Hi all,
First and foremost, I hope you are doing well. Please contact me on Facebook with any updates in your beautiful lives. I am writing this tonight with a heavy heart. As some of you know, my cousin Mikey was diagnosed with cancer during the end of summer this year. He was a former soldier and served the Nashville Fire Department. He passed away this week and left behind a wonderful wife and two amazing children. It is hard to see someone so young go so quickly. Mikey leaves behind an incredible legacy. I am blessed to even call him my cousin. My mother and brothers trekked out to Nashville to attend the service. Although I am unable to make it, I am hopeful that the family knows how much I truly care for them.
Last Saturday, Alexis and I were able to go to Heidelberg. It is such a beautiful city. We had a wonderful time seeing all of the historic locations and visiting the palace. We went to the top of a church tower and were able to see the entire city. Visiting Heidelberg felt like stepping back in time. I really enjoyed being able to see another part of Germany.
Throughout this week, we have been able to teach our kids about America. Most of our students approached us and asked if we would teach for the day. It was so interesting to hear about their views of America and compare the US to Germany. The students were very interested in what a lunch period was. Since they only go to school until 1, this has never been a part of their life. The students also wanted to know if America was fat (haha). After we explained that it depended on your lifestyle, they were quick to point out that Alexis and I were not fat. They seem to be very worries about upsetting us -- which is a little amusing.
We were able to negotiate with our hostel, so we no longer have food as part of the deal. I will be eating Fruit Loops all weekend. :) Although the hostel is costing me an arm and a leg, I am having a wonderful time. One of the things that I am learning is this might be my only time in Germany ever. Even if I come home wearing a burlap sack and have to work nonstop, I am going to enjoy myself. And I am going to see Paris...even if I have to walk there. So for anyone who knows me and how I worry about my money, you would be surprised to see me now.
Also, the bread here -- it's pretty dank (Thanks Noah Hughes for the word choice). They make these things called a Nußehornchen. It's like a bear claw, BUT in a croissant. I am going insane. Plus they're like a dollar. My diet is on hold for the next 3 weeks.
Oh! Story! Alexis and I went to McDonalds this week. The portions are incredibly different. Other serve so much less food over here, but for much higher prices. The only chicken nugget option was 6 pieces -- which is a kids meal in the states. I found it interesting that fast food is so expensive here, which is probably why no one eats it.
Overall, I am having a wonderful time. I am so thankful for the opportunities God has placed in my life. My mother is currently being my rock. So if you see her, please tell her thank you for me. Please pray for my family as we say goodbye to Mikey. I know I am currently ensuring I live my life to the fullest.
Tschüs/xoxo
Faith
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Sprechen sie Deutsch?
Hello everyone,
First off, I hope YOU are doing well. Thank you so much for your continued kindness and love for me. I have definitely had my doubts about this trip, but everyone has been so caring and encouraging that it's hard to imagine why I was even scared.
Also, a huge thank you to my wonderful German buddies. These are student volunteers who have taken Alexis and myself under their wing. They are so kind and genuinely care about making sure we have the best trip possible. I am amazed at their continued kindness towards us and patience in translating everything.
So German school is quite different from American school. For starters, the Gutenberg-Schule begins at 7:45 and the students go home at 1. The students have a class period from 7:50-9:20, a break for twenty minutes, class again from 9:40-11:10, another twenty minute break, and finally class from 11:30-1:00, at the end of which they go home. Each class period is broken into two forty five minute lessons. One teacher may teach the entire 90 minutes or teach for only 45 and move classrooms. One huge advantage I see of the German school style is that the teacher moves rooms. Instead of having students constantly forgetting things in their locker or being ill prepared for class, the students stay in the same room all day, with their materials at the back of the room for each class. The teachers have their own room, like a teachers lounge, where students can come ask them questions during their break. There is no lunch time because students eat after school. However, during their breaks, there is a snack window where they can get cheap goodies to tide them over.
Currently, Alexis and I are both traveling with one teacher who instructs English to grades 8, 9, and 10. The students have an oral English examination in April, which Alexis and I are helping them prepare for. Once our schedule gets more nailed down, I hope to shadow one of the math teachers for a few days. Since math is primarily numbers, I have a strong feeling I will know what is going on, even if I do not speak fluent German.
I have really enjoyed our time at the school so far. The students seem to be interested in what we have to say and how we can help them. I am able to translate some bits and pieces and am praying for a miracle of German ability to come. :)
Our living arrangements are not exactly what we were anticipating, so we are hoping to discuss some potential changes in the near future. I ate my first Mozzball today. I only knew what it was because of too many episodes of Chopped. It seems that everyone over here eats bread, all the time, for any and everything. And although I am not part of the Atkins diet, I'm still not entirely convinced I can eat the bread without running 7 hours a day.
For anyone wondering why all my photos contain minions, Tim and Dave will be the Flat Stanleys of my trip. I think that's all my updates for now!
Xoxo/Tschüs
Faith
First off, I hope YOU are doing well. Thank you so much for your continued kindness and love for me. I have definitely had my doubts about this trip, but everyone has been so caring and encouraging that it's hard to imagine why I was even scared.
Also, a huge thank you to my wonderful German buddies. These are student volunteers who have taken Alexis and myself under their wing. They are so kind and genuinely care about making sure we have the best trip possible. I am amazed at their continued kindness towards us and patience in translating everything.
So German school is quite different from American school. For starters, the Gutenberg-Schule begins at 7:45 and the students go home at 1. The students have a class period from 7:50-9:20, a break for twenty minutes, class again from 9:40-11:10, another twenty minute break, and finally class from 11:30-1:00, at the end of which they go home. Each class period is broken into two forty five minute lessons. One teacher may teach the entire 90 minutes or teach for only 45 and move classrooms. One huge advantage I see of the German school style is that the teacher moves rooms. Instead of having students constantly forgetting things in their locker or being ill prepared for class, the students stay in the same room all day, with their materials at the back of the room for each class. The teachers have their own room, like a teachers lounge, where students can come ask them questions during their break. There is no lunch time because students eat after school. However, during their breaks, there is a snack window where they can get cheap goodies to tide them over.
Currently, Alexis and I are both traveling with one teacher who instructs English to grades 8, 9, and 10. The students have an oral English examination in April, which Alexis and I are helping them prepare for. Once our schedule gets more nailed down, I hope to shadow one of the math teachers for a few days. Since math is primarily numbers, I have a strong feeling I will know what is going on, even if I do not speak fluent German.
I have really enjoyed our time at the school so far. The students seem to be interested in what we have to say and how we can help them. I am able to translate some bits and pieces and am praying for a miracle of German ability to come. :)
Our living arrangements are not exactly what we were anticipating, so we are hoping to discuss some potential changes in the near future. I ate my first Mozzball today. I only knew what it was because of too many episodes of Chopped. It seems that everyone over here eats bread, all the time, for any and everything. And although I am not part of the Atkins diet, I'm still not entirely convinced I can eat the bread without running 7 hours a day.
For anyone wondering why all my photos contain minions, Tim and Dave will be the Flat Stanleys of my trip. I think that's all my updates for now!
Xoxo/Tschüs
Faith
Sunday, January 12, 2014
And We're Off
Hi all,
Saying goodbye is so hard, even when you're about to head off to a wonderful journey. Even I will admit that my heart of stone has been very warmed by the outpouring of love to me over the past few days. I am so lucky that my family was willing to take me all the way to the airport and helicopter me all the way through security. Speaking of family -- please keep Roo in your thoughts as he epically battles Strep Throat this week.
Rest assured I arrived safely this morning in Frankfurt around 11 am local time (5 am EST). It was a very bumpy flight and I wasn't able to sleep much (less than 2 hours). But, like the rock star that He is, God brought us to Germany safely. Once we landed in Frankfurt, I got my first passport stamp EVER. It was super exciting -- the customs man looked up, took my book, and stamped it. The train station was definitely an adventure, but we were able to make it on the train to Karlsruhe with the assistance of many sweet German employees.
Let me say that Germany is beautiful. It is like everything you see in picture books -- and then a bit more. The country side just rolls on and on, speckled with sites of brick churches and Bavarian households. When we arrived in Karlsruhe, I was amazed at how close everything is to each other. It's like NYC on a smaller scale. For the most part, there's not really a need to use the public transportation, but it is readily available if we need it.
Our room is quaint, but pleasant. Once we were settled, we went out to dinner with some of our German buddies. I had my first experience with spätzel and schnitzel. I have been amazed with how much of my German is coming back to me. All of our buddies are so sweet and willing to teach us how to say anything we want. Tomorrow, we will get completely settled. We will not be at school on Monday, but will begin teaching on Tuesday.
I think that's all I have for now. I am horribly messed up on sleep, so I may pass out for a long time. Please send me your thoughts via Facebook, NOT via my cell phone.
Tschüs/xoxo,
Faith
Saying goodbye is so hard, even when you're about to head off to a wonderful journey. Even I will admit that my heart of stone has been very warmed by the outpouring of love to me over the past few days. I am so lucky that my family was willing to take me all the way to the airport and helicopter me all the way through security. Speaking of family -- please keep Roo in your thoughts as he epically battles Strep Throat this week.
Rest assured I arrived safely this morning in Frankfurt around 11 am local time (5 am EST). It was a very bumpy flight and I wasn't able to sleep much (less than 2 hours). But, like the rock star that He is, God brought us to Germany safely. Once we landed in Frankfurt, I got my first passport stamp EVER. It was super exciting -- the customs man looked up, took my book, and stamped it. The train station was definitely an adventure, but we were able to make it on the train to Karlsruhe with the assistance of many sweet German employees.
Let me say that Germany is beautiful. It is like everything you see in picture books -- and then a bit more. The country side just rolls on and on, speckled with sites of brick churches and Bavarian households. When we arrived in Karlsruhe, I was amazed at how close everything is to each other. It's like NYC on a smaller scale. For the most part, there's not really a need to use the public transportation, but it is readily available if we need it.
Our room is quaint, but pleasant. Once we were settled, we went out to dinner with some of our German buddies. I had my first experience with spätzel and schnitzel. I have been amazed with how much of my German is coming back to me. All of our buddies are so sweet and willing to teach us how to say anything we want. Tomorrow, we will get completely settled. We will not be at school on Monday, but will begin teaching on Tuesday.
I think that's all I have for now. I am horribly messed up on sleep, so I may pass out for a long time. Please send me your thoughts via Facebook, NOT via my cell phone.
Tschüs/xoxo,
Faith
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Let's Go!
With tomorrow being my last day of work, I thought I should give everyone a quick heads up of what my future holds.
I leave Charlotte at 8 p.m. Saturday night. It's a direct flight to Frankfurt. I should be on the ground around 4 a.m. Sunday morning (EST). After that, I will take a train to Karlsruhe and we will reach our destination! I'll be staying in a hostel with another girl from ASU. Hopefully by the time we are settled in the hostel, I'll have time to update this with more information. I will appreciate any and all prayers as I travel!
Tschüs/xoxo
Faif
I leave Charlotte at 8 p.m. Saturday night. It's a direct flight to Frankfurt. I should be on the ground around 4 a.m. Sunday morning (EST). After that, I will take a train to Karlsruhe and we will reach our destination! I'll be staying in a hostel with another girl from ASU. Hopefully by the time we are settled in the hostel, I'll have time to update this with more information. I will appreciate any and all prayers as I travel!
Tschüs/xoxo
Faif
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
The Assumption Game
Typically, I'm not one who gets super riled up over others opinions. But recently, there's been an abundance of over-active assumptions occurring on my Facebook newsfeed.
In high school, there was a song on YouTube called the assumption song. Essentially your brain would think a dirty word was going to be used. In reality the songwriter would change it up and use a clean word. It was called the assumption song because most people's brain would jump to the worst possible conclusion.
What does this have to do with Facebook?
Over the past few days, there have been plenty of statuses (stati?) about the amazing grades people received. Before I begin my rant, let me say congratulations. I know many people had far too much to juggle this semester. YOU KICKED COLLEGE'S BUTT AND TOOK IT'S NAME.
Great job :)
One of my best friends called me Friday afternoon to brag about his C in Numerical Analysis. Considering I don't even know what the world Numerical Analysis is and I would probably receive an F, I yelled in excitement right along with him.
Now for my bitterness. For every status about people's achievements, there was a status about how grades do not belong on Facebook. And those people are right. Our grades belong in AppalNet, MyCat or whatever your university uses. Or on our parents fridge. My parents are too busy covering the fridge in my brothers' artwork to find a place for my grades. And that's awesome. Shoot, their artwork is far prettier than the BannerID screen.
And everyone is entitled to their opinion, as long as they're not playing the assumption game. I saw three or four posts from fellow educators about how negative posting grades is on Facebook to my future students. I just wonder how we're bridging that gap.
Students should never think grades are everything.
I don't think my grades are everything. I worked 30 hours a weekend, babysat some nights, performed research, presented at three conferences, and passed my thesis while having 16 credit hours this semester. There were nights when grades were the last thing on my mind. Considering all I had on my plate this semester, all of my family and friends have been happy that I came out the other end of the tunnel.
I really dislike words being put in my mouth. There are people on social media accusing me of thinking that I will not appreciate my students who makes C's or D's.
Students will work as hard as you want them to.
My students at Central Wilkes came to understand what it is that Mrs. Rowe, Mrs. Collins, and I expected of them. No one ever walked away defeated after receiving a grade. You put into assignments what you get out of them. Most of my students were never surprised at the grades they received. They already knew after they turned in their work what grade they were likely to make. If they wanted to make A's, they knew that were going to have to put in more time and effort than some of their peers.
So if any of my Facebook friends read my status about all A's and now think there's a special place in Hell for people like me, that's fine.
In close, please never assume that I do not believe in my students. I truly do. I will never let a student have a sleepless night due to a grade. I will call home before there is an argument about another bad grade. We never know what students deal with when they are not at school.
I will happily tell my students about the C I made during the summer after my freshman year. When my significant other and partying with the servers became more important than my grades, it showed. Nothing has ever kicked my tail into gear quite like my first and only C.
If you think I'm bragging about my grades, assume away.
But we all know what assuming does.
In high school, there was a song on YouTube called the assumption song. Essentially your brain would think a dirty word was going to be used. In reality the songwriter would change it up and use a clean word. It was called the assumption song because most people's brain would jump to the worst possible conclusion.
What does this have to do with Facebook?
Over the past few days, there have been plenty of statuses (stati?) about the amazing grades people received. Before I begin my rant, let me say congratulations. I know many people had far too much to juggle this semester. YOU KICKED COLLEGE'S BUTT AND TOOK IT'S NAME.
Great job :)
One of my best friends called me Friday afternoon to brag about his C in Numerical Analysis. Considering I don't even know what the world Numerical Analysis is and I would probably receive an F, I yelled in excitement right along with him.
Now for my bitterness. For every status about people's achievements, there was a status about how grades do not belong on Facebook. And those people are right. Our grades belong in AppalNet, MyCat or whatever your university uses. Or on our parents fridge. My parents are too busy covering the fridge in my brothers' artwork to find a place for my grades. And that's awesome. Shoot, their artwork is far prettier than the BannerID screen.
And everyone is entitled to their opinion, as long as they're not playing the assumption game. I saw three or four posts from fellow educators about how negative posting grades is on Facebook to my future students. I just wonder how we're bridging that gap.
Students should never think grades are everything.
I don't think my grades are everything. I worked 30 hours a weekend, babysat some nights, performed research, presented at three conferences, and passed my thesis while having 16 credit hours this semester. There were nights when grades were the last thing on my mind. Considering all I had on my plate this semester, all of my family and friends have been happy that I came out the other end of the tunnel.
I really dislike words being put in my mouth. There are people on social media accusing me of thinking that I will not appreciate my students who makes C's or D's.
Students will work as hard as you want them to.
My students at Central Wilkes came to understand what it is that Mrs. Rowe, Mrs. Collins, and I expected of them. No one ever walked away defeated after receiving a grade. You put into assignments what you get out of them. Most of my students were never surprised at the grades they received. They already knew after they turned in their work what grade they were likely to make. If they wanted to make A's, they knew that were going to have to put in more time and effort than some of their peers.
So if any of my Facebook friends read my status about all A's and now think there's a special place in Hell for people like me, that's fine.
In close, please never assume that I do not believe in my students. I truly do. I will never let a student have a sleepless night due to a grade. I will call home before there is an argument about another bad grade. We never know what students deal with when they are not at school.
I will happily tell my students about the C I made during the summer after my freshman year. When my significant other and partying with the servers became more important than my grades, it showed. Nothing has ever kicked my tail into gear quite like my first and only C.
If you think I'm bragging about my grades, assume away.
But we all know what assuming does.
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