And it begins...

And it begins

So today was the first day of orientation. So far so good! Phew. All of the other new teachers were there, and it was fun to meet two other people from Iowa! Whoo! We are a powerful little state, ya’ll; don’t be discouraged because people get us mixed up with potatoes and Ohio... J From what I can tell from the first few days here, I really like my Elementary Principal, if not for the sole reason that he sports a “soul patch”. Just kidding, he is approachable and has expectations from us just as he acknowledges that there will be mistakes and rough days. I just met the principal from the High School and he’s a cheery fella who tells us that we are all currently being recorded for a reality TV series. So we’re encouraged to make things dramatic… J They pointed out that this a very young and developing school and we are all a part of what happens next. The school is still growing, adapting, and working out the kinks. We could be/are the cornerstones of this baby school. It’s empowering and intimidating all at the same time! I feel more willing (not that I wasn’t) to take ownership, and be proactive! If you know me you are laughing at that statement. Proactive! Bah!

Anyways. The other teachers seem really friendly and many phone numbers have been exchanged. I filled out many papers today: Bank account, insurance policy, IT stuff… This is real. Woah! I am ready to get this show on the road and meet my little peanuts!

It’s interesting, life is. When I was a little girl, playing with Stacie dolls and planning my life. I always thought I’d get married young and start a family right away. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be moving across the world to teach in Vietnam. It’s funny how life experiences can change your opinion and worldview. You think you’ve got it all figured out and BOOM! You don’t. Something happens [or doesn’t] and you’re lying face-up looking at the sky trying to figure out what’s next. It’s weird to think about how you got to where you are. I’m contemplating all of this while laying in bed listening to people honk at each other out my 29^th floor window, and I just heard a buzz saw… at 11:00 PM. Every decision you make has an effect on the rest of your life. Turn left instead of right, and you meet someone totally different. Go to the gym ten minutes later than you planned and someone new is there. These different people can affect your life in different ways. Weird huh? Anyway, life is interesting. You never know what’s going to happen.