the Van Dam 'ventures: Lately...

After Spring Break we entered school with Spirit Week! It was so much fun!
Tuesday - Crazy Hair Day!
Wednesday - Twin Day!
Thursday - Crazy Hat Day!
Friday - Culture Day!
The kids dressed up each day and we all had a lot of fun. It was a great week to get energy and motivation for the last 5 weeks of school! This past week we had a full regular week. It was really fast, although at the same time took a LONG time. The kids are really trying our patience and it became a tiring week because of the discipline side of teaching. We did have an art show and writer's workshop on Thursday night. The art from 1st grade to 8th grade was displayed as well as writing from each class. The school has an art teacher so I don't have to teach it to my kids and it was amazing to see how well they do. It was a joy to see the kids there and all the hard work they have been doing.
There has also been the Flame Tree Festival this past weekend and so we spent Thursday and Saturday nights there, walking around and enjoying the arts and crafts, food and live music and dance. What an awesome way to see and experience the culture of Saipan. We love it here - absolutely love it! :) Today - 4 of my 1st grade boys came over and Jake and I took them to the beach. We had sooo much fun and just having time outside of school with them, really shows you who they are and how to love them better. Life is going good. We are about 20 school days away from break and then 30 days away from Australia. We are excited to be finished with our 1st year of teaching and can't believe how fast time has flown by. We think of you all often. Two of our good friends are both pregnant and having babies and we are overjoyed for them! Our parents and families are doing well and we miss you all. Love always, J & J