My students say the funniest things!

So I thought I would tell you a bit about my students. They say the funniest things. First of all I have a student who doesn't always call me "Miss Wood." Instead she just says, "Hey Wood!" It always cracks me up.

The other day one of my students asked if he could whisper something into my ear. Well, I explained that this isn't always polite in public. He proceeded to grab my right hand and point at my diamond ring. He asked if I had gotten it as a present (implying engagement). I said "Yes, from my grandpa" (it was my grandmother's 25th wedding anniversary ring). At this point our conversation had interested some other 1st graders, who began telling me that their mothers had the "exact same ring." It just made me laugh.

Tonight, I went to one of my students' house. As I arrived, I'm clobbered by the 2nd grader, who stays pretty close to me all evening. Hugging me or leaning into me at the dinner table. As I was leaving she asked me how old I was. I told her to guess. Her best guess was "45"! Isn't a child's perspective always amusing in regards to age. Last week, one of my students told me I looked like a teenager! It was a compliment because she thinks that teenagers are pretty cool (she is in 4th grade). So in one week I went from being a teenager to 45! Too funny.

Slovenia Video #2

Slovenia Video

Pictures from Slovenia

Trip to Slovenia

Last weekend was our school's fall break. My roommate had rented a harp from Slovenia and it needed to be returned. So we decided to make that our fall break trip and drive to Slovenia. Our friend Audrey came with as well. We borrowed a stick shift van (let me tell you, that was new for me). However, I had just house sat the week before and had driven their manual car, so was feeling a bit more practiced up. We went to the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, which is a small town with a really quaint feel to it. The people their love cafes, so there are many places to just sit and sip your coffee along the small river. We were able to stay in a flat on the 5th floor of a building that was built in the 1500 -1600's for free! This was right in the center of the town and afforded a lovely view of the castle up on the hill. My friends and I enjoyed walking around the town and just taking in the fall colors and cool air. We laughed a lot and came back very refreshed. I am included some of my favorite pictures and a few videos (explanations needed).
The video, "Hannah Being Agile," is taken while coming down from the castle hill. It was quite a steep path and sometimes I have a hard time keeping my balance. I had heard that if you walk diagonally it helps you not feel the sharp incline and it is less stress on your knees. It worked great for me, but my friends thought it was pretty funny!!
The video, "Hello descenders" - we read in our tour book that it is proper in Slovenia for the person ascending to greet the person is descending. It shows respect and honor for them since they have made it up. So we decided to create a video demonstrating this cultural moment.
The video, "Let's take a moment" - doesn't really need an explanation!!!

Last Friday

So here in Hungary, every so often, is what they call trash day. This is when everyone puts out everything they don't want anymore - big stuff. Like refrigeraters, chairs, couches, tvs, tables, beds, etc. It can be in good condition or bad condition. Okay, then everyone else rummages around and finds goodies for their house. As they say, "one mans junk, is another mans treasure." Well last Friday I went down town to the YWAM coffee house in Budapest. In the district where the coffee house was it was, yes you guessed, trash day. Here is a picture of my new friend Alexis, sitting on the trash. I should have grabbed this folding chair I found, but hesitated and when I came back it was gone. The other picture is of me and my friends playing cards at the coffee house. It was a really fun night. I have more pictures coming of me waiting at the bus station (at 11:50 p.m.) to go home on the last bus. Enjoy!

Me and Zsuzsi

This is my friends baby Zsuzsi. She is 9 months old and so much fun. She just beams and giggles. I have been able to spend some quality time with her and her parents (dear friends of mine) in the past week. You can tell in the picture we are both having a great time. Zsuzsi loves the camera and just starts smiling when it is brought out. She can give you 5 and is trying to figure out how to pucker her lips and smack them together (like a kiss). She scrunches up her face when you do it, trying to imitate. It is so fun to watch babies learn how to do things!

My Roommate

Here are some pictures of my roommate and I having some fun. Her name is Scarlett, she is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute and she's been here since last October. She is a personal assistant to one of the 1st grade students who has down syndrome. We enjoy cooking together (we even made falafal the other night), playing games, and just talking about life and how God is working in our lives. As you can tell, we enjoy each others company.

My New Flat Video

This is a short video of my new flat in Budapest, Hungary. I hope it helps you understand where I am each day. It is a cozy place located near the school where I teach. I have been able to have several get togethers and parties there already, with friends and students. I love having the space to do this.

1st Grade Class

Hey today I had my 3rd class with the 1st graders. It was so much better than last week. On Thursday I spent 9 minutes of my 30 lining up at the door and entering the class. They kept talking, running, pushing and not following directions. Today it paid off. 1 time in and they were all very quiet. I was very encouraged. I was reminded why I love first graders so much. They have the energy and excitement of 5 adults!!!

Next blog. . . My new roommate and apartment!! AND pictures!!!

Andrea and the CLUB

So today I really needed to go shopping for art supplies for my music class. I had a friend who allowed me to use her car (stick of course) for the afternoon. Let's just say, I'm not the best stick driver and I've not driven much here in Hungary. Well, we used the CLUB, you know on the steering wheel and my friend Andrea held it in the back seat every time. It was pretty funny. I'm so happy that I was able to drive around and get everything I needed.

First Day of Classes

Well, it has been a while since I've written on here. I am going to be putting it in my planner to write to you all each week, just a bit about my life here in Hungary. Today was my first day of teaching. I had the 5th grade and 1st grade music classes. I thought they went quite well. I focused a lot on rules and procedures - the kids need to know what my standards are and how my class runs. I am really hoping to focus more on movement activities and playing the instruments more often during class time. In order to do these two things, I need the kids to understand that they have to be self-controlled or it doesn't work. I prayed for wisdom throughout my day and I felt blessed with patience and composure. I pray tomorrow goes as well as today!!!!