Spoiler alert: if you're planning to go on the Kairos retreat ever, don't read this blog post!!
Now that that's settled, let's talk about last night.
The last part of Kairos is the "homecoming," where family and friends of retreatants are at school, gathered together, waiting for them upon their return home. The retreatants have no idea that their families will be waiting for them, and it's a time to share what happened on the retreat and how the retreatants have grown and changed.
Homecoming was last night, and it was one of the most beautiful experiences of my entire life. I didn't even go on the retreat, but I was so amazed by and proud of the eloquence of these students. Students each have the opportunity (it's an open mic) to share a little bit about what they learned, and are able to publicly address their families if they so choose. So many students were so moved to tell their parents how much they love them, even though they don't show it. Most speeches were tear-filled, and I could tell that in many cases, there were no words to express the love these students were feeling.
Many students felt the need to apologize to their parents for not being the daughters/sons they know they can be, and for not showing the love that they feel. They touched upon showing their love and faith through actions, not through words alone.
Many other students took the opportunity to thank their parents for the sacrifices they've made. In the words of one of my students, "Mom, as a single mom, you put up with so much, and sacrifice so much for me. Excuse my French, but we've been through a lot of shit, and everything you do, you do for me. I love you so much." At this point, the mascara was running down my face, and I was so proud of my student for her strength and for showing the love she feels.
One student who took the opportunity to apologize to his dad had another surprise- as soon as the students were finished speaking, his dad got up to speak. The student had apologized for not being a good son, but his dad took the time to point out that his son's mistakes had been made out of innocence, that he didn't know any better. He's growing up, and he's expected to make mistakes. The dad told the whole room that instead of his son apologizing to him, he felt the need to apologize to his son. He hadn't been the dad that he could be, or that his son needed, and his mistakes were made out of ignorance.
cue: no more mascara on my eyelashes, all of it on my cheeks.
Having gone through Kairos in high school was such a powerful experience. I distinctly remember my own homecoming, and the homecomings after mine that I went to. The speeches are always so touching, but seeing kids who have all kinds of drama in their lives- far more than most of the girls I went to high school with- bare all and show such love and gratitude, was so overwhelmingly beautiful.
This was one of those times when I realized that regardless of how I physically came to be in that gym, it was the right place to be. There is a reason why I am in Texas, and it's to be with and learn from these kids.
On the way out, I heard girls calling my name- my juniors who went on the retreat. They all gave me hugs and thanked me for what I shared with them on the retreat (Kairos secrets, sorry). They then proceeded to tell me that we need to catch up this week- they feel like I'm the only one they can really talk to about anything, and they have a lot to process.
cue: Why did I even wear makeup?!
These students are amazing, and I am so blessed to be a part of this community! I can't wait to catch up with everyone who went on the retreat, both the students and teachers. They challenged me to think about what I learned on Kairos, and to live the fourth (Kairos secrets, sorry!) every day. It's a challenge we're taking on together, and I know we can do it.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
You've Got to Have Friends
Happy Kairos!
For those of you who are unfamiliar, Kairos is a four-day retreat that many high school juniors and seniors, as well as at certain colleges. Kairos is a Greek word meaning "God's time." It's based on a Jesuit tradition, and the seniors and eight juniors here at Cristo Rey Jesuit are on their way to the first EVER Kairos here!
I went on Kairos when I was in high school, and it was honestly one of the most influential experiences I've ever had. I'm pretty confident that I wouldn't be here as a JV had I not gone on Kairos! I went as a junior and lead the retreat in the fall of my senior year. I learned a lot about myself and my relationship with God in those four days, and while I'd love to tell you ALL about it, I don't want to give it all away! Pretty much everything that happens on Kairos is a huge secret, so I don't want to post anything on here that could be found by a future retreatant. Let's just say that A LOT of work goes into preparing for Kairos, and I have been supporting our Campus Minister to get the retreat off the ground.
I was supposed to be attending the retreat, but things got mixed up with different substitute needs, so I'll be here instead. I was pretty disappointed when I first found out that I wouldn't be going on retreat, but I absolutely understand the reasoning behind it. I don't teach seniors (though I will in the Spring), and I honestly don't know many of them yet. I do teach six of the eight juniors going on the retreat, but I have too many other responsibilities to go on Kairos unfortunately.
I ask for your prayers and good thoughts for my students on the retreat! They'll return to school on Saturday afternoon, and I'll be here to greet them :). I have been very nostalgic about my own Kairos experience, and I have one of the journals from one of my retreats with me here in Houston. I am anxious to be able to talk with my students when they get home.
I'm missing home today, especially as I come to realize that I'm not going home any time soon. It's September 26th, which means I'll be home in just under three months, and I'll see my parents in just under two. It's a long time to be away. Thanks for all the support, though! I have gotten cards, drawings, Alex and Ani bracelets, and letters- I wouldn't be able to do this without the support of my wonderful friends and family.
This is something I came to realize six years ago on Kairos XXXIV (I can't believe that was six years ago...), and I guess I needed another Kairos to remember it! I would be nowhere without you all. So while my students are on God's time, and I'm still on school time, I'm trying to remember the lessons I learned, and have my heart be on God's time. Tonight is about doubt, but then tomorrow is about love. Friday is about trust, and Saturday is about living.
This one goes out to XXXIV and Mrs. Sajeski especially :).
For those of you who are unfamiliar, Kairos is a four-day retreat that many high school juniors and seniors, as well as at certain colleges. Kairos is a Greek word meaning "God's time." It's based on a Jesuit tradition, and the seniors and eight juniors here at Cristo Rey Jesuit are on their way to the first EVER Kairos here!
I went on Kairos when I was in high school, and it was honestly one of the most influential experiences I've ever had. I'm pretty confident that I wouldn't be here as a JV had I not gone on Kairos! I went as a junior and lead the retreat in the fall of my senior year. I learned a lot about myself and my relationship with God in those four days, and while I'd love to tell you ALL about it, I don't want to give it all away! Pretty much everything that happens on Kairos is a huge secret, so I don't want to post anything on here that could be found by a future retreatant. Let's just say that A LOT of work goes into preparing for Kairos, and I have been supporting our Campus Minister to get the retreat off the ground.
I was supposed to be attending the retreat, but things got mixed up with different substitute needs, so I'll be here instead. I was pretty disappointed when I first found out that I wouldn't be going on retreat, but I absolutely understand the reasoning behind it. I don't teach seniors (though I will in the Spring), and I honestly don't know many of them yet. I do teach six of the eight juniors going on the retreat, but I have too many other responsibilities to go on Kairos unfortunately.
I ask for your prayers and good thoughts for my students on the retreat! They'll return to school on Saturday afternoon, and I'll be here to greet them :). I have been very nostalgic about my own Kairos experience, and I have one of the journals from one of my retreats with me here in Houston. I am anxious to be able to talk with my students when they get home.
I'm missing home today, especially as I come to realize that I'm not going home any time soon. It's September 26th, which means I'll be home in just under three months, and I'll see my parents in just under two. It's a long time to be away. Thanks for all the support, though! I have gotten cards, drawings, Alex and Ani bracelets, and letters- I wouldn't be able to do this without the support of my wonderful friends and family.
This is something I came to realize six years ago on Kairos XXXIV (I can't believe that was six years ago...), and I guess I needed another Kairos to remember it! I would be nowhere without you all. So while my students are on God's time, and I'm still on school time, I'm trying to remember the lessons I learned, and have my heart be on God's time. Tonight is about doubt, but then tomorrow is about love. Friday is about trust, and Saturday is about living.
This one goes out to XXXIV and Mrs. Sajeski especially :).
Also: I got asked to Homecoming by a freshman today... story to follow.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Love is in The Air...
... everywhere I look around!
It's Homecoming season here at Cristo Rey Jesuit, and you can tell! Not only does the school have posters and flyers on every wall, but the creative ways to ask each other to come to the dance have begun. On Thursday, one of my students asked me what to do if someone she didn't want to go with asked her, and how to let him down gently.
This morning, she came walking toward me with a bouquet of flowers in one hand and a small cake shaped like a rose in the other. The cake said "Homecoming?" on it... two more boys asked her this morning. The look on her face said it all: she did not want to go with either boy. It was pretty funny, but I tried to hide my laughter as I counseled her on how to let them down easy.
Today and the rest of the week are actually pretty easy for me! Between standardized testing, work schedules, and interviewing teachers who will teach a sample lesson to my class, I only teach three classes each day except for Thursday. I'm trying to take advantage of all this extra time to plan and prepare, but it's tempting to just hang out with the other teachers!
Quick update today, but more to come later this week!
It's Homecoming season here at Cristo Rey Jesuit, and you can tell! Not only does the school have posters and flyers on every wall, but the creative ways to ask each other to come to the dance have begun. On Thursday, one of my students asked me what to do if someone she didn't want to go with asked her, and how to let him down gently.
This morning, she came walking toward me with a bouquet of flowers in one hand and a small cake shaped like a rose in the other. The cake said "Homecoming?" on it... two more boys asked her this morning. The look on her face said it all: she did not want to go with either boy. It was pretty funny, but I tried to hide my laughter as I counseled her on how to let them down easy.
Today and the rest of the week are actually pretty easy for me! Between standardized testing, work schedules, and interviewing teachers who will teach a sample lesson to my class, I only teach three classes each day except for Thursday. I'm trying to take advantage of all this extra time to plan and prepare, but it's tempting to just hang out with the other teachers!
Quick update today, but more to come later this week!
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Faith and Freedom
Happy Saturday!!
This weekend is Faith and Freedom weekend for Human Trafficking Awareness Month, so our house has been going to a lot of different interfaith activities since Thursday evening. We have not only been able to learn about more spiritual traditions, but look at social justice through the lens of another faith, and it's been a refreshing experience so far.
Thursday evening we went to a Seder in honor of the anti-human trafficking movement. While Seders are usually held during Passover in the Spring, this one included many traditional elements as well as special quotes and readings related to modern-day slavery. We learned about the traditional foods of the Seder, and while ours was a "reader's digest version," it was still very moving. We also enjoyed a dinner of traditionally Jewish foods, and as JVs got to bring home the leftovers- I just had a lovely cup of motzah ball soup for lunch!
Friday, we didn't have a specific faith and freedom event, but the theme still fit the evening- freedom! It was so great to be able to relax, hang out, and watch a movie (Dirty Dancing- Anne Jordan, I think of you every time). We went to the refresqueria across the street from our house, which is kind of like a corner store and restaurant combined. Rachel had some really good nachos and I got a licuado, which is somewhere in between a smoothie and a milkshake. Mine was strawberry, so delicious! The family who runs the refresqueria is so sweet, and while I couldn't actually communicate with them, it was so great to find somewhere so close to our house to get a good, cheap snack. I passed out on the couch not long after 10 PM... I was a little tired.
This morning, we got up and drove to the Memorial part of the city, where we went to "Flow for Freedom," a yoga practice and meditation focused on anti-human trafficking efforts. It was a little bit humid for outdoor yoga, even at 9, but it was a great way to start the day, and the bagels after were delicious, as well as the fair-trade tea! After yoga and breakfast, we continued our very stereotypically "kashi granola-crunch" day and went to the new Trader Joe's in Houston! It opened yesterday, and we were so very excited to see what they had to offer.
I'm still not over the ability to buy alcohol somewhere other than a state store, and I was finally able to partake in the infamous "2-buck Chuck," the Charles Shaw wine for $2 (it's actually $2.99) per bottle. We got a few little treats for the house, and have had such a lovely, relaxing afternoon. This is one of the first Saturdays that we've been able to enjoy the whole day to ourselves with electricity and air conditioning, and I have really enjoyed the freedom to do things like catch up on TV that I missed this week and just curl up in my bed with my book.
We're heading to the gym for a quick workout before we get our plans together for the night, and I have some pretty serious grading and planning to do before Monday morning hits, but I'm hoping that we can still find some time to blow off some steam tonight and go out for an hour or two- though I do want to catch Mumford and Sons on SNL tonight!
Tomorrow will be the usual Sunday errands, Mass, and a quick Torchy's tacos trip thrown in. I do like our Sunday routine a lot, but it's been so nice to have Saturday to relax and do what we want to do!
This weekend is Faith and Freedom weekend for Human Trafficking Awareness Month, so our house has been going to a lot of different interfaith activities since Thursday evening. We have not only been able to learn about more spiritual traditions, but look at social justice through the lens of another faith, and it's been a refreshing experience so far.
Thursday evening we went to a Seder in honor of the anti-human trafficking movement. While Seders are usually held during Passover in the Spring, this one included many traditional elements as well as special quotes and readings related to modern-day slavery. We learned about the traditional foods of the Seder, and while ours was a "reader's digest version," it was still very moving. We also enjoyed a dinner of traditionally Jewish foods, and as JVs got to bring home the leftovers- I just had a lovely cup of motzah ball soup for lunch!
Friday, we didn't have a specific faith and freedom event, but the theme still fit the evening- freedom! It was so great to be able to relax, hang out, and watch a movie (Dirty Dancing- Anne Jordan, I think of you every time). We went to the refresqueria across the street from our house, which is kind of like a corner store and restaurant combined. Rachel had some really good nachos and I got a licuado, which is somewhere in between a smoothie and a milkshake. Mine was strawberry, so delicious! The family who runs the refresqueria is so sweet, and while I couldn't actually communicate with them, it was so great to find somewhere so close to our house to get a good, cheap snack. I passed out on the couch not long after 10 PM... I was a little tired.
This morning, we got up and drove to the Memorial part of the city, where we went to "Flow for Freedom," a yoga practice and meditation focused on anti-human trafficking efforts. It was a little bit humid for outdoor yoga, even at 9, but it was a great way to start the day, and the bagels after were delicious, as well as the fair-trade tea! After yoga and breakfast, we continued our very stereotypically "kashi granola-crunch" day and went to the new Trader Joe's in Houston! It opened yesterday, and we were so very excited to see what they had to offer.
I'm still not over the ability to buy alcohol somewhere other than a state store, and I was finally able to partake in the infamous "2-buck Chuck," the Charles Shaw wine for $2 (it's actually $2.99) per bottle. We got a few little treats for the house, and have had such a lovely, relaxing afternoon. This is one of the first Saturdays that we've been able to enjoy the whole day to ourselves with electricity and air conditioning, and I have really enjoyed the freedom to do things like catch up on TV that I missed this week and just curl up in my bed with my book.
We're heading to the gym for a quick workout before we get our plans together for the night, and I have some pretty serious grading and planning to do before Monday morning hits, but I'm hoping that we can still find some time to blow off some steam tonight and go out for an hour or two- though I do want to catch Mumford and Sons on SNL tonight!
Tomorrow will be the usual Sunday errands, Mass, and a quick Torchy's tacos trip thrown in. I do like our Sunday routine a lot, but it's been so nice to have Saturday to relax and do what we want to do!
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Back to Reality
Hello, everyone!
Sorry about the lack of posts this week... grades are due, and I'm trying to figure out how to use Power School. I'm back in the world of technology, after a long process of waiting for the UPS truck to come! I got a replacement phone on Tuesday, and though I lost a few photos and phone numbers in the process, I'm all set.
Have you ever had one of those moments where you stop and think about how you physically ended up in the place that you are? This was definitely me on Monday. I got to leave school early (my eighth period students were working), and I went right to the gym. It was great because I got a parking spot, and I was super stressed. I saw that there was a Tai Chi class at 5:45, which I thought sounded PERFECT for me, I needed to RELAX! I was a little early, though, and Janelle, our JVC Program Director was coming over at 6:15 to deliver some cupcakes. Hmm, there's a class at 4:45... BodyPump? It says it's for all levels.... ok, I'll give it a shot.
For those of you who are unaware, like me, BodyPump is a class that involves barbells. You can change the weights (trust me, I did), and it's self-driven but lead by an instructor. To say it nicely, the class totally kicked my butt. At one point while I was lying on a bench doing tricep extensions, I thought, "how did I end up in this situation?"
While I was definitely thinking about the physical pain I knew I would be in within a few hours, I was also thinking about the fact that I was in Texas. What?
Monday was the first time it really started to sink in that I'm in Texas. The Houston downtown Y is gorgeous, and there are really incredible views of the downtown area from the group exercise rooms as well as the workout rooms. I could see that infamous big sky, the big buildings of downtown, and I giggled as I heard the Texan accent of my BodyPump instructor. My students pretty much think that the East Coast is a different country, and a lot of the time I think they're right, and that Texas is actually its own country.
There are lots of times when I think that there is no way I could actually live here- it's been an interesting place to visit for sure, but I'm fairly positive that I will not be in Texas one year from today. I'm an East Coast girl at heart, and I miss Philadelphia, friends, and family too much to stay this far away. Sometimes I have an amazing interaction with my students and I think "how could I leave them?!" but Mom and Dad, don't worry... Fall, hot chocolate, winter, and people who move more than 5 miles an hour are calling me back home.
I am used to the heat and ridiculous humidity, but I will admit that I was thrilled this morning to get in my car when it was 66 degrees! It was actually a little bit chilly... and lovely. I'm still going Fall-crazy, and I have big plans to make many pumpkin-flavored things this weekend. Trader Joe's opens on Saturday... I'll be there!
xo
PS- Happy 80th Birthday to my amazing grandma! I love you and can't wait to see you!
Sorry about the lack of posts this week... grades are due, and I'm trying to figure out how to use Power School. I'm back in the world of technology, after a long process of waiting for the UPS truck to come! I got a replacement phone on Tuesday, and though I lost a few photos and phone numbers in the process, I'm all set.
Have you ever had one of those moments where you stop and think about how you physically ended up in the place that you are? This was definitely me on Monday. I got to leave school early (my eighth period students were working), and I went right to the gym. It was great because I got a parking spot, and I was super stressed. I saw that there was a Tai Chi class at 5:45, which I thought sounded PERFECT for me, I needed to RELAX! I was a little early, though, and Janelle, our JVC Program Director was coming over at 6:15 to deliver some cupcakes. Hmm, there's a class at 4:45... BodyPump? It says it's for all levels.... ok, I'll give it a shot.
For those of you who are unaware, like me, BodyPump is a class that involves barbells. You can change the weights (trust me, I did), and it's self-driven but lead by an instructor. To say it nicely, the class totally kicked my butt. At one point while I was lying on a bench doing tricep extensions, I thought, "how did I end up in this situation?"
While I was definitely thinking about the physical pain I knew I would be in within a few hours, I was also thinking about the fact that I was in Texas. What?
Monday was the first time it really started to sink in that I'm in Texas. The Houston downtown Y is gorgeous, and there are really incredible views of the downtown area from the group exercise rooms as well as the workout rooms. I could see that infamous big sky, the big buildings of downtown, and I giggled as I heard the Texan accent of my BodyPump instructor. My students pretty much think that the East Coast is a different country, and a lot of the time I think they're right, and that Texas is actually its own country.
There are lots of times when I think that there is no way I could actually live here- it's been an interesting place to visit for sure, but I'm fairly positive that I will not be in Texas one year from today. I'm an East Coast girl at heart, and I miss Philadelphia, friends, and family too much to stay this far away. Sometimes I have an amazing interaction with my students and I think "how could I leave them?!" but Mom and Dad, don't worry... Fall, hot chocolate, winter, and people who move more than 5 miles an hour are calling me back home.
I am used to the heat and ridiculous humidity, but I will admit that I was thrilled this morning to get in my car when it was 66 degrees! It was actually a little bit chilly... and lovely. I'm still going Fall-crazy, and I have big plans to make many pumpkin-flavored things this weekend. Trader Joe's opens on Saturday... I'll be there!
xo
PS- Happy 80th Birthday to my amazing grandma! I love you and can't wait to see you!
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Rough Weekend
What a weekend! It was very eventful, but also a little bit stressful. I went home on Friday and ultimately decided not to go to the CRJ football game. It was thundering and lighting, pouring rain, and I didn't want to hit traffic getting back to school. We came to the conclusion that we wouldn't be going to the game, but then Megan and I realized....
That we could go to the Phillies!! We were there for the 12-6 win on Friday night, and we had seats in the way high up nosebleeds of right field, but we didn't care. We got to the ballpark early, met Kevin Frandsen (3rd base for the Phils!), got his autograph, and had so much fun with our various signs that we made. It was a great game for Phils phans and was definitely the highlight of the weekend.
The next night we had really amazing seats thanks to my Aunt Patti and Uncle PJ, which I got for my graduation. We were right behind home plate- so cool! We went early again, but didn't meet any players this time. It was still cool to be so close to the players and to Charlie Manuel, the Phils manager, and we know that Carlos Ruiz (Chooooooooch!) saw our sign for him! Charlie waved to us too... but that was the end of the good night. The Phils were embarrassingly shut out by the Astros, and the fans around us were not as nice as those who sit in the 400 level.
As we were leaving the park and got to my car after a really disappointing night, I realized that I didn't have my cell phone with me. We went back to the stadium to try to look or have someone look for us, but no one was very helpful, and after a long string of events and "Find My iPhone," we determined that my phone was stolen. It was a disappointing day to say the least, and I'm pretty upset still, but thankfully I had insurance on the phone and my new phone is on the way, it should be delivered to school tomorrow!
The game today was equally upsetting- 7-6 loss, and the boys did not play to their best ability. They're not playing like they deserve the wildcard... very upsetting. Compile that with the fact that today was my last interaction with Phillies baseball until August 2013, and you have a very unhappy phan. The Astros are switching leagues next year, and they won't be playing the Phils at all.
I was also so upset that I couldn't be home today for my Nana's surprise 80th birthday party! She's so important to me, and even though my cousin Jenn and I did try to do some plotting to get me home this weekend, it just wasn't plausible. I miss my whole family, and I would have loved to have been with them to join in this celebration. I missed my Dad's 60th birthday last week, but I want to thank all of you who helped me with his gift! I collected 60 letters from family and friends filled with memories and birthday wishes, and with the help of US Mail and Aunt Phyllis, they got to my mom in time to give to my Dad on his birthday.
This weekend I missed the East Coast a lot. Eva's boyfriend came to visit, and I was so happy to meet him, but it also made me miss Tom a lot too. I miss my family, going to see the Phils at home, and fall weather! It hit 75 tonight... sweater weather in Texas! PC is back in full swing, and I got my yearbook on Saturday. I'm feeling nostalgic and a little homesick, but I know that I'm in Texas for a reason, and I'm trying to focus on my work. My parents will be here to visit around Thanksgiving (67 days!), I LOVE Halloween, and Megan and I had a really great night on Friday. I'm looking for this week to turn around in a drastic way, and I have faith that it will.
As I've heard before, the best way to cure anything is a good laugh and a long sleep. Luckily, I've inherited the Tully family ability to sleep, and I'm looking for a good laugh from my community members. I'm doing ok, and I'll be back to being ecstatic soon :).
That we could go to the Phillies!! We were there for the 12-6 win on Friday night, and we had seats in the way high up nosebleeds of right field, but we didn't care. We got to the ballpark early, met Kevin Frandsen (3rd base for the Phils!), got his autograph, and had so much fun with our various signs that we made. It was a great game for Phils phans and was definitely the highlight of the weekend.
The next night we had really amazing seats thanks to my Aunt Patti and Uncle PJ, which I got for my graduation. We were right behind home plate- so cool! We went early again, but didn't meet any players this time. It was still cool to be so close to the players and to Charlie Manuel, the Phils manager, and we know that Carlos Ruiz (Chooooooooch!) saw our sign for him! Charlie waved to us too... but that was the end of the good night. The Phils were embarrassingly shut out by the Astros, and the fans around us were not as nice as those who sit in the 400 level.
As we were leaving the park and got to my car after a really disappointing night, I realized that I didn't have my cell phone with me. We went back to the stadium to try to look or have someone look for us, but no one was very helpful, and after a long string of events and "Find My iPhone," we determined that my phone was stolen. It was a disappointing day to say the least, and I'm pretty upset still, but thankfully I had insurance on the phone and my new phone is on the way, it should be delivered to school tomorrow!
The game today was equally upsetting- 7-6 loss, and the boys did not play to their best ability. They're not playing like they deserve the wildcard... very upsetting. Compile that with the fact that today was my last interaction with Phillies baseball until August 2013, and you have a very unhappy phan. The Astros are switching leagues next year, and they won't be playing the Phils at all.
I was also so upset that I couldn't be home today for my Nana's surprise 80th birthday party! She's so important to me, and even though my cousin Jenn and I did try to do some plotting to get me home this weekend, it just wasn't plausible. I miss my whole family, and I would have loved to have been with them to join in this celebration. I missed my Dad's 60th birthday last week, but I want to thank all of you who helped me with his gift! I collected 60 letters from family and friends filled with memories and birthday wishes, and with the help of US Mail and Aunt Phyllis, they got to my mom in time to give to my Dad on his birthday.
This weekend I missed the East Coast a lot. Eva's boyfriend came to visit, and I was so happy to meet him, but it also made me miss Tom a lot too. I miss my family, going to see the Phils at home, and fall weather! It hit 75 tonight... sweater weather in Texas! PC is back in full swing, and I got my yearbook on Saturday. I'm feeling nostalgic and a little homesick, but I know that I'm in Texas for a reason, and I'm trying to focus on my work. My parents will be here to visit around Thanksgiving (67 days!), I LOVE Halloween, and Megan and I had a really great night on Friday. I'm looking for this week to turn around in a drastic way, and I have faith that it will.
As I've heard before, the best way to cure anything is a good laugh and a long sleep. Luckily, I've inherited the Tully family ability to sleep, and I'm looking for a good laugh from my community members. I'm doing ok, and I'll be back to being ecstatic soon :).
Friday, September 14, 2012
TGIF
On my drive in this morning, XM Broadway radio played "One Day More," one of the most famous songs from Les Miserables, and I think it was absolutely fitting to the way I feel right now. I have had another great week at CRJ, but I'm actually exhausted, and I couldn't be happier that today is Friday!
Last night was back to school night/open house here, and it was a great night for a lot of reasons. I was pretty nervous to meet the parents, but I was also really happy to be able to welcome them into my classroom and tell them about my classes. This back to school night was different than any other that I had ever experienced, aside from the fact that it's the first one I actually attended- my students came too. For the most part, the students accompany their parents to each classroom, whether it is to translate for them or just to show them around. I never went to a back to school night until last night, so I certainly never went as a student. The parents were really wonderful and supportive, and I had so much fun meeting them!
I really loved seeing the pride that my students had in taking their parents around the school. They were excited to introduce me to their families, and my mere 6 minutes with each class was enough for me to see the similarities between students and their parents, both in looks and mannerisms. Meeting some parents explained so much about their students, and I had a good laugh on my drive home.
The parents were all so generous, and the most common question was "what do you need help with that parents can do?" This especially came from the parents of my drama students- they're superstars. I am so lucky to have such an incredible first year of teaching experience!
Tonight is the first Cristo Rey Jesuit home football game! The Lions are 1-1, with a win in their first game EVER and a tough loss this past Tuesday. We're hoping for a W tonight for them as "the pride" takes the field for the first time at CRJ! I'll be there cheering on my students- I teach the quarterback! I am so excited for them, and we'll be having a pep rally this afternoon. When the students walked in the door, they encountered St. Ignatius showing his CRJ pride as well.
This weekend will also include a trip or two to the "juicebox"- Minute Maid Park. The Phillies are here! And I am mortified of course that they lost to the "Lastros" as Houstonians call them, but I'm pretty ecstatic about seeing the boys in action as they chase the wildcard. Look for me on TV on Saturday and Sunday... I have great tickets and even better signs :). Megan and I have been counting down the days til the game, and watching the DVD of the 2008 World Series in bits and pieces each night. Our roommates think we're crazy, but we just know it's because they're not lucky enough to be phans :).
So Go Lions, Go Phils, and Happy Friday! Here's to a phantastic weekend filled with lots of wins and lots of sleep!
Last night was back to school night/open house here, and it was a great night for a lot of reasons. I was pretty nervous to meet the parents, but I was also really happy to be able to welcome them into my classroom and tell them about my classes. This back to school night was different than any other that I had ever experienced, aside from the fact that it's the first one I actually attended- my students came too. For the most part, the students accompany their parents to each classroom, whether it is to translate for them or just to show them around. I never went to a back to school night until last night, so I certainly never went as a student. The parents were really wonderful and supportive, and I had so much fun meeting them!
I really loved seeing the pride that my students had in taking their parents around the school. They were excited to introduce me to their families, and my mere 6 minutes with each class was enough for me to see the similarities between students and their parents, both in looks and mannerisms. Meeting some parents explained so much about their students, and I had a good laugh on my drive home.
The parents were all so generous, and the most common question was "what do you need help with that parents can do?" This especially came from the parents of my drama students- they're superstars. I am so lucky to have such an incredible first year of teaching experience!
Tonight is the first Cristo Rey Jesuit home football game! The Lions are 1-1, with a win in their first game EVER and a tough loss this past Tuesday. We're hoping for a W tonight for them as "the pride" takes the field for the first time at CRJ! I'll be there cheering on my students- I teach the quarterback! I am so excited for them, and we'll be having a pep rally this afternoon. When the students walked in the door, they encountered St. Ignatius showing his CRJ pride as well.
Go Lions!
This weekend will also include a trip or two to the "juicebox"- Minute Maid Park. The Phillies are here! And I am mortified of course that they lost to the "Lastros" as Houstonians call them, but I'm pretty ecstatic about seeing the boys in action as they chase the wildcard. Look for me on TV on Saturday and Sunday... I have great tickets and even better signs :). Megan and I have been counting down the days til the game, and watching the DVD of the 2008 World Series in bits and pieces each night. Our roommates think we're crazy, but we just know it's because they're not lucky enough to be phans :).
So Go Lions, Go Phils, and Happy Friday! Here's to a phantastic weekend filled with lots of wins and lots of sleep!
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Always Love
So life in Texas is obviously a little bit different than life in Providence or Philly or Ireland or Kenya... this is not something that should come as a great surprise to anyone, and it certainly doesn't for me. I have lived in enough different cities and countries in the past four years to know that I would certainly have to adjust.
And what an adjustment it has been... it is really hot here, did you know that? But you have to bring a sweater with you everywhere, because it's so highly air conditioned everywhere you go. And there are an odd number of stray dogs here, and as many of you may know, I don't mix so well with most animals, especially most dogs, so that isn't my most favorite thing. "Y'all" is a constant reminder that I'm not in Kansas anymore, and I am still holding out on adapting it... I survived four years in Providence and I only managed to pick up the very occasional "wicked," so I think I'll be ok in Texas for a year.
Sunday night, we immersed ourselves into one aspect of Houstonian culture that is right outside our door, and that we work with every day, but we never really get to the culture of: the immigrant community here. I teach students who are immigrants themselves and children of immigrants, I struggle to teach proper English grammar to students whose second language is my first, and I drive past Spanish signs and hear Spanish every day. Some of these immigrants are Mexican, many are not. I live with two children of immigrant parents, and while I know this and am aware of it each day, my actions in school are the limit of my involvement with this aspect of the culture.
But then, there's food. One of the reasons I love food is that it's so universal- everyone has a favorite dish, and our culture as a whole is so fascinated by food, and whether it's viewed in a positive or negative light depends on where it's coming from. Eva took us to a restaurant on Sunday where I got to participate in the immigrant culture and really be immersed in it, and by doing so, I got to eat some delicious food.
Papusas. Pupusas. Popusas. Ever had them? They're spelled in different ways depending on who you ask, but while I don't really know how to spell them, I know I really like to eat them. They're a treat from El Salvador that Eva has talked about since day one of JVC, and she was shocked when I told her that I hadn't ever had one. They're made of corn flour, and stuffed with cheese and other excellent foods... as simple as they sound, they're a wonderful treat.
We went to a Salvadorian restaurant around the corner from our house, and it was definitely an experience when I was the minority in the room and could feel it. I was with my fellow gringas as we marched in a line led by Eva into the restaurant. Lots of weird looks and side glances, followed by Spanish conversation that I couldn't understand, and we were seated. Eva had to order for me, because though so many of my fellow Americans speak Spanish, I have yet to learn and am still that white girl who doesn't know how to communicate, though not for lack of trying.
Eva ordered me a really yummy fruit juice, and while I already forget the word for it, I remember that it's from the fruit that cashews come from. It was surprisingly sweet, and tasted like pineapple juice... it was a big hit. I again followed Eva's advice and ordered 3 papusas- one plain cheese, and two beef and cheese, though I meant to get three different ones. I was flustered by not knowing how to communicate, and I told Eva a different thing than what I actually wanted. Regardless, the papusas were delicious, and it was a really interesting experience to not be able to communicate with my waitress.
I felt like I was five again, so dependent on someone else to get what I needed. I felt guilty for not knowing how to ask for what I wanted. My few murmured "gracias"es were not enough- I couldn't connect with another human being, and I felt dumb for it. It gave me insight into how so many people feel every day when they're trying to get things done that they need to get done: describing their ailments at a health clinic, asking for food at a pantry or restaurant, or describing their lives at an intake desk at any one of the many social services agencies in Houston. My awkward yet delicious experience opened my eyes to just how much of a role English has in terms of success in the US.
It's given me an extra push as a grammar teacher, and has opened my eyes to the prejudices around me. I'm working on my Spanish again, because if I want to be able to help my students and interact with their families, then I need to communicate in a language in which they feel comfortable. English, with all its irregularities and spellings that don't make sense, is a complicated language.
As I sit here observing John's "Hyphenated Americans" class on 9/11, it's a little overwhelming. Today is always a hard day for me, and I think as I get older and have a deeper understanding of what happened, it gets harder. Experiencing 9/11 in Texas as compared to on the East Coast is certainly different due to the physical separation from the attacks, but also because of the people here. So many people here have actively chosen to make America their country, and they see the attacks in a different light. Today, the seniors are discussing a prompt: What's more powerful, love or hate?
Always, love.
And what an adjustment it has been... it is really hot here, did you know that? But you have to bring a sweater with you everywhere, because it's so highly air conditioned everywhere you go. And there are an odd number of stray dogs here, and as many of you may know, I don't mix so well with most animals, especially most dogs, so that isn't my most favorite thing. "Y'all" is a constant reminder that I'm not in Kansas anymore, and I am still holding out on adapting it... I survived four years in Providence and I only managed to pick up the very occasional "wicked," so I think I'll be ok in Texas for a year.
Sunday night, we immersed ourselves into one aspect of Houstonian culture that is right outside our door, and that we work with every day, but we never really get to the culture of: the immigrant community here. I teach students who are immigrants themselves and children of immigrants, I struggle to teach proper English grammar to students whose second language is my first, and I drive past Spanish signs and hear Spanish every day. Some of these immigrants are Mexican, many are not. I live with two children of immigrant parents, and while I know this and am aware of it each day, my actions in school are the limit of my involvement with this aspect of the culture.
But then, there's food. One of the reasons I love food is that it's so universal- everyone has a favorite dish, and our culture as a whole is so fascinated by food, and whether it's viewed in a positive or negative light depends on where it's coming from. Eva took us to a restaurant on Sunday where I got to participate in the immigrant culture and really be immersed in it, and by doing so, I got to eat some delicious food.
Papusas. Pupusas. Popusas. Ever had them? They're spelled in different ways depending on who you ask, but while I don't really know how to spell them, I know I really like to eat them. They're a treat from El Salvador that Eva has talked about since day one of JVC, and she was shocked when I told her that I hadn't ever had one. They're made of corn flour, and stuffed with cheese and other excellent foods... as simple as they sound, they're a wonderful treat.
We went to a Salvadorian restaurant around the corner from our house, and it was definitely an experience when I was the minority in the room and could feel it. I was with my fellow gringas as we marched in a line led by Eva into the restaurant. Lots of weird looks and side glances, followed by Spanish conversation that I couldn't understand, and we were seated. Eva had to order for me, because though so many of my fellow Americans speak Spanish, I have yet to learn and am still that white girl who doesn't know how to communicate, though not for lack of trying.
Eva ordered me a really yummy fruit juice, and while I already forget the word for it, I remember that it's from the fruit that cashews come from. It was surprisingly sweet, and tasted like pineapple juice... it was a big hit. I again followed Eva's advice and ordered 3 papusas- one plain cheese, and two beef and cheese, though I meant to get three different ones. I was flustered by not knowing how to communicate, and I told Eva a different thing than what I actually wanted. Regardless, the papusas were delicious, and it was a really interesting experience to not be able to communicate with my waitress.
I felt like I was five again, so dependent on someone else to get what I needed. I felt guilty for not knowing how to ask for what I wanted. My few murmured "gracias"es were not enough- I couldn't connect with another human being, and I felt dumb for it. It gave me insight into how so many people feel every day when they're trying to get things done that they need to get done: describing their ailments at a health clinic, asking for food at a pantry or restaurant, or describing their lives at an intake desk at any one of the many social services agencies in Houston. My awkward yet delicious experience opened my eyes to just how much of a role English has in terms of success in the US.
It's given me an extra push as a grammar teacher, and has opened my eyes to the prejudices around me. I'm working on my Spanish again, because if I want to be able to help my students and interact with their families, then I need to communicate in a language in which they feel comfortable. English, with all its irregularities and spellings that don't make sense, is a complicated language.
As I sit here observing John's "Hyphenated Americans" class on 9/11, it's a little overwhelming. Today is always a hard day for me, and I think as I get older and have a deeper understanding of what happened, it gets harder. Experiencing 9/11 in Texas as compared to on the East Coast is certainly different due to the physical separation from the attacks, but also because of the people here. So many people here have actively chosen to make America their country, and they see the attacks in a different light. Today, the seniors are discussing a prompt: What's more powerful, love or hate?
Always, love.
Monday, September 10, 2012
Day By Day
I'm trying to do less of a day-to-day update type of post, and one that's more topical, so here goes! I usually like posting that way because it gives me a way to reflect on the past few weeks and have a chance to really think about more than just what I did yesterday.
I've been thinking a lot about faith obviously as I've been here, and just like going to Kenya, or Italy, or Ireland, or Providence, mass here in Houston is different than mass at home. The music is different, the preaching styles are different, and the way people go to church is different. Over the past few weeks, we've definitely been "church shopping," but I think we've finally found one we like and will continue to go to.
During the shopping process, you notice things about mass. I have noticed that Catholic mass here has a distinct Protestant flavor, which honestly isn't that much of a surprise here in the deep south. People dress up way more than we do at home. It could be that I'm used to my college kid 10:30 PM masses (which by the way, I miss, and I was thinking of you all last night!), but everyone here gets very dressed up- some ladies wear hats! It's nice, because we do it too (not the hats), and it makes going to church more of an outing than something you simply do every week. It brings some of the formality back, and it makes us aware that we're going somewhere special.
I have also noticed the influence on the preaching style of the different priests whose homilies I have heard since I've been here. They sound more like southern Baptist preachers than Catholic priests, and I'm saying this having been to mass in several different places. Fr. Martinez, the Jesuit who is President of Cristo Rey, has an especially loud and engaging voice, and his homilies most remind me of being at mass in New Orleans. He uses the same inflection and tone as we see in many movies about the south, and I still think it's funny that that stereotype is actually true.
The music is also very much influenced by protestant traditions. We have been going to mass at St. Anne's, where the choir wears robes, and we each have a St. Anne's songbook in the pews. This also has all the readings for the year- it's a bound book with a hard cover, and it makes sense if you think about it, but it's still so funny to have a nice songbook instead of the new one every year. The music style is different from home. I don't recognize a lot of the songs, which is rare, and they all have a lot of slides and connected notes. The tempo is a bit slower and the beat is more of a march, and I find the lyrics to be less poetic. It's just different, but I like it!
I like going to mass at St. Anne's because there is a real diversity of people at mass. Lots of young married couples, lots of families, older people, and then there's us, who are somewhere in between. We feel comfortable there, and are beginning to be involved with the Young Adults group that's really active. We're still settling in, and having one place to go to church is helping with that.
I've been thinking a lot about faith obviously as I've been here, and just like going to Kenya, or Italy, or Ireland, or Providence, mass here in Houston is different than mass at home. The music is different, the preaching styles are different, and the way people go to church is different. Over the past few weeks, we've definitely been "church shopping," but I think we've finally found one we like and will continue to go to.
During the shopping process, you notice things about mass. I have noticed that Catholic mass here has a distinct Protestant flavor, which honestly isn't that much of a surprise here in the deep south. People dress up way more than we do at home. It could be that I'm used to my college kid 10:30 PM masses (which by the way, I miss, and I was thinking of you all last night!), but everyone here gets very dressed up- some ladies wear hats! It's nice, because we do it too (not the hats), and it makes going to church more of an outing than something you simply do every week. It brings some of the formality back, and it makes us aware that we're going somewhere special.
I have also noticed the influence on the preaching style of the different priests whose homilies I have heard since I've been here. They sound more like southern Baptist preachers than Catholic priests, and I'm saying this having been to mass in several different places. Fr. Martinez, the Jesuit who is President of Cristo Rey, has an especially loud and engaging voice, and his homilies most remind me of being at mass in New Orleans. He uses the same inflection and tone as we see in many movies about the south, and I still think it's funny that that stereotype is actually true.
The music is also very much influenced by protestant traditions. We have been going to mass at St. Anne's, where the choir wears robes, and we each have a St. Anne's songbook in the pews. This also has all the readings for the year- it's a bound book with a hard cover, and it makes sense if you think about it, but it's still so funny to have a nice songbook instead of the new one every year. The music style is different from home. I don't recognize a lot of the songs, which is rare, and they all have a lot of slides and connected notes. The tempo is a bit slower and the beat is more of a march, and I find the lyrics to be less poetic. It's just different, but I like it!
I like going to mass at St. Anne's because there is a real diversity of people at mass. Lots of young married couples, lots of families, older people, and then there's us, who are somewhere in between. We feel comfortable there, and are beginning to be involved with the Young Adults group that's really active. We're still settling in, and having one place to go to church is helping with that.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
One Month Down
Happy Month-i-versary!
Can you believe it? It's been just over a month since my first Torchy's taco, and it has honestly gone by so fast. I have been incredibly busy, which is why I feel like it flew, but it feels a little strange. I am so much more settled in here at school, I have a pretty solid routine, and I know my commute to school without even having to think about it. I am definitely still not used to waking up before the sun or getting to school in the dark, but I'm not sure that's something I'll ever get used to.
I still feel like I just got here, like it's maybe the second day of school, and I am embarrassingly still learning some of my students' names. My community is in a pretty consistent rhythm, especially when it comes to grocery shopping and chores and things around the house. I actually have a pretty good sense of where things are geographically, and my confidence in driving around downtown is growing each day.
So obviously, I have a lot more growing, exploring, and work to do, but one month is finished. Here's to the next eleven!
xo
Can you believe it? It's been just over a month since my first Torchy's taco, and it has honestly gone by so fast. I have been incredibly busy, which is why I feel like it flew, but it feels a little strange. I am so much more settled in here at school, I have a pretty solid routine, and I know my commute to school without even having to think about it. I am definitely still not used to waking up before the sun or getting to school in the dark, but I'm not sure that's something I'll ever get used to.
I still feel like I just got here, like it's maybe the second day of school, and I am embarrassingly still learning some of my students' names. My community is in a pretty consistent rhythm, especially when it comes to grocery shopping and chores and things around the house. I actually have a pretty good sense of where things are geographically, and my confidence in driving around downtown is growing each day.
So obviously, I have a lot more growing, exploring, and work to do, but one month is finished. Here's to the next eleven!
xo
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Awake My Soul
Happy Tuesday! My favorite day of the week (as most PC friends know). I am minorly heartbroken that I'm not in my first day of classes at PC, and I won't be returning to DiTraglia to hang out with 501 and 601 and build surprise forts, but I also know that if I was at PC today, none of those people would be there (except Mary), so it wouldn't be as fun. The moving back in tweets and facebook posts were tough yesterday, as well as all the OL love... I'm missing my home away from home, but I'm trying to focus on my new home here.
This weekend was a wonderful chance to relax and take some time to myself to refuel and re-energize for the week ahead. I did some exploring around Houston, found some cool restaurants, made my way to Central Market (foodie heaven), worked out a lot, and visited with some people I love. I did also lesson plan and clean the house, but all in all it was a nourishing weekend.
I made dinner Saturday night... sweet potato black bean enchiladas... yum. We worked out at the YMCA, used the interwebs, and were so excited to go to bed because we were so tired! That morning, we went to visit Megan at work, where there was a 10 cent sale at the Vincentian Services Center. I got a VCR for the house for $2 since we have a ton of tapes but no way to watch them, as well as this excellent find for a quarter:
We went back for naps and I did some arts and crafts! I put one of my favorite quotes from Mumford & Sons on our wall: "where you invest your love/you invest your life." I think it's so appropriate for our JV year, and I need to fix some of the letters, but overall, I think it looks pretty cool :).
Sunday, I took my roommates to mass at a Dominican parish! It was so exciting to see the OPs, and the mass was really beautiful. It was almost entirely chanted, and most of the prayers were sung in Latin- not exactly what we were expecting, but really beautiful. It was a little more traditional than the parish we've been attending each week, but we plan to go back next week at a different time in order to participate in a different style mass.
We had Spirituality night on Sunday, led by Megan, but before that, we went to Costco! Karen and I both have cards now because one of us will always go, and it was a good investment for our house. I felt like such a big kid with my very own Costco card! And we have a ton of snacks now- so great.
Yesterday was a busy day filled with errands, lesson plans, and working out- AND visiting with Sister Mary! Cassie and I went to Central Market again, and then we discovered that the famed cupcake shop Sprinkles was right down the street... so naturally, we got a half dozen to bring home as a Labor Day treat. They were absolutely delicious.
Sister Mary and I met that afternoon at the Cenacle Sisters Retreat House, a beautiful spot about 30 minutes away from my house (but still in Houston). We went on a walk/hike on the grounds, and it was so lovely to catch up with her and talk about Kenya, Ireland, and life as a JV. We continued our chat over some delicious salads, and parted ways because we both had an early day today!
It was so good to see her, and have a little time to myself outside of the house. I'm at school in a calm, confident attitude, even if I am missing my morning LaSalle and seeing the Dominicans every day.
This weekend was a wonderful chance to relax and take some time to myself to refuel and re-energize for the week ahead. I did some exploring around Houston, found some cool restaurants, made my way to Central Market (foodie heaven), worked out a lot, and visited with some people I love. I did also lesson plan and clean the house, but all in all it was a nourishing weekend.
I made dinner Saturday night... sweet potato black bean enchiladas... yum. We worked out at the YMCA, used the interwebs, and were so excited to go to bed because we were so tired! That morning, we went to visit Megan at work, where there was a 10 cent sale at the Vincentian Services Center. I got a VCR for the house for $2 since we have a ton of tapes but no way to watch them, as well as this excellent find for a quarter:
We went back for naps and I did some arts and crafts! I put one of my favorite quotes from Mumford & Sons on our wall: "where you invest your love/you invest your life." I think it's so appropriate for our JV year, and I need to fix some of the letters, but overall, I think it looks pretty cool :).
Sunday, I took my roommates to mass at a Dominican parish! It was so exciting to see the OPs, and the mass was really beautiful. It was almost entirely chanted, and most of the prayers were sung in Latin- not exactly what we were expecting, but really beautiful. It was a little more traditional than the parish we've been attending each week, but we plan to go back next week at a different time in order to participate in a different style mass.
We had Spirituality night on Sunday, led by Megan, but before that, we went to Costco! Karen and I both have cards now because one of us will always go, and it was a good investment for our house. I felt like such a big kid with my very own Costco card! And we have a ton of snacks now- so great.
Yesterday was a busy day filled with errands, lesson plans, and working out- AND visiting with Sister Mary! Cassie and I went to Central Market again, and then we discovered that the famed cupcake shop Sprinkles was right down the street... so naturally, we got a half dozen to bring home as a Labor Day treat. They were absolutely delicious.
Sister Mary and I met that afternoon at the Cenacle Sisters Retreat House, a beautiful spot about 30 minutes away from my house (but still in Houston). We went on a walk/hike on the grounds, and it was so lovely to catch up with her and talk about Kenya, Ireland, and life as a JV. We continued our chat over some delicious salads, and parted ways because we both had an early day today!
It was so good to see her, and have a little time to myself outside of the house. I'm at school in a calm, confident attitude, even if I am missing my morning LaSalle and seeing the Dominicans every day.
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