Buen Provecho

The title today basically means "bon apetit" and has nothing to do with this post, other than the fact that it represents something I learned today in my first Spanish class.
The woman who teaches me speaks entirely in Spanish. But I was able to understand and communicate much better than I was expecting. I love this language and can't wait to learn more.

Also big news for today-- I got home from school entirely by myself! It would be a bigger deal to you if you could see what that meant (maybe). But I'll try to explain a little. I stayed late at school (which I will probably end up doing every day this week because of all that needs to be done by Monday). This meant I had to catch the chicken bus home. The few times I've ridden the chicken bus in the past, there have been other teachers with me. Others that knew what they were doing. Others that I could follow and rely on. This time it was only me. Well, actually, there was another teacher with me, but she is significantly older and didn't really know what to do. So basically I was responsible for getting the two of us home. The steps were as follows: 1) flag down the bus as it passed us 2) Pay and get on 3) Figure out where the heck to get off. This was my biggest fear because there aren't really exact stops, you just sort of stand up and work your way to the front to get off. 4) Walk about a mile to two miles (I'm not very good at judging distance) home. And we made it! This may not sound like a big deal to you, but it was big to me. And I'm really enjoying being here so far because I've been pushing myself to take more risks. Its good to know that I can do these things on my own.

And I also just want to express how blessed I feel by the community I am already starting to build here. The group of teachers and staff are absolutely amazing. The returning teachers are so helpful and friendly, and the new teachers have already established great relationships.
This week has been insane trying to prepare for the students coming Monday. But the support that is being shared has honestly helped me make it through. Just being able to take a break from being isolated in my classroom worrying about all that needs to be done, and going to the next classroom over and goofing around for a few minutes. I love it. I can't wait to see how the relationships develop as the year progresses.

Somewhat humorous story of the day:
This morning my breakfast consisted entirely of sugar. I was given chocolate corn flakes. And a scary looking bowl of jello. At first I thought it had a raw, scrambled egg on it. I almost threw up looking at it. But I knew I had to eat it, so I said a little prayer and took a bite. Turns out the eggy looking liquid was really sweetened condensed milk (aka- a heck of a lot more sugar). So after I ate this breakfast, I got on the crowded teacher bus and was on a CRAZY sugar high, making a fool of myself just cracking up laughing at absolutely nothing. And then we had our first meeting of the day, and I crashed. Embarrassing. The end.