOLCANOES

         
          Today was absolutely incredible! Tanya was so kind to take me into Auckland today! One of the best stops we made was at the top of Mount Eden or in Maori, Maungawhau.  The views of the city were truly stunning.  Mount Eden is one of over 10 volcanoes throughout Auckland, all dormant or so they say!  I was able to look down into the crater that used to be a live volcanic rim.  Tanya was telling me that at one point in time you could hike to the bottom of the crater, however the Maori people believe that hiking into the crater causes bad spirits or unlucky events to occur, so Auckland has banned such hikes from taking place.  Either way I was happier simply looking over the edge instead of hiking down inside something that used to spit lava!

             After taking some beautiful pictures of the city from Mount Eden’s viewpoint, Tanya drove us into the city center to see the Sky Tower and the death-defying bungee jumping that happens off the edge.  I am seriously considering doing this jump but wondering if falling over water might be a safer plan than concrete!

            We had sushi today in the mall and did some quick errands, even stopping for a Butterfinger that is so rare to find in New Zealand.  Tanya had said earlier in the week that Butterfingers were something she craved after being in the states for a year and was so excited to find this rare candy in the mall! Benefits of stopping at a touristy spot!  We then traveled back into Brown’s Bay to enjoy a calm afternoon under the flawless blue skies, and warm sun. 

            This evening held a first for me! I was able to take my first trip out alone.  I was nervous that I wouldn’t be able to find the correct way, even with the printed map and verbal directions given to me by Tanya! Luckily my run to the beach (yes I did actually run…or more like walk/jog) was successful and I only had to stop twice to consult my map!  This is a huge feat for me! Any of you who know me really well know I am directionally challenged, but I was proud of myself for finding my way! 

            We finished the night with a lovely dinner and glass of wine and great conversation.  I am loving every moment of my stay and cannot wait for what the next few weeks hold!  Tons of love to you all back home!

Day One: Living The Dream

           Today was my first day in New Zealand.  After a half hour flight to Chicago, a five hour flight to San Francisco, and that infamous 12 hour flight to Auckland, I was glad to be back on solid ground today.  I started the morning off by being picked up by my host mom, Tanya, at the airport at the bustling hour of 5am! It was a challenge to find her at first because we had never met prior to today.  She welcomed me with a huge hug and giant smile.  I immediately felt welcome. 

            We then went to her car and I was reminded how different cars are here.  Driving as a passenger on the left side of the car was very different and I realized that I will NOT under ANY circumstances be driving here, although Tanya has sworn that I will be getting a personal driving lesson from her just so I can say I did it.  The roads are more complicated than I expected! As we drove I was able to see the first peaks of sunrise over Brown’s Bay.  Tanya drove me down to the water to watch the first rays peak over Ranitoto Island (volcano included).  The view was breathtaking and I couldn’t have asked for a better way to start my adventure here!

            I then was welcomed by Tanya’s husband, Nick, and her 14 year old son Thomas.  They were so kind and excited to have me.  As we shared breakfast and cappuccinos I again realized how welcoming this family is and how lucky I am for that.  After a shower and unpacking my bags into my very own room and bathroom (I am so spoiled), Tanya offered to take me on a walk to Brown’s Bay Primary, where I will be working in a year 2 class.  The walk was breathtaking with flawless blue skies and rolling hills ending in the ocean, I couldn’t imagine a more gorgeous setting if I tried.

            Upon arriving at the school I was struck by how laid back the culture is.  All of the kids work independently and the teacher guides their time in a way I haven’t experienced and cannot wait to try!  The principal and assistant principal welcomed me warmly in front of all of the staff at Tea Time.  The faculty is so kind! My host teacher, Ruth, greeted me with the largest hug and informed me that we will be hiking Waiheke Island this next Wednesday to conference and get to know each other! What a way to get to know someone!  I cannot wait to start work!!!!

            After walking away from the school we made our way down to Brown’s Bay and I was able to put my feet in the ocean for the first time.  I could get used to this type of lifestyle! We then made our trek back home to eat lunch and lay out on the back deck chatting and reading.  I actually got some color!! Can’t beat 78 degrees!

            Today could not have gone better! I cannot believe after two years of planning, I am standing on Kiwi soil right now!  Jet lag is setting in so I am off to bed! Goodnight from New Zealand, and good morning to all of my family and friends in America!!

Saying Goodbye

I am preparing for my final day student teaching in Indiana tomorrow and I honestly don't know how I am going to say goodbye.  I have grown more as an educator in the last nine weeks than I ever imagined.  I have worked under some of the most talented educators in the state of Indiana and feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to do so.  I love my class.  I love my host teacher.  I love my colleagues.  Basically I don't know if I am ready to leave.  How do you say goodbye to an experience that has completely changed your life?  I have learned exactly who I am as a teacher and I am ready for what my first teaching job holds, simply from the time I spent with my first grade kiddos.  How do you say goodbye to 22 sad six year olds?  How do you tell 22 silly six year olds how much of an impact they have each had on me, and how each of their little personalities will forever hold a special place in my heart?

Long story short, tomorrow is going to end too soon and I am going to have to say goodbye to some of the most inspiring educators I have had the privilege to work with and some of the most incredible students I have had the privilege to teach.  

Wish me luck.  Goodbyes have never been easy for me.

COUNTDOWN: 3 DAYS