Back 'n' Forth

That's where I am as far as making a decision about next year. I don't feel any reason to leave Hungary. I've invested 4+ years of my life here. Over 4 years of learning the language, how to get around, and adapting to the culture. So why leave? Plus, moving back to the States, I would need to get a job. I'm not sure how the economy would effect my ability to do that. Plus, I have a great deal here with housing/health insurance/access to a classroom.

I wrote to Boise State, and a representative from the EdTech program wrote back with information on the program. The fact that they encourage students responding to assignaments from the point of view of whom they teach. Very cool. How can I use technology with my ELLs? Also, the program seems very interactive. Good for me...knowing my learning style.

So...leaning towards staying. Step closer to grad school.

Thankful

I'm thankful for lots of things. Here's a recent list. No particular order...just as they come to me:

1. Salvation and a Way to the Heavenly Father!
2. His grace in my life as I really need it sometimes.
3. His people. So blessed!
4. His provision.
5. My family.
6. The fact that we finally got our own internet connection!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving! Spend it with someone you love! Tell them you're thankful for them!

God Bless...and I'm thankful for you; for reading!

Erin

Surgery update

Hello all,

Just wanted to take a moment to fill you all (some for the first time...sorry) in on my upcoming surgery. Tomorrow morning (Monday) I'll go to the hospital here in Budapest for the "pre-op" stuff and meet with the anesthesiologist and get set for surgery on Tuesday. I won't have to spend the night on Monday.

I'm going to have a procedure called F.E.S.S. (Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery.) I've got polyps and tissue completely blocking my ethmoid sinuses. Those are the ones right between the eyes. It's meant lots of headaches and frequent sinus infections. I've been dealing with this for about a year. They polyps were discovered last spring. So, they're going in to clean me out. Someone said it sounds like a "roto-rooter" procedure. That's kind of what they're doing.

So it's a relatively minor surgery and will only have to remain in the hospital for one night, then two weeks on "house arrest" after that. I've gotten a sub for my classes (pray for Marcus!) and my mom's even here to help take care of me! I really like the doctor and he's very patient with my many questions and he's said to be the best ENT in Budapest.

I should be back to e-mail/blog/facebook by Wednesday evening (Hungary time.)

Feel free to check my blog or Facebook for updates.

Pray that the surgery goes well, and for a complete recovery.

Blessings,
Erin

ePortfolio conference in Maastricht, Netherlands

I've been at the ePortfolio conference in Maastricht for the past couple of days. I went to the first two days of the conference, and skipped out on the final day (today.) I learned a lot the past couple of days. I also feel like I really got inspired to do more with ePortfolios. During my experience here at the conference, I was wondering what more I could do using technology to help my students. Could students use ePortfolios to help with their language learning? What does it take to implement an ePortfolio for ELLs.

The specific theme of the conference was focused on employability and use of ePortfolios for work and not just in an educational setting. My mom, an international ePortfolio expert, believes that ePortfolios can be used for just about any aspect of someone's life. There was a lot of discussion (and debate) about what an ePortfoliio is, what tools are best, and why someone should have one. There were some good discussions. Basically, what I got from the conference: an ePortfolio can be used for WHATEVER THE USER WANTS IT TO BE USED FOR!

On the first day of the conference, I started my first, intentional ePortfolio. I've included my digital stories, my CV, and plan to include a vlog. I'm not much of a blogger, so needless to say, I do better if there's a "creative" aspect to my reflection.

Spending this time in the technology, learning environment has heightened my thinking about "What's next?" I've felt like my time in Hungary is coming to a close. I've gone as far as I can for now at Gundel. I love my students, but feel like it's time for a change. Of course I'd like to go on living overseas, but may need to return to the states, if I'm to continue my education. Continuing my education is something I'll need to do at this point.

What I'd like to do, is see how I can take my ESL experience and combine it with eLearning. I've got the ESL certification and experience. What I really need is the Technology aspect. So, who knows...who knows what the future holds.

Home and luggage-less

I made it back to Hungary....my luggage didn't! At least I was coming home and had clothes here! :-)

I did some figuring on the flight yesterday. I figured out that since my first trip to Europe in 1999, I've crossed the Atlantic Ocean 19 times! That's 9 1/2 round trips! I don't know about you, but that seems like a lot. I was amazed at the fact that 10 years ago, I didn't even have a passport, and here I am...LIVING in Europe!

Coming back to BP has been like coming home. I slept in my own bed (not to say the beds in America weren't more comfortable). Soon, I'll be back into my own routine. And I'm speaking Hungarian again! Other than a few language teaching sessions at training, I really didn't speak Hungarian all summer. I'm not sure how much I've lost, but it can't be that bad. I'll find out more when I go to school on Monday, and try to tell my colleagues about my summer (many of them don't speak English.)

So, here begins year number 4 at Gundel School in Budapest. I'm going to have all the same students as last year, plus 2 new groups of 9th graders. I'll be teaching 22 hours, seeing each group 2 or 3 times per week. Our school is still looking for 5 new English teachers. They've added some new classes and programs, so there's more demand for teachers of English and other subjects.

I'll leave you with some prayer requests:
1. For the beginning of school.
2. English teachers!!!
3. Health for me and Catherine and protection of our flat.
4. The new teachers as they adjust to life in Hungary and Central Europe.
5. For me to be balanced in personal, spiritual, and professional areas.

Thanks for reading! God Bless, e.

Summer 2008

Well, it's almost over. I just finished packing my last big bags. I leave in about 18 hours. Here is a slide show of some of the highlights of my summer.



For explanations of the photos go to my facebook album.

If you're in Hungary...I'll see you soon! If you're in the US...I'll see you next summer (I hope.)

God Bless!
Erin

Training

Hi all...Hope you're still reading. I'm in Pasadena, CA at William Carey International University at TeachOverseas annual training. Since I'm considered an "alum" I get to help train and equip the new teachers just starting their journey teaching overseas. I've taught lessons on teaching, and I've even had the opportunity to teach some Hungarian! Those are the funnest lessons! The new teachers are grasping the language so well! I'm really impressed.

I'm also moving into a new role this year. In addition to teaching and ministry to my students, I'm going to be a Central Administrator for Hungary. As a Central Administrator (CA), I will have 4 teachers that I will support and oversee in country. Two of the teachers are brand new to teaching and life overseas, and two started the same year I did! I'm excited about taking this journey with them. Please pray that I will be a caring, loving and effective leader for them. I'm receiving some very good CA training myself. Today was the training session.

I'm going to be at training for another week. On Tuesday (8/12) I'm flying to Seattle to spend time with my family before flying back to Hungary on the 22nd! Then I'll have a week to prepare for school to start.

So that's the latest on me. The server here at WCIU is a bit tricky, so I'll post some pictures when I can.

Blessings,
Erin

Time to Defrost the Freezer...again!

Months since my last blog post: 4 months, 7 days.

Countries visited since then: 2

Flights since then: 5

Times I tried to start a blog entry since: about 20

Ok, I know it's been a while. But from what I can tell, it's only Mom and Dad that actually ever read this thing...oh, and MJ. Just in case I'm not one of your offspring, here's a quick update on me.

The year ended without a bang. Students got their marks (grades), I cleaned off my desk, and made my last journey home on the metro until September.

I spent 2 weeks in Alaska catching up with friends and attending a Reunion at my church.http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif

I'm now in Puyallup, WA helping my mom settle into her new home, and hanging out with my nieces.

On Tuesday, my mom and I are going to fly to Orlando, FL to meet my brother and his family for a week of Tori's dance competition, and then a few days at DisneyWorld!

On the 24th of July, I fly to LA to attend Heather's (my teammate from the past two years) wedding. Then I'll spend a couple weeks at training with TeachOverseas.

On the 12th of August, I'll come back to Puyallup to prepare for my return to Hungary on the 22nd.

Whew! I'm exhausted typing about it!

I'll post some photos sometime in the future.

Blessings to you all!!!

Defrosting the freezer

Our freezer got a bit "crusty" over the past few months. I think I defrosted it last spring...or maybe fall...don't remember. But it was high time for another defrosting. I emptied all the food from the fridge. Put the frozen stuff in a cooler and the other perishables in a bag and put them on our enclosed balcony with the window open(it was still cold, but above freezing.)

Then, I set up a space heater in front of the open freezer and put towels on the three shelves to catch the water. HA! Heather got up the next morning and mopped the floor. Note to self: Don't do this overnight!

Oh, and now the door won't go back on right. OOPS!

Enjoy the pics!

Hungarian Politics

This is a billboard just down the street from my flat. It says:

"Thank you, no!"

(Picture of a brain being washed)

"You can say 'no' on March 9th."

This is an ad for the opposition party here in Hungary, the Democratic Party (or something like that.) It's referring to the Hungarian Socialist Party. Attack ads aren't just for American campaigns!

Student Day

January 31st was "Diaknap" (student day) at Gundel. This is a typical tradition for Hungarian schools. The school provides fun activities to break up the mid-winter rut. There was a fashion show, teacher's quiz and karaoke. All were a blast and students stayed at school well past the final bell.

Since there wasn't any teaching that day, I didn't have to go in. But I saw this day as an opportunity to spend some time with the students. So, between the teacher's quiz (I didn't get to the final round) and karaoke, I did some work in my office. It wasn't long before Tamas and Kriszian approached me to sing karaoke. I told them the only condition under which I'd sing, is if they'd get up and dance. They were takers! See the video below.

So, that's the latest from Gundel.

Embarrassing moment (click to see video):


Teachers' Quiz


New addition to the school


Students enjoying karaoke

What happened that weekend?

Well, here it is...

I did go to Szeged the afternoon of the 18th. Arden met my train and after a Subway dinner, we went to the service. It was a good time of worship and Jim teaching from the Word. I met some new as well as old friends. It was a great time. After the service, Mary Jill, Sherry, and I went back to Arden's place and we watched a movie.

The next morning, we slept late! I think I got up around 10:30! MJ and Sherry left around noon, and Arden and I played around with photos and videos from the service the night before. We then headed out to do some shopping for dinner. We came back to her place and I made dinner while Arden talked to her parents on Skype. The next morning we got up early and drove to Arad, Romania. Getting over the boarder was no problem and we made it in less than three hours.

Arden playing with pigeons...

There wasn't much there! It was a nice drive, and Arden and I had nice conversation. We walked around the city, taking pictures and popping into a couple churches. Since it was Sunday, there were services taking place, so we didn't stay in there too long.

Then, we drove back to Szeged and I was able to catch the 3:42 train back to Budapest. I made it home by 7:30! So, that day, I had breakfast in Szeged, lunch in Arad, and dinner in Budapest. What a day!

Long weekend

Also check out my teaching blog (link to the right) for a new story.

I have Monday off. Friday was the end of the 1st term, so Monday is a "work day" for some of the teachers. But not me. :-) So last week, I started plotting what I could do for the long weekend. The last time I had more than the weekend off, I went to Prague with my mom in November. So, I was wanting to travel...wander-lust, I guess they call it. So I was looking at train schedules to Arad, Romania. I have never been. I already had a trip to Szeged planned, but only for Friday night. Wasn't sure what I was going to do afterwards.

So, I went down to Szeged and attended the Friday at 7 worship and Bible study. It was great to see my friends Arden, Persons, and Mary Jill. An old friend Sherry was even in from Ukraine for the weekend. At some point in the evening, Arden said she'd be up to going to Arad with me...hhmmm looking up!

So after the meeting, Arden, Mary Jill, Sherry, and I went back to Arden's flat to watch a movie. I was exhausted. I slept 4 hours the night before and taught 5 lessons before taking the train to Szeged. I put my earplugs in when I went to bed and was dead to the world until 10:45am! I guess I needed the sleep. I had some breakfast with MJ and we chatted a bit. MJ and Sherry left for Debrecen around noon. Arden and I played around with pictures and videos I took at the meeting, so we didn't get around to going to Arad. We went out to get food at Tesco for dinner..made several stops looking for a waffle iron. I made dinner while Arden talked to her folks in America. We watched Lake House (I had never seen it) and now I'm heading to bed soon.

Tomorrow, Arden and I are getting up early to drive to Arad (about an hour away.) We'll come back to Szeged by about 3pm for church on the internet (part of life in Hungary) and then I'll take train back to Budapest. I think I'll take it easy on Monday, maybe run some errands that I usually can't because of my work schedule.

So, what I thought was going to be a fun, adventurous weekend, turned into a nice relaxing time at Arden's place.

Guess God knew I really needed that.

Who's Packing Your Parachute?

I found this on another site. No copyright infringement intended.

Who's Packing Your Parachute?

Recently, I was sitting in a restaurant in Kansas City. A man about two tables away kept looking at me. I didn't recognize him. A few minutes into our meal he stood up and walked over to my table, looked down at me, pointed his finger in my face and said, "You're Captain Plumb."

I looked up and I said, "Yes, sir, I'm Captain Plumb."

He said, "You flew jet fighters in Vietnam. You were on the aircraft carrier Kitty Hawk. You were shot down. You parachuted into enemy hands and spent six years as a prisoner of war."

I said, "How in the world did you know all that?"

He replied, "Because I packed your parachute."

I was speechless. I staggered to my feet and held out a very grateful hand of thanks. This guy came up with just the proper words. He grabbed my hand, he pumped my arm and said, "I guess it worked."

"Yes, sir, indeed it did," I said, "and I must tell you I've said a lot of prayers of thanks for your nimble fingers, but I never thought I'd have the opportunity to express my gratitude in person."

He said, "Were all the panels there?"

"Well, sir, I must shoot straight with you," I said, "of the eighteen panels that were supposed to be in that parachute, I had fifteen good ones. Three were torn, but it wasn't your fault, it was mine. I jumped out of that jet fighter at a high rate of speed, close to the ground. That's what tore the panels in the chute. It wasn't the way you packed it."

"Let me ask you a question," I said, "do you keep track of all the parachutes you pack?"

"No," he responded, "it's enough gratification for me just to know that I've served."

I didn't get much sleep that night. I kept thinking about that man. I kept wondering what he might have looked like in a Navy uniform -- a Dixie Cup hat, a bib in the back and bell-bottom trousers. I wondered how many times I might have passed him on board the Kitty Hawk. I wondered how many times I might have seen him and not even said "Good morning," "How are you," or anything because, you see, I was a fighter pilot and he was just a sailor. How many hours did he spend on that long wooden table in the bowels of that ship weaving the shrouds and folding the silks of those chutes? I couldn't have cared less...until one day my parachute came along and he packed it for me.

So the philosophical question here is this: how's your parachute packing coming along? Who looks to you for strength in times of need? And perhaps, more importantly, who are the special people in your life who provide you the encouragement you need when the chips are down? Perhaps it's time right now to give those people a call and thank them for packing your chute.

J. Charles Plumb

Teaching blog

My teaching blog has been updated. There's a great story at the beginning of it...read on...