April 13, 2012- Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam

After a long day in Münster I thought I would fall right asleep. WRONG! At 2:00 am I was still anxiously awaiting our trip to Amsterdam in which we would be leaving for in three short hours. I finally got some sleep and before I knew it, it was 5:00 am and we were heading for a trip to one of the cities I've always dreamed of going. I couldn't believe that I would soon be standing in the same room where Anne Frank lived in hiding during WWII. We hopped in the car and headed for Amsterdam!

It took us about three hours to get there, which seemed much shorted because we went on the Autobahn! For those of you who don't know what that is, it is like an interstate with no speed limit. *Go on the Autobahn! CHECK! Off the Bucket list!* I think we were going approximately 100 mph most of the time and sometimes faster so I could get the experience! I really enjoyed that! :) When telling them our speed limit was 70 mph on the interstate, they laughed very hard! I thought that was fast until this! When we arrived in Amsterdam we parked and walked to the ferry. This is a picture of the ferry we rode:

The ferry took us to the train station which was a beautiful building as you see here:

Amsterdam is built on water which I did not know. Every street is separated with a little canal. It is GORGEOUS!
After boarding off the ferry, we began the walk to the Anne Frank House. As we were walking I tried to hold back tears. The emotions I was feeling cannot even be put into words. This experience...cannot be put into words. I didn't want to cry because I was sad, but because this was the place I had only dreamed of going since I was ten years old and at last it was only a couple miles away. I didn't know what I would do when I saw the house! Here are a few pictures from the walk:

Finally, there it was, the Anne Frank House. There was also a line that wrapped around the entire building and down the street. It was unbelievable! So Christina, one of my colleagues, stood in line and we went have breakfast and coffee here:

Those are called Poffertjes and of course you see the coffee. Lecker (yummy)!!

After breakfast we walked back to Anne Frank's House and Christina was only a few feet from the entrance! I was unable to get a good photograph from the front due to construction and photography is not allowed in the house. I ended up buying thirty, yes thirty, post cards at the end! They look the exact same as what I saw inside. I hope you enjoy these as much as possible, but they certainly don't do it justice.
The house during the war and the house today (below)

When I first walked into the house I had goosebumps. We walked into the first part of the museum and on the wall shared, "One day this terrible war will be over. The time will come when we'll be people again and not just jews!" written by Anne Frank in her diary on April 11, 1944. Then, we entered another room that had a video of Hitler speaking to the German soldiers. This is when I couldn't hold back tears any longer! I was weeping! However, after that room I held back my tears and didn't cry again! Which was very good for me!
Here are pictures from inside the house (the post cards). You will see some photos with furniture. There is no furniture in the house today. The furniture was placed there only for photography and for the making of the film, "The Diary of Anne Frank". When the Russian army finally arrived in 1945 to liberate the prisoners in Auschwitz concentration camp, in Poland, Otto Frank (Anne Frank's father) was one of only about 7,650 people still alive. It is estimated that almost 1.5 million people were murdered there. 1.5 million. Think of how many people that is. Hurts my heart so very badly. After the war, Otto Frank later returned to the Netherlands to his home on Prinsengracht. The Germans had taken almost everything from their home including furniture. Therefore, when they decided to make the house into a museum to share the story, he wanted no furniture in the house, as this is how it was left.

At the end of the museum we went to the gift shop where I bought one of everything they sold, some duplicates! I couldn't help myself! These are going to be wonderful for my classroom if I ever teach about the Holocaust! Here is a picture of all my new books, movies, post cards, and other things:

Anne Frank was only one of the many wonderful places we saw in Amsterdam. We went on a boat tour through the canal, ate wonderful food, and did a lot of shopping! We also went to a market outside that was excellent! There, I bought a lot of souvenirs for my friends and family! Here are some more photos of Amsterdam:

This experience continues to get better and better. I am so blessed and thankful for this opportunity! Every morning I wake up I thank the good Lord for all my exciting and wonderful adventures! My host family is SO great and I am so thankful they were able to come to Amsterdam with me! Amsterdam was truly the best day of my life.

Till' Next time! :)

April 12, 2012- Münster, Germany

Münster, Germany

Today is the first day we are not traveling anywhere and I have time to sit down and share my experiences! First, I am going to share with you my adventures in Münster, Germany which is about thirty minutes from where I am staying (OstBevern).

We left for Münster on Thursday, April 12, 2012 around 10:15 am. Viola, Aladin, Oliver, Julia (Oliver's girlfriend), Hannah (who is the other American student from WKU who is also in Germany), her host family, and I all went to Münster! When we arrived the first thing I noticed besides the extravagant buildings were the streets. They were so narrow. I was surprised to see such a small area for driving compared to our streets in Kentucky! We parked in front of a University/Castle built by Johann Conrad von Schlaun; the same architect who built Aladin and Oliver's schule. You can see their schule in my last post! Here is a picture of the University.

Johann Conrad von Schlaun is a well known architect who has built many castles around this area in Germany. When building this university, he wanted to sculpt his face somewhere on the castle, as there are many faces around it. However, because he wasn't a noble or royalty he was not allowed to put his face on the castle. Instead, he secretly did so the king wouldn't notice. Can you find his face?

If you can't find it. Look at the crown and hair of the man on the left. Now do you see it? We also went into the University. It was very nice inside! After we looked around we started walking to what I would call "town". These are a few pictures as we were walking.

How beautiful is that! I couldn't believe all the beautiful buildings and architecture. Then we came up to the Überwasserkirche. Kirche means church. This is a picture of the church and another picture of Hannah and I in front of the church.

We continued walking and saw Der Dom (The Dome). It is another beautiful kirche as you can see below:

Next, we walked to the old Town Hall which is now a museum you can go in. Viola had the people play the recording in English for us! Here is a picture of the town hall which is where the treaty was signed to end The Thirty Years' War. It was so neat to see first hand something I learned in most history classes in the US!

We also saw a lot of other churches including the Lambertikirche (below)

Die Clemenskirche is where a lot of people got married. I think I'm choosing this for my destination wedding some day! :) Gorgeous! (below):

We also went to the Museum of the History of Münster which I forgot to bring my camera in. Luckily Hannah did and took some photos,as it had some information about Münster during WWII. Those who know me best know this time period holds a special place in my heart and I love learning anything and everything about it. One picture that was in the museum really got to me, hopefully I can share this picture with you once I get a copy from Hannah. However, I want to show you this picture first. It is of the university/castle in which you saw earlier. I took this picture as we were walking to our car to leave Münster because it was similar to a picture I saw in the museum.

In this photo you can see the university/castle and the area in front of it. So beautiful. The picture in the museum was this picture but the yard in front was filled with Nazi's. There were thousands and thousands of them standing there as if they were listening to someone speak. There was a stage in front of them with people talking into a podium. I stood there, too. I couldn't help but think how terrible these people were to do such horrible things only because people were different from them. In the end, we're all human. I stood in the same places they did (especially this one) about seventy years later and prayed to God that those people could be forgiven.

Before we left to return to OstBevern, we stopped by Viola's parents house. I wish I had taken a photo because it was so beautiful! We had gooseberry tart and coffee on their porch out back of the house. The porch was surrounded by beautiful glass windows! I think I will have one of these when I build my own house someday. At least I can dream big, right?! Her parents were so sweet. I look forward to getting to know them more! The city of Münster was beautiful (Die schöne stadt Münster) and I am excited to go back!

Till' Next Time! :)

April 11, 2012- OstBevern, Germany

OstBevern, Germany.

After a very long flight, we finally boarded off the last plane in Münster, Germany which is about thirty minutes from OstBevern. We went to the claim our baggage and mine didn't show up! So in a new city in and a new country we walked to the "lost and found" where I reported my lost luggage to a very sweet man. He looked in the computer system and was not able to track where my luggage was. I was too excited to even care that my things were lost! I filled out some information and we walked out to the lobby of the airport where Viola, Oliver, Christina, and Jenni were waiting for us! Viola is the mother and Oliver is her son. This is who I am staying with! Viola also has another son named Aladin. Since we arrived yesterday at about 2:30 pm (Germany time) which is about 7:30 am in Kentucky I was surprised when I wasn't tired at all! I was so excited to be here that I didn't even notice the lack of sleep. We drove home and this is what I saw...

This is my beautiful home where I will be living for the next four weeks. The triangular window at the top is my window in my room. Their home is in a beautiful village. Hardly anyone drives their cars. Everyone either bikes or walks. It is wonderful. Everything in this village is in walking/riding distance. When we walked into the house I immediately felt at home. Everyone is so kind and welcoming! We sat at the kitchen table for cake and coffee. This is something most Germans do when they have guests over! I am certainly bringing this back to the states! Afterward we walked to Oliver and Aladin's schule (school). Their schule is a castle built by Johann Conrad von Schlaun. He is a well known architect who has built many castles around this area. This is a picture of their schule.

Isn't is beautiful! I was stunned. We continued our walk and went back home. I even found the way back on my own! :) Once we arrived at home, Hannah and her family left to go to their house. We relaxed and Aladin played the piano for me. I know simple songs like "Mary Had a Little Lamb" and "Cannon in D" but Aladin was playing the most beautiful music I had ever heard! It was what we Americans only see on TV. It was fabulous. I was most impressed! Then, we had dinner or "lunch" as they call it here. We had onion cake and salad. It was DELISH! I will be taking home a lot of recipes to my mom! After dinner, Viola and I went on a bike ride with Amy (their dog). We rode through the town and went to Josef-Annegarn Schule. This is the name of the school where I will be teaching 10 and 11 year olds. It is a wonderful school! I had trouble getting on and off the bike, as I am very short! But I will get used to that! I forgot how much joy being outdoors and on a bike is. Something I only did as a child and now I can't wait to go again. Kentucky is much different.

This is a playground area where children in the village come to play.

After our bike ride we sat in their den and watched a movie in German and talked. I showed Viola the children's yearbook from the school I student taught at in Kentucky. I also let her read the letters they had written for her students here in OstBevern. While talking the phone rang and Viola said "that is why I have two healthy boys to get up and answer the phone". Little did we know it was the airport calling! My bags were found! Viola went to the phone and talked to someone and returned with the good news! Thirty minutes later the door bell rang and my bags were home. I was very lucky and much appreciative to the nice ladies who delivered my bags.

Then, we went to bed. At first I didn't think I was going to be able to sleep because of the time difference but once my head hit the pillow I was out like a light. My first day in Germany was wonderful. I am so excited to be here! This experience is everything I ever hoped for...and more!!

I will write another blog about my day today in Münster, Germany! It's suppertime here!
Tschüss!

Till' Next time!

I'm Leavin' On a Jet Plane!

Well where do I even begin. So much as happened since my last post but I promise not to keep you waiting so long this time! I can't believe my last post was February 18th! Where has the time gone?! I'll tell ya where it has gone, student teaching!

Let me begin by briefly sharing my experience in sixth grade. I can basically sum it up into two words... absolutely amazing. I learned so much from those kiddos and my cooperating teacher. I am so blessed to have had such a wonderful placements. I really have so, so much to share but it is getting late and I wanted to quickly share the really exciting news. Those of you who have been following me since day one (bless your hearts) know I will be traveling to Germany to finish my student teaching. Well, believe it or not, I leave... TOMORROW!!!

Originally I was supposed to go to Berlin, Germany. However I will now be traveling to OstBevern, Germany which is about thirty miles from Munster, Germany. I am BEYOND excited. A few weeks back I received the name of the lady I would be living with. I immediately emailed her and of course looked her up on Facebook. I was successful! She is the sweetest lady and I am so very excited to stay in her home. She has been so welcoming since day one and I really look forward to meeting her and her family. She has two boys (18 and 16 years old). I have so many questions for them!

All I want to sing tonight is "All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go, .......I'm leaving on a jet plane." All I can picture is Armageddon. Love that movie. From a lost passport (that's another story) to the last minute packing the night before I leave, this process has been quite the experience. I apologize I'm leaving a lot of details out but I promise to get back soon, and with pictures!

I got the most amazing stuff from my sixth graders! We also did a lot of fun activities about Rocks and the Rock Cycle that I can't wait to share with ya'll :)

Please keep me in your prayers as I travel tomorrow. I am so thrilled and blessed for this opportunity! I can't wait to share all my adventures!!

Till' Next Time!

Valentine's Day and Last Day in Third Grade!

Hope everyone had an amazing week and Valentine's Day! I know I sure did!! This will be a lengthy post, I warned you :) Okay, VERY lengthy!!

Valentine's day was the best I think I have ever had! Now, let's just say this was the first Valentine's day in about 7 years I haven't had a man in my life. Lonely, you may think? WRONG. Little did I know, 25 kiddos meant more to me than any of those other Valentines have! I got so many goodies from them! Chocolates, flowers, and my FAVORITE thing in the world... hand written cards. Some of my favorites include the "I love you's" "You're the best teacher" "You are so pretty" "You are smart" "You mean so much to me". They just make me feel so good about myself! I mean any insecurities I may have had are gone now after being around elementary kids. I'll say it for the 10,000 time, these kids are the sweetest group of children ever! We had a party at the end of the day with every food and sweet possible. Parents came and the kids played "hearts" bingo! Too much fun for one day! My highlight of the day was when a parent came up to me and said, "You're Ms. Shell, right? The student teacher?" After talking with her for awhile she then said, "My son comes home from school and likes to talk in a british accent. I'm not sure why he does it all the time!" Perfect. The child is just like me. How did she know? Now call me crazy, but I will raise my child to speak in a british accent. I am slightly obsessed. My friends and I are always talking in crazy british accents! It just so proper and british kids are so stinkin' adorable!! haha! Anywho... she then informed me that last week her son came home and said in his british accent, "MUMMY! MUMMY! Have I told you Ms. Shell is quite the cutie?" I lost it. Any composure I was trying to keep...gone! I was laughing myself to tears. I thought it was precious! Later in the week, I said something to the student in a british accent and he looked at me like, she KNOWS! Best Valentine's day ever. I will keep my lego, princess, mad lib, and all other character valentine's cards forever.

Now Friday was my last day in third grade. I knew I was going to be sad leaving but little did I know it would be as sad as it was! I certainly didn't prepare myself for what happened. All day the kids would give me hugs and express how sad they were that I was leaving. I reminded them that I am just moving to the other mile long hall (our school's hallways are a workout) to 6th grade! I wasn't leaving forever! It was still sad knowing I wouldn't seem them everyday. So, the day was going fabulously as usual and then came Math Enrichment (the last part of the day). The teacher brought in a huge cupcake cake:

How cute is that?! For those of you who don't know, that character is Big Red. He is Western Kentucky's mascot! I love it!!

Then the teacher got a huge bag out from her little storage area above the kids lockers. I was not expecting this at all! So she hands me the bag and I open the card first. A sweet card with all the kids signatures and a gift card to Target. Seriously?! If this wasn't enough I then have to continue to open the gifts. Next, is when I loose it. Now, this is the part I was telling you I didn't prepare for. This is what I see:

They wrote me a book! Well, water works are flowing at this point and I have to turn my back to the class. I didn't want them to see me cry!!! But, I am a very sensitive person, especially when it comes to homemade stuff like this. They each wrote a page and drew a picture. Well, Ms. Shell could NOT read the book at school. This was something that required my pjs, a bottle glass of wine, and a box of tissues. Yes, I read it last night. It was the best book I've ever read. The SWEETEST gift ever. So, that's not all I got by the way! I also got a "recess blanket" for when it's cold outside with Ms. Shell embroidered on it!! I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. And I also got something EVERY teacher needs on their desk:

Who ever thought hand sanitizer could be so cute??

Of course I didn't come empty handed! I also got my teacher and kids something. Instead of going too into detail about them I got her a cup with her initial on it, thirty-one bag, a little hanging thing (forgot to take a picture but it said 2 teach is 2 touch hearts 4 ever with the 2+2=4 thingy) and I made her a crayon wreath. Those of you who are interested in how to make it can click HERE. I got the idea off Pinterest. Her class is "Richardson's Rockstars"...

I also made the kiddos goodie bags with pencils, erasers, bookmarks, candy, and a little number game::

This also came from Pinterest::

So if round one of tears wasn't enough, here comes more! I had to work bus duty. So, right before I had to head outside, the teacher had the students come up and tell me goodbye and give me one last hug. As tables were coming up, kids were hugging me and not letting go! But, we had to move on quickly. Finally, the last table comes up. One little girl squeezes me so tight and I hear a sniffle. I look down and she is bawling! I mean hysterically crying her little eyes out! Then another student cries. So of course I loose it, then the teacher looses it! We're all crying! You would've seriously thought I was gone forever and no one would see me again! It was awful!But, this whole thing just made me realize how much I meant to those kids and there is nothing more in the world I could ask for than to make an imprint on a child's heart. It was the greatest feeling yet so devastating leaving such a wonderful group of kids. How rewarding to know that I impacted those kids? I mean THIS is why I am being a teacher. I am blessed beyond belief! God is SO good!

I also started my TPT store. Which at this time only has ONE item. My goal is to get more up before the weekend is over. We'll see! I hope you enjoyed reading my novel. Told you it was lengthy! Have a FABULOUS rest of the weekend!

Till' next time!