Planting Seeds of Knowledge and um, Bean Seeds

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about the responsibility I have to my students. Each morning I greet them at the door and look into their eager faces and dancing eyes and I am humbled and yet grateful for being their teacher. So many of them are like sponges; ready to absorb knowledge and expand. Can I do this, I wonder? Some days I am confident and know that I am doing a good job, then on other days, I ponder...did I plant seeds of knowledge today, or did I just keep them busy?

Recently we have been learning about the parts of a seed and what seeds and plants need in order to grow and mature. Our experiment began with a lima bean. I knew this seed would show results quickly. We discussed the parts of a seed and what is inside, and the basic needs of a seed. Then we "planted" the seed wrapped in a wet paper towel and put it in a plastic cup. We measured, made predictions, recorded information and then discussed the virtue of patience while waiting for our seed to "do something." And something they did do. They sprouted and within a week were ready to be transplanted into a bigger container. I simply asked my students to bring in an empty can to use as a pot. We filled the "can pots" with potting soil, put our bean seedling in the can and again discussed the virtue of being patient while waiting for our seedling to "do something."

And do something it did. Our seedlings grew into plants. Now we wait even longer for our plant to blossom and bloom and produce beans. I wonder....will they like lima beans? Um...

Whether or not they like lima beans is irrelevant. The students are so excited about their very own bean seed plant. Every day someone comes up to me to tell me about his or her plant. Wow, how exciting that my students are excited about science! Can I do this? Why yes, I believe I just have.

My Home Sweet Saipan Home!

One of the blessings of living in my apartment here on Saipan is the beautiful view of the ocean. Literally I live about 30 feet from the beach! My neighbor says that is just about right for kicking a soccer from the top balcony right into the ocean. Why would she do that? I don't know, she's crazy! :D Just kidding. Really she is a great neighbor who brightens my days with her smile and enthusiasm for life. I know she likes me because she will jog with me even though I am very slow.

But wait a minute this blog isn't about her, it is about my home here in Saipan. As I said, I live right on the beach. Everyday I thank God for the beautiful sunset I see from my window.

Some days as I walk to school I still feel in awe that I live on an island. What an amazing God we have!

Welcome to my home!

Saying Good-Bye

Today I said good-bye to a dear friend. Hozumi left Saipan this morning for Singapore to meet up with her husband, Bryan. We knew the day and time was coming when she would finally leave the island, but it is never easy to say good-bye when that moment comes.

For the past several weeks we have had long talks over breakfast at Shirley's. We shared stories, disappointments, heartaches together, frustrations, faith, and good memories. We laughed, cried, and encouraged one another to keep our chin up and keep going. We promised to pray for one another.

I admire my friend for so many reasons. She is beautiful and kind. Thoughtful and generous. Elegant and stylish. I will miss having her near. I will miss our morning talks at Shirley's.

Dear God, please take care of my friend. Thank you.

An Evening With Friends

Last Thursday I had several friends over to say goodbye to David Creel, Marissa Lodgson, and Hozumi Redd. All three are leaving island in mid October and I wanted to have a farewell dinner for them and some other friends before they left. My aim was to keep things simple. Since it is Fall back home, I wanted to have homemade vegetable soup and fresh baked bread from Ebisuya. For dessert I served orange cake with cream cheese icing. That's it...real simple. I also wanted this evening to be a time of relaxing with friends, having good fellowship with one another, and singing praise songs to God. All three were accomplished. It was a nice evening and I hope my guests of honor will have a sweet memory to take home with them. Unfortunately, Hozumi couldn't make it because she had another dinner engagement that night, but we prayed for her anyway. Something that I like to do with my guests is to have them draw me a picture and add to my sketch book. The artwork is fun and usually has a story behind it. The guests enjoy looking over what others have done before them. And, it gives me some nice memories as well as artwork.