ODR Outlook

Well the days have flown by. I had all intentions to write about the first day of school. It came and went, but I felt too overwhelmed to write about it. It was just another piece of homework for “teacher” to do. The first week went well but I was nervous every day. That has worn off a bit. Ronald and I moved into an apartment off the compound. We have been adjusting to Saipan quite well. I thought there would be more to adjust to, but the only thing that has been hard is the amount of work it takes to plan for teaching. The actual teaching is fine, the kids are great, the staff is wonderful, the food is delicious, the view is breathtaking, the weather is okay, and we even get our laundry washed, dried and folded for $3 a load! Oh ya, not to mention, everybody in Saipan is really friendly. We’ve been very happy with our nice principal and his wife. They are inspirational.

One of my favorite parts of this new life though is the kids. Its what draws me to the job. They brake my heart everyday. I hear their voices in my sleep at night, “teacher, I’m done” “teacher, can you help me?” “teacher” this and “teacher” that. Being around children always reminds me of the simplicity that life should be. They are sweet and follow directions (most of the time). I pray that God can use me to help shape the lives of my students to be God-fearing young people. I doubt everyday that I can be an influence in their lives, but I know that God has the power to do things that I never imagined. Just last week for instance, the students were invited to come to church. One student of mine became very excited that he was invited to church. He wanted to know what he should wear and what we do at church. Lo and behold, he was there on Sabbath morning. It made me so happy!

Here are a few pictures of my precious students who are responsible for most of my joy and frustration

(Best Friends)

Joint Worship

gecko

Best friends again

Tag is our favorite game!

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