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!