Interesting English

I was at a restaurant with some friends the other night. It was on a boat on the Danube River. Nice place, good gulyas! But the menu translation is what really caught my attention. Quite funny...

"WE WELCOME YOU ON BOARD OF THE FORTUNA BOAT!

SNUG YOURSELF, ENJOY SLEW OF THE WAVES, STROKE OF THE WIND AND NOT LEAST THE CULINARY EXPERIENCE SERVED BY US.

WE WISH YOU A PLEASURE AMUSEMENT AND DO NOT FORGET WE WAIT FOR YOU BACK!"

Looks like I've got my job cut out for me as an English teacher here in Hungary!

Blessings,
Erin

Jet Lag!

Well, it's 4am here in Budapest. I arrived yesterday afternoon at about 5pm. I'll probably see this time a day for the next few days. Oh well!

Arrived save and sound to overcast and rain! Nice break from hot southern California.

Blessings,
Erin

Dashboard

This blog entry is being made on a widget on my dashboard. This new Tiger OS X is awesome!!!

(No, I'm not in my car...if you're not a Mac user, you might not know what I'm talking about...but that's ok) :-)

Erin

Last "State-side" Entry for a while

I'm off tomorrow for Hungary! We leave around noon.

Training was great. It really helped prepare me for what I am going to do. I also think it's prapared me for a bit of the unknown too. One of our favorite mottos here at training is "lower your expectations!" Of course they don't mean of God, but of situations.

I'm so blessed to be going back. I know that this is what God has for me.

Here you can download my Fall Newsletter

Thanks for checking in on my blog. Write a comment and I'll try to answer!

Blessings,
Erin

TeachOverseas Teachers

Here we are. There are more this year than there have ever been. Over 200 including returning teachers. Almost 100 are new teachers.

Name for my Song

Well, I've been playing it a lot the last few days. I don't think I'll
be putting words to it. At least not right away. I'll just name it and
put it into Garage Band. The first song for my CD! I want to name it
for someone. Not sure yet. "_______'s Theme" or something like that.
I'm up for suggestions!

When I get it into my computer, I'll post it for you to hear, then maybe
a title will come.

Blessings to all,
Erin

4 down--1 to go

Four weeks of training is done! And things are starting to settle down a bit. Tonight I was actually able to sit and enjoy a couple (that's right...a couple) of movies.

I feel so blessed to be part of this organization. Today we visited the head office and saw the "brain" of ESI. The brain is an interesting part of the human body. It controls every aspect of our biological functioning. It tells the arms to hug, the heart to beat, and the eyes to cry. It's a wonderful, complex thing. When a brain works well when there aren't crossed wires or "rouge" parts. ESI is very well run, but yet there's heart and passion in everyone who works there.

This time has been at least a year and a half coming. When I left Hungary last September, I wasn't sure I would be going back. Of course, my heart's desire was to, but I did struggle with doubt. And in the course of my time in Alaska, doubt creaped up even more. I'm feeling like I'm finally on the "right track." Teaching is what I'm called to do...and to share Christ's love. ESI is allowing me to work fully in that...to answer that call; "Here am I, send me!"

I'm not a expert when it comes to knowing God's will. But there has always been a sure-fire way that I know that I'm in God's will. It's when I have true peace in my heart. I'm not anxious about going to Hungary. I'm excited and prepared. My financial support is pledged and things are working out.

So all the glory goes to God.

Something else is happening. I'm writting music. This is something I've wanted and prayed for for years. So far, I've got the music for one song. Now I just need words. I'm not sure where it's going yet, but I'll keep you posted!

Thank you all for reading and praying.

God Bless!


Click here for pics of me and my teammate.

Ah, the Pacific Ocean

We did get a break in the gruelling schedule last weekend. We spent an evening at Huntington Beach! Quite a fun and unique thing for this Alaskan girl! We all had a great time.


Before the wave hit.


Right after.

Training

Training continues to be busy and packed full. I hardly have 15 minutes to relax all day. We go from 8am to 9pm or later. But it continues to be very good training and all worth while.

It was a long time getting here and I'm very glad to have made it this far. God is faithful!

My teammate Janna arrived today after two weeks at her graduate program at Azusa Pacific University. She has just one more semester of work for her Masters in TESOL. She's worked very hard. We've already clicked very well as friends and we are looking forward to getting to know each other better and finding out how we will work as a team.

Well, I should get to bed. Another long day tomorrow.

Thanks for reading,
Erin

Kids yelling in the car?...try this.

OK, I know it's a bit harsh, but funny!

Heat Stroke!

Well, I'm not sure if that's what I had, but it was not fun. This
afternoon, after I had lunch, I took a nap in my room. It was upwards
of 91 degrees outside today (actually had cooled down) and I woke up
just sweating like crazy. i drank some water, but didn't feel really
thirsty. So I took my temperature and it was 100. So I took a cold
shower and moved to an air conditioned room to work on some homework. I
was in there for about an hour and a half and it helped a lot. I also
found some ice for my water.

I'm just not used to this heat! I'll have to be careful to keep the H2O
intake up! I don't know how people live here! And Pasadena is not even
the hottest place in the country or world right now. I guess some
people just have different metabolism and ways to keep cool. Not sure.
Oh well, in the mean time, I'm trying to keep cool.

Note: If you're reading this blog leave me a comment to let me know that
you're reading. :-)

Blessings,
Your melting friend,
Erin

Day in Pasedena

We had a fun day today (both in the literal and sarcastic sense). The ESI staff had been keeping this secret from us all week. We had an "All Day Event" on our schedules, but no explanation.

So it turned out to be a scavenger hunt in downtown Pasedena. I did manage to "cool off" a bit today....to 85! Still hot, and we were walking for most of the hunt (we tood the bus into downtown).

The hunt consisted of clues to locations were we were to find out some piece of information (what color a statue was, the cost of something in a coffee shop, etc.) then we called a number and were given our next clue.

I had a gung-ho team that was very competative. It was an interesting exercise in team work. We even identified a couple that don't seem to be team players...very interesting.

Well, long story short...MY TEAM CAME IN 2ND!!! Of course we were hoping for 1st, but there was still a prize for 2nd...a $5 gift card to RiteAid (there's one really close to the campus.)

To top off the day, as we were finishing lunch, a fellow teacher found out that her grandmother had died suddenly and unexpectedly. And on the way back to campus, the bus blew a radiator or something (lots of green liquid pouring out of the bottom of the bus) and we had to wait for a replacement.


I have a huge blister on my foot and my ankles are really stiff. But, praise God in it all! It was a fun day, and I'll never forget it.

At Training

Well, I don't know where to begin this update. I've only been here at
ESI training for 5 days, but it's been super intense. We are going from
8am to 9:30pm, with no more than a few 15 minute breaks and meals.

Let me explain a little of what the training consists of.

There are about 150 new teachers going over seas this summer. With all
the returning alumni, there will be over 300 teachers serving in central
Europe, Morocco, central Asia, and China.

At training, we attend various workshops and seminars on Teaching
English as a Foreign Language (TEFL), Group Dynamics, and ministry.
Like I said, we've only been at it for 5 days, and we've done so much.

The training is intense. We are put through some very hard, emotional
experiences. It's definitely like a boot camp. Our trainers are
providing an environment that can be stressful and frustrating at
times...all intentional and with a purpose. They are creating scenarios
that are similar to what we will be experiencing overseas.

And in the midst of us receiving a lot of input, we have also started
practice teaching. I've taught two nights so far this week. We are
teaching at a local church, using real ESL students. That has been my
favorite thing so far. Even though most days we only have an hour to
plan (again, intentional on the staff's part).

Because we are in Pasadena, California, I don't think I have to tell you
how this girl from Alaska is fairing. It's HOT! Most rooms have A/C,
but our dorm room does not. And for our practice teaching sessions we
have to dress up, so sometimes that mean trousers for me. But I'm
getting by, learning to take cold showers and avoiding the mid-day sun.

So, please pray for me. Not that this will necessarily be easy, but
that I will be changed by this experience. One of the core values of
ESI is "transformation." They definitely provide for that.

I have gotten involved with the worship team (yes, in addition to all
the crazy training). I led last Sunday and it was awesome. This
Sunday, I'll be up again, and with a great team.

Thanks for praying. Since I do have internet now, you can write me. I
would live to get your encouragement. Please understand if I don't
respond right away. I AM staying up late tonight to get this out, but
there will be little time for me to spend on e-mail.

I can also receive letters and packages (hint hint). I didn't have time
to collect pictures of Alaska to be used in some of my lessons, so if
any of you are so inclined, it would be great to receive a bunch of
postcards from Alaska! The address MUST look like this.

WCIU
Aylward
c/o Erin Barrett
ESI - TeachOverseas Teacher (write this line BOLD)
1539 E. Howard
Pasadena, CA 91104

Please note, this address will not be good after August 20th!

Thanks again for praying. It's midnight now, so I must go to bed...6:30
is fast approaching.

God bless all!
Erin

--
\o/\o/\o/\o/\o/\o/\o/\o/\o/\o/\o/\o/\o/\o/\o/\o/\o/\o/\o/\o/
Erin Barrett
E-MAIL: bound4thenations@yahoo.com

BLOG: http://bound4thenations.blogspot.com
HOME: http://homepage.mac.com/hbarrett/Erin/Menu33.html

On the road again

Turned out to be an injection coil or something like that. Dad will
probably send a more technical explanation later. But for now, I'm
typing this quickly and then will be on the way. Dad's getting the Jeep
now and I'm packing.

Still hot here.

Love,
Erin

News from the road

Went to top up the gas tank and the Jeep wouldn't start...argh! Had to
call AAA. Tow truck came to get us and we dropped the Jeep at a repair
shop just across the highway from the hotel. May be fuel pump, fuel
filter, or something. It's turning over, but not catching.

So, we'll call in the morning to see if they can repair it
tomorrow...maybe we'll get to Pasadena by tomorrow night...may have to
drive in on Saturday...will know more when repair shop opens at 8am.

Stopped by the Center for Digital Storytelling in Berkley...nobody
home! Drove over the Bay Bridge into San Francisco, parked and walked
from Pier 39 to the street cars. Line was too long to wait for a ride
on the street car...looked like a 3 hour wait!

Drove back over the Bay Bridge to San Jose to find flee market, but it
was mostly closed (slow day) by the time we got there. We did drive
over the section of the freeway that had collapsed in the quake of
'89...the only "new" section.

We got some retail therapy in at Gilroy. Dad got some garlic and we
both bought some clothes...productive visit to the outlet mall!

Weather's hot...I got a sunburn at Pier 39. They are saying there's a
40 degree spread in temperatures in a 25 mile radius of the Bay Area.
Yesterday we drove through 100+ degrees...might have contributed to the
car troubles.

Well, will keep you all posted. We'll send an e-mail tomorrow morning
(love this high-speed-internet-in-the-hotel stuff!) Number here is
(408) 776-7676.

Love you all!
Erin (and Dan/Dad/Grandpa)

July Update from Erin Barrett

Hello all!

I'm still here in Seattle. I'm leaving tomorrow to make my way down to
California for training with Educational Services International (ESI.)
I've been enjoying this break. I've spent time with family and had some
time to relax after school got out. And today I attended the wedding of
my cousin Scott. But starting on the 16th, my vacation is over.

Below is a rough time line for the rest of the summer:

July 10 Train to Eugene, OR.
July 12 Picked up in Eugene and leave for California (driving with
my dad)
July 16 Training starts with ESI
Aug 23 Arrive in Budapest, Hungary
Sept 1 Start teaching

So there's the basics. Thank you for your support and prayers. God has
been faithful. All of my upfront support has been pledged. (note: if
you are still planning to contribute follow instructions at the end of
this e-mail).

I have a web page and blog that I will try to keep updated.
http://homepage.mac.com/hbarrett/Erin/Menu33.html

Here are some prayer points:

PRAISE: For God's faithfulness and provision.
PRAISE: For my team of financial supporters
PRAISE: For a great time with family.

PRAY: For the team formation in California. I will be meeting my team
for the first time. Their names are-
Janna, Danielle, Erick, Skye, Jon, Tracy, Sam, Janelle, Brady, Matt,
Kimberly, Joanna, Sarah Jane, Lidia, and Steve.
Janna and I will be roommates and working at the same school. The
others will be in (or near) Budapest.

PRAY: That Janna and I will become good teammates/roommates. Pray we
will learn to get along and live together.
PRAY: For safety in travel.
PRAY: That God continues to provide for me as He always has.
PRAY: For divine appointments at training and after arriving in Hungary.

Thank you for praying!
God Bless,
Erin

Information about support:
Prayer is the most important way you can support me. By receiving my
monthly e-mails you will be informed monthly about how to pray and hear
about answered prayer.

Another aspect of my support team is financial. ESI has an agreement
with the schools in Hungary that makes it possible for me to live
inexpensively. But my involvement with ESI does require me to raise
$250/month (September - June) in administrative support. This money
goes towards providing for team retreats, a resource library, and
special projects. So far, I have had $150/ month pledged. If you would
like to pledge $10 or $20 a month keep reading for instructions on
sending it in.

Make checks payable to Educational Services International. In the memo
line, be sure to put "Acct. # 205125." In order to receive a tax
deduction, DO NOT put MY name on the check. Use the account number.

Mail check to:
Educational Services International
444 E. Huntington Drive Suite 200
Arcadia, CA 91006

If you are interested in having your contributions automatically
deducted from your checking account, contact Linda Binder at
<lbinder@esimail.org>. Unfortunately, ESI does not do credit cards.

Check out this link...

A speech from Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple & pixar, given at a college
graduation ceremony.

Click here

Long time...much to share

I know it's been a while since my last entry. So much has happened. So I'm not sure who will be reading this, but if anyone is interested, here goes...

October 2004-June 2005
Taught 8th grade language arts at Heritage Christian School
Substitute taught for Anchorage School District
Volunteered at "The Bridge" ministry (food ministry at my church)
Volunteered with Alpha ministry
Was accepted to ESI ministry to Hungary.

Well, that's it in a nutshell.

Hope to keep writing.

Let me know if you read this.

Blessings,
Erin

A new culture...in my back yard

I've always said that I like to experience new and different cultures. Today I went with my friend Linda to the Alaska Native Heritage Center. They had a special emphasis today on the Aleut people. This a group of Alaska Natives that live on the Aleutian Islands and part of south west Alaska. Linda, herself, is Aleut, but has never been to the Aleutians and hasn't really experienced her own culture. So today I decided to go with her and we experienced it together. She had quite a different experience than I did, but I expected that. I was excited to be there and see all the native artifacts and do some craft projects, but I think something much deeper was going on with Linda.

We attended a little dance workshop, where we learned the "Halibut Dance." Native dancing tells a story. While I found the movements exhausting, it was fun. A way to express myself using another culture's method. After the class, Linda went to talk to the teacher, her name is Crystal. Long story short-they're related. Not a surprise.

They talked about their connected relations and shared some of the traditions of the Aleut people. They made plans to get together and Linda is even thinking about joining their dance group. Very cool!

So for one day, I was among the minority in my own town...and it was great. I learned a lot and truly appreciated another culture.

Substitute Teachers

I liked having them when I was in school...I wonder if the kids enjoy it today. I've been subbing for about a month now. It's been very interesting on the "other-side." I try to remember how I felt and what I was thinking when I had a sub. I was a pretty good kid. I wasn't a behavior problem (if you don't call never doing work a behavior problem.) I only remember one particular sub in elementary school. Her name was Ms. Smith (not joking.) She seemed shy and unsure. I don't remember if we gave her a hard time or not, but I do remember how scared she seemed to me. I was nice to her...I think the fact that she was young, pretty and blonde made it better for her...we seemed to respond well to her.

So now, I'm the sub. I've pretty much stuck to elementary classrooms (K-6 so far!) I have to say, I like the older grades better...4th being my fave so far. It also helps that I know some of the teachers I've subbed for. They've also been pre-arranged.

In the training we received, they said that a positive attitude is the number one key to success as a sub. I think one more could top the list. Don't worry about doing it JUST LIKE the regular teacher does it. While I try to follow the lesson plans as closely as possible, sometimes it's difficult to teach 6th grade math, when you could barely pass the college statistics class (bare minimum for your college math requirement.) Especially when it's this "new math-estimating multiplication." What's that? Luckily, when I was subbing a 5th grade last week, they kids were in PE for an hour before the math lesson so I had time to learn this new method of long multiplication.

Subbing has really taught me some very useful skills. Learning new names has been the #1 thing I've been working on. With all the new fancy names these days "Bobby and Jane"' are not so common. Saiida, Lehae, and Mai Pa Hoa are some of my favorite.

You also learn how to choose your words. I never realized how much I said "Good job." I had to find new ways to praise kids for doing a "good job." "Super! Awesome. Well done. You did it." Those started popping up in my mind.

I've also learned to be flexible. I think that's one thing that the students and the sub learn in the same day. Things just aren't the same for them too. Think about it...they have a routine. I can usually tell how good the regular teacher is by whether or not the kids interupt me in unison and say "we don't do it that way!" So this is a "teachable moment" for most kids...not everyone is the same and it can be fun to do it a different way; it's not better or worse, just different.

I know I won't be subbing forever, but I also know that I'm enjoying this moment in my life and really having fun. Believe it or not, I'm learning some things along the way.

another entry

Ok ,here's another entry. not much special has happened, but I'll tell you...

Yesterday I got back from a night in the country. Mary Jill has a place up there, and Edith and I joined her for one night. I went up early and Edith came later. Yesterday morning, we slept until whenever and had lunch out under a small tree in her yard. I didn't put on any sunscreen and I'm paying for it now. We were out there for about 4 hours, reading, singings, and talking....and frying.

Needless to day, I'm hurting.

I went to Bethany's tonight and she had some aloe vera gel. I had tried to go to a pharmacy earlier today, but the woman didn't understand what I was asking for.

Well, I guess I'm enjoying this "down-time" now because my summer is going to be getting busy soon.

Catch you later...don't know who YOU are...but if you read this, "hi."