The last weekend of April the the 28th Annual Flame Tree Festival... The way Mark and I can explain it, it is a like a state or county fair, expect we live on an island, there were no rodeos or country music being plained, and no rides/games... but it was still like one =)

There were tons of food booths, from Local Chumorrow and Carolinian , to Korean, Japanese, Phillipeano, etc...
There were Art's and Craft Booths featuring the work of Local artists, we bought a few items to add to our collection...
and then there was the dancing! There were featured dance groups everynight (the festival went on for 4 nights). Most the dancing was local and it was beautiful! From story telling dancing, to war dances, etc....

It was a great night for a date and can't wait to go next year... This really made us stop and realize, ya, we do live on a tropical island, we are surrounded by this culture everyday, and we absolutly love it!
This is what a Flame Tree looks, like. This is when they were beginning to bloom, I will have to take a shot tomorrow and post what they look like when they are in full bloom. It looks like the island is on fire!

Here is a Video of one of the War Stick Dances... so amazing to watch!

RUN FOREST, RUUUUUUUUUUN...........

April is the month for physical activity on the island of Saipan... the 2nd weekend of April was the big Exterra Triathalon, where men and women fly in from all over the world to compete... No we did not compete, but we did volunteer and it was a blast! Mark and I were stationed on one of the highest points on island, had a beautiful view of both the pacific ocean and the phillipean sea, and watched about 100 bikers coming whipping down the road and speeding to the right to hit the next trail!


One of the many bikers Mark and I pointed in the right direction on the trail!

Our Very own Russ Quinn crossing the finish line!

The following weekend another triathalon was being held, Saipan's 20th Annual Tagaman... Once again, no we did not compete, Mark had to take his praxis for the public school system, but I did volunteer and was placed at the TAGA KIDS triathalon, and it was a blast! It ranged from kids ages 4 to 15 years old and they were so much fun to watch... the distances were based on your age level and did they all do great or what! Even one of my own SCS 3rd graders competed and got 1st in his age group! I was so proud of Kento! I had great company also, Jen, a good friend and another wonderful lady who is wanting and is helping us out with bringing Young Life to Saipan! Kento doing a few stretches before the start of the race! Kento also races on the Saipan Swim Club Team!of the youngest competitors... he was only 4 years old! He wanted to give up after the bike and swim, but after some motivational speeches from parents, etc, he pushed through the run and crossed the finish line!
Kento, his little brother and I after Kento crossed the finish line!

After helping out at TAGA KIDS, Jen and I hung around and watched the actual taga man competitors come in on the last stretch! We saw many local friends cross that finish line and were so proud!
Jen and I being cheerleaders!
Owen and Irene Gabbie, right before Owen's team mate came up and tagged him for his running part!

After these two weekends, it definatly brought a longing to both Mark and I to do some competing at these levels, well maybe not exactly these levels, but close..... However I have not been as commited, but Mark has.... This last weekend, I took Mark up to the local pool where we met our friend and fellow SCS teacher Tami, and she and Mark started his triathalon training in the pool! He has been biking/running on his own, but went to Tami for some pointers! So looks like next year niether of us will be volunteering for these events, Mark will be competing and I will be an on looking wife, slightly worried, but with a camera in hand! =)

ABC, 123, busy, busy busy.... The life of a Teacher.

It certainly has been awhile since we have posted anything on here, but we have a good excuse, we have been busy! Ok, well, there were times when I (Brittany) sat down and thought, yes I could do some blogging right now, but then decided that I needed to do something mindless, so I would instead watch some smut TV or check up on all my friends according to their lives on facebook. =)

But now, I have no excuse and have some fun stuff to blog about... so here it goes, according to the headline of this blog.... Life has been as a teacher these past few weeks.... Or i should say almost month:

The 2nd week of April, right after we got from Spring break, we went straight into a week of Saipan Community School spirit, and each day had a special theme to it! It was fun to watch the kids get into it, and especially the teachers...

Tuesday was Crazy Hair Day.... Mark with one of my 3rd graders, Ryosei!
Wednesday was Twin Day... I was a twin with David one of my third graders!

Thursday was Crazy Hat Day...
Proudly, Mark and I both made our own hats!

and Friday was Cultural Day... It was beautiful to see all the authentic cultural clothing flowing through the school, absolutly beautiful colors! This is my class, I went greek. =)

Next was the SCS Artshow and Book Showcase...

The students truly showed their creative and artistic side, I even walked away with a few paintings in hand.... Thanks to a couple kids who were graciously and willing to sell =)....

Sorry about the sideway's pictures... if your using your laptop, just pick it up and turn it to the side... =)

Okay now I am off to star the next post to update you on our lives... See you in a few!

A Little Hello Treat!

So today on Facebook I saw that Suzanne, Marks sister, had posted a video of our 3 week old nephew, Trent. And it was pretty darn cute. But then this afternoon, come to find out, she also sent Mark and I are own person message from this little man! It began cute, and then, well you'll just have to watch to find out... 

Trent, we know you didn't mean it and that you still think we are the coolest =). 

Needless to say, we can't wait to hold this little guy in 6 weeks! AHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Love you Suzy-Q and thanks for the video... Made my day! 

Love,

Aunt Brittany

Farm Fresh Produce & Fun Families!

Monday was a day full of hitting up the last souvinier shops, packing, and spending time together. But before the day was over, one of my students, Joseph, and his parents, Ricia and Joseph, invited us out to their family farm, Lifoifoi Farms... Not only do they have fresh fruits and veggies, but pigs of all sizes.... It was a great afternoon learning about the different locals fruits and veggies, along with seeing was a small process farm looks like and runs like... And it was beautiful! The Lifoifoi Family! Me, Mark, Little Joseph, Ricia and baby (due in aug.) and Joseph.

mmmmm fresh Pineapple!
"I Like Banana's, I know that Mango's are sweet, I like Papaya! But nothing can beat, the sweet love of God!"

My Dad and Joseph in the pig barn!

Wilbur...

Sound asleep, and cuddely!
By the time we made it back to the car, Joesph's family had piled ton of papaya,green peppers, tomatoes, egg plant, string bean, onions... time to get cookin!

Thanks Lifoifoi Family! If ever need a work, call up on Mark, he'd love to come play!

"The Hills are Alive, with the Sound of Music!"

He has Risen! He has Risen Indeed!

What a blessed day to spend time with your closest friends and family, on a tropical island, on the highest point, with the sun rising in the distance, and singing praises to Christ! Why? Because HE LIVES!

Easter Sunday was a beautiful day! Mom, Dad, Mark and I woke up early to join in the Easter Sunrise service on Mt. Topachau at 6am, the highest point on the island... Our church family was joined by many other church families, and it was a beautiful sight to see. Pastor Greg gave a wonderful sermon, the sun rose up through the clouds off in the distance, and we sang beautiful praises! Needless to say, Dad didn't get off scotch free, it was his first Easter Sunday off in probably 40 years (ahhh the life of a pastor), but Pastor Greg was great at getting him included and having him pray for our service.... it was great seeing dad up there, praying on our island! It was a perfect way the thank Jesus and remind ourselves of what he did for us!
After the sunrise service, Mark and I drove Mom and Dad up the rest of the mountain to enjoy the view... being that mom is a little skeptical around heights she stayed near the bottom of stairway, but Mark, Dad and I climbed up the rest of the way and enjoyed the view... Dad was pretty much speechless. =). This part of the island you can see all side of it, north, south, east and west... not a bad sight.

Opposite Attractions... for men & woman.

While Mom and Dad were visiting, we took a day where the men went and did what they wanted and the ladies went all out!

Mom and I hit up one of my favorite places to relax and unwind, the Mariana's Resort, Home of Mandi Asian Spa... We arrived at the spa around 3pm and immediatly mom checked in and got an hour long facial.... while she was being pampered i hung around the pool. Soon after mom walked out with her glowing face we spent the rest of the afternoon and part of the evening drinking fresh smoothies and pineapple juice and playing in the various pools... It was an awesome day.... Thanks Momma, for doing the spa with me and ditching the boys (even though I didnt have you pull your leg. =). )

This is the Hot pool, even though it is not very hot. However it does have an incredible view... the ocean....

Plumeria flowers overtook the flower bath, and it was beautiful... smelled delicious too...

The Hot pool, pictured above is great place to be sitting as the sun sets... this is what we saw that evening... a little cloudy, but still beautiful.

Mom and I lounging around in the Hot Bath...

Mandi at night.... Oh i just love this place!

Needless to say, while we were out pampering ourselves and enjoying some sun, water, and relaxation, the guys did anything but relax. Mark took dad on a true jungle "Boonie Stompin' " experience. I have hiked to both of these places and knew that dad would truely enjoy it, and that he did. Except for the few comments made to mark... "Mark you didnt bring me out here to get rid of me and get allllll my money, did you?" "Mark, you do know how to get out of here, right?"

The first stop for the guys was the "Bat Caves" Dun na na nananananannananana, BATMAN! And yes a few bats flew past their heads... hence the reason I dont go all the way in... But, these caves are pretty awesome, with many old WWII relics...

Next stop, was an old Japanese Shinto Shrine... Yes Mark did take Dad in the wrong direction, but they did end up finding it and dad was pretty amazed... It truely is a beautiful place... I am glad you had fun dad, and that Mark did know how to get you two home. =)

Before they hit the jungle...

Papa at the Shinto Shrine..

Mark trying to show off his tarzan monkey boy skillz......

Dad in the bat cave!

Stay tooned for more fun posts coming your way! We did drop mom and dad off at the airport this morning, and they should be arriving in Spokane in about 8 hours, however, I am just getting caught up! So don't stay away too long! =)