I will not be returning from my vacation. My time in Korea is finished. I've come to this conclusion based on many things. I know that many of think that I should stick this out. It is just one more month, but for what benefit.
As many of you know, Kelly got in the habit very early of being very mean. Kelly has never been able to say one nice thing to me. She is an extremely degrading whenever she talks to me. Within the last few weeks she has taken to name calling and blaming me for things, that I'm certain are not my fault. She lies to everyone. She has lied to me and the parents of the school. I have been hiding at work, so as not to come across Kelly.
As a result of being treated this way, I noticed something about myself. It's effecting my health. I'm having trouble sleeping at night and when I do sleep it isn't restful. It's horrible and toss and turn. I wake feeling sore. My hip hurts terrible. (I'll give you this is probably from the rainy weather, but when my back hurts to my hip hurts more.) I wake up must morning with a sore back. My stomach is also upset every morning. I've woken up many morning with it hurting. I've also had the dry heaves many mornings. I can't brush my teeth without gagging. Living like this isn't good. This started about mid June and has gotten progressively worse each week.
I know there is only one month left. However, Kelly is blaming me for students leaving the school. I have a feeling that if I were to come back and stick it out. Kelly wouldn't give my pay or my plane ticket. It says in the contract that if parents and students are unhappy they can release me from the contract. I know that it would to much of an embarrassment for the school to lose 5 teacher since February (this includes both English and Korean teachers).
For those of you who think, I should stay please understand that I have thought about this and prayed about for weeks.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Lessons learned in India
It's now time to share the things I learned in India. God seems to teach thing to me whenever I go on these short terms mission trip.
The first lesson I learned was that God's plan are better, well thought out, and more effective than ours. I know we make plans and think things through but God is also planning things out and working things out in such a better way. If school hadn't been canceled there is no way all those children would have gotten vaccanated. Sure it was a little harder on us being with the kids all day long, but those kids were just thrilled to be with us. I think both the children and us were bless more than we could imagine becuase of them being off school.
The second lesson was the hardest to learn. I even struggled with admitting that I need to learn this lesson. I also missed part of the lesson for the first week, but after much pondering and thinking I finally learned all the lesson. I watched these children. That's something I do is watch people. I noticed two things about these children. Number one: they have nothing. They have no parents, they barely have anything. All the things they own fit into a backpack. They have just their basic needs taken care of and not an ounce more. Number two: they are happy. Their faith is enough for them. Their faith is what makes them happy. They enjoy life because they have Jesus. I have the same faith as these children. I believe in the same Jesus as they do. I also have more than they do. I have both my parents and they are still together. I have more then I need. I have things that I want. I have enough stuff to fill two rooms, just ask my parents. My stuff is in box taking up two rooms in their house. I also have gotten to do some amazing things with my life and seen some amazing things. Sometimes, my faith isn't enough. Sometimes my faith doesn't make me happy. Sometimes I want more.
I began thinking about what was wrong. I went down a lot of aveunes. I entrained the thought that God treated us differently. God was better to the children, but if I have more than them how can He better to them. I even thought about well, I don't need God like those children do, so maybe that's the problem. Suddenly, the light came on. These children have a relationship with God. They treat Him like he is their father. They look to Him as father. I have to now admit, that I was problem. My faith hasn't be always been a relationship. It has been lately and lately my faith has been enough. In order for my faith to be enough, it needs to be a relationship.
That's it. That's what I need to learn in India. It may not be deep or insightful but sometimes we need to be taught things that aren't deep or insightful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9WKfTXM3rg
The first lesson I learned was that God's plan are better, well thought out, and more effective than ours. I know we make plans and think things through but God is also planning things out and working things out in such a better way. If school hadn't been canceled there is no way all those children would have gotten vaccanated. Sure it was a little harder on us being with the kids all day long, but those kids were just thrilled to be with us. I think both the children and us were bless more than we could imagine becuase of them being off school.
The second lesson was the hardest to learn. I even struggled with admitting that I need to learn this lesson. I also missed part of the lesson for the first week, but after much pondering and thinking I finally learned all the lesson. I watched these children. That's something I do is watch people. I noticed two things about these children. Number one: they have nothing. They have no parents, they barely have anything. All the things they own fit into a backpack. They have just their basic needs taken care of and not an ounce more. Number two: they are happy. Their faith is enough for them. Their faith is what makes them happy. They enjoy life because they have Jesus. I have the same faith as these children. I believe in the same Jesus as they do. I also have more than they do. I have both my parents and they are still together. I have more then I need. I have things that I want. I have enough stuff to fill two rooms, just ask my parents. My stuff is in box taking up two rooms in their house. I also have gotten to do some amazing things with my life and seen some amazing things. Sometimes, my faith isn't enough. Sometimes my faith doesn't make me happy. Sometimes I want more.
I began thinking about what was wrong. I went down a lot of aveunes. I entrained the thought that God treated us differently. God was better to the children, but if I have more than them how can He better to them. I even thought about well, I don't need God like those children do, so maybe that's the problem. Suddenly, the light came on. These children have a relationship with God. They treat Him like he is their father. They look to Him as father. I have to now admit, that I was problem. My faith hasn't be always been a relationship. It has been lately and lately my faith has been enough. In order for my faith to be enough, it needs to be a relationship.
That's it. That's what I need to learn in India. It may not be deep or insightful but sometimes we need to be taught things that aren't deep or insightful.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9WKfTXM3rg
Sunday, May 24, 2009
India
Jack came to me at the end of December and I asked about going to India. At that point I wasn't really talking with God. Things weren't going the way I thought they should. I was more frustrated with myself then with Him, but I was blaming God. I spent the next month upset with Him, but after that I began to seek God. I wanted to know and understand Him. I felt that if I understood God better, maybe I would understand the things happen in my life. While seeking God, I began to plead with Him, to allow me to go to India. I told him on several accounts, that I wasn't worthy of being sent to India, but that I wanted very much to go and shine His light into a very dark country. I wanted to go and make a difference. I had the need to go.
As we were planing for India, I struggled a little with what my role would be there. I do short-term mission often. I like to go and support. I really enjoying serving those that are serving. There didn't seem to be a spot for that. Then I was asked to teach English. I didn't really want to teach English. That's my job. I wanted to get away from that. I really struggle with getting things ready. I struggle with getting the lesson ideas and games together. Honestly, I wasn't looking forward to going to India, at this point.
However the ache in my heart was more than my unwillingness. It had been a little bit of a fight to get them time off work, so I figured. I should go. I finally felt that maybe it would be ok, to go on a mission trip and not serve those that are working. I thought maybe is time to try a different role in the group. I let go and let God. I should have known that God had different plans for my trip than the ones we were making.
The Sunday before leaving I meet up with Tracy Phillips. She was in charge of telling the bible stories. I meet her outside of gate 17. Her husband and her took me to dinner at the Navy Club. It was their treat. This was probably the greatest thing ever. I could have anything I wanted. They even let me have a milk shake like the kids. After that, we went to their apartment which is on base. I got to spend sometime relaxing. It was really kinda nice. I also got to shower. Now to some this may not seem big, but when your shower is your bathroom, to shower in a real shower is really very nice. I also got to sleep in a soft bed. I started my trip out with a mountain full of blessings.
Monday wasn't anything special, we flew into India. On Tuesday, we found that what we had plan wasn't what God had planned. The school the children went to had been close for the week. They said it was too hot to go to school. This was a sign that God had bigger and better plans. God knew what He was doing right from the start. We had vaccinations to give to the children. If they would have had to go to school there was no way they would have gotten it done. We left have the children with Lara and Sherrie to give shots, and Tracy and I took the other half. She taught them the bible story. I played the game with them. They had a good time. They love to hear bible stories. We probably could have told them the same bible story all week long and they would have been happy. After the game we made two groups. Tracy took half and the craft. I took the other half to teach them the colors words. One activity, I like to do when teaching color words is have a colored paper snowball fight. The kids crumple colored paper into balls and then through whatever color is called out at each other. Now, I have to admit, this lesson failed. The kids would just throw the paper balls, it didn't matter the color. However, I have never had a group of kids have so much fun with a lesson. Tracy and I traded groups but it was lunch time. After lunch, they started on the younger kids. They need someone to hand out candy. So that's what I did. It turned out that as the smaller children waited in line the more scared they got and it was harder to give out shots. I had to keep the children back from crowding the table. Lara need someone to get the children medicine to, so I handed of the candy to someone else and started helping Lara out. I also found myself running to the kitchen and getting the little containers that had the vaccinations in them. I had no idea how long my day would be or that it would be that long. We went late into the night taking care of these kids. We ran out of the right needles and had to use smaller ones. This made the process take longer, but we got through it. I noticed one little boy who spent most of the evening sleeping the kitchen. He looked like a lot was taken out of him and that this was just too much. The poor thing was sound asleep around 4 or 5 in the evening. We finished around and got back to the hotel around 9pm. I was worn out and hungry. Thankfully Ann and I were sharing a room. She order enough dinner for the both of us. Lara's husband, Shane, had also order dinner for me. I ate dinner, read for a little while and then went to bed.
Wednesday wasn't as long of day, but it took just as much out of me. The kids were sitting out waiting for us. Tracy taught the kids a bible study, and we tried to teach them some songs. We played a game, and gave them some playdoh to play with. They weren't very active. Lara and Sherrie showed up. They were all laying in the shade worn out. Most of them were sleeping. It turns out that most them had high fevers. We lined them up took them temptures and gave them more medicine and had them drink water. Some kids had fevers of 103 or 104. I felt bad for them, but they still seemed happy. The little boy that was sleeping on the couch yesterday came through the line. I notice he had some macus in his ear. I pointed out to Lara and Sherrie. They looked at it and he had an ear infection. No wonder the poor thing looked so worn out, his poor little body was fighting and ear infection and he had shots, the poor thing was just way over worked. After spending the day at the children's home, we went over to the pastor's confernce to give the pastor vaccinations. Lara, Sherrie and Mary were working away at getting the needles ready. I was helping out in all the little ways that I could. The pastors attempted to line up and wait for the turn. It was rather rough because there grown men were having trouble waiting in a line. I gave them some mecidine to help with the fever. They kept asking me to give them shots. I kept just telling them no. I also kept yelling at them to get in line. I finally used my teacher voice and said in a line one behind the other, I know kindergarteners that do it better than you. That straight them up for a little while, but they kept asking me to give them a shot. I had a pastor come up and talk with him. He was worried about getting a shot. He didn't like needles. I tried to explain that a little pain now is better than getting really sick later. The pastor at the fornt of the line kept asking me to give him a shot. I looked at him and said "I am a teacher. They are nurses. If I give you shot, and I do it wrong. You could die. Do you still want me to give you a shot?" His reply, "No, sister, no." Then he turned around and said something to the rest of the pastor and they all left me alone about giving them their shot. I don't know what is about those pastor, but they was probably the best day I had. It was fun interacting with them.
Thursday, we had half the day with the kids at the children's home. The kids were feeling better and a little more active. Tracy told on last bible story. Lara sang with them. We gave them present. We said good-bye. Some of the cried and were sad to see us leave. We had lunch at Pastor JD and Ruth's house. It was very good.
Friday, we went to the Baptist Hospital and then went shopping. Ruth tooks us shopping and was very helpful. We went to the hospital for two reason. One of the children from need so medical attention that he need. Ann had found a lady with a very young baby. The mother was no longer producing milk and the baby was just skin and bones. We brought them to the hostipal to get looked out. The mother had a lump on her breat that need to be drained. The hostipal gave the mother formula for the baby. Mother and baby have both been released from the hostipal and are doing better. They also gave us a tour.
Overall, India was a great experince for me. I stand amazed at how God's plans were better than ours. That God had thought this week out and made things happen that were just unbelievable.
As we were planing for India, I struggled a little with what my role would be there. I do short-term mission often. I like to go and support. I really enjoying serving those that are serving. There didn't seem to be a spot for that. Then I was asked to teach English. I didn't really want to teach English. That's my job. I wanted to get away from that. I really struggle with getting things ready. I struggle with getting the lesson ideas and games together. Honestly, I wasn't looking forward to going to India, at this point.
However the ache in my heart was more than my unwillingness. It had been a little bit of a fight to get them time off work, so I figured. I should go. I finally felt that maybe it would be ok, to go on a mission trip and not serve those that are working. I thought maybe is time to try a different role in the group. I let go and let God. I should have known that God had different plans for my trip than the ones we were making.
The Sunday before leaving I meet up with Tracy Phillips. She was in charge of telling the bible stories. I meet her outside of gate 17. Her husband and her took me to dinner at the Navy Club. It was their treat. This was probably the greatest thing ever. I could have anything I wanted. They even let me have a milk shake like the kids. After that, we went to their apartment which is on base. I got to spend sometime relaxing. It was really kinda nice. I also got to shower. Now to some this may not seem big, but when your shower is your bathroom, to shower in a real shower is really very nice. I also got to sleep in a soft bed. I started my trip out with a mountain full of blessings.
Monday wasn't anything special, we flew into India. On Tuesday, we found that what we had plan wasn't what God had planned. The school the children went to had been close for the week. They said it was too hot to go to school. This was a sign that God had bigger and better plans. God knew what He was doing right from the start. We had vaccinations to give to the children. If they would have had to go to school there was no way they would have gotten it done. We left have the children with Lara and Sherrie to give shots, and Tracy and I took the other half. She taught them the bible story. I played the game with them. They had a good time. They love to hear bible stories. We probably could have told them the same bible story all week long and they would have been happy. After the game we made two groups. Tracy took half and the craft. I took the other half to teach them the colors words. One activity, I like to do when teaching color words is have a colored paper snowball fight. The kids crumple colored paper into balls and then through whatever color is called out at each other. Now, I have to admit, this lesson failed. The kids would just throw the paper balls, it didn't matter the color. However, I have never had a group of kids have so much fun with a lesson. Tracy and I traded groups but it was lunch time. After lunch, they started on the younger kids. They need someone to hand out candy. So that's what I did. It turned out that as the smaller children waited in line the more scared they got and it was harder to give out shots. I had to keep the children back from crowding the table. Lara need someone to get the children medicine to, so I handed of the candy to someone else and started helping Lara out. I also found myself running to the kitchen and getting the little containers that had the vaccinations in them. I had no idea how long my day would be or that it would be that long. We went late into the night taking care of these kids. We ran out of the right needles and had to use smaller ones. This made the process take longer, but we got through it. I noticed one little boy who spent most of the evening sleeping the kitchen. He looked like a lot was taken out of him and that this was just too much. The poor thing was sound asleep around 4 or 5 in the evening. We finished around and got back to the hotel around 9pm. I was worn out and hungry. Thankfully Ann and I were sharing a room. She order enough dinner for the both of us. Lara's husband, Shane, had also order dinner for me. I ate dinner, read for a little while and then went to bed.
Wednesday wasn't as long of day, but it took just as much out of me. The kids were sitting out waiting for us. Tracy taught the kids a bible study, and we tried to teach them some songs. We played a game, and gave them some playdoh to play with. They weren't very active. Lara and Sherrie showed up. They were all laying in the shade worn out. Most of them were sleeping. It turns out that most them had high fevers. We lined them up took them temptures and gave them more medicine and had them drink water. Some kids had fevers of 103 or 104. I felt bad for them, but they still seemed happy. The little boy that was sleeping on the couch yesterday came through the line. I notice he had some macus in his ear. I pointed out to Lara and Sherrie. They looked at it and he had an ear infection. No wonder the poor thing looked so worn out, his poor little body was fighting and ear infection and he had shots, the poor thing was just way over worked. After spending the day at the children's home, we went over to the pastor's confernce to give the pastor vaccinations. Lara, Sherrie and Mary were working away at getting the needles ready. I was helping out in all the little ways that I could. The pastors attempted to line up and wait for the turn. It was rather rough because there grown men were having trouble waiting in a line. I gave them some mecidine to help with the fever. They kept asking me to give them shots. I kept just telling them no. I also kept yelling at them to get in line. I finally used my teacher voice and said in a line one behind the other, I know kindergarteners that do it better than you. That straight them up for a little while, but they kept asking me to give them a shot. I had a pastor come up and talk with him. He was worried about getting a shot. He didn't like needles. I tried to explain that a little pain now is better than getting really sick later. The pastor at the fornt of the line kept asking me to give him a shot. I looked at him and said "I am a teacher. They are nurses. If I give you shot, and I do it wrong. You could die. Do you still want me to give you a shot?" His reply, "No, sister, no." Then he turned around and said something to the rest of the pastor and they all left me alone about giving them their shot. I don't know what is about those pastor, but they was probably the best day I had. It was fun interacting with them.
Thursday, we had half the day with the kids at the children's home. The kids were feeling better and a little more active. Tracy told on last bible story. Lara sang with them. We gave them present. We said good-bye. Some of the cried and were sad to see us leave. We had lunch at Pastor JD and Ruth's house. It was very good.
Friday, we went to the Baptist Hospital and then went shopping. Ruth tooks us shopping and was very helpful. We went to the hospital for two reason. One of the children from need so medical attention that he need. Ann had found a lady with a very young baby. The mother was no longer producing milk and the baby was just skin and bones. We brought them to the hostipal to get looked out. The mother had a lump on her breat that need to be drained. The hostipal gave the mother formula for the baby. Mother and baby have both been released from the hostipal and are doing better. They also gave us a tour.
Overall, India was a great experince for me. I stand amazed at how God's plans were better than ours. That God had thought this week out and made things happen that were just unbelievable.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
What's all this talk about India?
So many have noticed that I'm going to Karnataka, India here very shortly. My church here in Seoul has planned a mission trip and I get to take part. My church is taking about 10 to go into India. We all have a different role and different places we will be. Tracey and I will be working at the orphanage. We will have 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours after school. We will also go into the village and spend team with street children there. I've come up with some English lesson for the children. I'm very excited to be going. Pastor Jack and Pastor Dan will be preaching in house churches. We also have some women who are RN's and will be able to give some shots out. We will be able to help out in many ways. The orphanage has been trying to dig a well since about mid November. They have been having problems with their pump. Hopefully, we will be able to help them out with getting this fixed.
SIBC has been in contact and helping out these pastors in India a few years now. We help out in ways we can. We've been able to help out by getting bibles for the house churches, and backpacks for the kids. David and Marci are in charge of the children's home. They have about 114 children and only get enough money for about 60 children. However, they children are well taken care. David and Marci mange the money well, so that everyone and everything is taken care of. JD and Ruth are the founders of the Faith Baptist Fellowship which is all the house churches under JD. He goes into cities preaching the word of God and then as people come to beleive he trains pastors to run house churches. SIBC has seen there job as to come along side JD and help him out.
SIBC has been in contact and helping out these pastors in India a few years now. We help out in ways we can. We've been able to help out by getting bibles for the house churches, and backpacks for the kids. David and Marci are in charge of the children's home. They have about 114 children and only get enough money for about 60 children. However, they children are well taken care. David and Marci mange the money well, so that everyone and everything is taken care of. JD and Ruth are the founders of the Faith Baptist Fellowship which is all the house churches under JD. He goes into cities preaching the word of God and then as people come to beleive he trains pastors to run house churches. SIBC has seen there job as to come along side JD and help him out.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
I must admit
Let me start with a declaimer. You do not have to read this. I'm in need of an outlet and as most of you have learned this is where I outlet.
For the most part, I don't miss James a lot. Most days, I'm so busy with teaching and every other weekend, I'm at the Turners'. However there are some days, where that is all I do is miss him. I feel that way today. I think 6 months is far away and I can't possibly wait that long to be with him. I very much want to be him. He makes me feel special and loved. He does it well from AL, but I liked it more when he was here. It's better. I try to tell myself that it's only 6 months. It's under 200 days, it's not that long. But it doesn't matter, I want to be near him and close to him. I would like it if he could hold me right now.
So yea, it's hard to be away from the one you love with all your heart.
For the most part, I don't miss James a lot. Most days, I'm so busy with teaching and every other weekend, I'm at the Turners'. However there are some days, where that is all I do is miss him. I feel that way today. I think 6 months is far away and I can't possibly wait that long to be with him. I very much want to be him. He makes me feel special and loved. He does it well from AL, but I liked it more when he was here. It's better. I try to tell myself that it's only 6 months. It's under 200 days, it's not that long. But it doesn't matter, I want to be near him and close to him. I would like it if he could hold me right now.
So yea, it's hard to be away from the one you love with all your heart.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Sorry, I'm trying to keep myself busy.
I've been so busy trying to distract myself. I haven't really had to time to blog. I know that many of you look for my blogs and I'm sorry. It's hard being away from James. I find myself missing him when I'm not busy or with my friends, so I've decided to keep myself busy.
The weekend of 3/21, was a single's weekend. By this time we all know what comes down right. Spending the weekend at Pastor's.
The weekend of 3/28, I went on base and had my hair done with Mary Beth and Anita.
The weekend of 4/4, was another single's weekend.
I got to go to the 18th Annual Korean-American Friendship Concert. It was really great. I got to her some tradintional music, the biggest Korean singer, sang two songs, the 8th army band (Mary Beth's, not James' old band), and I heard the Blind Heart Chamber, they are the first all blind chamber group. They were amazing.
I've spend a couple of night hanging out with Jason. One weekend it was Jason, Mary Beth, Anita, and Q (a korean). Another weekend Jason, Sam (a korean friend of Jason) and his girlfriend went out together. I always go somewhere for lunch after church on Sundays. Sonya is back, so the past few, I've gone to lunch with her. Josh (amry guy) brought us on base and we got to have good american beef. One Tuesdays, and Thursday, I've started going to language exchange with Gerrard (new teacher) and some of the Korean teachers. I'm helping them learn english more than I'm learning Korean. Last night I taught Gerrard a pick-up line in Korean. It translate as it hurts here, please kiss me. The teachers had a good laugh that I knew that. They are also were amazed that I knew blood. However I can ask for a bloody nose in Korean. On Wednesday, I meet with Mary Beth. I call it a mid-week pick me up. We get together and read the proverb of the day and talk.
The weather here is amazing, it's starting to feel like spring. The cherry blossoms are blooming and the look great. I might go over to the park before I teach Andy and Kathy and take some pictures. I really am enjoying things. It's quite fun to be here. There is so much to do and I'm having tons of fun teaching my students. I love my kinders. I'm planning on bloging about my class. I enjoying teaching my afternoon class. I have three and they are pretty good kids. They like to mess around and have fun, and we do sometimes, but we also get our work done.
I'm getting ready to go to India. I'll be going in May. I'm looking forward to do some missions work. I really can't wait to play with children. It's exciting to think about what I'll be doing there.
As for James, I talk to him on Saturdays. I e-mail often, and I've probably sent him more flair then he knows what to do with. I do miss him from time to time. I find a place to eat or go and think, it would be nice to come here with James. I'm counting down the days until I see him again. It is hard to be away from someone you love. He amazes me most days. He say things in e-mails or over the phone that makes me feel so special. He sent me a package and a card. In the package was reese's eggs. Both milk chocolate and white chocolate. The card had a picture of him with his trumpet. He looks great in it.
Well, I guess that's it for now. Thanks for praying and thinking of me. I have 5 months left. :)
The weekend of 3/21, was a single's weekend. By this time we all know what comes down right. Spending the weekend at Pastor's.
The weekend of 3/28, I went on base and had my hair done with Mary Beth and Anita.
The weekend of 4/4, was another single's weekend.
I got to go to the 18th Annual Korean-American Friendship Concert. It was really great. I got to her some tradintional music, the biggest Korean singer, sang two songs, the 8th army band (Mary Beth's, not James' old band), and I heard the Blind Heart Chamber, they are the first all blind chamber group. They were amazing.
I've spend a couple of night hanging out with Jason. One weekend it was Jason, Mary Beth, Anita, and Q (a korean). Another weekend Jason, Sam (a korean friend of Jason) and his girlfriend went out together. I always go somewhere for lunch after church on Sundays. Sonya is back, so the past few, I've gone to lunch with her. Josh (amry guy) brought us on base and we got to have good american beef. One Tuesdays, and Thursday, I've started going to language exchange with Gerrard (new teacher) and some of the Korean teachers. I'm helping them learn english more than I'm learning Korean. Last night I taught Gerrard a pick-up line in Korean. It translate as it hurts here, please kiss me. The teachers had a good laugh that I knew that. They are also were amazed that I knew blood. However I can ask for a bloody nose in Korean. On Wednesday, I meet with Mary Beth. I call it a mid-week pick me up. We get together and read the proverb of the day and talk.
The weather here is amazing, it's starting to feel like spring. The cherry blossoms are blooming and the look great. I might go over to the park before I teach Andy and Kathy and take some pictures. I really am enjoying things. It's quite fun to be here. There is so much to do and I'm having tons of fun teaching my students. I love my kinders. I'm planning on bloging about my class. I enjoying teaching my afternoon class. I have three and they are pretty good kids. They like to mess around and have fun, and we do sometimes, but we also get our work done.
I'm getting ready to go to India. I'll be going in May. I'm looking forward to do some missions work. I really can't wait to play with children. It's exciting to think about what I'll be doing there.
As for James, I talk to him on Saturdays. I e-mail often, and I've probably sent him more flair then he knows what to do with. I do miss him from time to time. I find a place to eat or go and think, it would be nice to come here with James. I'm counting down the days until I see him again. It is hard to be away from someone you love. He amazes me most days. He say things in e-mails or over the phone that makes me feel so special. He sent me a package and a card. In the package was reese's eggs. Both milk chocolate and white chocolate. The card had a picture of him with his trumpet. He looks great in it.
Well, I guess that's it for now. Thanks for praying and thinking of me. I have 5 months left. :)
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
A Lesson in Grace.
I've been reading In the Gripe of Grace by Max Lucado lately. It's the book in my purse, so I read on the bus and the subway. Today, I had the chance to see if I had learned anything from what I am reading. For whatever reason the students have been a little crazy today. I took Hercules out to go to the bathroom and Laura Ann is out with my class scolding them. The class had ran out to go to the bathroom, and she didn't tell them they could go, they all just ran out. She told them that she was giving them all minus 2 when they got back in the classroom. When I walked in the room everybody had minus points. I'm pretty sure minus 2 was the lowest. I talk with my students, I tell them I am not happy and this isn't good. That they need to behave. At the end of 4th period, I give them stickes or take stickers away based on their points. So the time comes, and nobody really earns stickes, I should be taking stickers away from everybody. So do I show these students whatever I've learned about reading these past few weeks or do I take the stickers? The teacher in me says take those stickers, how will they learn to be good if they aren't disciplined? I look at their small little faces and I just can't do it. I tell them, everybody should lose stickers, but today, I'm not taking them. Today, I'm just going to earse all the red, and forget about that I should take stickers. Tomorrow will be a better day.
Now did any of this show them grace of God? I'm not sure it might have gone over the 5 year old heads. They probably don't understand that I can give them grace because I accept grace from someone much greater. The art of grace was probably lost on them. Hopefully, years down the road, the seed of grace I just planted, will be watered. Hopefully, somebody will come along and take care of these seeds, I've planted. Then there is the matter of Naomi. My Korean teacher was sitting in the room, I know that she understood what was going on. When I did she reponsed with "Ahh, Wow!" Hopefully, I've planted a seed there too, and if a seed is already planted I know that I did some watering. So there's just a little bit of what I've learned.
Now did any of this show them grace of God? I'm not sure it might have gone over the 5 year old heads. They probably don't understand that I can give them grace because I accept grace from someone much greater. The art of grace was probably lost on them. Hopefully, years down the road, the seed of grace I just planted, will be watered. Hopefully, somebody will come along and take care of these seeds, I've planted. Then there is the matter of Naomi. My Korean teacher was sitting in the room, I know that she understood what was going on. When I did she reponsed with "Ahh, Wow!" Hopefully, I've planted a seed there too, and if a seed is already planted I know that I did some watering. So there's just a little bit of what I've learned.
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