These are my prepa (Kindergarden) students. They were ready to perform and we didn't get much English done this day!
Two more of my prepa students.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Annexation of Guanacaste
For the holiday the elementary students learned traditional dances for an assembly.
These are my prepa (Kindergarden) students. They were ready to perform and we didn't get much English done this day!
Two more of my prepa students.
These are my prepa (Kindergarden) students. They were ready to perform and we didn't get much English done this day!Two more of my prepa students.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
My Week
So last Saturday I was at the Lammaes all day to help with Abby's 5th Birthday. I got there around 12 to help Rosie get ready. The party officially started at 2 but true to Latin culture people started coming around 2:30. Things went well. Rosie made BBQ beef sandwiches which the people called hamburgers. Rosie and I just looked at each other and smiled. A friend of hers made arroz con pollo. and we also had refried beans with chips and pop and cake. The pinata was in the shape of a minnie mouse. In latin America when you invite a child to a party you also invite siblings and parents. So there were about 50 people in their small house. Abby had a great time. I gave her a set of play food that I bought in the states last Christmas. They (Abby and her sister Ester) loved it. After the party I stayed to help get things cleaned up. Nick realized during the party that they had a flat tire so he was running around (by bus and taxi) trying to get it fixed so that they would have a car to take to worship in Cartago the next day.
I spent the whole day Sunday at the Greens. Aletha and I have about 15 kids in our Sunday School class if everyone comes. We have several new families that have been attending for about a month.
School was pretty normal this week. I'm reading Charlotte's web in 8th grade and Stone Fox in 7th grade. I need more copies of Stone Fox, Sarah Plain and Tall, Charlotte's Web, The Mouse and the Motocycle, The Giver.
On Thursday I had my 9th graders over for coffee after school. I have about 14 students in 9th grade and 7 came. The ones that take the bus had to leave but the ones that walk home stayed. It was fun. I could tell you some funny stories. Yesterday, Saturday, I went to the San Jose Zoo with Rosie, the girls, and
Seth. The zoo isn't too impressive but there are lions and monkeys and the girls loved it. After the zoo we went to Pop's an icecream store. In the evening I came to the Green's to work on the internet. I'm working on a shutterfly album for Joseph when he was here.
I spent the whole day Sunday at the Greens. Aletha and I have about 15 kids in our Sunday School class if everyone comes. We have several new families that have been attending for about a month.
School was pretty normal this week. I'm reading Charlotte's web in 8th grade and Stone Fox in 7th grade. I need more copies of Stone Fox, Sarah Plain and Tall, Charlotte's Web, The Mouse and the Motocycle, The Giver.
On Thursday I had my 9th graders over for coffee after school. I have about 14 students in 9th grade and 7 came. The ones that take the bus had to leave but the ones that walk home stayed. It was fun. I could tell you some funny stories. Yesterday, Saturday, I went to the San Jose Zoo with Rosie, the girls, and
Seth. The zoo isn't too impressive but there are lions and monkeys and the girls loved it. After the zoo we went to Pop's an icecream store. In the evening I came to the Green's to work on the internet. I'm working on a shutterfly album for Joseph when he was here.
Monday, June 1, 2009
My Birthday Weekend
Friday was my 24th birthday. Fridays are not really my favorite day because I teach an extra long elective class in the morning. I teach English Conversation for 160 minutes without a break. Conversation is a fun class but also a challenge to plan activities for that long and keep student's interest for that long. I go straight from that class to preschool and then kindergarten. Finally I have a break. After lunch I have 8th grade, 9th grade, and tenth grade English. Friday evening I went to the Green's for my birthday party! I recieved a pan and muffin tins from the Greens and a mini crock pot from the Lammaes! I was surprised by how many people were there, I didn't know anyone was coming.
The tradition here is to crack eggs over the head of the birthday person. Sooooo I got a bunch of eggs crushed on me . . . It wasn't as bad as last year. This time they were only on my head not my whole body. On Saturday morning I went to the gym with Rosie (the wife of one of the missionaries here.) Then I went home and took a shower and then went out with her again to the outdoor market, to HiperMas, (a store owned by WalMart and kind of like WalMart but not as cheap) and then to Subway for lunch.
On Sunday I went to church in the morning (I go to Pacto de Gracia/Grace Covenant.) After church I went to the Green's for lunch and spent the day at their house using their internet and working on my new computer.
The tradition here is to crack eggs over the head of the birthday person. Sooooo I got a bunch of eggs crushed on me . . . It wasn't as bad as last year. This time they were only on my head not my whole body. On Saturday morning I went to the gym with Rosie (the wife of one of the missionaries here.) Then I went home and took a shower and then went out with her again to the outdoor market, to HiperMas, (a store owned by WalMart and kind of like WalMart but not as cheap) and then to Subway for lunch.
On Sunday I went to church in the morning (I go to Pacto de Gracia/Grace Covenant.) After church I went to the Green's for lunch and spent the day at their house using their internet and working on my new computer.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Whirlwind Panama City Trip
Last week we had a long weekend and I took a "quick" trip to Panama City with Seth. It was my first time going to Panama so I was super excited and I wasn't disappointed. We left Thursday night a 11pm bus. We arrived Friday afternoon. By bus it's 16 hours each way. It wasn't too bad though because I slept most of the night. The city was beautiful and the people were super friendly. We took public busses (brightly painted school busses with flashing lights and disco music) everywhere and people were always super willing to help us find the right bus and then to help us get off at the right spot. On Friday afternoon we shopped for electronics for the school (they're cheaper in Panama.) Saturday we visited some of the older parts of the city and also went to an artisian market and then to the canal in the afternoon. Sunday we went to an English church in the morning and then someone from the church drove us out to the causeway which connects three islands on the west end of the canal. Sunday night we took the 11 pm bus back to Costa Rica and Tuesday morning was back to school. It was busy but it was great to get away for a weekend. I definitly came back feeling refreshed.
From one of the islands looking back towards the city.
Lunch!
A ship entering the lockes.
Seth and me at the canal.
Miraflores Lockes on the pacific side of the canal.
One of the buildings in Old Panama which was set on fire by the English pirate, Henry Morgan.
The following pictures are all with in a few blocks of each other but very different. They taken in Casco Viejo which is slowly being renovated.
Our Hostel
From one of the islands looking back towards the city. 
Lunch!
A ship entering the lockes.
Seth and me at the canal.
Miraflores Lockes on the pacific side of the canal.
One of the buildings in Old Panama which was set on fire by the English pirate, Henry Morgan.
The following pictures are all with in a few blocks of each other but very different. They taken in Casco Viejo which is slowly being renovated.
Our Hostel
Teachers Conference December 2009
Reformed School and Church in Nicarauga
Bill Green was one of the speakers.
In December we had a Reformed teachers conference in Nicaragua. Our school hosted and we invited a Reformed school from Nicaragua and Honduras.Las Vegas
When I was in the states in December I got a great deal on tickets to Las Vegas so I took my sister Elisa for her 10th birthday. We went out to Red Rocks after it snowed. We stayed with one of my best friends from college, Becky.
My brother Joseph was here for 2 months and he took a surf lesson when we went to Jaco Beach, he did pretty well.
While we were in Honduras we visited these caves. The end has yet to be discovered. It's amazing to think how long it's been forming.
Seth's cousin visited and her and her friends cooked dinner at out house. I just made the drinks but the meal was amazing, chicken fajitas with homemade tortillas and guacamole
One of my more creative pictures. Here are two of my tenth grade couples. They've since broken up but such is highschool life . . . believe me highschoolers are the same in Costa Rica as in the states.
During "Semana Santa" (Easter week, schools have off all week and everything else is closed from Wednesday noon through the weekend) we (me, my brother Joseph, and Seth another English teacher) went to Honduras to visit Rev. Ernie and Betsy Langendoen. I had a great time visiting with old friends. It was especially fun because my spanish is so much better and I could have deeper conversations with my friends. In the picture are Eva (on top) and Davina, two of the Langendoen's children.
In Costa Rica ninth graders receive a certificate of completion (it's not really na diploma.) So I got the "priverlage" of being one of the teachers to hand these out. I had to read FULL NAMES IN SPANISH. I probably butchered most of the names but at least they understood me well enough to know when I was saying their name! Instead of shaking hands we give the diploma, I say congratulations (in English, afterall I am their English teacher and then give them a kiss on the right cheek.
During "Semana Santa" (Easter week, schools have off all week and everything else is closed from Wednesday noon through the weekend) we (me, my brother Joseph, and Seth another English teacher) went to Honduras to visit Rev. Ernie and Betsy Langendoen. I had a great time visiting with old friends. It was especially fun because my spanish is so much better and I could have deeper conversations with my friends. In the picture are Eva (on top) and Davina, two of the Langendoen's children.
In Costa Rica ninth graders receive a certificate of completion (it's not really na diploma.) So I got the "priverlage" of being one of the teachers to hand these out. I had to read FULL NAMES IN SPANISH. I probably butchered most of the names but at least they understood me well enough to know when I was saying their name! Instead of shaking hands we give the diploma, I say congratulations (in English, afterall I am their English teacher and then give them a kiss on the right cheek.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Strong 6.3 Richter Earthquake Hits Panama, Costa RicaNo casualties reported yet
PANAMA CITY -- A magnitude-6.3 earthquake was registered early Wednesday along the Panama-Costa Rica border, but there were no reports of casualties or serious damage.The Geosciences Institute at the University of Panama said on its Web site that the temblor occurred at 1:10 a.m. (0610 GMT).The epicenter of the quake was around 220 kilometers (137 miles) southeast of San Jose, Costa Rica, and 55 kilometers (34 miles) west-southwest of David, Panama's third-largest city, according to the U.S. Geological Service.A spokesman for Panama's Sinaproc civil defense agency told reporters here that his office had received no reports of deaths, injuries or significant damage. EFE
PANAMA CITY -- A magnitude-6.3 earthquake was registered early Wednesday along the Panama-Costa Rica border, but there were no reports of casualties or serious damage.The Geosciences Institute at the University of Panama said on its Web site that the temblor occurred at 1:10 a.m. (0610 GMT).The epicenter of the quake was around 220 kilometers (137 miles) southeast of San Jose, Costa Rica, and 55 kilometers (34 miles) west-southwest of David, Panama's third-largest city, according to the U.S. Geological Service.A spokesman for Panama's Sinaproc civil defense agency told reporters here that his office had received no reports of deaths, injuries or significant damage. EFE
Earthquake!
6.2 quake strikes Costa Rica, Panama frontier
12 hours ago
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) — A 6.2 earthquake has struck overnight on the frontier between Panama and Costa Rica, shaking people in their beds but causing no damage or injuries.
Costa Rica's earthquake observatory says the quake struck just after midnight Wednesday, about 15 miles (25 kms) deep. Its epicenter was 7 miles (12 kms) north of the Panamanian frontier town of Puerto Armuelles. Red Cross officials say the quake felt quite strong but said they had no information about damage.
12 hours ago
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) — A 6.2 earthquake has struck overnight on the frontier between Panama and Costa Rica, shaking people in their beds but causing no damage or injuries.
Costa Rica's earthquake observatory says the quake struck just after midnight Wednesday, about 15 miles (25 kms) deep. Its epicenter was 7 miles (12 kms) north of the Panamanian frontier town of Puerto Armuelles. Red Cross officials say the quake felt quite strong but said they had no information about damage.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Costume party
The 10th Graders organize a good-bye party for the graduating class every year. It was a costume party. I went as a cowgirl.
Daniel and I are the highschool English Teachers. He went as a rapper.
11th graders singing karokee.
Most of the 10th grade class with their homeroom teacher (on the ground.)
11th Graders
Busy Weekend
Reformation Service October 26, 2008
Clint Preaching in the rain
soccer after lunch
singing during the serviceIt started to rain a little during our service but thankfully not too much.
I've had a too busy weekend. Friday night was a "Good-bye party" for the 11th graders. Every year the 10th graders host a party for the 11th graders. 11th Grade is the last grade here. I spent Thursday night getting my costume together. Friday after school I helped my friend Lau (assistent to the secretary) get her costume together. Friday evening was the party. We ate carne asada (grilled meat). Saturday afternoon I went to another birthday party from two girls from church. We had carne asada. Saturday night I went to another birthday party of a friend and we had carne asada. Today Sunday we had a combined service in a park for Reformation Day. I have papers to grade, and homework to do from my Spanish class. I want to take a nap but instead I'm uploading photos because my card is full. Tonight a friend is going to help me with direct and indirect pronouns which I can't miss because they're killin' me. ;)
Friday, October 3, 2008
This Week
Hello Friends,
I thought I'd write a brief update about my week.
Sunday I got over to the Green's at 9 and ride in the church bus up to the church. We have Sunday school from 9:30 until 10:30. I "teach" the 2-3 year old classes. I have five kids in my class. We talk a short break and our service starts about 10:40. Usually the service ends about 12. After church I often go to the Greens for lunch after church. Sometimes I go home sometimes I stay there all day. At 5 we usually get together with a few people and play cards and eat dinner at the Greens.
Mondays we have staff devotions at 6:30. My first class is at 7 it is a double period elective English conversation class. I have classes until 1. I started taking a Spanish class a couple of weeks ago. On Monday afternoon-es until 11:30 and finish at 2:30 and then I tutor. On Fridays. I have class from 7-12:20 and then Spanish class in San Jose from 2-5.
A couple months ago the Lammaes moved here. Nick is working with CLIR. Rosie is scheduled to have a c-section tonight. I didn't have class today and right now I am babysitting for their two girls. I am going to be spending the night with them. It is pouring rain right now and has been all day. The girls are watching "Milo and Otis" for the first time. They are 4 & 5 years old and the perfect age to watch it. A was sitting on my lap crying because they got lost and then later running around the house yelling about the kittens and puppies.
That's my week, kind of. Usually on Saturdays I do my shopping and chores and try to do something fun too.
I thought I'd write a brief update about my week.
Sunday I got over to the Green's at 9 and ride in the church bus up to the church. We have Sunday school from 9:30 until 10:30. I "teach" the 2-3 year old classes. I have five kids in my class. We talk a short break and our service starts about 10:40. Usually the service ends about 12. After church I often go to the Greens for lunch after church. Sometimes I go home sometimes I stay there all day. At 5 we usually get together with a few people and play cards and eat dinner at the Greens.
Mondays we have staff devotions at 6:30. My first class is at 7 it is a double period elective English conversation class. I have classes until 1. I started taking a Spanish class a couple of weeks ago. On Monday afternoon-es until 11:30 and finish at 2:30 and then I tutor. On Fridays. I have class from 7-12:20 and then Spanish class in San Jose from 2-5.
A couple months ago the Lammaes moved here. Nick is working with CLIR. Rosie is scheduled to have a c-section tonight. I didn't have class today and right now I am babysitting for their two girls. I am going to be spending the night with them. It is pouring rain right now and has been all day. The girls are watching "Milo and Otis" for the first time. They are 4 & 5 years old and the perfect age to watch it. A was sitting on my lap crying because they got lost and then later running around the house yelling about the kittens and puppies.
That's my week, kind of. Usually on Saturdays I do my shopping and chores and try to do something fun too.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Dia de Independencia
Indepence Day
September 15 is Independence Day for Costa Rica and Central America. We have a 4 day weekend. We had no school Friday but had an assembly at school. It started at 5 and lasted an hour. This is the hour that the sunsets here and so when we began it was light and when we ended it was dark. In this photo: 2 Elementary School Teachers. Teachers wore red white or blue shirts with a panuelo (bandana) and jeans.
Abby and Amanda (Green's granddaughter) with their lanterns. Costa Rica became free from Spain in 1821. The celebaration usually begins the night before (the 14th) but we celebrated early this year since the 14th falls on a Sunday. The elementary students make or buy lanterns and bring them to school to be judged in different catagories. The lanterns represent the news of their Independence arriving in Costa Rica at night and being spread from country to country, provience to provience and city to city. 
After the assembly the students take their lighted lantern and make a parade around the street.
After we came back and each class sold a different "typical" food. These eighth graders were selling warm churros con dulce de leche. (250 c. = aprox. 50 cents)
David and Goliath Play
We did a play of David and Goliath in English Conversation class and did it in Elementary and Primary chapel.
Israelites on left.
Narrators and Philistines on the Right.
Israelites on left.
Finally Another Post
Sorry its been so long!
Part of the park is "Pueblo Antigua" a replica of old San Jose. They do shows during the day included typical dances like these.
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Parque de Diversiones (A few weeks ago I went to an amusement park here in San Jose with Didier (social studies teacher), Laura (secretaries assistent at the highschool), and Jonathan (a Spanish student from Arizona who went to our church for 4 months.) A day pass costs aproximately $10. In this photo they are waiting for a spinny ride that I decided to skip. It was the day after a holiday and rained off and on so not very busy we went on somerides 3x in a row without waiting. 
At the entrance to the roller coaster.
Part of the park is "Pueblo Antigua" a replica of old San Jose. They do shows during the day included typical dances like these.
El Torre, Laura and I went on this ride 4 times in row without waiting in line. We got off ran around and got back on. After 4 times I told her I couldn't do it any more. My heart was pounding and I was feeling so hyper because my adreneline was pounding.
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