Week One Down

The first week of school is officially complete! However, we had a few complications along the way. Standard fare in the Philippines but they certainly didn't help us gain momentum as we started the year. Schools all over Manila were canceled on Thursday due to flooding the previous day and in anticipation of more flooding on Thursday. As it turned out, Thursday was a gorgeous day! A little bit cooler than some of the previous days and not too sunny. I took advantage of the nice day to go meet the CRWM area director. It was great to sit down and talk with him for a bit. Also managed to get a couple of things on my "mall list."

Friday dawned gray and ugly. The torrential downpours started pretty early. By the end of 6th period, school was let out early due to flooding. My housemate and I didn't even try to head home. We hung out at school until later in the afternoon when we left with a couple other teachers to have dinner at a NY-style pizza place and a special treat of Starbucks. Yum yum.

Back to school. It is strange to be back but everyone has been so welcoming. I have 80 students right now. That could change as a few individuals change their schedules around. Don't tell them but I'm in awe of these students. They are very different from my Chicago students. When I ask them to do an assignment, they do it! Without complaint! It is going to be so much fun to keep a step ahead of them as they travel this journey through my class. I've been reading their Summer Reading assignments this evening. They are opening up pieces of literature to me that I've never read. Their descriptions and accounts of these books makes me want to put down my grading and pick up a book. I can't wait to see the plan that Jesus has in store for us this year. Excitement!