Once Upon a Time... My Friends Got Married!

I just need to talk about my awesome extended weekend for a minute...

On Saturday, these kids got MARRIED! (How are we old enough to be saying that?!)

Most flattering picture I could find... perfection.

Once upon a time I didn't like Hannah, and I never thought we would be friends. But, my first impressions are always wrong, and God has a way of changing my opinions. After getting to know each other through mutual friends and Young Life, Hannah and I roomed together junior and senior year. We bonded over chips and salsa, late night McDonald's runs (not the healthiest roomies), and some of the best conversations. Hannah truly loves people, and she has challenged me to be more vulnerable and honest in my relationships.

And once upon a time I also didn't like Jordan. (I really need to work on liking people when I first meet them... it's a problem.) But, as I saw Hannah and Jordan together, I got to see how much he loved Hannah unconditionally, and how funny and great he was to have as a friend! (Free coffee at Starbucks was an added bonus.)

These two have taught me so much, and I was so honored to be a part of their day. It was also really incredible to be back with all these people and to know that I could be completely ME with all the good and the bad, and they would still love me. Seriously, you can't find better friends. I dare you.

Not quite all of these people were at the wedding... we missed you! 

Today I'm feeling quite "dumpy" after being on such a high since Wednesday. As Amy said, "It's like that feeling you get when you find out that the boy you like started dating someone else." Disappointed. Heart hurting. But, it's worth it because it was all SO GOOD.

So, here's to you Hannah and Jordan! Love you both!

Now... who's going to get married next, so we can have another big, heart-warming reunion?!

I Have a Shelter

I am breaking my months- long blogging fast to bring you the song that's getting me through. It's that good.

Yes, it is 3AM, and yes, I am still up packing to move to KY.

This song encouraged me throughout all of last semester, and when I just heard it play while packing, I knew that I had to share. Plus, I've wanted to blog all summer, and this seemed like a good reason to finally start up again.

The video is lame, but the lyrics are AWESOME.

Favorite line(s):

Though fears are rising like a flood My soul can rest securely O Jesus, I will hide in You My place of peace and solace

Lord Jesus, bring us your peace in the midst of our fears.

On a sidenote, pray for me. I have about 2 weeks to start loving mornings, and I am absolutely not there yet. :)

Adventure in Bocas: Semana Santa 2012

A Brief Photo Essay (Some photos courtesy of Sandy and Bethany!)
Our adventure began by taking a taxi to the mall and buying our 10-hr. bus ride tickets.

 Taxi with Pooh Bear at the front. A good omen.

So proud to have successfully ordered our tickets!

After a long night, we finally made it to Almirante and took a water taxi to Isla Colon. 

Our stay here lasted about .5 seconds. (Ok, one night)

Our second day consisted of sailing, dolphins, and snorkeling. It's ok to be jealous! 

What do we do with our faces?! 

At one point we discussed our favorite things in Bocas. Topping the list... 

  1. Coke in a bottle! (Just like at Grandma's.) 

 2. Fact of life in Panama: EVERYTHING is better with Nutella. (Not mad) 

3. Hammocks everywhere.

Our last day, we decided to take a jungle hike on Isla Bastimentos. 

 It started out so well! 

 Then it poured down rain. 

And, did I mention the mud/sinking sand? 

I'll leave you with this photo of new friends and an entertaining video of the Epic Mud Hike 2012. 

Sandy, Bethany, and I. (My fellow student teachers!)

"Do Not Be Afraid..."

So, I stumbled across this video yesterday while planning a Bible lesson on the armor of God...

I almost (don't worry, Jules, almost!) cried because of how relevant this short message was for me, personally, and for the struggles that I have seen in the students in my 4th grade class. In the last two weeks, my cooperating teacher and I have dealt with bullying, intentional cheating, students struggling severely academically, and serious self-worth issues. I have personally dealt with not feeling like an adequate teacher, frustration in the classroom, and my own mind battle with fear and doubt. I've seen here that the Enemy really does try to attack a place and people that are shining Christ's light. But, praise the Lord we can fight back with His Word and promises. We can claim the victory already won because of His cross and resurrection.

So today, in words completely given by His Spirit, I showed the students this video and asked them what they were afraid of, or what lies they were believing. A few examples...

"Are you afraid that you don't have any true friends and you will feel lonely forever?" 


"Are you afraid to do your own work in school because you don't know if it will be good enough to get honor roll?" 


"Are you afraid of failure ? Do you feel like you have to meet someone else's expectations or they won't love you?" 


"Are you afraid to tell the truth because it might get you or someone you love in trouble?"


My challenge then for them and for myself (I was completely preaching to the choir today):

Praise God we don't have to live in fear, guilt, or lies. We don't have to be afraid of "not being good enough" because Jesus is enough. His cross has clothed us in righteousness. We are perfect in His sight, and nothing can separate us from His love. He has removed our sin as far as the East is from the West, and we can have fullness of joy in His presence. So, will you choose to live in the freedom of His promises or in the fear of lies? Do you choose braveness and boldness for Him or fear and cowardice? Will you believe the truth that set you free or the lies that hold you captive?

I share this not because they are my own great and glorious words, but because they are words that only the Lord could have spoken to my heart that I needed to hear and my students needed to hear. And, I pray that they will speak to your heart, too. Our Sword of the Spirit, His Word, is our strongest and truest weapon against the fear that comes in the lies of the Enemy.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." -John 14:27- 

It's the Little Moments...

I love working with kids. Each day is a new adventure!

Today, we were talking about the armor of God. To introduce the topic, we were looking at pictures of items that protect us from something (bike helmets, science safety goggles, etc...) Included in my Powerpoint, I had a picture of a sleeping bag that would "protect" you from the cold (or the bugs here in Panama, since cold doesn't exist.) But this wasn't any normal sleeping bag...

Amy Jones, I'm imagining you in this rather than your beekeeper-ish dry suit. No need to worry about cold mornings on the trail! Just keep this on until it gets warm. :) The kids loved it, and we had a good laugh. [Sidenote: Some of these kids didn't even know what a sleeping bag was!! I'm thinking a camping field trip is in order...]

Also today, as my cooperating teacher was grading state packets, she read:

State: Tennessee
Persons contributing to statehood/entry into the Union: Elvis Presley
Tourist Attractions: The Cheesecake Factory (Reason: "People like to eat there!")

Elvis and The Cheesecake Factory... that's all you really need to know about America.

He Holds Everything Together

There are a lot of differences between teaching here in Panama at a private Christian international school and teaching at a public school in the States. There are pros and cons to both, definitely, and some things are just different. For example, the students here are extremely affectionate right away. They have already written me tons of "I love you Ms. DuBois" notes, stories about my marriage to Kris, etc... There is also one sweet little boy that comes up and rubs my arms for the whole time that he is asking me a question. It freaked me out at first (physical touch=not my #1 love language), but then I just realized that is part of his culture and how he communicates!

Anyway, the point of this post isn't about the differences in students, staff meetings, or anything like that. But, one big difference that I have loved is the freedom to incorporate God's Word into my daily lesson plans. What a privilege, blessing, and burden to proclaim the Gospel each and every day to these kids who need Him!

The science lesson that I am planning for tomorrow is really what sparked this excitement. We are beginning a unit on matter and tomorrow's lesson is on atoms and molecules. I had started to plan a few things from the curriculum and on my own, but then the Holy Spirit truly stepped in. (YES, the Holy Spirit helped me to plan this lesson. How cool is that?!) He kept bringing to mind verses that talk about the Lord's creation, how He holds everything together, and how He pays attention to even the smallest details.

A few of my favorites...

"For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." -Ephesians 2:10


 "For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." -Colossians 1:16-17


"Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing." -Isaiah 40:26


So, tomorrow's science lesson is going to be much more of a devotional and testimony to the Lord and His handiwork than a conventional science lesson. He truly is in all and through all and all things are for His glory, including my teaching and my students' learning. Praise be to God! 


Also, using this Louie Giglio video about laminin during the lesson. If you haven't seen it, take 5 minutes to watch it!

To My 2nd Grade Smarties...

Dear Smarties,

   Good morning! :) I wish I was sitting at morning meeting with you right now, but I am learning so much and getting to know some other students here in Panama. That doesn't mean I don't miss you tons though!! I think about and pray for you all every day.
   What is the weather like in Kentucky right now? (I heard you had a snow day right after I left. Not fair!) Here it feels like I am at the beach all day. It is always in the 80's or 90's and sunny. There are only 2 seasons in Panama, wet season and dry season. Right now, we are in the middle of dry season, so it hasn't rained in several months. I don't really miss the crazy Kentucky weather. :)  
   You guys would never guess it, but there is a teacher from JAPAN at the school!! She even teaches 2nd grade. She is from the city of Osaka. Do you remember the island where that city is located? And guess what we did yesterday?! My host brother, Diego, takes Japanese karate classes, so Mami (the Japanese teacher), my family, and I went to see a Japanese martial arts exhibit at the mall yesterday. I thought about how much you guys would have loved it if you could have seen it. Here are some pictures...

 [One of the HUGE malls in Panama!]

 [The karate class starting their demonstration by bowing!]

[The karate master, Diego, and I!]

And... watch this video, if you have time! They count to 10 in Japanese, just like we learned! 

   So, even in Panama, I'm learning more about Japan and a lot of other cultures, too. I hope to give my class your Flat Stanleys and letters soon, so they can learn some more about you. Miss you all! Hang in there... spring break is soon!!

   Love,
   Ms. DuBois

P.S. Sam, did you hear about Peyton Manning and Dallas Clark leaving the Colts?? I was so sad, and I knew you would understand.

Theme of the Day

My good friend Amy and I used to say that our days followed themes, and that they could be summed up in one word, such as "awkward," "happy," or "awful." So, since I haven't been a diligent blogger this week, here are my one word descriptions/ themes of my last 7 days. I'm hoping to post some pictures soon!

Saturday: Exhausting- Traveling from 5AM-9PM and then collapsing into an unknown bed. Enough said.
Sunday: New- I went to Crossroads Bible Church for the first time, met a million new people, and was introduced to my precious host family.
Monday: Hard- I missed my Wilmore classroom and teacher SO much, and I was homesick for everyone!
Tuesday: Learning/Awkward- My teacher and I set a schedule for my time here, I became more familiar with the neighborhood that I'm living in, and I started to get into a routine. And for me, what is a new situation without a few awkward introductions and moments thrown in?
Wednesday: Refreshing- Wednesday is a half day for students always, but teachers stay for meetings. After our meetings, my teacher and I went out for lunch at a sort-of Panera-ish type restaurant to get to know each other more!
Thursday: Settling/Investing- I have started to ride to school with one of the Spanish teachers, Yuni. She is one of the biggest blessings so far! She also invited me to a Spanish class that she holds for the other teachers, and it was a great opportunity to get to know some more people.
Friday: Fun- My family and I went to a big CCA traditional parent/student soccer game after school, and then we went to a late movie at one of the malls here (which are HUGE!)
Saturday: Resting- Today has been a day to rest in the Lord, hang out some more with my family, enjoy some great weather, Skype, and get some lesson plans done!

And This is Why I Love Kids...

I know you are all probably wanting an update about where I live, my host family, what the school is like, etc... and I will get to those topics sometime this week, but today presented an opportunity to share a gem with you. If you keep reading, I promise it will be worth it.

On one of the first days here, my teacher had told me that some of her girl students were obsessed with trying to "marry off" their single female teachers. Well, today I was given this story, written by Daisy Lou...

I doubt you can read the whole thing, but basically the idea is that I try to fly like a butterfly, but my wings don't work, so I fall into the arms of "gringo Kris." We fall madly in love in 10 days, date for 1 week, and then get married on my birthday (and share a kiss like Kate Middleton and Prince William)! Then we honeymoon in Indiana, move to Rome, and have 5 Roman babies.... all named with "K" names.

Seriously, kids say/write the darndest things!!

The Ultimate Packing Checklist

1. Hidden stash of Girl Scout cookies
2. Spanish dictionary
3. Hammock
4. Chacos
5. Encouraging notes from the Smarties
6. La Biblia and journal
7. Headlamp
8. Tim Tebow autobiography
9. Compact hairdryer (shout-out to my roommate!)
10. Favorite flannel shirt

Yep, I'm all packed up and ready to head out on this Panama adventure, but I am hating leaving behind a wonderful 2nd grade class and teacher at Wilmore Elementary, my friends (who all paraded down to Aldersgate storage to help me pack up tonight), and my family. I love you all, and I will miss you so much!