School Update!

Where to begin? I think the last time I wrote about school, I was still just in the beginning days of first semester—struggling to simply figure out what I was supposed to be doing. Thankfully, I have developed more of a routine since then, but it has definitely been a learning process—figuring out which things work and which don’t, and learning how to handle Dominican high school students.

Some things I’ve learned:

• High schoolers are intimidating—especially when many of them are taller than you.
• Grading papers is the LEAST fun activity. Ever.
• High school students talk WAY too much. To any of my high school teachers, I apologize if I ever talked in your class. I feel you.
• Students come up with really sneaky ways of cutting corners on assignments and projects.
• However, teachers naturally adapt and develop special powers for sensing these sorts of shenanigans.

No, but really, I have been stretched in so many ways over this past year.

Through this experience, I have come to better understand who I am and what my passions are. God has confirmed in my heart a passion for working with high schoolers in some capacity. I’ve enjoyed getting to know my students this year. I’ve learned that I don’t have to be the type of leader to them that is wild, super funny, crazy, and outgoing; because sometimes kids just want somebody they can sit down and talk with—someone who will listen, even if all they have to say is how cute Zac Efron is. Finding the line between teacher and friend is very difficult, especially in such a social culture. I’ve been fortunate to establish some really great relationships with some of my students—even though it has not been easy and it has cost me some sleepless nights and tears. Yet, this only confirms to me that I am where I am supposed to be for now, even if I don’t understand why at times.

Also, I think God has given me a passion for helping people develop a love of learning—teaching them that knowledge doesn’t always come from a book and that what they are learning in school isn’t just teaching them math and science, but that it has the power to instill in them a sense of amazement, curiosity, and desire to continue learning through all their experiences in life. Getting them to change their perspectives on this has been difficult, especially when it comes to reading. Most of my kids are self proclaimed “Book haters.” My goal this year has been to teach them to view books as a tool to open their minds to the world around them, instead of as a tool to pass a test—teaching them how to think, not simply know.

I have also come to realize that teaching as a classroom teacher isn’t necessarily the way I am gifted to teach these things. How then do I go about doing this? I’m not quite sure yet, but it has become pretty clear over this past year that I do not see myself being a classroom teacher for the rest of my life—though, I guess, God could always have other plans. I would still very much love to serve kids and teens in some educational aspect, but what that will look like, I am not sure. I do plan to continue here at JCS next year, but my job description may be changing. JCS, as a school, is going through a lot of changes, with the hopes of making the school better—changes which began with the hiring of a new director in January. I am excited about these changes, but it means that everything is kind of up in the air. I may be teaching high school again next year, but there may be other opportunities available as well. Please be praying for wisdom and discernment the next few weeks as the administration makes these crucial decisions and for patience for me as I wait to find out what I will be doing next year. 

Christmas in the DR and at Home!

I was very blessed to be able to go home for Christmas—something that would not have been possible without many of you. So, thank you! It was wonderful to be able to go home and spend the Holidays with my family and friends—to indulge in the comforts of home a little bit, like consistent hot showers, dryers that dry your clothes with heat, not by spinning them in a giant salad-spinner, and mom’s home cooking.  It was also a much needed escape and time to relax after a crazy, busy first semester. 

I left for the states only three days before Christmas, so I was also fortunate to be able to experience a glimpse of what Christmas is like in the DR. The last few weeks before break were full of Christmas parties, banquets, and programs—not to mention, final exams and grading. All the festivities were exciting, yet exhausting. At the JCS Christmas program, I was able to perform two songs, “Away in the Manger” and “Silent Night,” with the after-school music class I had co-taught that semester. I was also able to perform a duet to “Winter Wonderland” (one of my holiday favorites) with another JCS teacher and a Dominican friend of mine, who accompanied us on guitar. I have always loved music and singing. Even though I would not consider myself exceptionally gifted or anything, it was nice to be able to do something I enjoy and to use the musical experience I have gained over the years. 

All in all, it was definitely a very Merry Christmas!

A very long overdue update...or at least an introduction to an update ;)

First of all, I would like to apologize for my lack of posts these past few months.

I’ve been fortunate in my life to have visited many places and experienced some incredible, life-changing things. But each of those times, I felt like I was simply stepping out of, or taking a break from, my normal life for a brief moment only to return and take my place once again. Yet this time, this has become my life. Every day, this place feels more and more like my home—at least a sort of temporary home. I have a life here—with responsibilities, friends, a job. So I feel less and less like somone having crazy, overseas, life-changing experiences. Even though I would not hesitate to say this experience HAS been life changing. So perhaps, the more I become accustomed to this new life of mine, the more I tend to get sucked into its routine. There is a tendency to forget that I still have obligations, responsibilities, and a place in a life back home. That I have friends and family whose support and encouragement allows me to be a part of this life I am living here. People who need and want to know that I am still alive and that I haven’t been swept away by some Dominican man who wants a visa–though I’ve had offers.  

All of that to say, I am deeply sorry to those of you I have kept uninformed. I’m going to try to keep my posts shorter, so that I have time to write them more frequently. I am not going to try to give you every detail of my life these past few months—because that would be THE longest blog post. Ever. Like Guinness Book of World Records material. Life has been busy, busy, busy—yet, awesome and challenging. Instead, I will try to give you the highlights, and include some pictures this time!

Thank you Twilight for being so universally popular

First of all, I should start off by saying that this is not a normal post. I wanted to break up my normally heavy posts with something a bit more light-hearted and fun. For those of you who are anxiously awaiting an update post about my life, that will be coming soon.  But for now, enjoy…

I would like to thank my friends Julia Poorman, Chelsea Magary, and Hannah Parsley for encouraging me to read the Twilight books during junior year of college, even when I was dead set against becoming ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE. I spent a good amount of time in college trying to conceal my Twilight fan-status, out of fear of being mocked by my fellow English majors, but I can hide it no longer. Now, I will be the first to agree that the Twilight books are by no means great works of literature, but who would have thought that being a Twilighter would help me so much in my future teaching endeavors. Before my book-snob buddies…aka Jessica Hornburg  attack me about the quality of such literature, no i have not, nor will I teach these books in my classroom, but knowing these stories has definitely been helpful.

I don’t care who you are, or whether you think the Twilight books rock or not, there is a truth that can and should be acknowledged: Twilight is bigger than many of us can even fathom. It is universal. Edward, Bella, Jacob, and the whole gang are not just celebrities, but household names. This obsession reaches far past the borders of the United States. Twilight is universal, and hence, a great teaching tool.

I have used Twilight to discuss plot progression, character development, and to help the student I tutor understand the difference between internal and external conflict. Why? Because they all know about Twilight. It its like pulling teeth to get some of my students to read, and many claim to hate literature and reading. Most of my students can’t reference “To Kill and Mockingbird” or Jane Austen novels, but they have all either read the Twilight books or seen the movies.

Here is how class went a few weeks ago:

Me: “Can someone give me an example of conflict from a book or movie they like?

Students: blank stares

Me: Okay let’s pick a movie that most of you have seen? Have you all seen Twilight?

Students: Yes!!! (Some talking about how great it is, others talking about how lame it is–but they’ve still all seen it)

Me: Okay, so what are the problems in Twilight? What keeps the story from being perfect?

Student 1: Well, Edwards loves Bella, but he can’t be with her, because he wants to suck her blood.

Student 2: Bella’s dad doesn’t like Edward.

Student 3: Victoria wants to kill Bella, because Edward killed her partner James.

Student 4: Jacob loves Bella too, but Bella wants to be with Edward.

and it continued….

We continued with the Twilight examples, by categorizing each problem as either an example of man vs. man conflict, man vs. nature, man vs. self, man vs. society, etc. At the end of the class, my students seemed to have a thorough understanding of conflict.

So thank you Twilight. And to all the haters out there remember: Everything has its purpose.

I am Miss Brazofuerte

So it’s been a while. I’m very sorry to all of you who have been checking regularly for new posts. Long story short: I fail at blogging. In my defense, I have been slightly occupied with the start of school.

Beginning my first REAL job as a high school teacher has been more difficult and more stretching then I ever imagined it would be. I have definitely felt unprepared and unqualified for this position many times over these past few weeks; however, I am still certain that this is where I am supposed to be, even if I have my days of doubting. If nothing else, I feel like God is using this experience to mold me and shape me into who he wants me to be. I feel like I’ve grown up a lot in just the past month and a half that I have been here.

I have a total of 26 high school students that i see everyday. There are 11 ninth graders, 9 tenth graders, 5 eleventh graders (until yesterday there were only 4), and 1 twelfth grader. My eleventh and twelfth grade classes are combined. So I teach a total of three literature classes, and plan separate lessons for my sole senior. On top of those three classes, I was asked (the weekend before school started) to teach two history classes. So, I am also teaching 10th grade world history and 11/12th grade American government.

I am completely out of my comfort zone teaching history, and sometimes I don’t know what the heck I am doing. But, I’m learning to be flexible and learning to lean on God for wisdom and direction, even with lesson plans!!!

Sidenote: The kids like to call me Miss Brazofuerte, because that is what Armstrong is literally translating into spanish. One of my eleventh graders started it. So I am now Miss Brazofuerte. I don’t let them call me this on a daily basis, though most of them call me just ‘Miss’ anyway, but when they do say Brazofuerte I just have to go with it and laugh 

It’s been really awesome to be able to begin to get to know my students. I have been able to get involved as a leader for Young Life in Jarabacoa. Young Life was such a huge part of my life during college and I love the ministry, and I feel so fortunate to be able to continue to serve with them here! We had our first club two weeks ago, and another one last week that at least 40 kids attended. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Young Life, club is sort of like a big youth group that is geared towards introducing kids who don’t really know anything about Christ to who He is. We play games, have skits, food, music, and a leader gives a short talk. Outside of club, Young Life is focused on building relationships with kids where they are at by spending time with them, and being a teacher is a great way to do this! Please pray for me next week as I am giving the talk at club. I’ve been feeling a little discouraged and spiritually dry the last few weeks, so pray that God will give me renewed encouragement and strength.

I suppose I was naive to think that because I’ve been here before, that I would magically transition smoothly and perfectly to the new culture I’m living in, but it has been a whole new experience this time. Instead of living with and being a part of Dominican host families, this time I am an American outsider, who must earn the trust and friendship of the Dominicans. There are a lot of missionaries in Jarabacoa, and Dominicans have become accustomed to Americans coming and going, so breaking in is rough, especially for someone like me who is slightly shy and slow to warm up at first. I spend so much time with Americans: I live with them, teach with them, and spend lots of other time with them, and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, because I need some familiarity to keep me sane. Sometimes; however, I forget I’m actually not in America.  I love these people and this culture, and I really want to become a part of it, but it’s sometimes so much easier to sit and watch American movies, with American friends, and speak English. So, I’m trying to find the balance, but also the motivation to break out of my comfort zone. I’ve been going to a local church that is about a block from my house, and I’ve been able to get to know a few people, but we mostly hang out after church on Sundays. Pray that God will continue to open doors to new relationships and friendships in this community.

I feel like I’ve covered a lot, and it’s probably too much for you all to digest in one sitting so I will leave you with this for now. I appreciate you all so much. Seriously, knowing that I have friends and family that are thinking about and praying for me on a daily basis gives me so much encouragement, especially when I’m feeling lonely or discouraged at times. It’s hard being away from home, and it’s especially hard to be away from such wonderful friends and family who encourage me and show me love everyday. However, it is definitely teaching me to rely solely on God, his promises, and His love! This is all a great learning and growing process, and it is also quite the adventure!

If this post seems a bit somber, don’t fear, there are more light-hearted posts to come. Be on the look out for such posts as: “How to do laundry Dominican style,” “Using the Twilight books in literature lessons,” “8 people + 1 Honda CRV= an awesome weekend at the beach,” and “What to do when the power goes out.”

Really. I promise. I’m going to get better at this blogging thing.I a

I am here, and I have an avocado tree!

Hola friends and family! Estoy en Jarabacoa!

I have been in the DR for one full week now. We don’t have internet at our house yet, so I haven’t had much time to update you all. This first week has been full of unpacking, meeting new friends, visiting old friends and family (from my semester here), getting adjusted back into Dominican culture, and having lots of fun and adventures. It’s so surreal to actually be here. All those months of planning, packing, and praying for direction have actually brought me here! It has been three years since I was in Jarabacoa for semester abroad, and I feel so blessed to be back. I have definitely missed the mountains, the people, the fresh fruits and veggies, the tranquilo (calm) pace of life, and pretty much everything else about this place!

It is definitely different being here own my own this time, rather than part of a semester group. I am own my own… sort of. It’s definitely going to be a learning experience cooking meals, grocery shopping, cleaning house, and having a job, rather living with host families or in a college dorm. I suppose it would be similar if i was in the U.S., but throw in culture difference and a language barrier, and it will be even more of an adventure.  Gracias a Dios (as a Dominican would say) I have Johanna (a friend from college and now a fellow teacher and roomate) to keep me company and to keep me sane. Our other housemate Melisa (who we also went to school with) will be here Sunday. We live about a block from the school, in a yellow and orange house. We live upstairs, and three other JCS teachers live below us.

I love our house because…

• We have screens! (which means less bugs and lizards visiting)
• We have a big kitchen!
• I have two windows and a gorgeous view of the mountains in my room.
• We have our very own avocado tree!!!!!

There are a lot more reasons, but I thought I would just share those for now. However, because we live upstairs, our apartment is also very hot! We plan on buying fans, as soon as we can find some that don’t cost an arm and a leg. Also, we have a lot of little ant friends that like to invade our kitchen for even the tiniest crumb. We are learning as we go. Johanna and I have made a “No Tolerance for Ants” rule sheet to avoid future invasions, though everyone tells us that the ants never really go away… ugh.

Monday a bunch of the teachers went to the El Salto Jimenoa, a nearby waterfall. We hiked from the lower salto to the upper salto. It was quite the steep hike, but definitely worth it once we got to the top. As is typical for accident-prone me, I completed the hike with some pretty sweet battle wounds: a multitude of bug bites, some scrapes, and a small scratch from some barbed wire I stumbled upon (don’t worry, i’m all up-to-date on my tetanus shot). Despite the small injuries, it was a very fun day. We celebrated our hiking accomplishment by eating at a delicious Colombian restaurant in town. Needless to say, I slept very well that night, though I am still sore.

Today we started our new teacher training, which we have all week. Then next week, we have training for all the teachers, and then the following week school starts. If you think about it, be praying for me, especially these next few weeks, because out of this whole experience, I am probably most nervous about teaching. Thankfully, all the other teachers here have been so helpful and encouraging, offering me resources and advice. I am excited, but I definitely feel unprepared (especially when it comes to classroom management and planning). I know this is where God wants me now, so I know he will give me the tools I need to effectively teach these kids.

I appreciate all of your prayers, support, and encouragement. I miss you all, and definitely want to be kept updated on your lives. And don’t worry, pictures will be coming soon!

In him,

Mandy

p.s. if you would like to send me letters or packages, I have a special shipping service with a Florida address (so US postage and shipping rates will apply).

send any mail to:

Amanda Armstrong

Unit #3039 ECDR

3170 Airmans Dr.

Fort Pierce, FL 34946

(Flat mail is free for me to receive. If you send any packages over 1 lb, I will have to pay an additional shipping fee of 1.50/lb to receive it.)