It has taken me much too long to begin this blog post. There are so many reasons for the delay. How do I explain the last few weeks in a way that makes sense to those living outside of Australia, in a way that explains with clarity the 'jungle' that I have been lost in, and in a way that portrays my experience without judgment? Before I go on, though, I need to make something clear. For those that don't know, I'm keeping this blog for three different reasons. First, many family and friends want to follow our adventures and this is a good way. Second, I like to keep track of all that we do so that I don't forget any of it and so that my kids can look back at our experiences from a 'grown up perspective.' Third, reflection on the Australian education system is part of my teacher evaluation for the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 school years. I'm on a two year special evaluation system. I have to write about and reflect on my experiences at school. I mention this as a disclaimer. For my Aussie friends and colleagues please know that this blog is 'me processing the system', and forgive me if I in any way offend.
So, honestly, I feel like I've been been on a roller coaster. I've been struggling since the first week of school with all the different ways that this school system functions and the differences from what I find to be the 'norm' (by American standards.) The last two weeks have been especially tough - so much so, that I knew I couldn't write because anything I would have said would have been no fun to read. Without going into too much detail of how I learned all of this, here is what I have learned in the last couple weeks.
So, I'm sure there is more, but that is what I can remember so far. I feel like I have grown so much over the last couple weeks. It's a feeling similar to one you get when you suddenly start really understanding a foreign language. Before, I just couldn't figure this all out. Now.... cautiously... oh so cautiously... I'm starting to think that things are going to be OK. And with all this hurt, learning, and growth, I need to make sure that I acknowledge those people in my lives that are helping me through this. I have so many teachers at Narara that check in on me. Some all the time, others when they see me at the copy machine or in the hall. I am tickled every time someone pulls over on the side of the road to offer me a lift (today it was Larry, yesterday it was Tracey). I always decline but I'm touched every time. Walking is my meditation. My head teachers Nat and Di are patient, supportive, and never seem to judge even though what I'm going through might not make a lot of sense to people familiar with the system. Leslie - for Life Support. Need I say more. :) And to my Mom and Dad. They couldn't have been here at a better time. I needed experienced teachers as sounding boards. During their last week here, Dad woke up every morning at 6:00 to walk with me. We walked in the rain, and sometimes it didn't rain. Two fast walking Americans under umbrellas on a palm and gum tree lined drive. It was great. Then he and mom would meet me at the end of the Community Center green by the school and we'd all walk home together. Thank you to Tom for always making sure there was a cold bottle of white wine in the fridge and for making wonderful meals with mom. Oh... and to mom and dad again for making sure I had good yummy coffee in the morning (I'm finding it really hard to find good Aussie coffee.) This world I'm living in is consistently inconsistent. So I will end this reflection celebrating the consistencies in my life. 1. My school keys always work. 2. The big black umbrella Bron left is sturdy even in a strong wind. 3. My Bob's shoes that a co-worker in Seward recommended are great here. Simple. They can get wet. (We walk in the rain between class because there aren't really any hallways here.) They were light to travel with. And my feet don't hurt at the end of the day. 4. I can bound up the steps of my faculty "Barn" two at a time and make it in about 5 bounds. 5. The ibis are always in the fields around the school as I start my walk home. 6. The school cow always moos. 7. Each day comes and goes and each day I learn so much. 8. Tom keeps the fridge stocked with popsicles (Ice blocks) and I have one (or two) every day. 9. The walk to work is always better than the walk home. (less traffic) 10. I am reminded daily why I never want to be a 14 or 15 year old boy... you know.... in my next life. 11. My family is here every day when I get home, full of stories of their own. Walk to work tally: 211 miles
1 Comment
Tracey Byrne
3/20/2017 00:01:33
I really enjoyed this you keep me grounded in times of sadness thank you.
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AuthorThe Liljemark's enjoy exploring the world. This blog chronicles our adventures. Archives
December 2017
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