Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Back to School

Hello all!

Well, sorry about the lack of photos, I'll get on that soon.

Today was my first day back at Highlands International School! The school year opened for them on August 10th, so they've already been working for a month. I felt a little sheepish, trickling back in a month late, but better late than never! I will be working at the library a day and a half a week, shelving and organizing and returning books, and whatever else needs doing.

Honestly, I had been a little nervous about going back. I don't know why, but the school seems to bring out my dormant shy side, and last year I didn't get very close with most of the teachers. So I was worried that, since there are a bunch of new teachers, it would be hard to meet everyone and feel like I fit in.

However, I shouldn't have worried! God is so good. As soon as I arrived, I was greeted enthusiastically by some teachers I met last year, and by so many students as well! And every time I saw someone I didn't know, they were all so friendly! Introducing themselves, and asking where I was from, and saying they were so happy I had finally arrived. As if I was some long-expected celebrity! I honestly think they must print on the application form for Highlands "If you are not the nicest person in the world, don't bother applying." I was impressed last year by how absolutely wonderful the staff were, so encouraging and welcoming and friendly - and this year it seems the same, if not better! When I came home after school today, I even asked Carlos if maybe he had called the school and told them, "Rachael is coming in today, and she's really worried about meeting people..." - because if they HAD been told that, they couldn't have done a better job of making me feel at home!

So, looking forward to a great year with the school! Probably I owe it all to Jeremy, who gave me some sage advice last night. I had asked him to pray for me, because I was nervous about going to school, and he told me, "Just be yourself, take it easy, be calm - when you meet people, just say 'Hi, I'm Rachael, nice to meet you' - you know, don't start right away by telling them 'I LOVE STICKERS!!' " Hee hee hee, how well he knows me!

Love to everyone,
Rachael

7 comments:

Daniel said...

... but *do* tell them that you love stickers, when the appropriate time comes :)

Katie said...

rach, i LOVE reading your blog. seriously, it makes me want to just pack everything up and come and live with you in bolivia. glad that everyone at the school seems to adore you on sight...i mean how could they not?

Anonymous said...

Awww, Katie!! DO come on down, whenever you have a little leisure time!!

Aimee said...

I LOVED Jeremy's comment about the stickers...started laughing uncontrollably actually. The kid kills me. Anyways, say hi to Carlos and Jer for me...And Rachael, remember what we learned last year about you making friends with people. Although you may be sequestered in the library, your cooking making abilities WILL make you fast friends no matter what.
Also, can I just say that I find it somewhat humorous that every time I post something that pic of you and I comes up from the other blog...It makes if look like you are posting back to yourself...funny.

Love you tons.

Aimee said...

I know, I know, you will be so excited when you see that you are up to five comments, but there are two from me. Sorry. As you can tell I figured out how to remove the picture...hooray! And second, when I say cooking making, I mean cookie making...So bake away amiga!

Sarah! said...

Hooray! Because, really, once you learn how to speak the same language as people, what could be as scary?
Jesus is unfurling you. Isn't it incredible how capable he is of turning our fear into confidence?

Hokey Dinah!

{Tomorrow Song} said...

I read your sentence about working in the library- lucky! Hope you have an amazing time serving God in Bolivia!

hugs and prayers,
Abby (Mindy's daughter)