The first full of week of school has (almost) been completed. Having two days of school last week was rather nice in transitioning back into the school year. It was fun to catch up with my students and hear about what they did over the break-- one of my students went to New York City to see the ball drop at Times Square! Fridays are usually pretty busy with students having tests. I have two 2nd graders from 8:00-8:30, and then from 8:30-10:30 I may have 5th graders taking a Bible, Math, and/or Reading Test (which today they are taking all 3), a 3rd grader taking a Reading test, and two 4th graders taking a Bible and/or Math test. Thankfully I also have my wonderful aide Ms. Siri to help balance it all out! It's also when having a lot of flexibility (and patience) comes into play.
Besides being able to see my family and friends over Christmas, it was also a blessing to be able to bring back a suitcase (and a carry-on) of school stuff! It's amazing what a difference having resources can make-- though I was doing well with what I had. I've had to rearrange me schedule a bit, but it mostly stays the same, for now. I'm sure it'll have to change some time this semester.

We have three days of school next week, and then we have a 5-day weekend! There is a holiday on Thursday and on Monday, so they gave us Friday off as well. I'm going to a Women's retreat in Jarabacoa with several SCS teacher's, Friday afternoon through Sunday.
The weather has been cooler in the mornings (though not in Nebraska standards!--then it would be balmy!)-- Temps have been in the lower 60's and you need a light jacket. Usually by mid-morning it is up to the 70's, and then high's will be in the low to mid 80's. There are going to be some days coming up where it could get to 90. Knowing that the heat will be returning, I take advantage of the cool weather as long as I can!
I signed my letter of intent for next year, and there was a small 'twinge' in signing it. I do really like teaching (As far as sped goes, I'm very spoiled, and it is so much less stressful) and living here (though sometimes what I wouldn't give for a Walmart/Target nearby....)---I will admit that I am still a bit 'homesick' for Nebraska/Kansas, probably a bit more now than when I first came here in July. But I know that this is where God wants me to be-- And I'm committed to what I'm here to do.