I will be student teaching at the American School of Bilbao. It is located in Berango and is just minutes away from the Bay of Biscay, about twenty minutes north of the big city of Bilbao, and about an hour or so west of the French border. I will be teaching 20 third graders from all over the world! Just a few weeks ago I received handwritten letters from my students, and they seem incredible. There are thirteen girls and seven boys, and I can't wait to meet and get to know every single one of them! I should have my work cut out for me, though, because one of the students wrote, "We don't work so much so be very firm with us." Instruction will be delivered in English, but I hope to get a lot of practice speaking Spanish. My collaborating teacher is originally from England, so I will get to experience many different cultures while I am away.
As of yesterday, my housing situation is finally settled. It was really stressing me out not having this solidified. A weight is lifted! I will be living with a Spanish family that lives about twenty minutes from the school. They have four young children who are 9, 7, 4, and 2 years old. They live with a woman from Paraguay who helps with the kids. I'm happy that I will be able to use my Spanish while I am at home! The family seems so wonderful. They are letting me have a room and aren't even going to charge me for groceries or rent! They have offered me a computer with wifi access, too! The mom also said that she drives to school every day and I can just ride with them to school. I am so blessed! To top it off, Ana signed her email with "Lots of kisses!" That made me feel welcomed and loved.
This is going to be a very stretching experience for me, but I am looking forward to it. These last few days at home (at Anderson University and in Woodstock) will be very busy. I am just about to finish up my current student teaching placement in fifth grade at Lapel Elementary School. Next Friday will be my last day. It will definitely be tough to say good-bye to my students. I then plan on going home on Saturday to see my family (after two whole months of being away from them!) and getting things organized before I leave. Between now and then I have to finish lots of school work, start packing, and spend time with my friends! I fly out of Chicago on Tuesday, March 2. I have a feeling its going to be here before I know it!
I am going to try and keep this updated as much as possible while I am away. Please check back often for updates! I would appreciate your prayers while I am away. Also, keep me posted on what is going on in your life! I don't want to be too out of the loop when I return in May!
This is the school where I will be teaching. You can learn more about it at www.asob.es
