A Life Lost, Faith Renewed...

As many of you know there was a tragic misfortune in Yap this last week. Kirsten Wolcott was murdered on Thursday, November 19. She had gone on her usual morning jog and when she did come back at class time they sent people out searching for her. They found her deep in the jungle stabbed several times. Even now as I am writing it is hard to imagine that this has happened when it could have happened to any one of us SM’s here or in any other place. We are on the front battle lines for Christ and since God’s side is winning, Satan is upset and trying his best to throw any thing in our way to prevent us from serving God with our 100 percent best.

The SM group, here in Palau, found out Thursday afternoon and there was a room full of mixed emotions. I, for one, was crying and confused, asking God why He allowed this to happen. Yes, even part of me was upset at God for a little while, just asking why, why, why. But after the initial shock had warn away there was peace that settled over our group. Some of us reached for our Bibles to look for encouragement while others of us prayed and asked for God’s encouragement, help and peace. This whole situation, so far, has really brought our group together, not only to keep each other safe, but also in a renewed strength to press forward and share God’s gospel with the world.

In this kind of situation I think of the commonly used phrase, live today as though it was your last. When I heard Kirsten’s story is struck me that I had just witnessed a modern hero, here in the year 2009. I had talked with her briefly in Hawaii on our way here and even at SAU since we were both in the same choir group and had the same major. In my small amount of interaction with her I saw that she was not afraid to call sin by its right name and she was a true Christian who did not hide the fact that she was in love with Jesus. She truly lived each day as though it was her last and I am trying my best to live up to the same standard.
She was taken from this world because I believe God knew she was ready to go. He knew that since she was serving Him faithfully He could allow her to leave from this sin polluted world. What great mercy God has! As you read this please remember the Wolcott family in your prayers and also the SM’s on Yap since two of them have already gone home. This is a terrible world we live in, but Christ is coming soon. Let us all keep this faith burning in our hearts.

Just to comfort you all, I am doing fine and still loving it here in Palau. It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is this Thursday especially since I haven’t felt cold except while taking a shower with cold water. My kids our still keeping me on my toes, but doing great and learning so much!! I still love them so much even on the though, pull-out-your-hair days.

I’ll be home in exactly 26 days and I couldn’t be happier. I’m looking forward to being cold a majority of the time, taking a nice warm shower and not having to cook the same boring this for myself over and over again.

I miss you all dearly and pray that God is blessing you. Remember to be thankful of His gifts this holiday!

Novermber.... No snow :(

It’s finally a beautiful, relaxing, Friday afternoon and I have a few minutes to catch you on what’s been going on lately. I know it’s been many weeks since I’ve written last, but I’ve finally discovered that the work of a teacher leaves little time for blogging.

I am finally adjusting to the life here that I have in Palau, including the increasing heat index. For the past few weeks it hasn’t rained a lot therefore leaving it very, very hot. My hair is constantly up in a pony tale of sorts and it’s a little annoying to be sitting in my classroom sweating for no reason at all. We are saving money on air con (the Palauan way of saying air conditioning) so only four out of seven hours are to have air con. There is some sort of breeze some of the time, but it just never seems to reach inside my classroom. They (past SM’s) say that you get used to the heat, but I’m thinking that I’m an exception to that. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the heat!

Well, on a more positive note, the one thing I am getting used to is the same thing every day. I wake up, have worship, get ready, go to staff worship, meet my kids, go to the classroom, then have the same nine subjects every day. It’s extremely repetitive, but I love it (teaching) so much that the repetition doesn’t seem so bad day after day.

My students bring me such joy every single day! They are always saying new things, coming up with new ideas and making me laugh over the simplest things. For example, Ilang just got a letter from her pen pal, Rhina. In the letter Rhina told her to give me a hug every day since Rhina isn’t here to do it. So for the past few days she comes up at random times during the day and gives me the sweetest hug. I know that a teacher isn’t supposed to have favorites, but Ilang is truly my favorite. Her heart is the size of Texas and she has love for everyone. She is always telling me how much she will miss me even though I’ll still be here for 6 ½ more months.

In the end, I have come to a realization. Half my heart will be left here in Palau at the end of May and the other half I left back home with my wonderful family and friends. I miss and love you all!!

Just Another Day in the Life of an SM in Palau...

Day was just like any other. Come to class, have worship, Bible, Spelling, English, pull out classes, lunch, science, S.S., Reading, Phonics and Handwriting. (2 recess somewhere in there too.) I had to get on to my kids today for talking a whole bunch and there were hardly any marbles handed out and no stickers on homework folders. It was pretty unusual and boring to tell you the truth. Then.... then electricity went out. It was pretty dark, because it was storming really hard outside and there was no sunlight at all. We stopped our assignment early and played heads-up seven-up until the lights came back on. Thankfully, they came on as soon as recess time was over and we continued on as usual.

After all the kids left I was feeling pretty tired, miserable and exhausted. I just wanted to sleep. Then the Pastor came to my classroom and got on my case because my kids were playing infront of the church, when they were supposed to be sitting infront of the school waiting for their parents. This did not make me happy and the devil was really on my back giving me a hard time. I knew I had to have a better attitude so I asked God to send something or someone to encourage me and give me strength.

Well, I usually leave my sweeping for the morning, but this afternoon I just stayed for some reason to finish up before staff meeting. Just as I was in the middle of sweeping, two of my girls came in. It was Ilang and Ashlee. Their two hearts combined give enough love for the world two times over. Any way... they have me a really pretty, little six petaled flower and then gave me a hug. I could tell it was Ilang's idea because after she gave me the flower, she had to remind Ashlee that it was time for the hug. She gave a not so sublimanal message to Ashlee. She tried her best to whisper, but that is something that 4th graders can not do. She was like, "Ashlee, hug! Ashlee, hug!" In her quietest tone (which isn't so quiet). Needless to say this brightened my afternoon and now I am ready to go to bed early!

The Lord is so good to me and I can't imagine my life without Him!

Today, ask Him for a small encouragement. Let your faith soar and just see what He does. Don't forget to thank Him in the end!

Well here I am again from the beautiful island of Palau. I’ve been away from home for over two months and we’re finishing off our 7th week, I believe. It seems like so long ago that I got on that plane in Cincinnati and left not knowing exactly what was ahead. Little did I know the plans that God had in store.
From the moment that I started school on that Monday morning, August 24th, I knew that this is exactly where God had in mind for me to be. Every day He shows me again and again that, yes, it may be difficult and trying, but life is just that way so that our characters may be improved.

For example, just the other day I had to give some harsh punishments to my class because they really got out of hand in Palauan class. I had them write a large number of sentences and one of my girls wrote a note and added it to the top of her page where she had written all the sentences. She said that she was sorry for what she had done and that she would respect not only me, but her other teachers too. She asked for my forgiveness and my heart melted right away. Yes, I’ll admit that I was upset that my class was acting so crazy, but God showed me the right amount of love, patience and sternness (is that a word?) that I need to keep my class running smoothly.

Right now, while I’m typing, the kids are eating lunch. I wish you all could be here to see their happy faces at the simple fact that they get to talk with abandon and not worry about being quiet because others are working. The room smells extremely good and I can’t wait till after their lunch when I get to have my lunch break while they’re in Palauan. Yeah, baked potato and a salad!!
Today we took a few pictures before they started PE. We attempted a “jumping picture”. It’s hard enough with only two people, can you imagine how it would be with 15 4th graders? We finally gave up, but the pictures didn’t turn out too bad. Right now, I’m having a hard time completing even one sentence, because I’m constantly hearing, “Teacher! Teacher!”.

I know that when I get back to the US I probably won’t respond to Jolene only, “Teacher! Teacher!” I’m getting used to it and it’s kind of cute. Thankfully, in choir they call me Ms. Jolene.

Well, Genesis has asked me to test him on his states and capitals since we’re having a test of the Southeast states tomorrow. Thanks again for all the prayers and thoughts!

Some realizations...

This blog is going to give you,in full detail, a desciption of all my students. Enjoy!

First there is Maggie. She is the youngest of my 15 and is quiet, but adorable. She finds it hard to focus in school, but when she does she is very, very smart. He favorite little quirk is that whenever I reprimand her or show her what she is doing wrong in an assignment she just gives me the most adorable smile and it melts my heart to pieces. It's hard to stay stern around her.

Next would be Genesis. Lord help us all!! I love this kid to death, but is a complete handful!!! He is very smart, and has offered to help one of my students who is behind because of coming two weeks late to school. He helps for about an hour after school each day which is a HUGE help. Unfortunatley he is still disobiedent in class and I am CONSTANTLY having to tell him to stop talking. It can get quite annoying.

Then we have Kobe. He is a sweet, quiet, boy who is actually quite lazy. He is very smart when he is actully doing his work which doesn't happen a whole lot since he tends to wonder off in "lala land" and get distracted easily. I am proud to say though that he is getting better and he is my project this year.

My next student is Taldil. She is one of the most quietest people I have every met and also one of the sweetest (whenever she does talk). She is an amazing piano player and sings in choir. She's smart and is very focused in school. She is also the student I can depend on if I need any class done well.

Mimokl (Mimo for short) comes next. He is a little older than the others because he is repeating 4th grade. He is another one of my projects becaue there is NO WAY that I am going to let him fail this year. His first report card was encouraging and his parents loved it. (brownie points!!) He is my little helper and is constantly doing this with out being asked. For example, my dust pan had a huge crack and was working although it was a little difficult. One day I looked up and there he is taping my dust pan back together and now it works like new. He is super sweet!

Then we have Joni. She reminds me a lot of myself when I was in 4th grade. Talking, having fun and enjoying life to the fullest. She hasn't the smallest care in the world and she is always happy. Even though I am always telling her to be quiet she does really great in school and stays on top of her work.

Next is Kyle who is going to be my doctor some day. This kid is brillant when it comes to memorizing and making things stick in his head. I've had the kids memorize 11 of the 50 states so far (we'll have all 50 by the end of the year) and the after the third that I gave out the list he already had almost all 50 memorized. He always has the memory verse memorized the Tuesday before our Friday test and he is just really smart.

Then there's Ozzie. One of the cutest kids I've seen in my life. Big brown eyes, a little shorter for his age but still super sweet. He is well behaved some of the time, but when he gets around his friends Genesis and Mimo you're asking for trouble. (I have them as far apart as possible in the classroom!) When ever I do reprimand him though, he tends to throw a little bit of a fit but I will nip that in the bud sooner or later.

Ilang is sitting right next to Ozzie. Now, I know that you're not supposed to have favorites (and I don't) but if I was to choose one of my students to adopt it would be Ilang. She has a heart that is so loving she just can't give enough of it. During the first few weeks of school she was constantly talking and just not obeying the rules. Day after day I'm telling her to stop talking and slowly but surely she is getting better. Even though I punish her quite often she still loves me as if I'm perfect. I will miss her so much!!

Next comes Reklai. He is another one of my projects. (I'd adopt him too!!) You see, his mom is going to have her 3rd child any day now. His father is an invalid because of cancer and he is the child who came into school two weeks late. Because of this I've been slowly but surely helping him to get caught up on his work. He is a slow worker, but when he finally finishes he usually has A's. Most teachers might say that he won't make it through high school because he slower than his classmates. But I know that he will go on to college and make a difference.

After Reklai comes Rosie. She is Joni's twin and even though they look identical she is completley different. She is much less talkative then Joni and gets distracted VERY, VERY easily. I have her on the front row because I'm constantly telling her to get back to work. She doesn't like to ask questions which doesn't pay off in the long run. Even through all this she is very sweet and is constantly bringing me flowers.

Then there is Carol. She is not as quiet as Taldil, but she comes close. She is uber smart and is always done with her work 30 minutes before everyone else. She is Korean I believe and I love her smile because it looks as though her eyes are closed and you can't see them. Sooo cute! Just today, at the fair, she say me and came running over yelling, "Teacher, teacher!" I was surprised because she rarely shows affection!! I can always depend on her to help other students who are a little slower.

Next is Alfernie. He is again one of my favorites because I he's one of my projects too. He tends to cry a lot over the tiniest things and I plan to nip it in the bud this year. He will not be a whiny 8th grader!! Besides that he is always telling me cute facts about his family and friends and has the biggest heart to love just about anyone. He also tends to be my class clown some of the time.

Finally there is Dibuk. She is very pretty,sweet, smart, and a good student. I rarely have to get on to her about talking and she is always a good example to the other students. This is probably comes from the fact that her father was govener last year I believe and is running again this year. She has to appear in public quite a lot and is very mature for her age. She is really sweety.

As you can see I have quite a diverse class, but the combination is perfect and I can truly admit that I am lucky to have the class I have. From hearing the stories of other teachers I am lucky that my class is behaved (most of the time), on top of their work (except before handing out grades time) and very sweet and forgiving. I thank God for them each and every day. I wish each and everyone of you could meet them because they would love you and you would fall in love with them right away!! I have no idea how I'll leave them in 8 and a 1/2 months!! (sniff, sniff) :( Ahhhh think happy thoughts!! I have 8 and a 1/2 more months of fun and excitement!! :D

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 

End of Week 5 already?!??!!

In all honesty I’m super bored and I’m writing this post for the soul purpose of letting you all know what’s going on in my life here in Palau. I’ve just finished filling out grade sheets to hand out on Monday and so we’ll see how that goes when the parents get their child’s first grade report. Pray that all goes well.

As for school, it’s going great except for the fact that I’m exhausted at the end of each day. I have a ton of fun with my kids, but I only wish I had the energy of a nine year old. I would then be able to do just about any thing and get every thing done that I need to in a day. What a great thing that would be!!!!

There hasn’t been a ton going on here since I last blogged. Just the general get up, go to school, grade and then go back to sleep and repeat the process all over again. There are some eating times in there and some fun, but I am very thankful once the weekend rolls around. Yeah, some variety!!! On a daily basis this is my schedule:

5:00 AM – Wake up and have devotions.
5:40 AM – Get dressed and ready to leave.
6:00 AM – Make breakfast and lunch for myself.
6:40 AM – Head to my classroom to check e-mail, straighten up and make sure everything is ready for the day.
7:30 AM – Have staff worship.
7:45 AM – Go with my kids to my classroom.
8:00 AM-3:00 PM – School
3:00 PM-6:00 PM – After school activities and grading.
6:00 PM-8:00 PM – Supper, shower, journal and etc.
9:00 PM – Asleep

Yep, that’s how my day goes Monday through Friday. Except for this upcoming week!!! In Palau their Indolence Day is October 1. So for school we’re taking off the 1st and the 2nd of October. Yeah, long weekend here I come!!! It will be nice to have a break because we probably won’t have one again until Thanksgiving.

Well, my dirty classroom is desperately calling me to clean it. Better answer the call of duty!! Hope you all have an amazing week!!

 
 
 
 

Sorry that it has been so long since I last wrote, but the reality of a teacher’s life has really been settling in lately. I got my 15th student this week, he’d been in the Philippians visiting family. He has so much to catch up on that I think I may go crazy trying to make sure that he’ll get it all done by Monday. Hopefully he has supportive parents that can help him in getting most of it done. Any way... I’m starting my fourth week of school and it is almost impossible for me to imagine that I’ve been a teacher for four weeks now and that I’ve been away from home over a month and a half. It is so true when they say that time flies when you’re having fun.

Speaking of fun, I’m having a blast if you can’t already tell from my pictures. Lately I have gotten myself involved in almost every aspect of music that the church and school can offer. I am a member of the church choir and I’m helping out with the school choir two days a week. I’ve also been put on the schedule to play the piano twice and have special music’s all before the end of December. I also have multiple performances with the two choirs that I’m in and helping out with. Talk about busy!! But it’s a fun kind of busy that I love!!

Besides being very actively involved in my God-given talents I am also preparing 3 of my students to be baptized. It’s so amazing to see their simplistic views on everything. It reminds me of how simple we need to look at life some times. I am so excited to see them baptized. Hopefully it will be sometime close to Christmas. It’s exciting to see God working through me and to see that I have at least one main mission goal in mind.

I wish this blog could be longer, but I am a teacher and I have a lot to do on this Sunday afternoon. But before I go I thought I would just share something really funny that happened this weekend.

You see, the girls that teach at the elementary school live in town right next to the school, but 3 of the girls who teach at the academy and all the guys live at the academy. We enjoy going over there ever so often so spend time together. Last night we decided to head over there to watch some movies. The academy is kind of out in the woods so they have a gate at the entrance that closes at 10 pm. We knew that we would be done way past 10 and since we did not want to get locked in we parked our van OUTSIDE the gate. This way we could walk around and not have to call someone to open the gate at what ever hour we got done with our movies. ( I hope I haven’t lost you yet!) Any way... it was around 1 am when we finished our movie and we headed down the road to the entrance and our ride home. To our surprise, disappointment and frustration someone had rolled our van INSIDE the gate and locked it. See, you have to understand something about our van. We love it for the transportation factor, but that’s where the love stops. It is the worst van I’ve seen in my life and it doesn’t lock. We guessed that whoever locked the gate decided that it needed to be inside the locked gate and rolled it inside. You can only imagine how 6 very tired girls would feel at 1 AM when our only transportation was locked inside the gate. We were not about to go and wake any one up so we went back to the guys apartment to find some bedding and a place to stay. We couldn’t stay in the guys’ apartment because it would look wrong to all those living on campus and besides there wasn’t enough room. We ended up getting 4 couch cushions, 2 mattress, 1 blanket and a few hoodies and sleeping on the floor of the staff lounge. It was really frustrating at first, but in the end I look back (on last night) and see that we have memories to last us a life time.

Well, now that you’ve seen a little bit of my fun and crazy life here I hope you can already smell the salty sea air. (That was really cheesy, excuse me please!)  I really need to get back to grading! Thanks for your prayers and daily thoughts!!
I love and miss each and every one of you very much!!!
Jolene :D

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 

First Day of School!!!!!

I was up at 5:00 AM this morning because I just couldn't sleep! I was way to excited to meet my new students and have them in my classroom today even if it was only a half a day. Thankfully I had gone to bed around 8:30 PM the night before and so I was very rested and ready to go. Around 6:45 AM we looked out our window and we could already see students arriving and milling around in the school area. I suddenly had a big rush of nerves and I realized that I was a little more than excited, I was nervous!!!

Around 7:15 AM I walked to my classroom to drop some stuff off and you would think that I was a fish in a fish bowl the way that everyone was staring as we walked by. Every time I turned around there were more students arriving. By the time that we got out of staff worship around 7:45 AM, the grassy area infront of classrooms K-3 was packed with parents and students. I found my class nicely lined up (the girls atleast) and counted. I had 14 and there were 16 on my list, neither of which I had planned for (15 students). After I waited a little while we headed to the classroom to drop of their stuff before heading to chapel. As soon as they put their backpacks on the cabinent they almost ran all over the room. I quickly corrected that and they all lined up to go to chapel.

All during chapel they were surprisingly quiet which made me very happy!! Even when I went upfront to introduce myself they sat quietly. This gave me hope as to where this year is headed. When we got back in the classroom they took their shoes off before entering which keeps the floor kind of clean. (I'll still have to sweep it daily!) Then when they came in they went straight to their desks as told. I was surprised, and happy again!

To make a long story short, I almost forgot recess (they got an extra 7 minutes), they enjoyed looking at the pictures of my friends and family and they also are following the procedures so far. It's always said that they'll be good for the first 2 weeks, but I am determined to have them behave for the rest of the year. Here goes a challenge!!!

Over all I absolutley love my class even those that I can see are going to present some problems. I have some definite talkers, some that are very quiet and some that just make me laugh. Each child is a precious gift to me from God and each and every one adds so much to my classroom. At this point I don't see how I can leave at the end of these 10 months!! (We're not thinking about that...) Well I have a lot to do still today to get ready for tomorrow. The guys are also having a basketball game and afterwards we're going out-to-eat to celebrate the first day of school!! Yipee!!

Thank you to all those who prayed for me today, it was a great help and I felt the Lord with me all the day!! I miss you all!! :)

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

In my Classroom!!!

I have 4 days until there are 15 fourth graders running around in my classroom. For the past week (since Monday) I've been doing lesson plans, cleaning, decorating and more planning after more planning.

Today (Thursday) I got the list of my students. It's not final and won't be until the 2nd week of school. So far I have 15 and we're hoping it won't change. I am really surprised that these kids names aren't as hard to pronounce as I thought. I guess I've got it easy since other teachers have way harder names to pronounce.

Here's their names:
Joni, Rosie (sisters), Kyle Joseph, Taldil, Kai (or Carol, not quite sure what she'll go by), Ilang, Maggie, Kobe, Ozzie (brothers), Reklai (pronounced: Rekli), Milenna, Mimokl, Alfernie John, Genesis, and Cowall.
Like I said, I may get more but I'm planning on 18 at most. (fingers crossed)

I am so excited to see and meet and each and every one of them that I wish Monday would hurry up and get here. At the same time I'm really nervous that I'll freak out and loose control and I'll have a bunch of wild Indians running around my room. Thankfully and hopefully the Lord has other plans. I know that this teaching experience will be a test of my patience, faith and trust, but since I know that God is ultimately in control I am very, very excited to see what this year has in store.

As for my classroom, it looks really, really cool. I kind of have a star theme going on. Each student has their name on a start which will hang from the ceiling with a sign that says "We're shining for Jesus!" They're name plates (on each desk) have stars on them and the main bulletin board is the "Star of the Week" board. This is basically a bulletin board for each student to tell all about themselves. On each Friday I will select a different student and over the weekend they will gather infomation about where they were born, their family and friends, their favorite food, movie and place and etc. I am so excited that every thing is working out.

I have 2 corners designated for 2 different parts of the day. One is our "Reading Corner". I plan on having story time 2 or 3 times a week where I will read chapter books/continuing stories like "Swift Arrow" and other really great books. This area is also for them to read on their free time.

The second corner/wall is called the "Display Wall". This is where they will have the oppourtunity to display their art work, class projects and etc.

I am very happy with the layout of my classroom so far. It is pretty big considering what I have to work with. It's air conditioned and the view from the back window is a jungle full of bananna trees and coconut trees. Unfortunately out front isn't as beautiful. They are currently building a gym and so I have to walk through construction every day to get to my classroom. I'm hoping they don't take all of first semester to get it done.

Well, I hope that this has given you a little glimpse of what my classroom looks like. Trust me, there is much more to come!! I thank you all for your prayers and support back home!

Love you all very much!!

At my final destination!!

It’s been a whole week that I’ve been in Palau and I am loving it!! I’m actually writing this blog using Microsoft Word because the internet is extremely slow and in fact there are times when it just doesn’t work at all. This is the one and only down point that I found so far in my first week here in Palau. I’m preparing myself for more, like our lack of hot water. It’s sad to say, but I’ve actually been getting used to the cold water and lack of water pressure. I just keep reminding myself that I’m in the mission field, I’m in the mission field.

It’s hard to believe that I’ve been away from home for a week and a half. It feels like so much more time has gone by! I guess it’s a combination of the water, sun and fun with my fellow SM’s (Student Missionaries). Here in Palau we have a total of 20 SM’s; 9 girls and 11 guys. Seven of the girls, those that are teaching at the elementary school (Koror SDA Elementary or SDA), live on the campus and we can see the elementary school from our front door. Those that teach at the high school (Palau Mission Academy or PMA) and the guys that teach at SDA live on the campus of the high school. It’s not a lot of fun with the whole group separated, but we’re surviving.

Speaking about having fun! The very first Sunday that we were here we went to the Rock Islands which Palau is famous for. (For more information Google – Palau Rock Islands) It’s the most amazing sight that I’ve ever seen in my whole life! The water is perfectly clear and the sun is perfectly warm. I’m starting to look like the natives with all the sun I’m getting! (Just kidding!) Any way... while we were at the Rock Islands we went snorkeling all day long. I saw everything from millions of types of fish to beautiful coral, and did I forget to mention the sharks?! Don’t worry, they are non-aggressive here in Palau. They have white tipped and black tipped sharks and it was amazing to swim with them.


This past Monday and Tuesday myself and 9 other SM’s have been getting our scuba diving certifications. The reason for this is because Palau has one of the best diving in the world. On Friday we’ll have our first open water dive at 40 feet and then on Sunday we’ll have our second dive at 60 feet. Please don’t worry about me! The chances of any thing threatening happening is very slim. It was fun in the pooland in the small lagoon (12 feet) and I’m looking forward to seeing all the amazing animals and coral at 40 feet!

I know this is getting long, but hold on I’m almost done. Today (Wednesday) we had our first day of orientation even though school doesn’t start until the 24th. I know, doesn’t make much since! Any way... it was a decent amount of information, but I definitely feel almost ready! I also got the key for my classroom and oh my!!! I have my work cut out for me! It’s very dusty and not clean at all. The main “up” about my classroom is that it has air conditioning!!! Yipee!! I think I’ll survive. Any way... It’s about time that I “sign off”. We’re heading to prayer meeting at the principal’s house and supper is included. It’s amazing how much you appreciate free meals when you’re buying your own.

I miss you all very much and I appreciate all your prayers more and more each and every day! Please pray that I can get internet on my computer so that I can talk to every one of you!

My mailing address is:
P.O. Box 1166 Koror Palau 96940
(Postage is still the same since it’s American Protected.)

4 days left...

Now all of you are probably thinking that I have totally forgot the idea of putting up a blog, but I have not forgotten! My only excuse is that there is not enough time in one day to do all that I need to do. I've been home since last Friday, but since I've been occupied with such activities as going to
Cedar Point (an amusement park in Ohio) and spending time with my favorite people, I've had little to no time to do any thing but think about this huge milestone that I'm going to take and start in the next 4 days.

It's all going to begin on Sunday morning at 6:15 am when I head out of the Cincinnati Airport. Every so often I have to pinch myself to make sure that I'm not in some kind of dream and my worst fear is that I wake up and realize that all this planning, shopping, praying, and more planning has been in vain. Thankfully all this is not a dream at all and it's very, very real! Any way, back to the layout of my journey. Like I said, I'll be starting in Cincinnati, OH and by the end of the day (12:55 pm) I'll be in Honolulu, Hawaii. I'll spend about 3 days there for intensive training and by Thursday or Friday I will be settled in my apartment wondering what in the world I'm doing there.

In all reality though, I am more excited about this trip than any one of you can imagine. For the past few days I've been shopping for the necessities and after each item I buy I get more and more anxious, nervous, excited and also sad to be leaving all of you behind.

On Tuesday I had to say good bye to two of my favorite people in all the world and that was really rough. On Wednesday I had to say good bye to my two Grandmothers and that was just a tiny bit easier. But Sunday will be the really rough time when I have to walk on to that plane and say good bye to my precious Dad, Mom, brother and sister. Every time I think about it I realize that I will have to lean on God's everlasting arms for these next 10 months more than I ever have in the past. I am so thankful that He is our constant help in time of loneliness and sorrow.

Well I have some thank you notes to send out so it's bye for now until you hear from me 8,000 miles across the ocean. Thanks again for your prayers in my behalf. May God bless each and every one of you!!

In Palau,
jolene :)

Sad and Long Goodbyes :(

I've realized something... I can't wait to go to heaven! Yes, I've know that for a long time, but I realized it even more today. Finals are over, the school year has ended and that means that everyone heads home. This morning I left SAU around 8:30 AM and I made sure that my closest buddies where there to see me off. Rhina, Ruth, Alex, Austin, Carrie, Meredith and Brenton were all there to see my tears flow freely as I said good-bye to each one. I'm going to miss them all so much next year while I'm in Palau. The whole time that I've been thinking about Palau saying goodbye to friends and family has kind of been in the back of mind and not something that I try to think of very often. But today I realized that all of these goodbyes are going to be very, very hard! Palau is going to be a wonderful place filled with adventure, excitement and new friends, but there is NOTHING that can replace my family and friends. I'm going to miss you all very, very much! Please continue to pray for me as I continue through this summer. I think it's something like 95 days till I leave!! AMAZING! It's all going by so very fast! Can't wait!

I'm accepted!!

It's about 12:00 midnight on April 22, 2009. I haven't left for Palau yet (100 days), but today was a huge milestone in my long, long journey. I got my acceptance letter today to be the 4th grade teacher at Palau SDA Elementary School. When I read the e-mail I was all by myself in my dorm room and all of you should be little flies on the walls to see my reaction. I could have around the whole dorm a hundred times! This is one less thing that I have to worry about I can leave it all up to God. It also helps me to know exactly what classroom supplies to by. If any of you want to help in any way I need things such as decorations for bulletin boards, posters, and other stuff that I can't think of right now. I need to have everything laminated because of the humidity so please consider this if you're helping to by classroom supplies. Unfortunately, tomorrow is Thursday and I have an 8 o'clock class. That means that I will only get about 6 hours of sleep tonight. (sounds like fun!) I am praying that I will be able to keep this blog up through out the summer with updates on the trip and I will definitely keep it going during my stay in Palau. Thank you for all your prayers, financial support, and also emotional support. God bless each and everyone of you!

Jolene :D