9 Days 'Til Christmas? What???

5th and 6th Grade Skit
3rd and 4th grades singing
3rd and 4th grade skit
K-2 dancing to Everlasting God (So Cute!!!)
K-2 Singing!
Full House...
Using the kids as my little decorating Christmas Elves...
They were obviously happy about it!
And maybe a bit surprised...
Making Paper Chains and De-tangling Garland...
Snowflakes! They were everywhere!
And honestly, if I never see another Paper Snowflake in my life, that'd be okay...
Real snowflakes are okay though--
Rehearsing for the Program!

I cannot believe that Christmas is right around the corner. And that I have done absolutely NO Christmas shopping. I've been running around like a chicken without a head for about a month now, and I am not quite prepared for the holiday season that is quickly approaching. I'm actually leaving on Saturday to come back to the States for Christmas, and I'll be so happy to see you all! And to have a good bagel--man, I miss those!

This past Friday was our Christmas Program, which I was in charge of. I'm officially putting the whole Chairing the Christmas Program thing right up there with riding an elephant--Glad to say I've done it, but NEVER, EVER again!! So much stress in putting that thing together! But, it turned out quite beautiful, and we had a great turn out. We were totally packed in the church sanctuary--to the point where we were spilling outside. I had chosen Isaiah 9:6 as our theme verse and split the school into 4 sections: Kindergarten-2nd grade, 3rd and 4th grades, 5th and 6th grades, and 7th-12th grades. Each section was given one of the attributes of Jesus from that verse, so K-2 had Everlasting Father, 3-4 had Mighty God, 5-6 had Wonderful Counselor, and 7-12 had Prince of Peace. Then each section performed a song and a skit/dramatic reading/dance...it really was super cute and the kids did an awesome job.

In addition to creating and organizing the program, I also was in charge of decorating the school/church for the program (those kids made so many paper snowflakes--it's ridiculous!), getting all the refreshments organized, creating the programs to hand out, and just making sure everything was getting done. So I didn't sleep for about 3 days--but it all paid off. Like I said though, NEVER again ;)

This has been a crazy semester, but I'm having the time of my life. There has been drama, definitely, but I still feel like I am absolutely sure that this exactly where I am supposed to be. And that is a wonderful feeling. I'm reaching out to these kids, and I feel like I'm making a difference. And it's all thanks to you guys--for you prayer and your support!!

See You Soon and Merry Christmas!

xoxo

Ariel

Happy December!

My surprise party at school :)
Gaby, Me, Emily, and Katie at camp!
Ken, Fransisco, Me, Gaby and Keziah trying to put gloves over our heads and blow them up with our noses...
Some of the girls at camp: From left: Abby, Keziah, Merryn, Sophie, Me, Andrea, Emily, Luanna, and Par (and the dog we named Snow Flake!)
I took the kids on a field trip to the moorish castle--here was my chaperone group! Aisha, Colin, Gaby and Abdul!

Hey Everyone--

I apologize, as I know it's been a few weeks since I last wrote. But, it's been a crazy few weeks!

Thanksgiving was lovely. I went to a friends house, with about 20 other people, and we had the whole traditional meal. Then we watched "Elf," played games, and just had a good time! On that Friday, instead of shopping (there's no black Friday in Portual!), I left for our Wyld Life Camp. It rained and was freezing cold the whole time, but it was still tons of fun. The kids had a great time--and we were really able to spend time just talking about God, life, and why things are the way things are. It's pretty amazing to see what goes on in the minds of 11, 12, and 13 year olds--they're totally awesome.

We also had a bit of drama that weekend--and it was quite a scary experience. One of the girls collapsed. We were playing a game where you run outside and scream as loud as you can for as long as you can. Well she came out right after me, and then just kind of fell over. At first, I thought she was just joking around, but it was soon obvious that she wasn't moving--so Ken and I ran over to her. She had stopped breathing and was turning blue. We had to call an ambulance while Laura, a mother who was chaperoning and who just happened to be a nurse (God knows what he's doing!) performed CPR. It was terrifying. She was so young, and to see her there, lying on the ground, blue and not breathing---it was horrible. So Laura breathed for her, and Luana and I prayed. She finally started breathing again on her own, and when we were sure she was a little better, we took her inside and waited for the paramedics to come. It was a long process--it took about an hour, and in that time, she was in immense pain. Her head was pounding and she was vomiting. They finally got her to the hospital, where they ran a bunch of tests, but they're still not sure what's wrong with her. They think she had a seizure. She's okay now--home and doing fine. I saw her on Wednesday, and she's the same old silly and sweet girl! But since it's all still unclear about what's wrong, I'd like ask that you would keep her in your prayers.

I also just celebrated my 24th birthday on Tuesday! 24 was seeming a little scary at first, but I'm thinking it just might be okay. My birthday was fun--and actually I feel like I've been having a week-long birthday celebration! I went to dinner on Monday night with some friends, then the kids at school threw me a surprise party at school on Tuesday! I had dinner with some more friends Tuesday night, and I'm still waiting for my birthday presents from mom and dad to arrive in the mail! So it's been a pretty good birthday week experience!

These next two weeks before Christmas break are going to be insane!! Besides all the usual Christmas bustle (like shopping, tree decorating, enjoying how beautiful Portugal Christmas lights are!), I also am in charge of our school Christmas program for next Friday...and I'm a little nervous about it!! It may be just a little scary! I'm feeling like I'm going to be putting in a lot of long hours this week-and I have a bit of a cold already! So please, I could use your prayers too :)

Love you all! Can't wait to see you for Christmas!

xoxo
Ariel

Turkey, Turkey, Turkey!

***If you would like to receive weekly prayer request e-mails and/or a monthly newsletter, please send your contact information to ArielPutnam@gmail.com!!***

I can't believe it's almost Thanksgiving! Which, of course, they don't celebrate in Portugal, since they weren't really a part of that whole lunch with the Native Americans and Pilgrims thing. But, I teach at an American International School, so I have off next Thursday. And I have plenty of International friends who understand the need for things like turkey and stuffing, so I have dinner plans for Thanksgiving as well. :) I was telling some of my students about the kids I used to nanny for (and how much I miss them!), and I told them today how I was trying to teach Johnny what the turkey says. I would say, "Hey Johnny, what does the turkey say?" And then I'd say "gobble, gobble, gobble!" But he'd refuse to say gobble, gobble, gobble, and every time I'd ask him what the turkey said, he'd say "turkey, turkey, turkey!!" I miss those kids!!!!!!

Anyway--I have so much going on between now and Christmas--it's getting a bit overwhelming!! Tomorrow night we have Bible Study for the Wyld Life kids, and then we have "club" on Friday night. Club is basically a big party that Young Life puts on for the kids once a month. It is loud and wild, but tons of fun! This month I'm actually going to a character who leads games...I have to still decide who my character will be--but I'm thinking valley girl. I can pull that off well. :) We'll play a ton of silly games, sing some crazy songs, and then talk a little bit about God. It's really just a great outlet for kids from all the different schools around here to come, be safe, have fun, and be loved.

After Club, I'm going to a "50's Night" hosted by Riverside International Church. I'm really looking forward to it, because it'll be a night of hamburgers, french fries, milk shakes, and the Hand Jive :) And who doesn't love that?

Next week will be a bit insane too! On top of teaching, I'm taking the kids on a field trip to the Moorish Castle ruins in Sintra (we're studying the crusades in History--how great is it that I live where the history actually happened??!!) on Wednesday, which always adds a bit of stress. I'd hate to be the teacher who loses kids at the ruins! Thursday is Thanksgiving--with all the goodness that entails!!! And boy, do I have things to be thankful for!!

Then next Friday through Sunday is our Wyld Life Camp. It's being held about an hour north of here, out in the woods somewhere. We're going to go rock-climbing, zip-lining, and hiking. We'll play some more crazy games and just have some good quality time with the kids. We're expecting about 30 or more kids--so it'll be kind of crazy!! But I can't wait--it's going to be awesome. Ken Best, the guy whose family I stayed with when I first moved here, is going to be the speaker for the weekend--and I am really looking forward to hearing him!

We'll get back on Sunday night--and then it's December already on Monday! Fortunately, we have off of school that day, so I can recooperate a bit (and pre-celebrate my birthday!), before heading back to school--a whole year older!--on the 2nd.

So, that's my next week and a half--your prayers for all of those things would be fantastic. I feel like I'm running out of time to sleep!!

And please, send me your e-mail addresses--I'd like to send out weekly prayer request e-mails, if possible. Send them to ArielPutnam@gmail.com.

Love you all so much!!

Ariel

Whirlwind Wedding Weekend!

Me and Katy!
Laura, Lona and I trying to warm up after the ceremony with some Hot Apple Cider!
All the bridesmaids! Me, Laura, Lona, and Natasha
Family :) We're hanging out in the biggest bed--EVER.
Me and Kat at her bridal shower.

This weekend was a blur! I went back to the states to be my college roommate's maid of honor--and it was so worth it!! But, I'm back in Portugal now, and beyond exhausted. I left Lisbon on Friday morning, arrived in Newark around 2 pm, and gained 5 hours in the process. It was great in that I was able to spend a little time with my family, but I was so tired by bedtime. Of course, though, when I actually laid down, I couldn't sleep. I finally drifted off around 12:30 am and then my body-alarm clock went off at 4 am. So, I got up, and drove 3 hours to Lancaster, PA for Katy's wedding.

It turned out to be so beautiful, and I loved being able to see Katy and Laura. It's hard to live far away from your best friends, so I enjoyed this weekend--as short and whirl-winded as it was--immensely. When the wedding was over on Sunday night, we all cried, quite a bit, when we had to say goodbye. It sucks that I only see them maybe once a year!!

After the wedding, I drove back to NJ--ran a whole bunch of errands on Monday morning and afternoon--and then boarded a plane back to Lisbon. I arrived here this morning. And I have to go back to work tomorrow--which will certainly be interesting! But the truth is, I missed the kids terribly!!

I was telling my dad when he was driving me to the airport to come back here how very surreal everything felt. On one hand, I have my life in NJ. I have fantastic family and friends--a great church family--a whole life that I fit right back into. I know the best places to find bargains and where to get the best coffee and bagels. Everything feels right and comfortable. I was--am--happy with my life there.

But then, on the other hand, I have this life in Portugal. In the short 3 months that I've been here, I've made some amazing friends. I LOVE the kids I teach, and I'm building relationships with them where they trust me and confide in me. I'm able to talk to them about all sorts of things, and really just pour into their lives. I love this life!

It's just so odd to have two completely different lives--and for both of them to feel like me.

When I said goodbye to friends and family to return here, it was easy. Not that I won't miss them--because I will!!! But, I am 1 gazillion percent confident that I am exactly where God wants me to be, and I find such great comfort in that. Despite all the crap that I describe to you involving church and school politics (and don't get me wrong--that stuff does bother me!), I really feel like I'm actually making a difference here. I'm indescribably thankful that I've been given this opportunity--and I am so thankful to all of you for your love and support.

xoxo,
Ariel

Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire...

Happy Halloween! They actually don't do Halloween here, but we had a party for the Wyld Life and Young Life kids anyway...Here's Ashley and Par, looking oh-so-frightening!
They must be very passionate about whatever they're talking about!
The prettiest galao I've ever had!
Me and Stefanie. She was Dorothy, I was the cowardly lion, and Ashley was the Scarecrow!

I can't believe it's already November. Time is passing so quickly! It's finally starting to get a bit cooler here, and it is pitch black by 6 in the evening. I'm loving it! I went into Lisbon today with Gina and Maya, and already there are Christmas decorations everywhere. As I walked down the historic streets of the Baixo Chiado in the shadows of an old moorish castle, I ate some roasted chestnuts and felt so completely content--I love this time of year!

I really needed today--where I could feel okay and happy, because (as you can read in my last post) things have been really hectic and frustrating at work. I was informed on Friday morning that the school board had been dissolved, that the director had been fired, and that the pastor and church council of the church that sponsors the school will now be taking over its administration. It's such a mess. No one really knows what's going on...we're on a mini-holiday since it's the end of the quarter, but when everyone returns to school on Tuesday, this will all become public knowledge. I'm not sure how the parents of our students are going to react...

I spoke with my brother today--which is great. I haven't talked to him in a few weeks, which makes me nervous since I don't know what he's having to do in Iraq. But he's good--healthy and wonderful! His strength and faith just rock my world--I'm a very proud big sister. Please continue to pray for him--for his safety and for his peace of mind.

And please, I know you're probably sick of me asking for prayer--but, oh well, I'm doing it anyway. PLEASE PRAY! This situation is just so sticky, and I want to make sure we do it the right way--we need to do what's best of the kids.

xoxo,
Ariel

Fall Back.

Today I gained an hour. Unfortunately, my body is set to "teacher-time," and I didn't sleep an extra hour at all. Even though I wanted to--I even laid there in my bed and tried to force myself to go back to sleep...but it didn't work. Well, since I was up, I decided I might as well do some laundry. And for the first time since I moved here, I hung my laundry on the line to dry--and it didn't rain!!! Shocking!

It actually turned out to be quite a beautiful day...around 80 degrees and sunny. I'm a little jealous of all of you who are at home on the East coast. Alyssa wrote me a few days ago to tell me that she woke up to frost covered ground--and that she wore gloves! I want to wear gloves!! Summer weather is nice, don't get me wrong; but I'm craving some nice fall weather I guess.

Last night, Me, Ashley, Gina, Stefanie, Emily and Caroline all had a night out on the town. First, we went to the coast to watch the sun go down...I don't think I'll ever get used to seeing the sunsets here. It's just so very beautiful. Then we went to Ikea--not the smartest idea on Saturday night. Let me tell you, the Europeans love their Ikea!! After that, we went to Chili's! Since it's the very first one in Portugal, it's located in Lisbon, so we decided to make a night of it. Seriously, we left my apartment around 6 and didn't get back until about 1 am. Granted, about an hour and a half of that time was spent lost in Lisbon, but still we had a blast!

I went to church this morning, and now I'm just being lazy! I watched Grey's Anatomy on Surfthechannel.com (invaluable to an American overseas!), and then figured I had better update my blog.

Please keep ICSC in your prayers...there is all sorts of upheaval going on, and it's very easy for me to get frustrated by the way things are happening. So please, pray. Lots and lots and lots of prayers.

Odds and Ends...

Well it's the end of another week here. I can't believe how quickly time is passing...Gina and I just celebrated our 2 month mark with a Chai latte and some apple crisp on the 15th. It's odd. I feel like I have been here for a very long time--that I've been friends with and working with these people for forever! But at the same time, it's only been two months--which is hardly any time at all. I know that probably sounds weird...but you know what I mean!

Tonight, I went over to Ashley's apartment with three of my students--Gaby, Par and Keziah. The three girls are 14, 12, and 13, and they are all involved with Young Life here. We made some Spaghetti and watched "The Prince and Me"--basically just had a nice girly evening. I'm glad I get to establish relationships with the kids outside of school--just to love on them and be able to mentor them.

Tangent! I'm so grateful to be able to be involved with Young and Wyld Life here. The youth in Portugal would just scare you to pieces. It is entirely normal for an eleven or twelve year old to go out on the weekends to bars and clubs and get drunk. Some of the kids I'm working with through Wyld Life are already having sex, partying, and staying out until 4 am every Friday and Saturday--and they're only 12!!! I've just never seen this sort of behavior as something so completely acceptable at this age!

So, it's about 11:20 pm here, and I'm in my PJ's and ready for bed! It's been a long week, and I'm so exhausted. And there is so much more still to do! I was talking to my dad the other day and he mentioned that I didn't sound too homesick. The truth is, I don't have time to be homesick! My life is so, so busy right now--between teaching and Wyld Life and just meeting people here and learning about Portugal is absolutely consuming my time. I'm lucky to get to sleep at a reasonable hour.

That is something I'm definitely still adjusting to here...the idea of "Portuguese Time." Every Monday night, we have dinner with some other 20 somethings in the International community here--we get there at 7:30, eat around 10, and I don't get home until midnight!! Dinner is just a late affair here, and that takes some getting used to. And people don't even start to go out to cafes or anything until around midnight...which is when I'd be coming back home. I know, I'm a big wimp, but I'm learning! Just a few weeks ago, I managed to stay out with Ash, Stef and Angela until 3 am. Be proud! Granted, I was trying to make up for that for days...Guess I'm just not as young as I once was ;)

Speaking of which--I'll be 24 in just a month and a half! Crazy! For some reason, 24 seems so much older than 23. When I was a little girl--I thought that 23 would be the year that I'd have it all put together. I'd know what I was doing with my life, and I'd have everything all figured out...and well, I don't really have anything figured out! Still, though, I'm thoroughly enjoying 23, and I don't think I want to give it up. Perhaps I'll just stay 23 for one more year :)

Alright, well I'm beat and it's bedtime for this schoolmarm.

Love you all! Miss you tons!

Ariel

____ in Portugal.

The domed ceiling in the entry to the Cloisters in Belem
The Cloisters

I think this leaf looks like the Grinch's hand. And who doesn't love the Grinch?
Honestly, the pictures can't really do justice. So you should all just come visit!
This is a monument to remember the deaths of the members of a family who were murdered during a political upheaval.

The door at the Cathedral in Belem. I think that the panels look like a dinosaur is inside the church and is banging on the door trying to get out. Thanks, dad, for damaging me for life when it comes to dinosaurs!
Me and Gina
A Pastel de Belem. They are yummy cheese pastries in Filo dough with cinnamon and powdered sugar on top. I could eat them forever!
Love how very quaint this street is :)

___(insert emotion or state of being here)_____ in Portugal. This is something Gina and I just tend to joke about all the time. Tired in Portugal; Lost in Portugal; Confused in Portugal, etc. Well, today, it's Sick in Portugal. I'm just not feeling well! It was bound to happen--I'm surrounded by teenage germ carriers most of the time. But, what can you do? Anyway, here's a few more pictures I forgot to post the other day. Gina and I traveled back to Belem...here they are!

Also, can I request some prayers? There's a heck of a lot of drama going on at the school right now. I won't get into all the gory details, but there are issues between the director of the school, the school board and the church that operates the school. It has the potential to blow up into a really ugly mess....so please, pray that things will be worked out and will settle down.

I'm not sure if I've mentioned it on here yet, but I've started volunteering with Young Life while I'm here. Young Life is an outreach ministry to kids, and I'm working with the 11-14 year olds (called Wyld Life). I'm having a blast and getting to know the kids. We've got a camping trip coming up on Thanksgiving weekend (since they don't celebrate Thanksgiving here!), so please keep that in prayer as we got about planning it.

Also, if you will remember, I've spoken about Alexa, one of my students here. Her parents are divorcing, and she came in today to say that she's moving back to Georgia. She's falling apart a little, so please keep her in your prayers as well.

xoxo
Ariel

Kodak Moments :)

Gina in a tree :)
Gina, Stefanie, Ashley and Me at the Moorish Ruins in Sintra. We decided that the Moors must have been very short...
So this is a 9th century church near the Moorish ruins....look at all the "ghosts"! It was actually quite beautiful!
The top of the Moorish caste. We wanted to come up at sunset, only to find out that they closed at six and we couldn't get in. So this picture is taken from between the slats of the locked gate.
The view from the Moorish Castle ruins in Sintra. I live down in that valley.
Me and Ashley at a little pastelria in Sintra. She must have been moving while we were taking the picture!
A giant meringue pastry. And who doesn't like those?
Sintra. Such a fun place!
Ashley in her "Blossom" hat!
At the top of the Mountain there is the Moorish Ruins.
Colin, one of my students! We were celebrating "Hawaiian Day"
Elio did not want his photo taken :)
Sara-Lisa with her fruit!
Aris, no doubt studying for the Vocabulary Quiz he was about to have in my class!
Gina and Stefanie!
We were playing some sort of relay type game...I don't know!
The Relay!
In my classroom!
Hard little workers :)
Robb--the math and science teacher. He didn't want his picture taken either. Why do people run away when I pull the camera out???!!

xoxo
Ariel