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Tales of a Traveling Teacher

I am a 4th grade teacher from Birmingham, Alabama. This blog is not an official site of the Fulbright Program or the U.S. Department of State. The views expressed on this site are entirely those of Rebecca Smith's and do not represent the views of the Fulbright Program, the U.S. Department of State, or any of its partner organizations.

Two Months

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October 15, 2012

There was a glorious sunrise this morning, marking my second month into this year-long adventure!

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Good-byes

August 13, 2012

Life is full of hellos and good-byes, and so to begin this new adventure, we decide that a Hello/Goodbye party would be just perfect for Kelly and I. It was a wonderful way for me to say farewell to so many friends and loved ones and a way for Kelly to meet many new faces. The party made me realize even more so, what a life-swap this is. Kelly and I will depend upon each other's friends and family members to help us find our way and help us make a home away from home. I realized even more-so how incredibly blessed I am not only to have so many friends and family supporting me along my journey, but supporting Kelly through her journey as well. They have welcomed her with open arms, just as I expected them to, and I know they will look out for her throughout the year. For that, and for so many other things, I am incredibly thankful. I am so excited about my trip, and eager for the journey to begin. For months, this seemed so far away and now, I'm on...

Tis the season... to bake!

November 19, 2012

Even being thousands of miles from the food celebrations that will happen this week, I somehow got the "it's time to cook" bug this Thanksgiving week! This past weekend I made about 4 recipes worth of sausage and cheese balls (which have been a huge hit here!) to put in the freezer for upcoming celebrations and to share with others. I'm also baking some more cookies to share on Thanksgiving day, so I made the dough for that tonight to start the process. And last, but certainly not least, I made my grandmother's sausage biscuits. They are nothing all too complicated, these pinwheel biscuits, but oh they are delicious. I know they are tasty, but I also know that one of the main reasons I love them so much is because I always think of her when I make them. I was only nine when she passed away, and so unfortunately many of the memories I have of her have faded. I don't think the smell of those homemade biscuits wafting up the stairs is something I could...

Lots of Love

November 29, 2012

Several years ago, a dear friend of mind, a true visionary, Lisa, thought that there was something more we could do to ensure our elementary-aged girls were ready for the middle school. So, with her wonderful guidance and vision, we started a girls club with the 4th and 5th graders where we talked about all sorts of girl stuff while also encouraging girls to grow and cut their hair for Locks of Love. Locks of Love is an organization which uses donations of real hair to make wigs for children who have lost their hair due to cancer treatments. We also talk about self-esteem, staying healthy, friendships, ways to stand up for yourself and even some of the best comebacks that help you keep your class at the same time! In May, at our last meeting, a hair stylist comes to the school for our "Cut Day" party. It is probably one of my favorite events of the year. The girls who are cutting are nervous and excited, with family and friends around to support them. ...