TravelStream™ news feed for member amyvanc on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/amyvanc en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Mon, 26 Jan 2009 02:17:26 -0500 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amyvanc/madagascar_2006/1232953380/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amyvanc/madagascar_2006/1232953380/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amyvanc/madagascar_2006/1232953380/tpod.html Mon, 26 Jan 2009 02:17:26 -0500 Amy's African Adventure- life as an English teacher in Madagascar!

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Antananarivo, Madagascar

Hi friends and family!
Now that I'm living and working in the capitol, I should be much better at updating these blogs! Anyway, time gets away from me and a hectic work schedule keeps me busy.
So, I'm trying to get some pictures from Christmas vacation uploaded here. I was lucky enough to escape the busy city and head south to visit Isalo National Park (home of the ring-tailed lemurs) and Tulear (with beautiful beaches) with my boyfriend, Noe (you say it NO-WAY......yeah, it's funny). We had a great time seeing sites and just relaxing on the beach.
Now, it's back to work....and writing/revising teacher training materials (like sample lessons) and continuing Teen Talk, the popular (at least here in M-car) English talk show. Both are full-time jobs that keep me on my toes....and little time to relax! Definetely a different 3rd year than I thought :) But, my Peace Corps time here is finished in July and then.....we'll see! I am ready to come back to the states and I need to get my masters at some point....ah, life is crazy. Hope all is well with you and the cold, cold winter is on it's way out. Here, it's about 90 every day with rain every afternoon. And, we just had 2 cyclones pass through....one from the Mozambique channel side and one from the Indian Ocean. Always interesting here!
Thank you again for all the cards, packages, gifts, etc. And- Girls' Camp 2009 is coming in April, so if you'd like to donate-PLEASE LET ME KNOW! We'd love any help we can get-monetary or otherwise!
Much love and God bless,
Amy :)
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amyvanc/madagascar_2006/1217859480/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amyvanc/madagascar_2006/1217859480/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amyvanc/madagascar_2006/1217859480/tpod.html Mon, 04 Aug 2008 10:34:23 -0400 Amy's African Adventure- life as an English teacher in Madagascar!

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Towanda, Illinois, United States

Hello! I'm am putting some more photos of Madagascar and some activities that I've done. I had another Girls Camp in my town of Anjozorobe this past May (May 23-25 2008) because we had extra money from the first one! It was ALOT of fun and 26 girls were able to spend a long weekend learning about leadership, how to make healthy decisions about the future, making crafts, and English, of course! Thank you to all helped out and look out for another chance to help this upcoming fall. We hope to do another regional camp in Oct. or Nov. I'll keep you posted!

I'll also include some pics of my town, house, and students since I have now moved to the capital. I already miss them :) Have a gerat rest of the summer and keep in touch! Only 9 days 'til I go back to M-car!!! Yowsers!
Much love and God bless,
Amy :)
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amyvanc/madagascar_2006/1216062360/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amyvanc/madagascar_2006/1216062360/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amyvanc/madagascar_2006/1216062360/tpod.html Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:17:22 -0400 Amy's African Adventure- life as an English teacher in Madagascar!

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Bangkok, Thailand

Hi friends and family!
I know that it's been awhile.....sorry about that! I just finished up my 2 years in M-car and took a vaca to Thailand with my fellow Peace Corps friend, John. I will continue home to Central Illinois/Chicago for a month with friends and family and then return to M-car for a 3rd year. I took a new job that I am very excited about with the Min. of Ed. (revising middle school english curriculum) and tv M (the national tv station developing a tv promoting english to teenagers). More on that later, but it was off to Thailand to see temples, ride elephants, and hang out on the beach. I'll try to get some photos uploaded here. We spent the first 3 days in Bangkok seeing the sites and then 3 days in the south of the island (Phuket) to hang out with all the Aussies on the beach (and I rode an elephant!!!) and then back to Bangkok to fly out. I would STRONGLY recommend ANYONE to go to Thailand! It was SOOOO beautiful-ornate Buddist temples to beautiful beaches- and elephants! Plus, the dollar went pretty far there compared to other vacation places. Check it out! It was worth every penny in my book.

I'll be home July 14 to August 12, so feel free to drop me a line. Again, sorry for not writing more.....but time (and paying for internet) always escapes me! Have a good summer (or winter in M-car) and hope to hear from you soon.
Love,
Amy :)
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amyvanc/madagascar_2006/1208594880/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amyvanc/madagascar_2006/1208594880/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amyvanc/madagascar_2006/1208594880/tpod.html Sat, 19 Apr 2008 05:03:24 -0400 Amy's African Adventure- life as an English teacher in Madagascar!

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Antananarivo, Madagascar

Hey all!
So, misy vaovao! (which means "there is news!" in Malagasy....kinda like saying, "Hey, guess what's up!") I am coming home for 1 month in July!!! Oh, and I'm extending my service here in M-car so that I'll be staying another year :) Crazy, I know! There have been some really good opportunities here, so I am staying.....but NOT forever for those of you who worry!
My plan WAS to stay in my town and finish some projects that I had started. But.....some opportunities have presented themselves and I just can't pass them up. So, I will have to say goodbye to Anjozorobe (not an easy thing!) and move to the capital where I have 2 exciting jobs. The first is working with the Ministry of Education on developping a middle school English curriculum....following in my family's footsteps! I really do love teaching and "igniting" young minds. Who knew :) The second- working with a Malagasy tv station on a tv show promoting English to teenages. It's called "Teen Talk" and I already appeared with some of my girls from my Girls Club. We were guest speakers talking about "how cool is your school!". So, I will try to get a copy for you all to see.
Well, I gotta jet, but ;ark your calendars- I'll be home in July! I'll send more details when I get them, but plan on some good get-togethers :)
Much love,
A :)
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Antananarivo, Madagascar

Hello Again Everybody,

Very excited to say that I was able to upload several pictures of both Mark's visit and the M-Car Girls Camp 2007! Please take a minute to take a look, many good pictures!
Also, just an official "Thank You!!!" again to everyone who took part in the innagural "Driving Toward a Difference!" Golf Outing way back in August. We had an incredible time and now you can see the direct result of our efforts in the pictures that were added to Amy's earlier entry. As I'm sure you'll be able to tell, we were able to change the lives of several young women, who were able to take part in a great week of fun, fellowship, learning and laughter. Some of my favorite pictures were of the "God's Eyes" that they were able to make from the yarn sent by Mom and Dad.(and worn on Amy's head at one point). Look for details regarding this year's golf outing comming to an email inbox near you! There are several pictures also added of our cousin Mark's visit over Thanksgiving. What an incredible time that must have been! Lemurs and lizards and all!

Much love,
Brother J
630.209.4389
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amyvanc/madagascar_2006/1200723300/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amyvanc/madagascar_2006/1200723300/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amyvanc/madagascar_2006/1200723300/tpod.html Sat, 19 Jan 2008 05:30:20 -0500 Amy's African Adventure- life as an English teacher in Madagascar!

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Antananarivo, Madagascar

Happy 2008 to All!
I made it back safe and sound (after an 18 hours flight) to Madagascar after an amazing Christmas with the fam. I got to see some many friends and family, but my sincerest apologies to those who I missed! It was a crazy and hectic 2 weeks. I was truly blessed to be able to have gone home. Thanks again to all that made it happen!
Things are going very well here. School started on Jan. 7th and has been in full swing. Both the students AND teachers are still a bit sluggish after the holidays. I am busy trying to plan another Girl's Camp- this time in my town of Anjozorobe with the previous girls leading the events- and set up basketball games for the women's club to play. I still have English Club every Wed. afternoon and I'm also thinking of organizing a field trip to the university for them. Never a dull moment I tell you!
Some other news is that I have decided to stay in Madagascar another year....give or take. I really love the country and want to teach here a bit longer. I'm not sure if I will extend with the Peace Corps or possible work for the embassy or other US organization. I'm still putting the word out there and seeing what is available. So, if you have any ideas, let me know :)
I hope to get more pics on here about the previous Girls Camp and of me teaching. I thought for SURE I'd have time when I was in the states, but I ended up not getting to it. So, I will beg my brother to see what interesting things he can put on here. Oh, other news-my town got cell phone service! I can now talk standing in my house. It's amazing this technology :) So, my numbers are 011.261.33.025.1493 or 011.261.32.523.4406 You can also shoot me a text message at the same number. Hope to hear from you soon! Thanks again for all the support, mail, packages, and prayers. Have a blessed 2008!
Much love,
Amy :)
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Antananarivo, Madagascar

Hi all!
Ok, so this is my third attempt at writing an entry.....gotta love technology in a third wold country. I hope all is going well with everyone! I can't believe that it's already been a YEAR and a HALF on this crazy island.
Sorry that it's been a couple of months since writing....I've been really busy with school and things are great. I am teaching the same levels as last year (6eme and 2nde- the equiv. of 5th grade and soph. in high school) and feel like a MUCH better teacher this year! Maybe it's because I understand more Malagasy, so when the kids are talking I can catch them if they are using bad words :) It's alot of fun! Oh, and I'm teaching alot less hours (from 24 to 14) so I feel like I can actually take time to breathe now. Of course, I decided to start an English Club, Girls Club, and an Adult class....so that "free" time kinda disappeared, but I figured I'm here to do a job, right!?! Oh, thanks again for all the contributions to the Girls Camp back in September. It was REALLY great and now the girls that went decided to start and club in our town. We've met three times and they've already taught about health, the environ., and even wrote a theme song! I'm really proud of them!!! Only 12-13 years old and already role models :)
Two pieces of GREAT news- 1.- My cousin Mark is coming to visit me THIS Sunday (Nov. 18)! It's gonna be alot of fun seeing my town, lemurs, and celebrating Thanksgiving with PCV's in Antsirabe. We'll be on the move alot, but you gotta get it all in when you can. 2.- I'll be coming home for Chirstmas!!!! I fly into O'Hare on Dec. 17 and leave Dec. 30th or so.....so let me know when you're free and I'd love to see as many of you as possible before I return. It'll be nice to have some nicer temps and maybe see some SNOW! I actually miss that white stuff :)
That's about all the news that I have. Thanks again for all the letters, packages, well wishes, e-mails, and prayers! I am very blessed to have all of you as friends and family! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and hope to hear and/or SEE you soon!
Much love,
A :)
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amyvanc/madagascar_2006/1186850640/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amyvanc/madagascar_2006/1186850640/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amyvanc/madagascar_2006/1186850640/tpod.html Sat, 11 Aug 2007 05:59:40 -0400 Amy's African Adventure- life as an English teacher in Madagascar!

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Fianarantsoa, Madagascar

Hello all! Just wanted to give you an update on the summer happenings here in Madagascar. Things are going really well and of course, flying by! I feel like a true teacher and get sad looking at the few weeks left of vacation before I head back to Anjozorobe. Fianarantsoa (Fianar for short) is fun, but COLD so we've been teaching in hats and coats. 2 other PCV's and I teach here at an English Center as well as run teacher trainings. We just finished our first teacher training (where we train middle school teachers in english methodology and leadership skills) in Ambalavao a small town outside of Fianar. It was good, although we are revising alot! It is hard to predict what problems these teachers may have when our conditions and materials are completely different in America. Let me just say that I am so greatful that I was raised with the American education system! It truly is an advantage. Anyway, we spent alot of time teaching songs, games, and making visual aids to help the students enjoy English. I am learning ALOT and feel like I have hit my groove as a teacher :)
Not much else to report.....hard at work and vacation is not really a vacation, but the work is SO important! I just talked to a bunch of friends and family at the Golf Outing in El Paso yesterday and want to give you all a BIG THANK YOU! I have the best support from you all and am very blessed. Thanks to all who organized, played, donated money and time, and rallied for this great cause. Also, congrats to my cousin Angie and Ken on their wedding day- today! May you have a lifetime of wonderful memories! I love you all!!!! Keep me posted on all your fun events!
Much love and God Bless :)
~Amy :)
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amyvanc/madagascar_2006/1182581100/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amyvanc/madagascar_2006/1182581100/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amyvanc/madagascar_2006/1182581100/tpod.html Mon, 09 Jul 2007 13:50:03 -0400 Amy's African Adventure- life as an English teacher in Madagascar!

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London, United Kingdom

Hey hey! So.....just wanted to give you a little update on what's going on in the life of this crazy volunteer life I lead. I am incredibly lucky and blessed that I am leaving TODAY to fly to London to meet my parents!!!! I am super excited.....because it will be nice to have a little vacation and get to tour around a country that actually speaks English :) We'll be there a week seeing the sites, eating fish and chips, and having tea with the queen. Pretty cool and a first time trip across the seas for the parents! When I come back I'll be headed down to Fianarantsoa to do some teacher trainings and work with the Ministry of Education. Never a dull moment! Oh, and just a reminder.....since I will be working and living in Fianaransoa (Fianar for short) please send any mail, packages, chocolate, etc. to Tana since I won't be back to Anjozorobe until late Aug. Lastly, I wanted to give you guys a site that you can see a little bit of what life is like here in M-car. At an internet conference we were intorduced to site called www.mynameisbill.com It highlights M-car and some of my Peace Corps friends are in it! Plus, it's real funny. Check it out when you get some time. Right now Bill is in China, but his schedule is dictated by online viewers, so you can always try to see if he can return to M-car! There's a cool episode about lemurs and one with our friends singing kareoke. It's a good (but brief) look into this beautiful country. Ok, I think that is all for now! I'm having a great time and am excited that school is out for the summer! I must be a true teacher :) Have a great summer back there in the states (where it's actually HOT.....as opposed to winter here where I sleep in 3 shirts and 2 pairs of pants.....sometimes ear warmers!) Oh, a special thanks to all who donated to the Girl's Camp!!! We're raised over $2,000 but can always use more :) Also, thanks to the ladies at Trinity Lutheran Church in Oak Lawn, IL.....I received a bunch of books for my "coming soon" English Center! Thanks a bunch!!! Thanks to ALL of you for the letters, e-mail, packages, good wishes, and prayers. Every day I think how blessed I am to have all of you! Hope to hear from you soon! Much love, Amy :)
]]> http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amyvanc/madagascar_2006/1175868540/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amyvanc/madagascar_2006/1175868540/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/amyvanc/madagascar_2006/1175868540/tpod.html Sat, 14 Apr 2007 10:17:03 -0400 Amy's African Adventure- life as an English teacher in Madagascar!

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Fianarantsoa, Madagascar

He is risen! He is risen indeed!
Happy Easter all!!! I'm having a great Easter vacation here in Fianar, the 'capital' of the south of Madagascar. The full name of the town is Fianaransoa and is known for it's beautiful terraced landscapes and vineyards.(no....I have not yet tried all the wines!) I am here with 3 other PCV's and we are setting up our summer jobs here. I will be working in a Teacher Resource Center working on teacher training and curriculum useage. I'm real excited and happy about getting to see another part of the island! Last week we had a MSC (mid-service conference) where we talked about starting projects in our towns and then about 7 of us went to a nearby national park in the town of Andasibe. We saw the famous indri indri lemurs (which are the largest of all lemurs) as well as bamboo lemurs, common brown lemurs, frogs, smakes, and chameleons! It was alot of fun and I hope to get pics uploaded soon. I am also working on a Girls Camp in my region, so if you would like more info. on that please contact me or my brother. Lots of love, Amy :)
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