Sunday,
October 21st:
The
weather was significantly cooler this morning. It seems like Fall is actually
here! Mary and I went to school early so I could make copies of today’s test.
Thankfully there was plenty of paper and ink! Classes went well … I no longer
feel like I am just “getting through the day.” My students seem to be settling
into our routine and I don’t feel like I am struggling against them as often.
With 15
minutes left, about half of 6B was still struggling on their test. Even though I
had told them multiple times to memorize the chart on divisibility shortcuts, they
either hadn’t taken the time to study it or they had forgotten it. After having
them turn in their papers, I told the students I was going to show them mercy. “Oh,
Miss Julie taught us this word!” I told them to write down the definition on a
piece of paper, then take out their books and study the chart for two minutes.
After they reviewed and helped each other understand the shortcuts, I gave them
back their tests to finish. The definitions were interesting to read. One
student wrote, “I hate giving mercy, but I love getting mercy.” Another wrote, “When
God (had) mercy (on) the world, He [brought] a rainbow.”
After the
drama in 6A last week, I had them write about “Love others more than yourself.”
(My 5 year old brother was memorizing that this summer.) Reading through their
answers, it is apparent they don’t understand this concept. “We love others because
they love us.” “To make more friends.”
After
school, I went to the market for time to process the past week while picking up
a couple pens, some dried fruit, and another Internet card. As I headed up the
stairs near our home, I ran into Sarah who was walking back from school. We caught
up on the day, and then I took a long nap (still tired from our week with
company and the basketball clinic). At 5pm, I got to Skype with my family. It’s
been a long time since we’ve talked. Even though the Internet connection isn’t as
good and it was difficult for them to hear me, I enjoyed seeing their faces and
telling them about the latest happenings.
Monday, October
22nd:
5B is
doing much better. They aren’t the perfect class yet, but they respond to my
warnings and overall I see more attentiveness. God is opening my eyes to
students’ good behavior, which is encouraging. He is also showing me that I
have to trust Him with the situations I can’t overcome. John encouraged us with
this verse a couple weeks ago, “Let us not grow weary in well doing…”
5A is
back on track. “Mr. Indignant” from last week is now the model student. The
rest of the class is eager to learn, though I have a couple “stragglers” who
don’t put any effort into their homework assignments and are suffering on their
tests as a result.
6B was quieter
today. I told them they wouldn’t get their tests back unless we finished
everything on my lesson plan. I had to cover two lessons in all of my classes.
For 5th grade both lessons were review, but sixth grade needed more
explanation. Thankfully, they were attentive and seemed to understand. I still
had a few students who didn’t get their tests … they were still talking when I
left and I don’t think they even noticed!
6A is
doing really well. Two of the most troublesome students at the beginning of the
year are not only attentive in class, but doing a fantastic job on their
homework assignments! I leave with a grateful heart every day. They are a very
loving group … the girls painted my nails during our break the other day, and
they are always coming up to give me hugs.
After
school, I took a short nap and did some grading until J picked me up to go to
the orphanage at 3 pm. This was my first time back. I was curious to see their
response. The women weren’t very friendly in the Spring, so I wasn’t sure if
they would be happy to see us. We walked in without anyone coming to welcome us
… then one of the older girls came around the corner. Alost immediately I was
whisked off with hugs and kisses on the cheeks. She opened the door to their
shared bedroom. “I have a surprise” she told them in Kurdish. More kisses and
hugs. My Kurdish is a little better and we were able to communicate about our
time away, school, my family, etc. (It was a good way to practice what my
students are teaching me.) I had my iPad and was able to show them pictures
from home. They couldn’t believe that the trees were so big and they loved
seeing the pictures of the river.
J dropped
me off at A&L’s for our team time. We prayed through sections of Psalm 119,
and then went to dinner at the Turkish shwarma restaurant. After a nice walk
home, I was able to finish all the grading that had piled up over the last week
and crawl into bed by 9:30pm.
