Paper Planes...

I'm currently writing this from a bedroom and since my house in Suriname does not have internet in it -I am not there. In fact I'm home; back in Canada for Christmas. It only took 3 countries, 4 planes and 10 hours or so in layovers to get here. And it's cold here, just to mention!

I'm happy to be back. I missed my family and I'm glad I get to spend Christmas with them. (They're glad too!!) It feels more like Christmas now that there is snow and family!

Today was my first day back and I basically spent all day noticing the difference between my life there and here. First thing I woke up and had a shower and I didn't have to check for creatures! That was kind of nice. The sink, shower and toilet are all in one room; which they are not in my house in Suriname. So that was fun. I went to church this morning and I understood it! It was all in English, and the people knew me. I forgot how nice it is to go to church and have to be an extended family; to have everyone miss you and know you and be able to speak to you in your own language.

I had a hot dog for lunch. I haven't had a hot dog for several months. I also had milk, which may not seem like a big deal but in Suriname I drink soy milk if I bother to drink milk at all. I'm a bit nervous about how it is packaged and stored (on the shelves, not cold) so I basically don't drink it. I hung out at the rink with a spectacular friend; haven't seen hockey in forever or the friend so both were nice. No one plays hockey, it's all about the football (soccer). We had some appetizers after and just caught up. The restaurant was so different from any I've become used to. For one thing the waiter spoke English so there were no hand gestures and broken Dutch/English. I could just order and it would be understood. And the food was speedy and the bill actually came. In Suriname you usually just end up getting up to pay because no one brings the bill.

There are so many other differences too. I'm more aware of how I look here and how I dress. In Suriname it's all about keeping cool and looking professional at the same time. Here's it warm and stylish. I actually straightened my hair. I really thought about what to wear whereas in Suriname I'm on autopilot - skirt, t-shirt and cardigan sweater. I wore high heels today for the first time in forever and had to remember about how to walk on ice. My winter hat has become my friend.

Life here is such a far cry from my life there. I ran to the store today. Actually I drove, a car; which in itself is weird. I can still do it though. Did you know only that something like only 8% of the world owns a car? The water in my shower was instantly hot. The internet works here, all the time and quickly. I'm using a cell phone again. The first time it rang I accidentally hung up on the person because I forgot how to answer it. TV is in English without subtitles. There are more then 7 channels and it's not fuzzy. Did I mention it's cold?

Being home has made me aware that I'm so grateful for all I have though - in both countries and I love my life - in both countries. I am also aware of all the advantages I have - in both countries. Currently I'm getting the best of both worlds, even though they are far apart from each other.

And just for the countdown - 5 days till Christmas. And now it's starting to look like it.

*Also randomly - I had no idea how many people read this thing. I honestly started it for me, basically so I would have a place to ramble. So thank you for reading and for enjoying it. You have no idea how much that thrills me!

I'll be home for Christmas...

This is my favourite time of year; the Christmas season. I love decorating the tree, snow falling, peppermint candy canes and Christmas carols. I love how people get extra nice and extra cranky all at the same time. (Trust me you notice both if you've ever worked retail!) But my all time favourite thing is going to church on Christmas Eve and then hanging out with my family afterwords. That part is the best.

This year my Christmas is a little different. There is no snow. Just lots and lots of rain. We don't have a tree but we have the best decorated cactus you've ever seen. I don't have my traditional stocking here but I have a hand sewn one that I'm going to always remember. And there are Christmas carols, some of which will even be played by me! We're all a little stressed and tired but we're working hard on trying to be extra patient and nice and today Jenn made us write down what we appreciate about each other. I have a fabulous nativity scene that came from Peru. It fits in the palm of my hand. And my family Christmas Eve? I'm going to get that. In 10 days I'll be home for Christmas. And that is one of the best presents I got this year. The other 3 are decorating my white board as we speak.

16 Days till Christmas! Countdown's on!

Let it snow, let it snow...

Sometimes God sends us reminders of why we need to be where we are, or why we need to be doing what we're doing. Especially when it seems pointless or tiring or never ending. And this week I got my reminder of why I wanted to teach and why I love this job. I had a kid read to me! This doesn't seem like much, but it is amazing beyond belief. He just rattled the book off and I wanted to cry I was so proud. Illiteracy just kills me, why any child is deprived of this feeling is beyond me. But this whole moment showed that when you're feeling the drought, God will send the rain.

There have been lots of other things going on, American Thanksgiving, Christmas shopping and my personal favourite - classroom decorating for Christmas. The boys and I learnt how to make snow flakes out of paper and now it looks like a blizzard hit my class. Every day I hear "can we make snow now?". It makes me laugh. They want to see real snow, and are fascinated by it.

I've never realized how much I take snow for granted, or how much I miss seasons until I don't have them. Time seems to be frozen here, in a permanent spot because there is nothing to mark the passing of it. I know it's the 4th because my calendar tells me so but nothing about outside tells me that. You get used to the stillness of time here.

And for those of you who don't know - 21 days till Christmas. We're counting down. Everyday I'm asked "Is it Christmas yet, teacher?"