Fabulous Teachers Conference In Manila

We just returned from a fabulous four days in Manila, where we attended a teachers’ conference for international schools. There were about 1200 teachers and administrators attending the conference from Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, Laos, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines. It was incredible to learn from our fellow international teachers and hear about their experiences in other countries.

We learned so much, we cannot even remember all of it, let alone share it with you. We sharpened our teaching skills through ten workshops, sessions and three keynote speakers. Nate took some classes on music and dance in the classroom, so I couldn’t pass up joining him for the social dancing 101 class! I also learned a ton about technology in the classroom, drama, social behaviors of girls and learning issues for the gifted student.

In addition to all this wonderful learning, we enjoyed many cultural dances put on by the Philippine National Folk Dance Company, Bayanihan. Our eyes were glued to the stage as we watched the beautiful cultural dances and costumes and listened to the live Filipino music. They may be coming to the U.S., so check out their website for events and shows.

My final favorite part of this conference was the dates Nate and I enjoyed while we were in Manila. I had been missing America, so we of course had to stop at the California Pizza Kitchen for a Friday night date. Nate bought me a rose for our outing and we just talked excitedly for hours about all we had been learning.

We also were invited to a fancy dinner on the last night of the conference in the beautiful five-star hotel where it was hosted. We enjoyed dressing up and feasting followed by a lovely dance, where we put into practice the steps we had learned in class.

Our last date was this morning at Starbucks with our friends, Dan and Ellen. We finally got together with them for a double-date after having met them at training in the summer of 2004. In Manila there are 47 Starbucks Cafés whereas in our city there are none. We enjoyed our fellowship and frappuccinos until finally I got America out of my system and I was ready to fly home. What wonderful blessings the Lord has lavished on us!