The Little Things...

We are back in school - halfway through with our second week. It's already going fast and I can't believe how fast. Jake can't either. Let's start with him...his school year is going awesome already! He has two full classes for 6th and 7th grade. His 8th grade class is under 18 and I think he enjoys that! The 6th graders are more talkative and energetic than last years class as well and he spends his most time with them, so he's thrilled about that too!
He is more organized this year and determined and I am so excited to see his progress in his room. He works hard and is a good teacher and I'm proud of my husband. He is growing more every day both spiritually and mentally as a man of God.
My classroom is going well. I have 24 very energetic, demanding, talkative, questioning, loveable and little first graders. We have a small physical classroom but my classis huge with volume both laughter and talking. I get a little stressed and feel as if I am not a capable teacher when all I feel I can do is raise my voice a little louder each time to get them quiet. But they hug me constantly and tell me I'm funny and how much they like me and then all those bad moments go away and I realize I am so incredibly blessed.
Jake and I both are. We love working for Saipan Community School and believe it or not, can pictures ourselves here for a number of years! Besides school, we are both training for the triathalon in November (although Jake trains WAY more than I do), we are playing ultimate frisbee on Wednesdays and Fridays and then spending time with some amazing friends we've made. Life is good here and we hope if any of you are looking for a nice vacation spot you'll consider us...yes we are far away, but we can offer you luxury and beauty (just like Hawaii) only cheaper, less crowded and full of love! :)
We miss all our family and friends especially when events happen back home. For example, Jake's sister's are both now out of the house and going to Dordt College, so his parent's are for once and for all - empty-nesters! Wish we could be there for that!
And my cousin Vanessa was just recently married on Saturday and we wish we could have been to witness that love and celebrate God's joining of two people. Lots of prayers and love to you Vanessa & Anthony!
And then there is the every day life of your families and friends that we miss but manage to recreate here with new friends, some who have become like family! Thank you for all your prayers and love and thoughts! Keep 'em comin!

Love,
J & J

My silly class of 1st graders...

A more normal one - which took quite a while to get!

little Jose!

I wanted to say "welcome to the zoo" but didn't think that would help with behaviors!

My favorite little girl is now at our school - little miss Sedrie!!!!!

Year #2

We have just officially finished our first summer vacation as teachers. We go back to school on Monday already! We are excited that it's almost time to go back but we still wish for a longer break. This past week has been the first week of not working and Jake has really enjoyed it. He has been working on our bikes, sleeping, reading and swimming. He is getting ready for a triathalon in November and he is getting ready to start training. We are both actually going to do it but Jake will be doing the whole triathalon and I will just be doing the bike. Neither of us can wait though!
This past Saturday we were both involved in a dodgeball tournament. My team was full of couples and we had a blast. It was an amazing day. We were called Dick's Dodgy Dodgers and didn't expect to get far in the tournament but we made it all the way to the finals. We lost in the end to a Japanese tourist team - but had fun doing it!
Jake was with a bunch of males on a team called Just the Tip and they made it to the semi-finals. If they had won their last game we would have played them in the finals. It was a fun day. After the tournament several of us hung out at PIC in the pool, swimming and playing basketball. It was a great day - and one of many more to come while we live here!
We also picked up Terry and Amanda this past week, as well as the two new teachers: Isaac and Kristie. We are excited to have them all back because it's made the empty and lonely apartments full and busy again! It's great to have good friends back!
So pray as the school year begins again on Monday. Pray for a blessed 2nd year of teaching, good kids, touched lives and many blessings!!!
Love
J & J

Jake dominating during a game...

Jake and I in our different outfits at the tournament

Me, Russ, Glenn, Nikki and Dick dominating in our game...

Picking up Issac and Kristie - the two new teachers - at the airport!!! Welcome to Saipan!

Our amazing team: Dick's Dodgy Dodgers!!!