Happy 2013!

Hey to all of you! We are now living in 2013. CRAZY. 

It has been a little while since I have caught you all up on life on the island. I hope you all are comfy cozy because I have some stories to share.

Lets start off with the last week of school before Christmas break. This week was full of adrenaline and sleeping pills for me. I had so many last minute things to do for the Charlie Brown Christmas play and I was pretty stressed out. Luckily, Mrs. Airens, my teaching aid, took charge of my class so that I could run around and do all my director duties. I was in and out of my classroom, decorating the gym, rehearsing with the actors, and figuring out lights and sound. WHEW. Just thinking about it makes me wonder how I managed to stay sane. I had lifesaver friends to help me out. Play rehearsal was rough. Getting the choir off and on the stage and telling my actors when to go on stage was quite the chore. The play day came and I tried my best to remain calm. Now I know all of you are wondering how it went right?!...everything went wrong!
No, I am totally kidding. It could not have gone more perfectly and smoothly. The actors did great and had fun on stage. The different choirs transitioned on and off stage quickly and sang loudly. There was one moment where we realized our charlie brown christmas tree was missing and we had to make another one real fast. I could not believe how perfectly the program went. I wish you all could have been there. You would have seen one proud director. Thank you for all you best wishes!!

Christmas break was a nice, long, slow, relaxing, boring, fun, adventurous break. My body went into shut down mode for the first couple of days. Going from insanely busy to nothing to do at all meant it was time to sleep. So I did. The first week I explored downtown Kolonia. You can probably do it in 30 minutes but somehow we dragged it out. Our surfers went surfing a lot. Campus was extra quiet. At times it was a bit lonely and other times it was exciting. On actual Christmas day I was a bit down. I skyped my folks and may have teared up on them. Luckily, they were there to encourage me and remind me on why I am here. Christmas dinner was a different story and I don't think I have ever eaten so much in one day. We went two dinners and it is extremely disrespectful to not load up your plate. Boy was I glad to be wearing a loose skirt;)

New years eve is where it is at over here! Nothing starts happening until midnight. At 12:00 we dropped our own created ball off the balcony. It was decked out in christmas lights. Who needs New Yorks when we can make our own? Then, we jumped into our trucks; drove around town throwing water balloons at people and banging on our metal drum. Yes, this is what everyone does for 2 hours. I came back drenched. 

Today was my first day back teaching. I was beyond excited to see my children again and hear about their break. Although break was much needed, I didn't feel very needed without the kiddos. I am very happy to be back with them. 5 months down, 5 more to go. 

I wish you all the happiest start to 2013. Leave a comment if you wish. I love you all!! 

Love from Pohnpei. 

P.S. Thank you for all the packages. I received Christmas cards that are now hanging on my fridge, supplies and goodies for the kids, and yummy food. Your unceasing thoughts and support will always warm my heart.