It's official - I'm the worst blogger ever

Here is my quick November update.

Sitting in my class room with my parents working is a great feeling, but then I remember they leave tomorrow. I think the separation will really hit when they are gone. For awhile now I have made it through tough times here with the knowledge my parents were coming to visit. Now that their time here is almost gone, I know I will make it, but the homesickness is starting to sink in.

This month, December, is going to be happy and sad. My first Christmas away from my family but I also get the chance to explore an island I've never been to. I am realizing that everything in the Philippines is bittersweet.

November was a great month. I have amazing students and surprisingly they took to poetry well and now I am teaching film, a passion of mine. It's fun to see the excitement on their faces as they plan their own scenes.

In about three weeks, I will be saying goodbye to semester one and a good friend. I really can't remember life before she was here and can't imagine life after. Pray for her as she goes back home to the UK and as we here miss her dearly.

I need to update more often. Funny things and cultural things happen on a daily basis but I always forget to share them. I like to say I am a moment to moment person, which is true to some extent, but I am also a writer and need to write.

Thanks for bearing with me. Maybe my next blog title will be, "Getting more consistent with this blogging thing. "

Sorry I haven't updated in forever!

How it's been a month since I updated the blog. Time flies when you are busy! I am out-of-my-mind busy. Teaching in two schools, coaching volleyball and trying to have some resemblance to a social life really keep m going non stop. Bad internet at my apartment doesn't help things either.

I experienced my first flood and horrific traffic about two weeks ago. Sat in traffic for 5 hours because of a little water on the road. OK maybe it was kind of high but we made it through fine. Luckily I was in the car with two amazing women - Marla and Youngmee - so the conversation was good.

Getting over a terrible cold. Missed a day of school this week. Really didn't want to be when you are achy and can hardly stand up I guess it's time to give in.

It was "Friendship Week" in MS. Basically, it's spirit week where you dress up in crazy ways and play a lot of games. Lots of fun! Took a lot of pictures.

Teaching is going well. I love my kids. I am posting a picture of each of my classes so you can see there beautiful faces for yourselves.

Not much more to share. Life is life. I will try to be a better updater. Stick with me :).

All my love.

Survived my first week!

Well I made it! First week of classes have officially come to a close and I made it out alive. Of course it all starts over tomorrow and lesson planning never seems to stop, but it's all part of the job.

I love the feeling that I am in the right place, doing the right thing. I am beginning to connect with my students and finally learning all their names. Usually I am really good with names but apparently when my brain is on new information overload it takes a bit longer to remember details. I love coaching volleyball. I can see myself making an impact on the girl's lives already. I love the openness of MKs, probably because I am one.

It's so hot here. I am doing laundry and the comforting feeling I usually get from fresh-out-of-the-dryer clothes doesn't exist here. It's more like fold as fast as possible because I am sweating all over my freshly cleaned clothes. Just some more adjustments.

I think I am getting a little more settled in. My apartment is a mess so I must be feeling like it's home :). Cooked my first meal on a gas stove and it turned out pretty tasty. Lasted me three meals, which is always nice.

I've got to finish planning the week, trying to stay a day ahead at least. My classes are great. I couldn't ask for better groups of kids. There is no internet at my apartment so I will write as soon as possible. Life is crazy and inconvenient sometimes.

Laters,

Kelli

Back From Staff Retreat

Just got back from staff retreat. Great couple of days connecting with new and old staff. Dave and Deb Walker talked about a grace-based community. I love them. Went to a retreat center in Caliraya, which reminded me a lot of Pana in Guate, but a lot hotter. The center was above a lake with a volcano facing it - beautiful, but made me miss Pana.

Going to get a cell phone today, yea! It's weird not having one. I will be excited to get it and start texting (that's all people do here.)

Start official school business Monday, but first I get to have some great fellowship with my mission here. I'm pretty excited about it.

Got to head out. FYI- Most of this blog will be stream of consciousness stuff until I get a handle of life here, so stick with me.

Love you all,

Kelli

I'm Here!

I arrived Sunday night and have been busy ever since. New staff orientation started the next day and it's been go go go. I've managed to handle jet lag decently well, but I am still a little foggy. We will see how long it takes me to feel completely turned around.

I head off to staff retreat tomorrow where Dave and Deb Walker are speaking on grace-based community. It's been a while since I've seen the Walkers, so it will be fun to catch up.

My official schedule of teaching is three 8th-grade English classes and the school's yearbook called the "Tiwalan." It's a lot that I'm not prepared or qualified for so I'm going to need a lot of God's help to pull it off.

I'm rushing off to get things done, like change money and get stuff for my apartment.

Keep up the prayers and love you all,

Kelli

Last day in CSprings

It's my last day in Colorado Springs!

I can't believe all this started in January and here I am packing (late of course) to move across the world. It's been a whirlwind of emotions and "see you laters." Before I go I get to spend time with Erin and her family in California. I get on the plane headed for Manila Saturday afternoon.

Please pray for me as I follow God's plan for my life. It's going to be a long transition, but I'm ready to get started and hopefully be a blessing to the kids at Faith Academy.

Thank you for wanting to read what I'm up to and be sure to keep in touch.

Love you all,

Kelli