It's funny that when I started my blog a year ago, I was spending the first week in R apartment. Now, a full year later I'm sitting in Ebay's (old room) on my bed about to spend my last night in the apartment. Ebay took off early for an interview so I am spending my last bit of time reminiscing on the amazing year that I had in R apartment and Spokane. I couldn't think of a better way to have spent my first year post-graduating.

As I said a year, while it is hard not to think about what was, there is a lot to get excited about for what is coming. God has ALWAYS provided wonderful opportunities for me (and everyone else) and it has always worked about for the best. This week I could find out if I'll be teaching at Chief Leschi Tribal School in Puyallup...I have my last round of interviews on Thursday with the Superintendent. If it's part of God's plan, I'll be moving to Puyallup by myself mid-August. If it's not part of God's plan, well then more doors will open.

So here is goodbye to a life-changing year but a welcome to the new chapter in my life. I have no complaints because each day I am reminded that time is so short, so you might as well spend it loving life!

One of our last nights in R apartment :(

Junion Reunion!

Nothing much to post here because I'm sitting in my living room with THE CORNER HOUSE GIRLS. Couldn't be happier :)))

Overwhelmed...by BLESSINGS!

Wow. What a special and memorable weekend I just had. While most people would think the highlight of the weekend would have been graduating with a Master's degree....that is not quite what made me feel so overwhelmed with blessings. The highlight was realizing how extremely lucky I am to have such amazing friends and family in my life. While I did not expect anyone (but my parents of course) to come to graduation or even acknowledge it, every single friend somehow found a way to congratulate me and show support. This meant more than anything in the world. Claire, Jackie, Keith, Ebay and Joanna made an amazing appearance at the actual graduation which made me feel so loved. Nothing was more special than walking up on stage and seeing the waves and smiles from you guys :) Emily and Lindsay surprised me with special congrats via mail. Em, the flowers are beautiful and bloooming bright! Linz, I'm so excited for the Barnes and Noble giftcard! And the rest of you have offered congrats in other amazing ways! So it wasn't graduating that was the highlight, it was realizing how many amazing people I have in my life that will always be there offering support. Thank you to all who have been praying and offering encouragement throughout this journey. I wouldn't have done with out you all. My hope is that I can continue to show support in everyone else's accomplishments -- because the truth is, everyone is doing the most amazing things. I swear between all of us, we could change the world.

Thank you to everyone who made this weekend so special. I love you all so special and please know that I am constantly praying for you in every endeavor :)

Re-Entering Back into BlogWorld

Hi friends!

So I have not written on my blog for almost 2 months which is so UNLIKE me but I have loved reading everyone else's and keeping up with what is going on in every one's lives! Since I last blogged a lot has happened...

I have completed my 12 weeks of full-time student teaching. Last week was my last week being at Willard everyday :( Now I only go on Monday and Tuesdays while I spend Wed, Thurs, Fri back in the classroom at Whitworth. As with any transition it is bittersweet. I LOVED teaching my 2nd graders and it is hard to give them back to my mentor but at the same time, I am looking forward to not spending hours planing lessons and feeling nervous about being watched!

Ebay and I made a trek to the Tri-Cities last weekend and stayed with Lindsay and her family. I ran the Walk Home with her family to help support Linz and her efforts to raise money for a house. It was so special seeing her in her element and made me realize how much of a difference she really is making :)

I got to spend Mother's Day with Keith and his family and enjoyed lunch at Thai Food :) I am getting to spend lots of time with them on the weekends he is home and it has been great getting to know them! Saturday night the four of us (keith and his parents) curled up on the couch and watched a movie together. Great bonding.

This coming weekend is my graduation. Mixed emotions for sure! I can't believe it has been a full year since we all graduated from Whitworth. My graduation is the same at the undergrads so part of me feels like everyone should be graduating with me! I still have a month of class after graduation too! I'm looking forward to seeing Jackie, Claire, Joanna and the family for graduation weekend...maybe you can all help me figure out how the hood goes on my grad gown :)

Love you all and hope wherever you are you are getting to enjoy some SUNSHINE :)))))

Our salmon meal we cooked :) Our new house!?

As usual life seems to be going by way too fast. Let's see...since the last time I have posted a blog a million things have happened!

• Ebay left me for the weekend and went to Portland


• I started dating someone ;)


• I drove over the mountains and visited my family


• I went to a career fair at Tacoma Dome


• Visited Jackie in Ellensburg


• Have had parent-teacher conferences and half days


• I'm planning a Poetry Unit for Writing and Sensory Image Unit for Reading


• Organizing my Research project that I will start after Spring Break


• Applying for Jobs

So now that Conference week is almost over...Spring Break is coming near! Here is what the next couple months will hold:

• Drive to Portland on Friday


• Fly out for Vegas on Saturday


• Enjoy well-deserved relaxation at the pool in VEGASSSS


• Trip to Tumwater


• Seattle trip and possible SOUNDERS game and celebrating Jimmy's Birthday


• The last four weeks of student teaching


• Bloomsday


• Habitat for Humanity Run in Tri-Cities


• Ummm...graduation


• Corner House REUNION!

A quick, top 10 update!

1. Unfortunately the International School of Moshi is done with their recruitment process so there are no more openings :( Applied at Braeburn International School (where Moses's daughter goes) and will hear back after March 25th about interviews!

2. Got observed by my Supervisor and MIT professor on Monday! Getting observed by my Principal tomorrow!

3. Boys (Keith, Bill and Fronk) are perfecting their tree-fort building skills in R apartment. Last week, it involved using my box spring, Christmas lights, posters, stuffed animals, two couches and a fan. We'll see what they plan for this week...

4. Ebay and I have literally watched 30 + hours of Desperate Housewives in the past week! It's our break from our wonderful little children. Is it bad that everywhere we go, we think we see Desperate Housewife characters...?


5. I'm obsessed with peanut butter and apples, peanut butter on sandwich thins and peanut butter on wheat thins...and sliced oranges. Ebay is obsessed with Life Cereal.

6. Going home next week for Seattle Job Fair! Excited to see the family, visiting Liana at Dairy Queen, teaching in my mom's class and just spending time in TumH20.

7. Ummm, yeah I'm about ready for some sunshine. And no more rain. Today I wore flip flops just to boycott the weather.

8. St. Patrick's Day is Thursday and my kids are bringing in their Leprechaun traps....they will be so cute!

9. Got to go on a motorcycle ride this past weekend!

10. Misses everyone that is not within 20 minutes of me :(

Trying to remember that it ALWAYS works out

This is one of my favorite pictures of my host family. We taught them how to make cookies and they were sooooooo excited. My mama was the most

I'm not exaggerating when I say that the first thingI do every morning at 5:45 am when I wake up is open my computer praying to see a response from the International School in Tanzania. I'm also guilty of constantly checking the "job opportunities" page numerous times a day to make sure the page has not been updated and the positions are still open. And yes, I purchased Skype credit so I could attempt to contact the school (which means trying to get through at about 9:30 pm my time). It is safe to say that I have become a little wrapped up in the idea of moving and teaching at the International school. Maybe too wrapped up?

Since I have been back I imagine myself getting off the plane in Arusha, moving into my boarding house on the Arusha campus, having my classroom full of diverse international students, spending weekends at Rehama's orphange and weeknights having dinner with my wonderful host family. I can see myself there. It seems so real and honestly I can't see myself anywhere else. But its been two weeks since I've sent in my application forms and after failing skype attempts and follow-up emails, I have still not heard anything. Maybe I'm stressing out too soon and not giving it enough time...maybe they gazed at my stuff and thought why would we hire this 22 year old to teach our ex-patriot families? Am I kicking myself for not visiting the school while I was in Tanzania (passing it literally everyday on my way to St. Margaret's)? Yes, I am deeply regreting not doing that.

In the midst of all of this unknown and frustration, I'm remembering that everything has always worked out. Last year when I had my heart set on Teach for America and was devastated when I didn't get in, the door opened up for the MIT and I could not be happier. So maybe while I think that it makes the most sense to be in Tanzania teaching next year, it might not be God's plan and he might have something better for me. I'm constantly praying for peace of heart in this situation and to not freak out too much about the future. I am young and there are endless opportunities. If God closes a door, he opens a window.

Thanks for listening to this vent session! If I do move to Tanzania, the next Corner House reunion will have to be there...DUHHHHH. If I don't move to Tanzania, well then I get to see more often :)

Oh yes, and student teaching is going amazingly well (another thing that worked out). I love my second graders. I love teaching them and I have no doubt that this is my life calling.

143 = I Love You

The four day weekend has come and gone and so have the three Corner House girl visitors! After a busy busy week of student teaching and school work, I was happy to get a break. It began with a spontaneous drive to Ellensburg to visit JACKIE! I must say, a 3 hour drive was the best thing I could have had after a week of school. I couldn't do anything other than think and listen to music! So relaxing! Being with Jackie in her apartment was wonderful! We stayed up late and drank wine then enjoyed a coffee shop the next morning. Being less than 3 hours away is SO much better than 7. Good choice Jackie for picking Central :)

Friday I headed back to Spokane just in time for the arrival of Claire, Ande and Lindsay. We came together in Joanna's living room and did a really good job of relaxing on couches and eating trail mix....for about 3 hours. After deciding cooking would be too much work, we headed to our favorite place, Taste of Thai! The night was still young though. Ebay and I took a detour and headed to Josh's goodbye party (he is leaving the country for a year!). We spent some time drinking Sangria, teaching Jai Ho and the Jerk and then learning how to Dougie. It was a great time with the Westies. We met up with the other girls back at Zolas and danced to live music, gained life points and ran into some familiar faces.

Saturday was spent making chocolate chip pancakes, drinking coffee, walks in the sunhine that was 20 degrees, accounting work, coffee with friends, laundry, journaling, guitar practice, homework, episodes of FRIENDS, Despicable Me, WinCO trip, Target run, mashed potatoes, asparagus and chicken, dinner on the floor and BIG ALS. Of course we had to make the trip to the stateline for a night at Big Als. We danced around, met up with other friends, sang at the top of our lungs and made more lifelong memories. Upon our 2am arrival home, we demolished a chocolate birthday cake (for Joanna and Claire).

Sunday wrapped up the time with the girls. We fellowshiped at church and heard the last part of the Sex series...then headed out to Chaps for a birthday breakfast for Jo and Claire. Let's just say we spent a good two hours there because we did not want to part.

Thanks girls for coming over! Danika and Em, we missed you more than you know but June will come faster than you know!

No more Pole Pole.

So in Tanzania, the people often say "pole, pole" which means, slowly slowly. This is to remind you to slow down, do not hurry through life and really spend time doing what is most important. I became a huge fan of pole pole while living in Tanzania but have found it nearly impossible to do that back in the states...

Since I have been back in the states I feel like my life has been a whirlwind. I drove from Tumwater to Ellensburg and visited Jackie in her cute new apartment and hear all about her wonderful wine school experience. I came back to Spokane, unpacked and got settled, then took off with Jo and Ebay for Tri-Cities. We met Claire, Ande and Lindsay there and watched Lindsay's incredible performance in Almost Maine. Nothing helped more with the transition then seeing Jackie and then spending two days with the girls! Since then I have been full-time student teaching in 2nd grade, attending my night classes, working out at OZ, catching up with friends and trying to find that time to take life pole pole. And boy has it been hard. It wasn't until this weekend that I felt like I had anytime to sit down and think about Tanzania, my experience and how much I miss it. There is something itching inside of me to go back...and go back soon! Who knows what doors God is going to open and what opportunities may come my way. I know this trip left such an impact on me and I'm excited to see what is to come!

Other than that I'm thankful for my fun weekend that included ColdStone Ice cream, Starbucks, Pedicures, Olive Garden, A HIKE (it was so sunny), Dinner with Gillian because she was in town, time with Tanzania friends, LifeCenter, lesson planning and allowing myself to relax!

I miss everyone but am so proud of what everyone is doing! Always thinking of you...positive thoughts your way.

Analisa

Last week in Africa

Thank you for all who have been following my Tanzania blog and I apologize for not blogging more but my internet access was limited! I'm back safely in the states and feel as if I could write a whole book about my experiences but I'll just simply update you on the past week or so!

So Samaritans Village Orphanage was on two Saturdays ago. It was quite different from Rehama's...actually quite depressing and hard to be there. 27 kids live at the orphanage and it was apparent they do not get the attention they need/deserve. They were fighting for time with each of us and acting out because of it. They were mean to one another, always making each other cry. We brought them huge bags of gifts which slowly seemed to disappear because kids were hiding them places in their rooms - survival mode for them. Some of the younger kids were even peeing themselves wherever and whenever and no one noticed...this was one of the most emotional days for me because it was so difficult to see the kids lacking they love and affection they need; and then seeing how their behavior has been affected. I fell in love with John, a boy who could not speak but could understand everything I said. I spent most of the day with him which was more of a blessing then I could ask for. We slept at the village in the visitors house and then attended a 3 hour church service the next morning that was all in Kiswahili...hard to understand!

I got a new roommate and new homestay. It was so hard to say goodbye to my first homestay but I knew I would see them again. My second homestay was very different from the first. I grew to liking them more as the week went on but never felt quite at home like I did with the first one. At one point I felt homesick from my homestay :) The second family was extremely patriarchal so it was interesting to observe this difference. I did get my bucket showers which was nice! I was able to go to my first families house after school one day and spend the afternoon/evening with them! They were so excited to have 4 daughters that night :)

The last week of school was so fun and much better than the first. We finally felt as if we understood our roles in the classroom and the teachers did not just leave whenever; instead they provided more direction as to what we were supposed to be teaching (instead of just saying, teacher whatever you want). All 75 students I had were in one classroom all week so it was pretty chaotic but I got many laughs out of it. The last day of school was Friday and different grades put on performances for us all. The show was like over an hour long and the dancing and singing was the most amazing and beautiful thing ever. All of us were in tears that whole day. We are the first group to EVER spend an extended amount of time at their school. I think it is safe to say that we made an impact at St. Margret's.

Friday night we became tourists which is always a weird transition but we were ready for a break from the craziness. Saturday we went on a walking safari in Arusha National Park which has the most beautiful scenery. We walked with warthogs, giraffes and cape buffalo (our guide had to load his gun because they were becoming angry!). We walked to a waterfall and all jumped in together too. Saturday we shopped at a market then went to Moses's house for a bbq which was so much fun!

Sunday we left for safari to the national park I had been to before! We stayed at the same tented camps so it was neat to be back there again. We safaried Sunday night, Monday morning/early afternoon and Monday evening. The group bonded even more, we saw all kinds of animals including lions and a cheetah kill! Our driver let us enjoy beer the last night on the safari so it got a little wild including getting out of the cruiser and being able to pick up a huge turtle :)

Our last day in Tanzania we got taken out to a rural Masai Village and welcomed by the elder. We sat in their traditional mud (cow dung) hut and introduced ourselves to about 15 Masai, and then they introduced themselves to us. They were dressed in their beautiful attire and had the most breathtaking faces. They prepared an activity for us which included milking goats! So we went outside with the Masai and they helped us milk goats...following, we got to drink the goat milk (please God I hope I don't get sick)! It was one of the most AMAZING experiences I have ever had and felt so welcomed by the people. Two of them spoke English and one of them even asked for my phone number...so funny! We said our goodbyes and went on our way!

Leaving Tanzania was very hard. Our group of 10 bonded so well and I am so grateful for all the new friendships that came out of this trip. Traveling and working beside 9 others who share my same passion for teaching was so special. The experiences I had were rich and moving and simply reinforced my love and desire to someday live or work in Tanzania. I'm overwhelmed by the joyfulness I had while I was there and will soon be planning my next visit there which will be more long term :) Thank you for supporting me in this journey and I look forward to sharing more with you all...

Love you,
Analisa

quick quick update!

I'm at Moses's house for the evening just hanging out. Unfortunatley, today there were riots in town about political elections (there was one last week, 3 people got shot and today was the funeral so there were more riots). Don't worry thought! I am safe :)

The past few days:

Saturday: drove 3 works to Mt. Kilimanjaro. Rode in the back of a pick up for 20 minutues up windy roads to the base. Thought we were going on a 2-3 hike...turned out to be 7 hours! Made it 12,000 feet elevation and half of Mt. Kilimanjaro...

Sunday: Spent the WHOLE day @ Rehama's orphanage!a So great to see her new place. we cried when we saw each other...and the kids remembered me so they ran toward me :) It was a very special day! At night went back to my first homestay

Monday and Tuesday: First days at school...crazy, unorganized and hectic. I am in a grade 2 classroom which is like our 2nd grade. I had 45 kids the first day. The teachers leave the class when they feel so the kids sit and wait...they told me to teach whatever I wanted so I had to wing it for awhile...taught them lots and lots of songs, gave them materials and read them books aloud! Hopefully it will be more organized the rest of the week!

Wednesday: No SCHOOL! Went to the butcher with host family...went to a HUGE market and got fruits and veggies. Learned how to make chapate my favorite african food! Taught my host family how to make brownies :) Went to a Masai market and was with 3,000 or so Masai warriors...my host family bought me masai shoes that are made out of tires...they also took us to a bar where they bought us a whole bottle of Konyagi (african gin) and we drank it! Now I'm hanging at Moses's!

Tomorrow and Friday I have school then off to Samartian's Village Orphanage!

I can explain how happy i am here...i absolutely love it. All the time I find myself thinking...what am i doing sitting in the yard of a family who has never hosted an american girl...? But I love it and they have been such a blessing. When I have to leave them I just might cry :(

love you all!

ALIVE

Hi friends and family,
I am in Tanzania...it is Friday night at 11:40 and we are just relaxing in our hotel! This was my second full day in the beautiful country of Tanzania and it feels like I have been here 1 week! After 19 hours on the plane I was finally able to get some sleep. Upon arrival in our hotel at 11:30 pm, the kind workers had a dinner prepared for us which came to no surprise! Our first morning the group ventured into downtown Arusha and made lots of friends with the locals! We met our host families for the first night and shared tea with them which is a common thing to do! My host mama and baba took my roommate and I to their beautiful home. We spent the evening there helping prepare traditional African food and sharing stories about our countires. I was automaticlaly reminded of the genorisity of the Tanzanain peope and how hospitile they are. After waking up at 4 am to an animal in my suitcase, my roomate and I bathed in a bucket and ate breakfast. Our host mom and all the other host families said they had a surprise for us. Little did we know that the surprise would result in a 3 hour drive to Kilimanjaro National Park for a picnic...yes, a picnic. About 3o family members jammed in the bus with us for 3 hours and we ate a wonderful meal at the base of Kili. We bonded quickly when thunder showers forced us to huddle together under a small shelter! It was quite the surprise. I enjoyed the drive because we passed through a town called Himo which I visited in my previous trip to Tanzania. I felt right at home! Once getting back to our hotel, we ventured back into the town into a local market which was quite the experience to say the least...

Everything is going extremely well...tomorrow we head to Kilimanjaro to hike the base of the mountain and then Sunday we are going to spend the day at Rehamas orphanage. I miss you all so much! I am doing very well and feel as if this is a second home!

Off to Africa...

Two years ago I had the opportunity to travel to Tanzania in Eastern Africa for Jan Term with Whitworth. Tomorrow, I am flying out of SeaTac and heading back to the beautiful land of Africa! I have been blessed with the opportunity to go as a TA on a multicultural education trip. The main focus on the trip will be placed on teaching in a private school. I will act as a 4th, 5th or 6th grade teacher and learn the education system of Tanzania. I'm unsure of what my role will be through out the month but ready for anything! When I'm not teaching in the school I will be staying in home stays with families of the kids who attend St. Margaret's Academy. Home stays are always the most intriguing part as they provide a great chance to learn and understand the way of life of the Tanzanian culture. Last time I was in Tanzania, I enjoyed learning how to milk a cow...a wonder what this trip will present itself with!

Besides teaching, we will be helping out at two orphanages, both of which I have been to before. I am really looking forward to seeing the children again and reconnecting with them. I hope they remember me! I will also be climbing the first part of Mt. Kilimanjaro, going to the Serengeti Plains for a safari and traveling out to a remote Masai village. This month will be an adventure to say the least. I'm very excited to continue to learn more about the Tanzanian culture and be immersed once again in the country. I know this will be a life changing experience and I'm anxious to see what God has to reveal to me on this journey. I will miss all of you so much and because my Internet access will be limited, I will probably only update this a couple times to let you know I am alive :) Thank you for all your support and prayers and I look forward to sharing my stories with you when I am back!

Asante Sana,

Analisa