Return on Investment

As a teacher we never know the situation a student comes from or goes home to. The activities from this week helped me to realize many different things. From the Saving Brains video the most important days are the first 1000 days. It is crucial to have children experience positive stimulation, protection and nutrition. These things are necessary for success. Just like Maslow's hierarchy of needs the basics have to be met before development can continue upward. One day at a time makes a difference. As students come into classrooms teachers need to be aware of their students and help intervene when necessary.
The Abuse and Neglect video was eye opening to what the process is when there is a problem with abuse or neglect. I didn't know each state had different specifications for what is proof of abuse or neglect. It is a teachers responsibility to be aware and aid when needed. They need to keep track of situations and notes with the CPS so that they can investigate if necessary.
Whitney Elementary is an awesome place. The principal is dedicated to student success and also success at home. Miss Gahn, the principal- said, "If you do what you do with integrity and intent you will shine." She is an inspiring woman who made a great impact on the children at her school. The hope she has for the children of her school is just like the hope the parents have for their children despite their current situation. The needs of children are universal and since they can meet those needs those students will be successful. This week was rough and I found myself not having enough time to get things done. Today I woke up to a tire on my car with a nail in it and a slow leaking tire. While I was at the car shop, waiting for the repair to be made a few children came in. In the waiting room was a man watching a rated R movie. The children were trying to ignore the TV but there wasn't anything else to do. I asked the man if we could change it to something more appropriate. He said of course and left the room handing me the remote. Upon changing the channel one of the children recognized me from being an aid in their classroom. They didn't want to say anything to the man but they were thankful that I did. Most times it isn't the fault of the children that they suffer but it definitely makes their lives more difficult. As teachers our responsibility is to pay attention, have hope in our students future, and do everything we can to help them be inspired to continue despite their circumstances. When we take the time to invest in our students lives they feel that reassurance that what they are doing is correct and when given that chance the return on that small investment is a new life of learning and confidence.

The Frozen Tundra

Back to the good old frozen tundra it is! Luckily it hasn't snowed much lately! Upon arrival there were two feet of snow on my poor California car and Tori was not too happy to start up! The semester is going strong, two weeks in and still straight A's. I feel like it is going to be a great semester... despite the white frozen stuff. 

Picture Perfect

This weekend has been great! My Best Friend (Brittany) came up to Rexburg to visit me! It's been great to have her here. We started off the 4th, almost immediately after her plane landed with the great opportunity to use my photography skills to photograph our friend's (Bethany) family. It was a great way to start of the 4th of July weekend. With more than 500 pictures taken and wonderful times had; the 4th started with some Perfect Pictures. We picnicked it out by the Snake River in Idaho Falls waiting for the fireworks to begin. Played a few rounds of "Go Fish" with the few random kids who came creeping as we were playing Speed. One little boy couldn't read the big numbers, so I helped him out a bit! The day was great. Then on the 5th, we started out the day with a trip to Monkey Rock. (aka a snow run-off with a little waterfall) That was fun, and now we look like little red Lobsters. Today has been a blast! I feel like Sunday will forever remain as my favorite day of the week. Since it is the first week of the month, it was Fast and Testimony meeting. Since the semester is winding down and many of us are going to be off track next semester, testimony's were shared with thankful hearts for the people around them. This ward really is great with getting to know one another and finding small and simple ways of serving. I have really grown to love this ward. This past week I spent my free time preparing for the photo shoot and preparing a lesson for Relief Society. I was so nervous I just couldn't keep my hands from shaking. Even this morning I was unsure of the absolute outline for my lesson. My mind was just running with Ideas from what I had studied. It was a great relief to have so much participation in class that I was able to follow the Spirit and direct the discussion where others needed it to go. I seriously love teaching! It's something about discussions and marker boards that just gets me excited to share what I have loved learning about!

Here is a sample of this weekend: Enjoy!

View of Sunset from Rexburg Temple

Rexburg Temple

Contrasting Clouds

Creepy Bug

Patriotic Temple

Natural Star

Our Fireworks

Idaho Falls Fireworks

REXBURG!

Well, I've been up at school since returning from our family cruise in January! It's been great to be back in school, hanging out, doing homework and all those other things that come along in college! My car came, Her name is Rosie! Brianna and I tend to have adventures in our onesies, ok so maybe one, but more are in the works! The weather here seriously can't make up its mind. The last one is all in one day!

What's New?

For an RM... (Responsible Member) like myself (ok, Im working on it still, but a new twist on an old acronym is always good right?) there are a whole lot of things new. Well to be honest not as many as expected. But Im working on it alright?! I've got a job! That's new. Point for me! I've been spending lots of time with family. Sharing my testimony all along the way! Its been interesting to see how my mission has effected my ability to speak with those "scary strangers" I never would EVER in my craziest dreams talk to before my mission. Conversations come up easily and I am absolutely in LOVE with sharing this gift I have in my heart! 

Beach Adventure with Mom once when we got off work early!

Visiting WA to see Dad and getting back on the Tugs bright and early!

A Traditional Juker Thanksgiving! Missed Mom though!

Seeing my Kaiser for the first time in about three years! He remembered me!

Odie, Grandmas dog, He is spoiled but sure is a cutie!

Hunting for our Christmas tree!

Monica and I were Tree Protectors, Protecting our tree from the sketchy looking people!

Once we had our tree full of character inside!

Visiting the Los Angeles Temple with my family and enjoying the Christmas lights there.

My Tribute to Sweden! I sure do miss it!

Home?!

Its been a few days and it feels so different, but also so much the same! Crazy how time flies!

Vi ses!

From: Jennifer Juker <jennifer.juker@myldsmail.net>
Date: Mon, Sep 17, 2012 at 8:49 AM
Subject: Vi ses!

Nära och Kära

This week is crazy! Time flew by and its been so filled with miracles and I love it!

I måndags we had some finding activities to find our spot for our girls camp activity on saturday. It took us a while and a couple maps but we did find the perfect place. We were on our way back to change into our missionary clothes when we saw this couple moving scaffolding from one house to the next. They didn't see happy at all. So we stopped and asked if we could help them. They only had a few pieces left, so of course they declined our help but the Spirit was there and their faces reflected that. He smiled and said thanks anyway. It was a special experience to me because it was so little, to just ask someone if we could help but it made their day. Now they wave when we ride past. Its great!

i tisdags we were able to visit Hans in Bie for the first time with Syster Ridl. He has been busy so its been difficult to get ahold of him. But on the bus out there we picked up Sister Palomino. She came and sat with us on the bus. There used to be a bigger language barrier but there isnt anymore and so its great. We are able to talk and understand eachother. As we were going through a grove of trees I noticed how much they had changed since last week when we came to Bie. Right away it reminded me of how everything in the world wittnesses of God. It really hit me, I never thought of the seasons like that before but it was so apparent to us both. With Hans we talked about the Spirit again. He has been praying and reading. He had a few questions but it seems like he has really got a hold of the seed of faith. Im excited to see it grow. With the bus schedule and our appointment going long we missed the bus. He showed us some pictures from the historic badhus in Bie and insisted that we go and see. So we did. He gave us some apples and they were the craziest apples I have ever seen. They were so white the skin was practically see through. They were like the texture of styrofoam. It was yummy. We came home and ate lunch, did studies before going to meet Alex. We had called him and he told us that he was just lazy and thats why he hadnt answered the phone or sms. It frustrated us a little bit but we set up another appointment with him because he wanted to and then he didnt even come. Its frustrating because he just doesnt actively persue anything. We were then able to visit Cat, who has been sick and since our sunday was so full we were not able to visit her. She is a sweet lady and really wants to get to the temple. Tithing is the only thing thats holding her back.

I onsdags was a bit of a random day because our normal days for planning this week was taken over by a lot of other things so we did a bit of weekly planning on wednesday as well as preparing my talk for sunday. Rosmery could finally meet so we were able to be there. They were so cute as they got their calander for family prayer that we gave Angelina about a month ago and it was completely full with stickers. Meaning they had prayed every night that month. It was a special experience. Leif is still a little standoffish towards the gospel but he is still very nice with us and still supports Rosmery 100%. We are going to try to find out whats holding her back next time. We had a youth activity where Myriam and Cynthia came. They wanted to play an american card game so we taught them scum and really enjoyed it. They told us that they appriciate us taking time to be with them. It was a nice reminder that they do care about us as well.

I torsdags we had a great district meeting about the Armor of God. As the others got here I saw one of our investigators on the street that we havent had much contact with for the last month so I introduced Syster Ridl and talked with him for a while. His name is Michael, he is somewhat interested in our church and has learned lots from living in Utah about our church. He says the only thing wrong with our church is its doctrine and not changing. It was a bit commical. We will see how it all goes down. Syster Hill gave it and we talked more specifically of how we can have our invesitigators more fully put on the armor. It was really awesome to do! Amber met us after district meeting so we could show her the place and nail in the last nails for our Personal Progress day on saturday. We were invited to the Relief Society activity where Lotta showed us all how to crochet these little animals. It was super cute and we were able to strengthen the members there in their talent building. We then went to Amina's as she wanted to feed us. She wasnt home so we were hungry and got to fend for ourselves at home.

I fredags we had time to make sure our members who were helping with our activites were ready to go and it was great. Amber had a few things she had forgot so we helped her with that before meeting with the Palominos for dinner at there place. They are awesome. A nephew is staying with them Edwardo and he seems to be interested in church. Fernando clarified things to him in Spanish and then he came to church with Augustine and Fran as well.

I lördags our activity went awesome! It started off slow but ended full blown! Our Young Women are busy but all those who are active attended and we had a non member there the whole day who loved it and she wants to come to activities now. (Clara) Our members were very responsive in all aspects and that made the day all the more better. They wrote handwritten letters to the girls for our Individual Worth activity. Marita came and talked about emergency preparedness, camping and salvation. Amber made an awesome relay race for our Divine Nature. Lotta came and helped us with Good Works and taught us how to make hearts for kids in the hospital. Maria came and talked about Integrity and Virtue. The spirit was present and the girls really enjoyed it.

Igår was a more difficult day. A time to say goodbye I guess you could say. We had Hans and Lars-Inge surprise me by being at church. It was a sweet experience. I was the last speaker and it was a unique feeling knowing that this was the last time I'd be in this position. We were then able to teach Young Womens because Amber caught the flu. We watched Finding Faith in Christ and it was a special spirit there as well. We gave Clara a Book of Mormon at the end and she accepted it graciously and gave me a big hug. Brought some tears in my eyes. It was a sweet experience. I hope she continues to come. Myriam invited us over for Flygande Jakob which I had never eaten before so she taught us how to make it. It was delicious but a little bit weird. We then met with Cat and Jock to say goodbye and write in my buddy book. They then offered to cook us lunch tomorrow so we will be seeing them on tuesday.

Challenge time! There is so much that we can spend our time doing. Time is one of the most precious gifts we have been given, are we using it for the most important things? Its something that Ive been assessing lately and its easy to get off track but with repentance and effort its even easier to get it back.

Love you all so much! Thank you for your continued support throughout my mission. Its been one of the most rollarcoastic time of my life but I wouldnt change a day of it for the world! Its awesome. Its weird to close this for the last time. I guess Ill see you soon!

Love you All!

Syster Juker