August-October in Venezuela

I wrote this in October but never posted it. Better late than never I guess!

It has taken me awhile to Blog. I’m sorry family!!!! Since I have a lot of making up to do, I will be short and sweet about updates from this year. 

1.     I have 15 students this year. I love each of them so much. Their hearts are larger than life, and I can see it with the way they interact with each other, and also with me.
2.     I started out the year with a new assistant, but about 1 month into the school year, she needed to be moved to another grade. I was alone, but trying to be patient, and they finally found a new assistant for me! Since being alone, I really thought about the role of having an assistant in my room. I created my classroom environment for 2 people, so being those 2 people at the same time is impossible. Something I do question often, though, is whether or not I fully utilize having an assistant. I’m sure if I had the time to plan ahead with my daily lessons, I would be able to do this. But as everything goes in teaching, trial and error is how I will learn what to and what not to do!
3.     One of my favorite things about school is the freedom I have with teaching the curriculum. My administrators are open to my ideas, and they are supportive through any problems I have. I love my 5th grade team: Vicki, Mayte, Julie, Lucy and I work really well together. During this time of not having an assistant, Lucy and Mayte stepped in as my assistants every day during break time, and even in my classroom. I feel really lucky to have them.
4.     Venezuela continues to go through many changes. Right now, the value of the dollar has diminished by nearly 100% since last year at this time. However, restaurants are still opening which I don’t understand. There is a shopping plaza that has been under construction for I’m sure years directly across the street from school, and 3 stores have opened there in the past month and a half. I can tell they are trying to work fast to get more stores open.
5.     I don’t know which is more beautiful: the mountains or beaches in Venezuela. I am lucky enough to be able to experience both.
6.     I met up with Rachel for our birthday in Aruba. It was a 3 day paradise at the Renaissance Hotel I am hoping to meet up with Chelsea in the Spring—I am thinking that maybe she could even come all the way to me in Vzla! I miss my sisters so much. Although I know how horrible I am at staying updated, I talk about you guys all the time with my class and my friends. I am looking forward to receiving a lot of love when I go home for Christmas!!
7.     I started working out at a different gym from last year. It is super small, and my trainer is David. He trains Vicky, Julie, Nici, Jenna, and I. Although, I cannot lie, I do not consistently go. Woooops. Still trying!

8.     Let the pictures tell my stories of my adventures over the past 3 months-- They are a bit out of order. 














































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