Well, there are four weeks left until I leave for Germany. Yesterday I gave the okay on my business cards to hand out and shirts are ordered. In the past couple weeks I have been asked numerous times, "Do you have any big plans for the summer?" or "What are you doing this summer?" Of course I responded with "Well, I've got a few school projects to do in the next month, and then I'm going to Germany through 4-H." In the end, I typically explain what IFYE is and that I'm going to stay with host families. As I said in my last post, I have very little information other than that I will probably be staying with three different families while I am there. I do not know what part(s) of Germany I will be going to, or what I will be doing with the families other than the fact that I will be helping out with chores and hopefully getting to see different sights with my families. That alone is a difficult concept for me to still be patient in the "not knowing" field. As I have said before, it is a concept I am learning to give up to God, but it is becoming increasingly difficult as I get closer to the trip.
But then I get the response: "wow, you are so brave!"-meaning to travel on my own to another country, to just let go of the "not knowing" the details of the trip. Well, obviously I haven't let go of the not knowing part very well, but to say I'm brave? I don't feel very brave at all. Rather, I feel very uncertain. I feel as if I don't know if I'm strong enough to go and do this, can I travel alone to meet people I don't know, and in a language I speak very little of? As my departure date draws nearer I am filled with excitement, with uncertainties, and with some fear/anxiety. There is so much yet to determine and to prepare, at times it is almost overwhelming to think about. Am I truly "brave" as so many people have told me? I don't think so, or well, I don't think "brave" is the correct term. Adventurous? Maybe. Traveler? Yes. But "brave"? no I am not brave, I am not brave like so many of the people in the bible-Mary comes to mind first. I know I am meant to go on this trip, I know God will teach me many things through this trip just as He does in everyday life and has in so many ways already this year I am only beginning to digest & process those lessons, but I am so uncertain. Uncertain of what to expect and what's to come. Maybe that in and of itself is another lesson that I am still learning. You would think that maybe in college I would have learned this lesson by now, especially in moving as teaching in a new place and living with a new roommate and everything, but to trust God completely with every little thing-yeah that I am still working on. A part of me wonders if it is something that I will work on my whole life amongst other small lessons along the way.
How was it that Mary was able to trust God so easily? In that moment when the Angel Gabriel appeared to her. I know she must have had many doubts and fears, but she chose to trust, she chose to follow, and all so easily. At least that's how the stories make it sound. Maybe to trust God is an easy choice, but to live it out day to day without question, without fear, is the difficulty. And yet I strongly believe that through our doubts and our fears and our questioning that we pursue a deeper relationship with God, we learn what it means to trust Him wholeheartedly through each phase, and we are reminded of why we are His.
To trust God as Mary did, or as Jesus did, or as Paul did while in jail-those are three examples of people who were brave. I am not brave as these three were, but I am learning to trust and become brave as they were.
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Friday, May 10, 2013
Update #2-End of School-Onto Summer-Germany: 5 Weeks Away!
So there is only about a month left
before I leave for Germany. It really seems unreal right now, but that is
probably due to so much happening in general. Today is the last day of school,
and this afternoon I will have completed my first year of teaching! The past
few weeks have been crazy busy with activities-from music to sports to award
banquets and ceremonies, there were days that I could barely seem to keep track
of what was needing to be done, and yet many teachers including myself have been
working long hours to get everything done.
It seems that April and May are actually busier than December is when
you look at school activities and schedules, but it has been great to go to all
the banquets and ceremonies, and attend various activities to see what all the
students are involved in and the community support. I could not be prouder of
my students or enjoying teaching more than at those events and on the brightest
days in the classroom. As the school year comes to a close, it is hard to see the
growth from an inside view, but when I step back and remember last fall to this
spring, the changes that have occurred are drastic. There is still work to be
done, but so much more growth too, and not only in the students but also in
myself.
So as
summer approaches and I find myself planning for next year whether reviewing
and fixing my handbooks, planning marching band camp, thinking about ideas for
drill or for the Christmas concert already, the trip, or the summer projects I
have, I tend to push Germany aside. I get caught up in the excitement of
planning a new school year, but then I stop and realize how close Germany is,
how excited I am to go, and how blessed I am to be able to go on a trip like
this. There are so many unknowns yet-like the total cost of the trip, or
knowing anything about the host families I will be with or where I will be
going in Germany, but I have come to terms finally with the not-knowing. When
it is time for me to know, I will be told the information needed. That may mean
waiting until I get off the plane in Germany to find out where I am going first
or that may mean finding information out next week. Regardless, I trust that
God has everything under control and that He is guiding those who are in charge
of organizing host families and the costs. It has taken me months to reach this
place, at one point I even considered not going because I was frustrated with
the not knowing, but now I have learned even more patience.
In the meantime, I am
starting to think again about the meal I will prepare for my host family (and
the fact that I need to try making BBQ from scratch first), the gifts I want to
bring for my host families, and the pictures that I would like to print and
leave with each host family. If you have any tips or ideas, any would be
appreciated. I have some ideas already like bringing measuring cups that we use
here in the US, but I have had difficulty thinking of other ideas. I’m also
looking for something that could represent Kansas, Ohio, and Colorado (or three
separate things) as I have lived in all three states at various times over the
past few years. I am also planning to work on reviewing my German language
skills. I have yet to find the time but plan to make this a priority when
school ends. I would like to be able to speak quite a bit of German when I
return. Currently my German is very poor, I can understand certain words and
phrases, even pronounce words yet, but speaking in a conversation is a
challenge. I am looking forward to trying many new dishes while there, being
adventurous and hopefully hiking some while I am there, as I have been told
that Germans tend to be more active. I do not know yet whether I will be in a
rural area or in the city, either experience will be wonderful and I hope I can
learn a lot from the families about their lifestyle and how things are done
there compared to the US. I also hope to learn about how music is taught, and
if/how it has a part in their school system as their school system is quite
different from ours.
There is so much to learn and experience, I wonder if I will
have learned much in 8 weeks, or barely even touched the tip of an ice-burg in
learning about Germany, it’s peoples, and it’s customs. I am so excited, and as
I write becoming more excited, yet nervous for what is to come all at the same
time! It is still so crazy and still so unreal yet to me. I wonder if it will
not seem completely and utterly real until I pack up my stuff and prepare to
board the plane to leave for the conference prior to flying to Germany. Whatever
the case, there is little news to update in preparation for my trip, except to
start a countdown (now that school is over, this is okay to do! Lol)-5 weeks!!!
EEK! There’s so much to do between Germany and preparing for school next year!
As far as family or home-life goes: Mom is graduating from
college this Saturday! Karen has finished her first year of grad school,
Krystal has almost finished her first year of undergrad, and Dad is switching
to a day position at school. My roommate and I are very close friends at this
point, and our dogs seem to be happy although Winnie I think has felt abandoned
the past couple of weeks with all my activities so I will be sure to give her
extra attention when I get to stay home the second half of next week. For now,
that seems to be all. If you want to know more about the IFYE program or have
questions about my trip or school year, feel free to ask! (I also apologize for
the length, maybe I should learn to post more often……don’t worry once I leave for
Germany I’ll be posting an update once a week as well as a picture or two with
each post J).
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Update #1-Plane Tickets & Orientation 2
Hi! So there has been much planning for this summer occurring. Between January and February, my travel dates were confirmed as well as plane tickets purchased for the trip. As I finished up my bio and it was translated for Germany, the travel agent also began looking at plane tickets. We finalized my arrival and departure dates for Germany, and the travel agent then found flights for me from Wichita to the summer orientation/send-off, and then on to Germany and back. Once the travel agent found tickets at a fair price, I was asked to pay the plane ticket cost in order to book the tickets. Although I had grant money coming for my plane tickets, I had yet to receive it, which left me slightly concerned as to whether I had the funds in my bank account or not. Luckily, I checked my accounts, gave a sigh of relief and gave the go ahead to book the flights as I sent off the check. At this point, it was like well if you still doubted that you were going to Germany-guess what-YOU'RE GOING TO GERMANY! What makes it better is I will not be traveling the entire way alone. I meet up with one of the Kansas representatives in Chicago on our way to the gathering in Illinois, and then we will travel to Dublin, Ireland before going to our separate countries. Although I have traveled around the US many times by myself (mainly to Ohio or Colorado), I have learned in the past couple years how nice it is to have someone else to travel with along the way. It makes traveling easier and more fun to have stories and memories to share.
Since then I have learned that I have received a grant from CKD #3 4-H Development Fund for my trip. I have also applied for a grant from the IFYE Alumni Association, and hope to receive some funding from the organization as well.
A week and a half ago, we had our second orientation. We met at the Southeast of Saline School, just outside of Salina where I grew up. At the orientation, we gave presentations about the country we were visiting. Even though I knew some about Germany from taking German in high school, I knew there was a lot that I have not yet even started to learn. The hardest part for me in making the presentation, was finding time to do so. I ended up creating my presentation after the Friday evening portion of the orientation since I did not present until Saturday morning.-Yes even teachers are still very good at procrastinating! I rather enjoyed looking up information and would have liked to add pictures, but I was too tired by then to do so. I also looked up a few fun music facts about Germany that were knew to me, but I could incorporate into my presentation. Throughout the rest of the orientation we learned about various countries, how to take care of ourselves, communication and various ways to communicate, taking pictures with us and taking pictures there to bring home, host family gifts, and had many snacks that we each made and brought.
Along the way there have been many wonderful people helping us. Each person on the IFYE Board along with a few specific people-our travel agent, the German Agent-Edith, Deryl, Emily (especially since she has been to Germany, I ask her a lot of travel questions), Marj, and probably most helpful-Mary Kay. Without these people and their work, there is no way I would be able to go on this trip-so a huge thank you to all of them.
Since then I have learned that I have received a grant from CKD #3 4-H Development Fund for my trip. I have also applied for a grant from the IFYE Alumni Association, and hope to receive some funding from the organization as well.
A week and a half ago, we had our second orientation. We met at the Southeast of Saline School, just outside of Salina where I grew up. At the orientation, we gave presentations about the country we were visiting. Even though I knew some about Germany from taking German in high school, I knew there was a lot that I have not yet even started to learn. The hardest part for me in making the presentation, was finding time to do so. I ended up creating my presentation after the Friday evening portion of the orientation since I did not present until Saturday morning.-Yes even teachers are still very good at procrastinating! I rather enjoyed looking up information and would have liked to add pictures, but I was too tired by then to do so. I also looked up a few fun music facts about Germany that were knew to me, but I could incorporate into my presentation. Throughout the rest of the orientation we learned about various countries, how to take care of ourselves, communication and various ways to communicate, taking pictures with us and taking pictures there to bring home, host family gifts, and had many snacks that we each made and brought.
Along the way there have been many wonderful people helping us. Each person on the IFYE Board along with a few specific people-our travel agent, the German Agent-Edith, Deryl, Emily (especially since she has been to Germany, I ask her a lot of travel questions), Marj, and probably most helpful-Mary Kay. Without these people and their work, there is no way I would be able to go on this trip-so a huge thank you to all of them.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Germany: The Beginning
HI!!!! So this is the first blog I have ever written, so forgive me as this is long. Just to give you some insight, this blog is primarily going to be about my experiences applying for, preparing, going to, and after returning from my experience with the Internation Foreign Youth Exchange Program (IFYE) through 4-H.
To give you some backround information about how I got to this point, I was a 4-H member for 12 years, and an alumni for 5 years to date. My family was very active in the Saline County 4-H, which changed to Central Kansas District #3 sometime while I was in high school I believe. I was active in many projects growing up, but as I got older I began to focus more on Plant Science, Foods, and Clothing. I was also active in Dog, Performing Arts, Leadership, and a few others at various times. I was an active member of Willing Workers 4-H club serving in various offices and committees over the years. In the county, I served as a co-chair for the County Social Committee for two years, and served in Foods and Plant Science as Fair Assistants. I attended Discovery Days for a few years, and attended 4-H Camp every year possible, and really treasured being a 4-H Counselor. The memories and friendships I made at the time were ones I won't forget.
Now onto the IFYE Program adventure. Last September, I had been talking with my parents about going to the Kansas State Fair. I have not been in several years, since I attended college out of state. I finally decided I needed a break for a weekend to get away from my new job and the challenges for a weekend. Of course, while we were at the fair, we went to the 4-H Building. It is a normal stop for us and always one of the first places we go. Anyway, when we first walked into the building, my parents stopped for a restroom break, and while i was waiting I was looking at the poster boards on the tables. One board was about the IFYE Program. I looked at it, and realized "hey-I could do that! I've been looking for an experience like this!" So I picked up the flyers, and anxiously awaited for the applications to come out in two weeks. Now the application is very extensive and I was lucky to finish it in time with being a first year teacher. I heard back that I was invited to an interview at the end of November. Going into the interviews, I had no idea what to expect, but everyone was so kind and asked questions to see where we wanted to go, how we learned about the program (they were all shocked I saw the poster at the fair) and asked us questions in reference to how we would be able to adapt to living in another country. That afternoon we learned we were accepted into the program. From there it became a waiting game. A waiting game to hear back about what country we would be going to and dates and traveling.........for someone like me that wants to know, it was a long month of very little contact. Finally when I was about to give up hope of hearing anything, I recieved an email from Mary Kay with the news I had been waiting for-Germany was willing to accept me as an IFYE Representative!!!
Since then, the ball just keeps rolling. Last week I recieved a copy of my final biography with my picture on it-that's when the news I was going to Germany really hit. Before I was just excited, and jumping up and down when I told people, but now it was like "woah-I'm really going!!!" As of today, Germany has accepted my dates for the program and I couldn't be more excited!
The past year of 2012 has been so crazy-I graduated from Bluffton University in Ohio and left a home of 5 years, left friends that became family which was bittersweet-but who I will see come March when I come visit, spent my last summer working at the YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park Center renewing and forming friendships and growing more in my faith through a great support group, moving back to Kansas, volunteering with Teens for Christ Connections Youth Group, going on a Mission Trip to Cuidad, Juarez, Mexico to build a house for a family through Casas Por Christo, and starting teaching at Northern Valley Schools as a band teacher-which provides many challenges but many opportunites for great memories with the students!
2013 is off to a great start learning that I finally get to go to Germany-a place I have dreamed of going since I took German in high school, and continuing in teaching and youth group. I know I have many days that I just shake my head, unsure of what is going to happen next, but somehow God is reminding me to stop and look around at the good. God is working to teach me more each day too, one of which is patience in waiting for His will and not just wanting to know right now. I look forward to learning what more He has in store for me this semester, and through the trip, and next year after I return. I will try to post as new information comes and give small updates on school for those interested as well. Thanks for reading, I know this was long! Below are the IFYE Dates:
Nov. 1st-Deadline for Applications
Nov.30-Interviews & Orientation
March 8-9: Orientation #2
June 14-16: Orientation #3 & Send Off- Bloomington, IL (National)
June 17-Aug 12: Germany!!!!
To give you some backround information about how I got to this point, I was a 4-H member for 12 years, and an alumni for 5 years to date. My family was very active in the Saline County 4-H, which changed to Central Kansas District #3 sometime while I was in high school I believe. I was active in many projects growing up, but as I got older I began to focus more on Plant Science, Foods, and Clothing. I was also active in Dog, Performing Arts, Leadership, and a few others at various times. I was an active member of Willing Workers 4-H club serving in various offices and committees over the years. In the county, I served as a co-chair for the County Social Committee for two years, and served in Foods and Plant Science as Fair Assistants. I attended Discovery Days for a few years, and attended 4-H Camp every year possible, and really treasured being a 4-H Counselor. The memories and friendships I made at the time were ones I won't forget.
Now onto the IFYE Program adventure. Last September, I had been talking with my parents about going to the Kansas State Fair. I have not been in several years, since I attended college out of state. I finally decided I needed a break for a weekend to get away from my new job and the challenges for a weekend. Of course, while we were at the fair, we went to the 4-H Building. It is a normal stop for us and always one of the first places we go. Anyway, when we first walked into the building, my parents stopped for a restroom break, and while i was waiting I was looking at the poster boards on the tables. One board was about the IFYE Program. I looked at it, and realized "hey-I could do that! I've been looking for an experience like this!" So I picked up the flyers, and anxiously awaited for the applications to come out in two weeks. Now the application is very extensive and I was lucky to finish it in time with being a first year teacher. I heard back that I was invited to an interview at the end of November. Going into the interviews, I had no idea what to expect, but everyone was so kind and asked questions to see where we wanted to go, how we learned about the program (they were all shocked I saw the poster at the fair) and asked us questions in reference to how we would be able to adapt to living in another country. That afternoon we learned we were accepted into the program. From there it became a waiting game. A waiting game to hear back about what country we would be going to and dates and traveling.........for someone like me that wants to know, it was a long month of very little contact. Finally when I was about to give up hope of hearing anything, I recieved an email from Mary Kay with the news I had been waiting for-Germany was willing to accept me as an IFYE Representative!!!
Since then, the ball just keeps rolling. Last week I recieved a copy of my final biography with my picture on it-that's when the news I was going to Germany really hit. Before I was just excited, and jumping up and down when I told people, but now it was like "woah-I'm really going!!!" As of today, Germany has accepted my dates for the program and I couldn't be more excited!
The past year of 2012 has been so crazy-I graduated from Bluffton University in Ohio and left a home of 5 years, left friends that became family which was bittersweet-but who I will see come March when I come visit, spent my last summer working at the YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park Center renewing and forming friendships and growing more in my faith through a great support group, moving back to Kansas, volunteering with Teens for Christ Connections Youth Group, going on a Mission Trip to Cuidad, Juarez, Mexico to build a house for a family through Casas Por Christo, and starting teaching at Northern Valley Schools as a band teacher-which provides many challenges but many opportunites for great memories with the students!
2013 is off to a great start learning that I finally get to go to Germany-a place I have dreamed of going since I took German in high school, and continuing in teaching and youth group. I know I have many days that I just shake my head, unsure of what is going to happen next, but somehow God is reminding me to stop and look around at the good. God is working to teach me more each day too, one of which is patience in waiting for His will and not just wanting to know right now. I look forward to learning what more He has in store for me this semester, and through the trip, and next year after I return. I will try to post as new information comes and give small updates on school for those interested as well. Thanks for reading, I know this was long! Below are the IFYE Dates:
Nov. 1st-Deadline for Applications
Nov.30-Interviews & Orientation
March 8-9: Orientation #2
June 14-16: Orientation #3 & Send Off- Bloomington, IL (National)
June 17-Aug 12: Germany!!!!
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