Wow again! Having just gotten home from 2 weeks of noble nursing in Vietnam, I had to wait to read yours. Well worth the wait. Good stuff. How long before you come home? Was it a year or 6 months -- I'm old -- I forget? L, J
We have an addition to the family! Kieran and I are the proud parents of a 3month old puppy! She's a lab mix and we named her Bailey! She is the cutest! Her big brother Jack is taking it well, he hasn't tried to kill her yet, so that's good! I am always happy to get your new message! If you need help with the morning prayers my mom can help you out, I think she has the Pope's number on speed dial! Enjoy your travels!
Brighid
You are doing so much! Hi Wess!
It's amazing to me how much you are doing there. Each of your blogs leaves me in total awe. I laughed at your daily two hour naps...I understand! I hope you realize the incredible impact you are making on your learners. We all do and they do to! This is an experience of a lifetime. Keep making a difference! xoxox Lis
Schedule Its good to hear that you have a schedule at last. 2 Months for
them to get a schedule. That does not say much about the principal
and his helpers. Keep up the good work. Maybe you can make a differance to the children's education.
Jesus Loves You Jessi,
A little religion will do you good! (kidding)
Plainsboro, NJ is still as exciting as it sounds. I'm sure life is more exciting where you are. See you soon.
Fascinating! Hi Jess! Your entries keep getting more fascinating. It's so sad to hear about the young children without parents. :-( I am sure they look at you as an idol and role model. How sad that AIDS is the assumed cause of death. :-( On a happy note, you are making such a significant impact on these young children, it is truly remarkable! Love you! xoxox
Hi Jess! The children you work with are so lucky to have you in their lives! It seems like a lot of them feel appreciated and cared about by you, and that is probably one of the best things you can do for them! I just read your last email, so I'm a little late on the game suggestions. My class likes red light/green light, who stole the cookie from the cookie jar, duck duck goose (maybe your class is too old for that I don't know). As for the library, I put stickers on all of my books that are in the same subject area, this helps me and the kids put them back and find them easily. I don't know if it would help or if you have stickers, I can send you some. Do you have an address where I can send you stuff?
hallelujah... praise jessi! unbelievable stuff... there was an oprah special on last week about a girl's school she built in africa and the girl's stories... it had me in tears and i thought... wow... jessi's actually doing SOMETHING too! i think you're awesome! xoxo
Aids a killer Yep, adis is a killer and heavy drinking does not help building the immune system either. Usakos have a big problem. They should listen to the founding president and stop drinking. Our work force is dying. In Walvis Bay 70% of pregnant mother have aids. Abstain and educate. Unfortantly a lot of educators in our, Namibian, schools does not set an example.
The impact you are having.. Jessi - It's easy to tell from all your stories that you are having such a positive impact on the children and townspeople. Just being there, you are actively helping them understand how other people live and worship... hopefully, it brings greater tolerance and understanding. Mom and I watched an amazing show on your hero (oprah) the other night. It will make you bawl when you see it - heartbreaking the conditions these children face... CHEERS TO YOU FOR DOING SOMETHING ABOUT IT!!!
Jess, this is all so interesting...I love it. It was always great to hear about Jackie's trips and see her pictures but her trips were a bit shorter than yours. I am so excited you are a teacher. What a great opportunity for you and for your "learners". They could not have a more caring, sweeter person than you. I am sure they have all just fallen in love with you. This may not have been your original choice in destinations but God always has a plan and you are making a big difference in the lives of many. There and here, your courage to do this and your desire to share it all with us. You are an awsome woman!!! Lots of love, hugs and kisses Laura, Barb, Jackie and I are thinking of you!
I definitely think at the next athletic day you need to start a "WE ARE..." chant. That would be awesome!!!
As always...another wonderful entry that has left me feeling so proud to be your friend. Keep up the amazing work. xoxoxoxo
amazing jessi, every time i read your blogs i am more and more amazed at what you are doing. you should be so proud of yourself! as far as games... heads up 7-up is a good game to play when you want the kids to be quiet. going on a picnic and taking... a, b, c will help with the english alphabet. hopscotch is always fun! continue to enjoy every moment you are there! can't wait for more. love, rachel
Well, Jess, you are really doing it. I love how much your learners radiate a happy sparkly demeanor. You must be enjoying this so very much. Keep doing the great work you are doing. THe mutual benefits are unlimited and it reminds us all to follow that little voice inside. I remain so proud to be part of your world. Thanks and a belated happy birthday. I will bake YOU a cake when you return to Ramona. Love, Cheryl
Hi sweetie, your travel blog arrived today (friday) automatically...seems like the website got its act together. So now i can apologize to everyone on your email list for my annoying and repetitive emails with links to your weekly blog. Anyway, luv the pix and your socio-political commentary...(gov employees out of control, discipline and organizational issues, western style rules, etc.). Some things are coming thru very clearly: that your enjoying your work, that you have made many friends, your learners and co-workers appreciate you very much, and that your doing a great job. luv and kisses, papa and mom.
so happy hangman worked! also red rover red rover? sparkle is a great game for spelling! ... i used to play that with my 4th graders and they were obsessed... i googled classroom games for you... go to this site... www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson/lesson169.shtml - games called silence, whozit whatzit, four corners, chain reaction... all great games for your age range... HAVE FUN!
congrats on your big win blue team! xoxo
What a way to celebrate! Hi Jess! We sent you a belated b-day package with some games... you can also try Red Light/Green Light, Freeze Tag, Charades or Pictionary. Things are good back home. Vanessa keeps you and "jessi's kids" in her prayers every night. We miss you tons!
So I guess dodge ball is out? Keep on keeping on. I'm loving your narratives, and judging by the responses you've gotten, I'm not the only one. What a great support system you have. And look at all the great suggestions you've been given. Have fun, but don't beat them, OK? L, JF
Games to Play 1. Beer pong
2. cow tipping
3. ... err... rather llama tipping
4. "Who locked the teacher in the closet?"
Otherwise, I'm assuming you already have them working on the Penn State songs ... 'WE ARE ... '
Serious though, it sounds like you're really connecting with many of the kids, and that's great.
Belated Happy B-Day! Hi Jess,
I'm writing you a belated happy b-day! Kieran and I were on vacation and we just got back. I wasn't able to check my email or go on the internet for a week. We went to Las Vegas, but we didn't win big money. One day we went on a helicopter ride into the grand canyon. Kieran threw up in the helicopter.
happy bday! happy belated birthday! sorry... but i didn't know how to send you bday wishes until i got your next blog... wow... that grade 5 class seems huge... but they are adorable! if they can read/write english "hangman" is fun and educational... don't know if that politically correct there though? we used to always play simon says and freeze dance... but i taught kindergarten. we also played indian chief (where someone leaves circle, u pick chief, everyone has to follow, and then the one who left has to guess who chief is)... just in case you forgot... good luck!
here's one for you Jess...
I have a game for you.... Coke and Pepsi. You may need to use different "opposites" for the country you are in...but the game works no matter what you use. Remember at the Bar/Bat Mitzvah's they would use the guest of honors name?
Glad you enjoyed your birthday and V-day. Looking foward to the next entry. Love and miss you!!!
:) Hi Jess - My kids love red light green light. Remember that game? One of my former students went to THON this weekend and they raised over 5 million dollars! I thought that would bring a smile to your face. Hope you are well and I will talk to you soon! Love, Mag
I am about to begin my year in Namibia through WorldTeach...I am getting VERY excited and VERY nervous!
I am going to try to keep this updated throughout the year so hopefully I can keep in touch with everyone :)... full info
stacy
non-member comment
love
Love the blog my dear! love the pictures. love the work you are doing. And love you!!!!!