Getting Ready

Around here, Emily and I have been getting ready for a lot of things lately. We have registration next week Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10-4 for our English classes. The reason there's so much time isn't because we think we'll be really busy each day, but because people here are really busy between work, family, school, etc. That way they just have a big window of time to come and register.

To prepare for those days, we put together a placement test, a student information sheet that they will need to fill out, and other odds and ends that need to be taken care of before then. Since we'll be at the church during those times for three days, we're trying to do as many things as possible to get ready to turn the church into our classroom. When we worked at church earlier this week, I organized the supplies while Emily worked on the fliers we handed out. So that's done. Now I've tackled making bulletin boards out of wall space. It's actually pretty fun because I like that sort of thing.

We've also been getting ready for a little vacation. I need to leave the country before the 16th (Tuesday) because that's when my 30 days of being a tourist are over. Since my residency papers haven't been completely processed yet, I need to leave the country and come back. I could literally cross the border and turn right back around and come right in, but pastor had a different idea. I told him my 30 days were almost up and he said, "Oh, darn! Looks like we'll have to make a trip to Montenegro!" :) So we're heading out tomorrow morning around 10 or 10:30 and we'll come back sometime on Monday. From what I gather, it's kind of his tradition that he takes the Kingdom Workers to Montenegro near the end of their initial 30 days. I keep hearing that it's just outrageously beautiful, but the forecast is predicting rain. That's ok though. I'll still be able to see everything, even if I can't spend time outside walking around. I'm looking forward to it.

I've also been busy practicing my bike riding. No injuries or anything so far. Not even any close calls. It's not nearly as bad as I thought, but so far I've been avoiding the really congested areas. We rode to the Artificial Lake the other day (aka Big Park). Today we rode around on a few errands. Emily's a good leader because she knows the easiest ways to maneuver through places.

And I've been busy meeting more new people. :) Emily knew them already, but we got together with them plus Lejda and Aida. So here are a few more people to add to the cast of characters:

Tim & Helen - They are a married couple from England who have lived here for a few years. They work with the Baptist church so they know Lejda very well. They are very friendly and are only a few years older than me. I also found out that they play Settler's of Catan so a game night is now in the works. Tim seems like a bit of a teaser and Helen loves to laugh so I'm really hoping we get to spend more time with them because they seem like a lot of fun!

Lori - She has been here a couple years already and plans to stay a couple more. She teaches math and is closely associaated with the Baptist church as well, though I'm not sure if she works for the church. Lori is from the States and, along with Emily, is a big fan of Mexican food so we're also planning a Mexican night. I've run into her a few times before since she lives basically right behind us. It was nice to have a chance to talk to her more. She has some incredible stories!

Aside from all the getting ready and meeting people, I haven't been feeling particularly well yesterday or today. Hopefully it's just nerves as it gets time to start everything and really get the ball rolling for the year. I'm hoping and praying that once things are in full swing I will feel like myself finally. I just haven't feel 100% since I arrived. For the time being, I'm chalking it up to the overwhelming change and adjustment plus the little bit of nerves about teaching. But please, keep me (and Emily) in your prayers that I may feel strong and healthy soon so that I can do my best work and have energy too. :)

Check back Monday night to read my notes from Montenegro!