MORE THAN ONE WEEK HAS PASSED--OFF AND RUNNING!
The first week was a lot of feeling in over my head and also feeling the normalcy of the place. There is so much I do not yet understand and also a lot that one can glean in the first few days about an organization, its people, its culture. With students, it is hard to realize what vast differences I find in an EFL classroom where some of the students would be placed in an honors English class in the States and others in ESL pullout or modified instruction.
I feel somewhat behind and like there is so much nitty gritty to work on while wanting them to see the bigger picture and wanting to delve into "the good stuff," recognizing that certain grammatical points don't always hold the most sparkling appeal yet that if we try to build without the foundation, our building will crumble! At the same time, there are students for whom the simplest task is daunting.
Don't we always find these disparities in life and wish that we were the bridge to cross them. I'm not the Savior. weight off, but pressure's on.
I feel somewhat behind and like there is so much nitty gritty to work on while wanting them to see the bigger picture and wanting to delve into "the good stuff," recognizing that certain grammatical points don't always hold the most sparkling appeal yet that if we try to build without the foundation, our building will crumble! At the same time, there are students for whom the simplest task is daunting.
Don't we always find these disparities in life and wish that we were the bridge to cross them. I'm not the Savior. weight off, but pressure's on.
This weekend Kate and I did quite a bit of walking and were both pretty exhausted from the week, but we found solace in the sunshine and walking up where it feels less city and more "campo," and got some work done at a coffee shop for a bit. We payed this time and headed back in time to grab some dinner at home and be a little (ok, a lot with the buses) late for church.
On the way home, switching buses got tricky because the second bus didn't swing by the stop, so we had to scamper over the barrier while he briefly stopped. In the rush, what did I forget but the most important possession of the season--my umbrella. As I got on, I realized, looked back and saw a man pick it up and walk off. Well, I guess it's rainy season for everyone. (I do have a rain coat, so I'm ok).
On the way home, switching buses got tricky because the second bus didn't swing by the stop, so we had to scamper over the barrier while he briefly stopped. In the rush, what did I forget but the most important possession of the season--my umbrella. As I got on, I realized, looked back and saw a man pick it up and walk off. Well, I guess it's rainy season for everyone. (I do have a rain coat, so I'm ok).
This week--trying to get tests created and prepped for next week along with lesson plans and an understanding of where we're headed over the next few weeks before break and couple of months before the end of the trimester. We have visitors coming on Wednesday (gringos from Kentucky) who will lead chapel and also participate in English class, so we'll see how that goes!
Then, we head to camp with the 7th, 8th and 9th graders for a retreat Thursday-Friday. Pray for their hearts, their relationships, their growth and connection and that it would be a time that honors God and their families, especially upon return. Also for those who don't go for whatever reason that there will be good connection and integration next week.
Then, we head to camp with the 7th, 8th and 9th graders for a retreat Thursday-Friday. Pray for their hearts, their relationships, their growth and connection and that it would be a time that honors God and their families, especially upon return. Also for those who don't go for whatever reason that there will be good connection and integration next week.
Praying for students and friends who I know are heavy-laden right now.
Looking forward always to what's in store and laying burdens down.
Looking forward always to what's in store and laying burdens down.
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