Missionary Dinner

This morning I got up and went running. I almost didn't go because I was so tired. I went to bed late last night and was depleted of my energy when I crashed. But not only that, but some body called me TWICE last night. It was the same number, and it was a number I didn't know. They called me once at 12: something am, so right after I had fallen into a good sleep. And then they called me at 2 something am, so right after I had re-fallen into a good sleep. It was a 760 number so I know it's from back home, but I can't figure out who would call me that I don't already have their number. And it's not like it was an accident because they called twice. I wish they would have listened to my voice mail and then maybe they wouldn't have called the second time. Regardless of being exhausted when my alarm went off, I woke up and headed out. I did a hill workout this morning and it worked me pretty well. It was remarkably cool this morning and so once I got outside I was glad that I didn't waste this perfectly cool morning sleeping in because it was PERFECT workout weather.

Beth tagged along with me to all my classes today, to see how things go. She'll be taking over on Monday, so it's pretty important that she see what she's doing. The kids didn't warm up to her as readily as they had to Kaylene and Natalie, but I hope that'll change soon. I was worried about my lessons today because I hadn't gathered all of the objects I needed to teach my lesson on opposites, but I was able to get things all together before class started (well before, I wasn't even rushed) and that lesson went well. It helped that I had a whole ton of things to show them- bring ice and hot water was one of their favorites :o)

In the second class I taught about earthquakes. I had been really excited about it when I had planned it last week, I was thinking that I could ask Teacher Steffanie about getting a wooden board that the kids could stand on so we could have a real earthquake (I'm pretty sure she'd mentioned they'd done something like that with another intern) but Steffanie got stuck in Taipei because of the typhoon and didn't come to school until Wednesday and when she came back she had a lot to catch up with and so I didn't ask her. I was really nervous to see how my lesson would go today, but it turned out to be quite a good lesson. Instead of having a board for them to stand on, I had them shake on their chairs ranging from a level 1 earthquake to a level 8 earthquake and they LOVED it! Sometimes kids are very easily entertained and I love it.

At lunch time I was getting ready for the dinner with the sister missionaries. But, instead of coming at 5pm, last night I got a call from Sister Woods and she told me they would be coming at 5:30pm. That worked out better for me because I had to do less prep and things were fresher because I didn't have to prep them so far in advance.

In the afternoon class I taught about hockey and then we played hockey at the end. It was pretty interesting to see the little kids play hockey. They actually caught on better then I had expected. And, there weren't any injuries. I was impressed.

After class I ran upstairs and started getting dinner all put together. I was so excited for my chicken Cesar salad with homemade croutons; garlic bread; green beans; and mangoes. I had invited Beth to eat with us and it was a great night. The food was delicious (okay, I think I over cooked the green beans a little), the company was great, and after dinner we sang a hymn (in English :o) and read a scripture. Sister Woods thanked me for the great example I set by coming to church each week. She said that I was amazing because I come to branch and have to listen to terrible translation and that she was so proud of me for coming and she told me that the other members look to the interns (because we all always go to church) as a strong example of faith. That threw me. I didn't even think of it being a question not to go, especially because we have the translation. And, I had never thought that the other members of the branch looked at me (and the other interns) as an example. It got me thinking, and I was so grateful that Sister Woods had shared that thought with me.

After dinner I took Beth out to show her the grocery store so that she could pick up some supplies and have food ready and available in the house. She's starting off shaky on the bike and kept apologizing for being so slow. It was okay, I'd rather get there slowly then have her crash into a car, ditch, wall, bike, scooter, dog, etc. I hope she's able to get used to it soon though, because bike is our number one (and almost only) means of transportation. We got back from the store and played a couple card games and chatted it up a bit. She's a really nice girl and I think we can have some fun together. I just have to be careful that I don't push too much too fast. She's already admitted that she's kind of a homebody and that she likes to explore, but she also feels very comfortable at home. So, I'll just invite her where I go and if she comes, she comes- if she doesn't, she doesn't.

Over all- it was a pretty good day.