Flip Flops in the Sand: Modge Podge of Updates

Wow, I can't believe it's been almost two months since my last post! Sorry about that! I will try to post more often from now on (however, no promises). Life has gotten pretty busy with the different happenings of school.

Let me see, though, since my last post...

We have had an unexpected day off of school due to a typhoon (which was only a tropical storm when it hit us). This was an exciting new experience.
We had our revival services, or Summit Meetings, at church with Will Galkin as the speaker. That was really encouraging. It gave me lots of things to think about and work on, which is always good. :)
We had International Day which was a half day and the students dressed up from various countries all over the world.
I started going to a Bible Study on Saturday nights (whenever there is no Harvest function going on) at the Kirkland's home. This has been very refreshing and encouraging having a connection outside of Harvest (although Harvest is great, it is nice to have contacts outside the little bubble). They are also a small connection to my home back in Beckley, WV, which is a great blessing. I am so thankful for them and their friendship and ministry.
I ran a 5K in about 30 minutes. We had to be there at 5:30 am for a start time of 6:00 am. It was a lot of fun, but I'm not used to running in the heat that early in the morning. The sun rises between 5:30 and 6:00 am and sets about the same time pm. The average temperature here whether sun or dark is upper 70s to mid 80s.
We had Apple Day at school - my first full special day. Overall it went really well. We made applesauce in the classroom, had a visit from Johnny Appleseed, painted with apples, made apple mobiles, and inspected the inside and outside of an apple. In addition, we had a visit from the firemen and learned a little about what they do and the different parts of the truck. This was in conjunction with the Kindergarten classes' Career Day.
Today I successfully finished my first day of Parent Teacher Conferences without any major problems, which is a huge blessing! The parents here are very understanding and supportive of the teachers. One thing I found interesting, though, is that the teachers sadly seem to get more respect than the parents. I had one parent ask me to tell her son (while she was sitting there) that he needs to obey her. I had another parent comment that they should get a life size picture of me so that their child would be more motivated to obey. Another parent almost used me as a threat to their child, saying that she would call me if needed so that her child would obey. It was an eye opening experience to how different the culture and way of thinking is. The teacher has a high value and respect level from both parent and student.
I guess you could say this was a good reminder of what a ministry and impact I can have on each of my students and their families!
I'm sure there have been many more things that have happened since my last post, but these are all the major events that I can remember right now.

Lately, I have been struggling with being content with where God has placed me when all my friends, and family and all that is familiar are back in the States. With the holidays coming up it has also been a little more challenging knowing that I will not be able to go home. But through this challenge God is teaching me many things, and I am growing closer to Him because of it. I am finally starting to truly realize and understand that GOD IS ENOUGH!!! I do not need anyone or anything else to satisfy me. Right now I am right where God has me, and if I were any place else I would not be happy because I would be outside of His will. There have been many people here who have been very encouraging and supportive of me during this time and helped me direct my focus back to God. I am so thankful for them.

Seeing that it is the month of November, "Thankfulness month," I have realized how truly blessed I am and how many things I have to be thankful for. Here are just a few things that I would like to share:

I serve a wonderful God, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and He is ALL I need
I get to live on an island
I am teaching 25 wonderful 1st graders
I have encouraging and supportive school parents
I am healthy and have not gotten sick yet despite the sickness that is going on around me
I have a wonderful group of fellow believers, family, that I get to serve alongside of, encourage, and be encouraged by. People that will point me back to God, my Father, when I am tempted to sin
I have a wonderful supportive and encouraging family back home that loves me
I have all of you readers around the world who are encouraging and praying for me. Some days this is more of an encouragement than you may realize. I am so thankful for each and everyone of you.

The list can go on and on. One more simple thing of thanks - I am thankful for a day off tomorrow where I get to go hiking and relax at the beach for the day. :) I will try to think of you and pray for those who are suffering in the cold weather while I suffer at the beach. ;-) Pictures coming soon.

Here are a few random pictures of various activities, my students, and classroom. Enjoy!