Intense but positive day!

I had no idea what was coming for me today. I took the bus to school and was feeling pretty great as I walked into school. An aire of confidence overtook me and I knew that no matter what happened, everything would be alright. I was also excited to see the students after a week of stikes (wierd huh?!?!)

As soon as I walked in to the teachers lounge, the vice principle told me that he wanted to talk to me about how things were going because the Minestry of Ed. had sent him a questionarre to follow up with volunteers. I was timid to talk about my problems with him at first because I truely do not want to get anyone in trouble. Thankfully Jorge walked in and told the V.P directly that I was not happy with the situation and that things needed to change. He told the VP about the elementary school teacher who is the coordinator in this area of English Opens Doors (the program in which I am participating.) Up until this year she worked in the high school that I am in so the Minestry intended for me to work with her but when she left they put me with my current cooperating teacher. (the crazy politics of the education system...it happens everywhere!) We also talked about my problem working with my cooperating teacher. Jorge proposed that I work 2 days in the high school and 2 days at the elementary school. The V.P. said

Immediately after that, Jorge took me to the elementary school to get to know it and watch Oriana, the English teacher, teach. As soon as I walked into the school and saw the kids glittering bright eyes, I felt like I could breathe again. I get that same feeling everytime I walk into an elementary school. The first class that Oriana had was 2nd grade. I was prepared and had brought a childrens book so I read it to the class. They were so eager to listen and so attentive to the teacher. The great thing was that Oriana was prepared and had activities to do with them. (She teaches 45 hrs a week just like my cooperating teacher in the high school but somehow Oriana finds time at home to plan and doesnt waist classtime going over things in her head.) I loved working with her and watching her because we have the same teaching style...we both understand the importance of planning but we also know how to modify and adjust...be spontainious. The other thing that I loved about working with her is that I can truely tell that she loves her job and she understands her students. Karen, my current cooperating teacher does not understand her students AT aLL!

Oriana goes home for lunch and so she invited me over. Her mother had made Salmon, kiesh (with vegetables) a celery salad and rice (the best rice Ive ever eaten!). We drank wine and had a fabulous time. Then we washed it down with "herbal water"...she picked mint from her garden and put it in hot water. They said that it is great after a big meal to settle the stomach. That is a normal lunch for her. It was wonderful!!! That was the first time that anyone here has cooked a for me! She said that I could come over whenever I wanted.

The good news...Oriana could see in my face how much I enjoyed working with the elementary kids so she called the Minestry and they are thinking about switching me to work with her full time.

It was ackward to walk back into the high school because I ditched out on the English teachers in the morning to visit the elementary school. The English teachers asked me what was going on and I explained it to them. I told them that I was sorry because I had made commitments to them and their students. However, I blamed the Minestry and said that everything was a miscommunication and that I was meant from the beginning to work with Oriana. Karen, my current cooperating teacher, is still fighting for me to stay with her, at least for some time. I seriously hate to leave the students at the high school because I can see that they are more motivated when I am in the classroom. However, I CANNOT continue working with Karen. Things are looking up...and everyone here is doing everything to help me. I guess everything hangs on the decision of the Minestry tomorrow. Please say a prayer!