IB trip cultural sharing

We (Olivia and I ) are working on a fantastic opportunity for colleagues to enter a cultural exchange on the island of Lombok. We are on such a short time frame for planning in this simulated format. We have found an organization the CDC in Sembalun and they have blogged some of their needs for volunteer community engagement. Our teachers whether well traveled or not would experience the needs of a local international community. The village people do not speak any English, home stays would be arranged, and the food is very different. Our teachers would be out of their western comfort zone and this experience would help them in the classroom, especially with our transient Hispanic population. The understanding gained would enhance their teaching abilities. The learning for members of both cultures is enhanced by the comfort zone being left behind. Our teachers would have to exhibit some risk taking skills, perhaps making them more adaptable when school or district changes are places upon them.
Having traveled to this area, I feel pretty comfortable designing the logistics. Our team of volunteers would brainstorm and create the travel route and any extensions. We already have some contacts and connections at the CDC in Sembalun.
The AOI met is community and service which is a personal passion of mine. I enjoy promoting service among friends, adults and students. The limits of the group activities are only what we place upon ourselves. Team building strategies and ample planning and preparation will enhance our experience. Monthly meetings to discuss concerns, do some basic language phrase learning, and building excitement for the trip are a necessity. Our end product is to design this adventure. But our real end result is a valuable cultural exchange by reaching outside of our world to provide something for others.

Back from California - Internet Librarian Conference

Kari and I had a great time speaking at the conference in Cali.

Our topic: OMG...Who Posted That? We shared mini lessons on digital citizenship for grades 8 through 12. (protecting online reputations)

One of our students made a fantastic poster for us to share at the conference. I will try to post the pdf later. I have no doubt that she is an up and coming artist with amazing talent. I fully intend to watch her career blossom.

California was beautiful this time of year and while we were gone the snow started. Apparently 8 inches in two days. The mountain tops are covered and so the base begins. I am sure we will be open for skiing on Thanksgiving as planned by the resort.

Traveling is always challenging but no need to get upset about things you cannot control. It took me 24 hours to get home from Cali. It is only a 12 to 14 hour drive. But a delay, cancellation, 3 flights, 3 hour taxi drive, hotel in Salt Lake City and I finally made it to work on Friday.

2012 Summer Indonesian Adventure

Last day of school-work tomorrow.
Fly to Seattle Saturday - drive to Vancouver, BC
Sightsee then fly out Monday night midnight
Arrive to Depansar, Bali on Wednesday
Staying at one of the top eco-resorts to learn all we can before we go to Lombok on Saturday.

This is a working vacation - Danielle has purchased a piece of property that is an abandoned resort at the base of Mt. Rinjani National Park, a volcano trekking area on the island of Lombok. We are working to renovate, build and have it in working order by March 2013. I am along for moral support this summer.

First on the agenda - electricity, water, septic and a place to sleep.

I am a little nervous at the anticipation of the unknown, but unbelievably excited and so happy that Danielle wants me to be a part of this adventure.

I did not realize this never posted.
 Pretty funny when I look back. Never was able to have electric, water was sporadic and not sure of quality, septic was still in process when I left, BUT
we bought a mattress during week 2, so we could discontinue sleeping on the hard, cold, concrete floor.
The days began at sunrise and ended shortly thereafter, reading with a headlamp or kindle light, and listening to music.

WOW! I am behind. But I have spent time following my two favorites bloggers:
DnZ Adventures and Mario Machado.