hey, for those of you who didn't receive my "update" via email, here it is. If you are not on my list but would like to be on it, send me a msg. 

Afternoon from the beautiful island of GRENADA!
It's Sunday afternoon, and I'm enjoying my time of rest/relaxation!
 School officially began on Monday, September 1. During that first day we all felt a little lost and uncertain:) My boys didn't know how to act in a school setting, which is normal for kids that age:) Obviously not used to sittin still or paying attention, these kids weren't quite sure about this whole idea of sitting for an hour at a time, just "studying". In truth, I believe I felt just as lost as they did, with this being my first year of teaching:) The first morning we had a big issue with my one student, Noah. Noah is being raised by his grandparents, and has not receive proper training at home. He didn't even respond to oral instructions like "sit in your chair", etc for the first while! It wasn't that he was being ornery, he just hadn't been taught. First of all, he was so scared to be there that he bawled and would not be comforted! Finally his grandpa promised to come to school, so things worked a little better from that point on. Well, by the time his grandpa came, he was okay and managed to stay until dismissal. So, that scene combined with trying to manage three other boys proved to be a major challenge:) After day 1 I was quite discouraged. Day 2 rolled around, and the ride was somewhat smoother. I still had to deal with the crying kid, but it wasn't quite so extreme this time around. Trying to teach kids to behave properly in school is a huge challenge! Anyway, really and truly my week was very challenging, but GOD is faithful! I found that when I thought I'd never make it through the day, He would give me grace to face things. One truth that became very real to me is the fact that GOD doesn't give us enough grace to face a month, a week, or even one day at a time. It's a moment-by-moment thing: when a need arises, the grace is there. I just want to say that I'm looking forward to a great year! My students showed some progress during the course of this week already, so I have faith that they'll learn what they need to know before the year comes to an end. Thank you so much for all the prayers you all sent up on my behalf!! I definitely sense that people are praying for me!
Aside from school, I'm adjusting well. When I first came down here, the weather really drained my energy, and I felt like I didn't have zip for anything:) Well, thankfully my body is adjusting to that as well, and I feel much more alive by now! As far as the "language" is concerned- I'm learning in that aspect as well:) When I first came down here I had a very difficult time making sense of what was being said around me, but by now I've got a good grip on it, and can grasp a large portion of the conversations.
Yesterday we had a staff outing at La Sagesse, so we had a great time together. The rain did drive us out, but so goes:) The pictures are basically ones that I took down at La Sagesse. The pic of me w/ my students was taken after our first week of school, but Noah was missing b/c he was sick. Enjoy the sights and "smells" of Grenada!
 
"My house is full, but My fields are empty.
Who will go and work for me today?
It seams My children all want to sit around My table,
but no one wants to work in My field,
No one wants to work in My field."
 
We sang this song in church this morning and I was just thinking about how true this really is! How often do we just sit at The Table, feasting, while there are people right outside the door of HIS house, just waiting to receive directions to the table? We could be so much more effective if only we caught the vision and kept our focus on what's truly important!
I just want to blaze for Christ down here, and want to call all of us to be effective where GOD has placed us.
 
"You raise me up so I can stand on mountains,
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas.
I am strong when I am on Your shoulders,
You raise me up to more than I can be."
 
That's my heart's testimony: GOD is raising me up to more than I could ever be on my own!
Blessings to all of you, and thank you for contributing to my life.
 
Latuh, vaughn

This is "Miss Loewen" (more frequently used term would be 'teacher') w/ 4 of her 5 boys: (front left-clockwise) Nathan Hagley, Markim Thomas, Keron Mahon, Jaden Rutt

Shae- staff angel

La Sagesse

One of my favourite sights in the world- Carribean beaches!

Janette Lapp- one of the sweetest girls alive!

(That's soley MY opinion, not a "Nebraskan" opinion;)

Thought this was rather comical... "Dog hangs out at beach"...lol

Becky and I had a GREAT time taking pics together (yes, Julia, she has a Canon:)

She did my personal portraits. Great photography, Becky!

Keron Mahon- one of my students

His family is a hoot! :)

Staff...

Credits 2 Becky again:)

Sea Grapes

Yes, that's the rain that gave us a mad goose chase back to the Limes:)

My little guy- Kenton Mahon!

Latuh, folks!