Little Moments

October 8, 2009

I know I am always talking about the little things in life, the little joys, and the little moments. This entry is no different! I must stay focused on all of those little ‘things’ because I know that one day all of those little ‘things’ are going to come together for something amazing! When I was still living in the States, I was a very ‘BIG Picture’ kind of girl, but here in Dominica I learned that it is not about the Big Picture but the events it took to get there. It is a learning and growing experience everyday, it is helping to shape who I will be one day! ‘ Life is not about the destination but the JOURNEY!’ Something I have always believed in but now I LIVE it! Anyways… Here are some of my little moments I had today that made my soul dance!

1. Today I did the Big Readers, Little Listener program with my Grade 5 students. Like always it was a success. The students are really starting to get the hang of reading to “Pre-K” students. I have tried to explain; they must not only read but ask questions to keep their little minds engaged. We had some moments to kill after the students were done reading but the Pre-K teacher was not back yet. So I decided to play a game of Simon Says, without the Simon just giving commands. When I ask the students to put their hands on their heads, they found that to be the silliest gesture they have ever done and the room broke out into giggles. It even made me laugh. I had the students put their hands on the heads a few times and for some strange reason each time, the giggles and belly laughs came out!

2. Another moment happened at the Big Readers, Little Listeners Program today. I had said Good Afternoon to the Principal who was upstairs from where we were and I asked her how she was? Her responds was very unique but warmed my heart “Just watching my students teach my students!” The thing is; she taught 5 of the 8 Grade 5 students who were now reading to her new Pre-K students. It was amazing to know to the cycle that is forming!

3. As I was waiting on the bus this afternoon one of the Pre-Schoolers from the Village was sitting in front of me. She knows me well since I have been to the Pre-School and see her often in the village/on the bus. She turns around and ask me “Where are you from” I answer with the village that I live in. She was not looking for that answer rather from where I was born. Just at the moment she took her two little hands, one in a high five shape and the other one right above it horizontal from the first. Yes, she made the shape of Michigan, both lower and upper peninsula with her sweet little hands. I ask her if she remembers we showing her, and she shyly nodded her head and hide under the seat. How sweet is she to remember the shape of my state and showing it to me!

4. Last by not least. I do not talk about my Landlords very often but today I will. My Landlord’s husband is always giving me bananas or ‘Pears’ which are avocados, humors me, and just making sure I am OK! Just recently, I have decided he does not like when I walk in the village by myself (Even though it is COMPLETELY SAFE). We are both part of the Heritage Committee and whenever the meeting is over he will wait for me but in a fashion of him not waiting for me even though I am aware he is waiting for me, but I play it off. Today, I had to walk just up the road and it was dark (now it gets dark around 6 or 630), I did not realize it was him until he was right in front of my face (My night vision is REALLY bad). We were chatting, he asked me where I was going and then another man from the village came up and My Landlord’s husband was like “now you have someone to walk with Michelle.” I continued to walk until the other man catch up and hear my Landlord’s Husband in the distance say “Take good care of her for me!” It just good knew someone is looking at for me but not over protecting. I am appreciate of him, no one can replace you Dad, but he watches over me like I am his daughter!