Wednesday, September 19th:
I compiled the Multiple Intelligences scores into an Excel spreadsheet (I can't help it, my dad is an accountant). The results were revealing. The majority in each class are musical and kinetic learners. The next highest is linguistic, which makes sense considering they all know several languages in a setting where storytelling and verbal communication are very important to their culture. The scores are much lower for spatial learning, which correlates with the low emphasis placed on art. Lastly, most of my students are very interpersonal, but not necessarily intrapersonal. While all of this ties to their cultural setting, I am realizing that it will not be an easy task to apply the information to my teaching style (or Saxon's). Praying for guidance as I strive to become a better teacher and for the strength to take up this challenge.
I had a quiet day with the kids. We actually worked through the entire lesson. I found myself using normal teacher methods to manage the classroom - calling on kids who were talking to answer the question, asking if their name was "Roj" when someone other than "Roj" answered the question ... all those things we remember our teachers doing to us (and being annoyed by).
After school, we took a taxi home. Sarah was kind enough to suggest it since I wasn't feeling well. I ate a bag of nuts at the break and immediately afterwards, my throat got really tight, and I felt tired and yucky. My last class was a little harder because I wasn't feeling well, but we made it through. The walk would have probably worn me out, but the taxi ride provided a little bit of rest. I took some vitamins and allergy medicine, then graded papers for awhile. Later, I looked up some math quotes for ideas to direct classroom discussion.
"Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas." Albert Einstein
"To all of us who hold the Christian belief that God is truth, anything that is true is a fact about God, and mathematics is a branch of theology." Hilda Phoebe Hudson
"Music is the pleasure the human mind experiences from counting without being aware that it is counting." Gottfried Leibniz
At 4:30, John, Mary, Henry, Sarah, and I left for Andy and Lisa's. We picked up some ice cream on the way for dessert. Lisa made Mexican, which made me VERY happy! We had Mexican chicken wraps with rice and beans on the side. For dessert, Sarah and I whipped up our own concoction - a combination of sopapillas and a dessert I've had at a Mexican restaurant. We put a scoop of ice cream in a piece of Lebanese flat bread, rolled it up, and drizzled honey and cinnamon on the top. It was actually really good!
After our Skype call, I wasn't feeling very well and neither was Mary (she is still fighting off the bug that has been going around their house.) We shared prayer requests and prayed with each other, then took a taxi home. I was in bed by 8:30pm, but had a hard time falling asleep...
Thursday, September 20th:
The Internet is finally working again! I had to uninstall everything and then we had to stop and buy another recharge card (5 days early) but everything seems to be working fine now. It is a blessing to have had Internet so consistently up until now. Last year it was more irregular. I definitely did not take it for granted the way I have this year.
During my break at school, it was confirmed - I made it on the Assyrian channel last night at 8pm. Some of the teachers told me this morning and reassured me that it would be repeated later :P
Despite my new-found celebrity status (I don't think my kids actually know), my classes went well. I gave them a quiz at the beginning of class. In my sixth grade classes, I read the questions aloud and told them I would only repeat each one three times. Thankfully, the kids were very attentive and I didn't have to stretch it to four. I really enjoyed my time in the classroom. Even though I still had to be firm, I realized their need to make noise and hum while they were working and didn't get as frustrated. The first class is doing a little better with being respectful and I've realized that pulling one boy out from the long break is more effective than a group of them. I had a good conversation with one boy today (the one who got in trouble two days ago) and hope to build individual relationships that will lead to better and better behavior (*etc.) While I was talking to him, one of my sixth graders (the one who was watching me so attentively and was a nightmare in all of his classes last year) came up to the student and said, "Why are you so bad for her when she is the best teacher?! How can you do that?!" I just stood there quietly and thanked the Lord for such a turnaround in this student. Everyone was warning me about him (and I had seen his disobedience at the soccer clinic). I prayed for him a lot before he was finally put in my class. I was concerned that he would be disgruntled after not passing the re-take (and he really did try his best on it), but God has blessed in ways I didn't expect. The younger students imitated his rebelliousness last year, so I am hopeful that he will have a positive influence with them this year.
Sarah and I stayed late to grade papers. I got to talk to some of my students as they waited for their drivers. We got home about 3pm. During our team debrief last night, I realized that the last few weeks have flown by. Without time to process recent events and a constant struggle to keep up with the needs of my students, I've been feeling behind and discouraged. After team meeting and again during devotions, I asked the Lord to help me make my time purposeful. This afternoon, He answered prayer. I was able to grade all of the quizzes and homework papers while listening to a lecture, write a couple emails, then spend time in prayer and afterwards journal for a little bit. The lecture looked at God as our intimate friend and challenged me to go to God expectantly. I was able to drop my feelings of inadequacy and felt much more refreshed and thankful after time with Him.
We have discovered Tangerine Fanta here and it actually tastes a lot different than Orange Fanta. It was a fun treat to have this afternoon.
At 7pm, Sarah and I met some of the other teachers at Zeri Park. My bershe (Helen) is leaving for Turkey at the end of the month, so I wanted to say goodbye to her before she left. She teared up when we greeted each other and there were some sad moments throughout the evening. I am thankful to know that we will meet again in eternity if not on this earth. At the park, we rode on a flight simulator, which looked like an airplane on the outside, but a roller coaster on the screen. It was a pretty bumpy ride! Afterwards, we ate some ice cream, walked around, and talked until about 8pm. All six of us piled into a taxi and went to the Assyrian hall for Dumballah! I came close to winning :) but in the end, just enjoyed being with friends. They tried to show me how to snap my index fingers together (it is something I've only seen here), and I learned some new Assyrian words. By 11pm, I thought I'd made it through the evening without drawing extra attention to myself. Then, I caught part of an announcement just as everyone at our table started squeezing my arm and giggling, "They are talking about you." I caught enough to know that they were introducing me as the Japanese girl from America whose cousin is Jackie Chan. Besides the announcement at the end, our time together was refreshing and encouraging. God has been good to provide friends who belong to a part of this culture and are willing to take me into their lives.
Showing posts with label Cooking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cooking. Show all posts
Friday, September 21, 2012
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
September 11th and 12th: Agony and Adventure
Tuesday, September 11th:
I have noticed the last few mornings that the weather is a little cooler. It definitely heats up by the afternoon, but we have had some pleasant walks.
Woke up this morning at 4am to pray, which was in itself an answer to prayer. I was afraid of falling back to sleep, but God kept my mind alert and in addition to the hour of specific prayer and then devotions, I was able to get a lot of work and preparation done for school today.
Unfortunately, my first class was even worse today. They were a little off track, but derailed completely after I tried to have a discussion about why God created math. I made the point that math was given to understand God's creation and explain the patterns we see around us, but I'm not sure anyone was listening at that point (or could hear over the noise). Once I had given four of the boys their third strike, they decided to keep pushing (figuring that there wasn't anything worse I could do.) They continued to talk and make obnoxious noises. I rallied on, solving problems on the board for the students who were paying attention and interested. When the "good" students are focused and engaged, the class period is much better, but it seems that we are quickly overrun by the 11 attention-seekers of the class. Pedro (the one I made a daily progress chart for) has not been doing well these last few days either.
I walked into my next class feeling frustrated and worn out. I am sure they thought I was very stern, but I tried to take notice of each student and think of ways to serve. My 10am class was better, but I noticed a lack of interest among them too. I think the lecture on mastery yesterday made them leery of today's lesson. By the time I got to my 30 minute break, I had a headache and felt like I'd run into a brick wall. Sarah and John expressed similar frustrations with their classes, so it makes me think that spiritual oppression is high right now. [I found out later that God answered my prayer this morning in a very specific way, so I think the enemy was trying to hinder in another area.]
My last 6th grade class did not go very well. Not only did they complain, "Miss, you don't explain the lesson," but they wouldn't listen as I was giving the lesson! I pointed out to them that if they would follow along they could see exactly where I was in the book. To make matter worse, during the last fifteen minutes, four of the boys from my first class had to sit in the classroom as the consequence for bad behavior. I meant to have something for them to work on, but had forgotten in the midst of my frustration and discouragement. After class, I took the boys aside and tried to obtain honest answers as to how we could work together to make their class better. They told me over and over, "Miss, we will be good tomorrow." An older student, who may end up joining my 6th graders if he doesn't pass his re-take final exam, noticed them saying this. He has been watching me the last few days as I've interacted with my students. He is known to be a difficult student, but we got to know each other during the soccer clinic and he has helped me a few times - scolding the younger boys for not listening to me and keeping them from running off. If he does end up in my class, I wonder how his observations of my discipline will affect his behavior.
After school, Sarah and I went to the market where we met up with Lisa and Mary. It was Sarah's first full-length experience in the secondhand section. I know it must have been overwhelming. I was exhausted when we got home and was thankful to take a 30-minute nap. After finishing a lot of my grading and prep work for tomorrow, I was able to Skype with Mom.
I tried to process some of the events of the day, but it was overwhelming to take in every comment and look and misbehavior. I was thankful to go to bed and put the day behind me. Hopeful that tomorrow will be a better day.
Wednesday, September 12th
Got up this morning and packed for my trip to the Assyrian village. I've had to do a lot of prep work (instructions for Sarah, Mary, and Andy who will be subbing for me, grading homework, preparing an activity for them to work on, and writing a test to give on Sunday). I think it is actually harder to miss school for one day than it is to be at school!
During my first class I tried to change things up to see if I could improve classroom management. I assigned all new seats and then gave out stickers to the students who were following procedure and working quietly on their warm-up problems. I was surprised by how much the students wanted to be recognized with a sticker. (Stickers are uncommon here so I'm suppose it is more intriguing than it might be to an American student.) After explaining the lesson, I outlined what the next day would look like. I told them that I expected only their best behavior for Miss Sarah and that she is going to tell me about any misbehavior.
My second class wasn't as motivated by the stickers. It always amazes me how different the two classes are from one another. One student could not stop talking and ended up losing his break. I gave them the same outline for tomorrow and the same lecture about my expectations and how they are to treat Miss Mary. I really hope things go smoothly for Sarah and Mary tomorrow.
In my next class, the split wasn't working, so after they corrected their assignment and I gave a quick explanation of the lesson, I took them outside. There was a nice breeze in the shade. The students gathered around and I explained what they would be doing tomorrow with Mr. Andy. They are eager to learn and I think they will do well on their activity. We went back into class for the last 10 minutes (the split was working again). I explained the next lesson so they would understand how to complete their homework for the weekend. We talked about scales and I told them I needed five examples before they could leave class. They really started to think; the boys were coming up with answers like speedometer and fuel tank. Their eagerness to learn made me excited about teaching them.
During the break I tried to talk to students and check in on the quieter ones. Some of the students turned in their letters (an assignment from the beginning of school). One student wrote, "Miss I like math because when I am doing math I feel like an adult." Another said, "Math is my favorite subject because it is the language of science and the mirror of civilizations." I'm not sure what he meant about the mirror, but he is one of my favorites and always has a math question for me during the break. I can see his eyes light up during the lesson and that makes me happy.
In 6A, we had a good half hour of following procedures and getting work accomplished. When it was time for the 5th graders to lose their long break, I had them sit outside the classroom and copy the sentence, "He who finds wisdom finds a good thing." It kept them occupied and I was able to finish the lesson. Unfortunately, a little 3rd grader kept interrupting my class, kicking over the garbage can outside the door and throwing erasers at the students. I asked him for his name and grade, torn between using up class time and dealing with the distraction. I decided to wait and power-through the lesson. Even though 6A can be difficult, I hope they will do well for Mr. Andy (and I made sure they understood that their behavior with him was very important to me.)
After class, I talked to my fifth graders about what the sentence meant. "Wisdom is taking what you know and using it. You understand how to be good in my class, but you don't do it. If you knew to be good and did it, that would be a good thing!" One of the students chimed in, "Like math, Miss. God created math so we could understand." I was stunned, "Excellent! And did you know, God intended that we use math too." So they were listening! The older student that has been watching me, pointed out that one of the students told me yesterday that he would be good. I pointed out that saying something doesn't mean very much if you don't follow through with your actions. He seems to be taking all of this in, but I really don't know if he is getting anything out of it.
When I dismissed the students to their class, I found the interrupting 3rd grader and told him not to disturb my class again. I think he was shocked that I actually "tracked him down" since they are used to idle threats. On my out, I found Pedro and another student standing in the hallway. The one student wanted to let the principal know that he didn't want to be in 5B anymore. "The other students make fun of me, Miss, and call me names." I told him I was sorry that they treated him that way, but that if he wasn't in the class, it would be a lot harder for me and I wouldn't enjoy teaching as much. He turned and went back to class, but I saw a smile creep across his face. Pedro told me he needed a water (which was true judging by all the sweat pouring down his face), but that he didn't have any money. I took him down to the shop, intending to buy him a water, but the manager (who is very gracious) gave us both a water for free. I talked to Pedro a little bit, hoping he will someday realize that I care about him as an individual, not simply as my student. He told me yesterday that he likes losing his break. I think it is because he'd rather spend time with me than with his peers. Trying to spend more positive time with him, rather than making it a discipline.
When Sarah and I got home, we made dinner for tonight's team dinner and I finished packing my things. My friend is picking me up to go to her village for the weekend. I am not sure what to expect, but I am praying that I will get to know her better at the very least. I know that her family is going to the village for a religious celebration, so we will be going to her church tomorrow morning and then to a party tomorrow night (ironic?) :)
I have noticed the last few mornings that the weather is a little cooler. It definitely heats up by the afternoon, but we have had some pleasant walks.
Woke up this morning at 4am to pray, which was in itself an answer to prayer. I was afraid of falling back to sleep, but God kept my mind alert and in addition to the hour of specific prayer and then devotions, I was able to get a lot of work and preparation done for school today.
Unfortunately, my first class was even worse today. They were a little off track, but derailed completely after I tried to have a discussion about why God created math. I made the point that math was given to understand God's creation and explain the patterns we see around us, but I'm not sure anyone was listening at that point (or could hear over the noise). Once I had given four of the boys their third strike, they decided to keep pushing (figuring that there wasn't anything worse I could do.) They continued to talk and make obnoxious noises. I rallied on, solving problems on the board for the students who were paying attention and interested. When the "good" students are focused and engaged, the class period is much better, but it seems that we are quickly overrun by the 11 attention-seekers of the class. Pedro (the one I made a daily progress chart for) has not been doing well these last few days either.
I walked into my next class feeling frustrated and worn out. I am sure they thought I was very stern, but I tried to take notice of each student and think of ways to serve. My 10am class was better, but I noticed a lack of interest among them too. I think the lecture on mastery yesterday made them leery of today's lesson. By the time I got to my 30 minute break, I had a headache and felt like I'd run into a brick wall. Sarah and John expressed similar frustrations with their classes, so it makes me think that spiritual oppression is high right now. [I found out later that God answered my prayer this morning in a very specific way, so I think the enemy was trying to hinder in another area.]
My last 6th grade class did not go very well. Not only did they complain, "Miss, you don't explain the lesson," but they wouldn't listen as I was giving the lesson! I pointed out to them that if they would follow along they could see exactly where I was in the book. To make matter worse, during the last fifteen minutes, four of the boys from my first class had to sit in the classroom as the consequence for bad behavior. I meant to have something for them to work on, but had forgotten in the midst of my frustration and discouragement. After class, I took the boys aside and tried to obtain honest answers as to how we could work together to make their class better. They told me over and over, "Miss, we will be good tomorrow." An older student, who may end up joining my 6th graders if he doesn't pass his re-take final exam, noticed them saying this. He has been watching me the last few days as I've interacted with my students. He is known to be a difficult student, but we got to know each other during the soccer clinic and he has helped me a few times - scolding the younger boys for not listening to me and keeping them from running off. If he does end up in my class, I wonder how his observations of my discipline will affect his behavior.
After school, Sarah and I went to the market where we met up with Lisa and Mary. It was Sarah's first full-length experience in the secondhand section. I know it must have been overwhelming. I was exhausted when we got home and was thankful to take a 30-minute nap. After finishing a lot of my grading and prep work for tomorrow, I was able to Skype with Mom.
I tried to process some of the events of the day, but it was overwhelming to take in every comment and look and misbehavior. I was thankful to go to bed and put the day behind me. Hopeful that tomorrow will be a better day.
Wednesday, September 12th
Got up this morning and packed for my trip to the Assyrian village. I've had to do a lot of prep work (instructions for Sarah, Mary, and Andy who will be subbing for me, grading homework, preparing an activity for them to work on, and writing a test to give on Sunday). I think it is actually harder to miss school for one day than it is to be at school!
During my first class I tried to change things up to see if I could improve classroom management. I assigned all new seats and then gave out stickers to the students who were following procedure and working quietly on their warm-up problems. I was surprised by how much the students wanted to be recognized with a sticker. (Stickers are uncommon here so I'm suppose it is more intriguing than it might be to an American student.) After explaining the lesson, I outlined what the next day would look like. I told them that I expected only their best behavior for Miss Sarah and that she is going to tell me about any misbehavior.
My second class wasn't as motivated by the stickers. It always amazes me how different the two classes are from one another. One student could not stop talking and ended up losing his break. I gave them the same outline for tomorrow and the same lecture about my expectations and how they are to treat Miss Mary. I really hope things go smoothly for Sarah and Mary tomorrow.
In my next class, the split wasn't working, so after they corrected their assignment and I gave a quick explanation of the lesson, I took them outside. There was a nice breeze in the shade. The students gathered around and I explained what they would be doing tomorrow with Mr. Andy. They are eager to learn and I think they will do well on their activity. We went back into class for the last 10 minutes (the split was working again). I explained the next lesson so they would understand how to complete their homework for the weekend. We talked about scales and I told them I needed five examples before they could leave class. They really started to think; the boys were coming up with answers like speedometer and fuel tank. Their eagerness to learn made me excited about teaching them.
During the break I tried to talk to students and check in on the quieter ones. Some of the students turned in their letters (an assignment from the beginning of school). One student wrote, "Miss I like math because when I am doing math I feel like an adult." Another said, "Math is my favorite subject because it is the language of science and the mirror of civilizations." I'm not sure what he meant about the mirror, but he is one of my favorites and always has a math question for me during the break. I can see his eyes light up during the lesson and that makes me happy.
In 6A, we had a good half hour of following procedures and getting work accomplished. When it was time for the 5th graders to lose their long break, I had them sit outside the classroom and copy the sentence, "He who finds wisdom finds a good thing." It kept them occupied and I was able to finish the lesson. Unfortunately, a little 3rd grader kept interrupting my class, kicking over the garbage can outside the door and throwing erasers at the students. I asked him for his name and grade, torn between using up class time and dealing with the distraction. I decided to wait and power-through the lesson. Even though 6A can be difficult, I hope they will do well for Mr. Andy (and I made sure they understood that their behavior with him was very important to me.)
After class, I talked to my fifth graders about what the sentence meant. "Wisdom is taking what you know and using it. You understand how to be good in my class, but you don't do it. If you knew to be good and did it, that would be a good thing!" One of the students chimed in, "Like math, Miss. God created math so we could understand." I was stunned, "Excellent! And did you know, God intended that we use math too." So they were listening! The older student that has been watching me, pointed out that one of the students told me yesterday that he would be good. I pointed out that saying something doesn't mean very much if you don't follow through with your actions. He seems to be taking all of this in, but I really don't know if he is getting anything out of it.
When I dismissed the students to their class, I found the interrupting 3rd grader and told him not to disturb my class again. I think he was shocked that I actually "tracked him down" since they are used to idle threats. On my out, I found Pedro and another student standing in the hallway. The one student wanted to let the principal know that he didn't want to be in 5B anymore. "The other students make fun of me, Miss, and call me names." I told him I was sorry that they treated him that way, but that if he wasn't in the class, it would be a lot harder for me and I wouldn't enjoy teaching as much. He turned and went back to class, but I saw a smile creep across his face. Pedro told me he needed a water (which was true judging by all the sweat pouring down his face), but that he didn't have any money. I took him down to the shop, intending to buy him a water, but the manager (who is very gracious) gave us both a water for free. I talked to Pedro a little bit, hoping he will someday realize that I care about him as an individual, not simply as my student. He told me yesterday that he likes losing his break. I think it is because he'd rather spend time with me than with his peers. Trying to spend more positive time with him, rather than making it a discipline.
When Sarah and I got home, we made dinner for tonight's team dinner and I finished packing my things. My friend is picking me up to go to her village for the weekend. I am not sure what to expect, but I am praying that I will get to know her better at the very least. I know that her family is going to the village for a religious celebration, so we will be going to her church tomorrow morning and then to a party tomorrow night (ironic?) :)
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
August 28th and 29th: Settling In
Tuesday, August 28th:
It's hard to believe how quickly I've adjusted to being here again. I am back on my morning routine - up by 6 for devotions, followed by a workout video, then preparations for the day. This morning I had the special treat of Skyping with my family. It is the first time I've "seen" them in over a week. We had arranged to talk at 8:30pm PST. Mom was cleaning up dishes when Dad said he would put the boys to bed.
Mom: "What time is it?"
Dad: "8:30"
Mom: "Oh! We are supposed to Skype with Sissy!"
In a flash, Eithen is off the couch and bolting up the stairs, "We a talk to Sissy on the 'puter! We a talk to Sissy on the 'puter!"
It was fun to see everyone. They were hanging all over Dad's chair to get a look at the screen, doing somersaults, and taking me around the house to see their new room arrangements. It was a great way to start the morning, though it made me miss the regular family routine.
At 8:15, Lisa came over and the four of us ladies walked to school together. That was a fun change from last year since my schedule was so different from everyone else's that I wasn't able to walk with them.
My first group in the morning is the class that was formerly called 4B. Yep, the "rowdy" group! Of course, having them first thing in the morning may prove to be a blessing. There were only a handful this morning, so it was difficult to tell if things will be different from last year. (School won't officially start until all the students are in attendance, which is apparently optional during the first few weeks.) I had them start by writing down three goals for the year. I told them that if they meet those goals at the end of the semester, then they will earn a reward from America. Instead of viewing school as something imposed on them, I hope they will learn to invest in their education and push themselves to do more than what is expected of them.
My second class was 5A (previously 4A). We have two new students in the class and I am really excited to have them there. After the class wrote out their goals, I shared my own goals with them: become a better teacher, help my students succeed, prepare them for the next grade level. The eyes of the new students lit up and they were soaking in every word. They seem like bright students and eager to learn. I hope their desire to learn will have an influence on the rest of the class. Next, I discussed my class rules:
1. Try your best
2. Be respectful
3. Listen
And my discipline policy (X - warning, XX - leave the class until ready to follow the rules, XXX - lose your long break). It is fun to start at the beginning of the school year since I can lay out my expectations and establish my own policies.
Immediately following I teach 6B. They are a fun group of students (Julie taught them Literature last year) and I am looking forward to working with them. After a half hour break, I teach 6A. I substituted for them last year and worked with some of them during the soccer clinic. We went through the same things I had discussed with the 5th graders. They are better listeners, so it didn't take quite as long to go through everything.
At noon, I was done teaching. Sarah didn't have very many students in her last class, so she ended early and we taxied home together. The afternoon mostly consisted of lesson planning and trying to stay cool. The city electricity went out again for an hour, so we had our fans on and lots of cold water. In the evening, around 6:30, we went to the art supply store called Zanest. Sarah got a taste of the market at night when it is ten times busier (cooler though too). I tried to look at it through her eyes, going back to January when I went to the market for the first time. It seems like a lifetime ago!
When we got back, we watched a movie with John and Mary. It was a relaxing way to end the evening, even though it meant another late night!
Wednesday, August 29th:
It was already pretty warm when Mary and I started our walk to the school; part way there, the school's maintenance man and his little daughter stopped to give us a ride! So thankful!
Had a very encouraging time in all of my classes. I outlined the procedures for our class (how to: start with a warm-up assignment while I collect homework, ask a question, ask to leave, organize their binder, etc.) Each class seemed attentive and eager to follow through correctly. It will be interesting to see which group picks up on them first (and whether or not I can remember to enforce the procedures!) :P
After school (which is still in "preparatory week") Sarah and I walked home for more lesson planning. I got a lot accomplished and it is good to feel motivated and implement new methods that were too difficult to start half way through the year. I am hopeful (and praying) that the consistency will help improve behavior this year. Sarah and I made dessert in the late afternoon for our team meeting. We made no-bake peanut butter bars, which are always a good standby.
Team night provided much needed refreshment in the midst of a busy week. We shared a wonderful meal together. Lisa made a salsa chicken spaghetti casserole, which was the most flavorful dish I've tasted here (as I recall) and Mary made a great salad with Ranch dressing. Andy shared a devotion about the blood of Jesus Christ. The verse given to me to read was Hebrews 13:12 "Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered without the gate." God's Word jumped from the page and spoke directly at me. Since I started packing to come here, I've struggled with leaving my family and friends to live a life that is so different from theirs. It was hard over the summer to relate in our experiences. As a team we have adopted a new acronym - FOMO - Fear Of Missing Out. I definitely have FOMO. It is hard to live so far away, knowing that my brothers are going to keep growing up, my sister is going to keep moving on with her life, and my parents will continue going through their daily routine ... without me! I want to share every moment with them - taking my brother to football practice, sympathizing with my dad over his number-crunching, helping Mom grocery shop, and cuddling up for the bedtime stories. Tonight's Scripture reminded me that Jesus suffered OUTSIDE the gate that I might be sanctified with His own blood. His suffering took Him from the heights and glories of Heaven to a lowly manger to a scornful people to the shame of the cross. May God make me willing to suffer (in a small way by comparison) outside the gate of my family and physical comforts that others would be sanctified.
It's hard to believe how quickly I've adjusted to being here again. I am back on my morning routine - up by 6 for devotions, followed by a workout video, then preparations for the day. This morning I had the special treat of Skyping with my family. It is the first time I've "seen" them in over a week. We had arranged to talk at 8:30pm PST. Mom was cleaning up dishes when Dad said he would put the boys to bed.
Mom: "What time is it?"
Dad: "8:30"
Mom: "Oh! We are supposed to Skype with Sissy!"
In a flash, Eithen is off the couch and bolting up the stairs, "We a talk to Sissy on the 'puter! We a talk to Sissy on the 'puter!"
It was fun to see everyone. They were hanging all over Dad's chair to get a look at the screen, doing somersaults, and taking me around the house to see their new room arrangements. It was a great way to start the morning, though it made me miss the regular family routine.
At 8:15, Lisa came over and the four of us ladies walked to school together. That was a fun change from last year since my schedule was so different from everyone else's that I wasn't able to walk with them.
My first group in the morning is the class that was formerly called 4B. Yep, the "rowdy" group! Of course, having them first thing in the morning may prove to be a blessing. There were only a handful this morning, so it was difficult to tell if things will be different from last year. (School won't officially start until all the students are in attendance, which is apparently optional during the first few weeks.) I had them start by writing down three goals for the year. I told them that if they meet those goals at the end of the semester, then they will earn a reward from America. Instead of viewing school as something imposed on them, I hope they will learn to invest in their education and push themselves to do more than what is expected of them.
My second class was 5A (previously 4A). We have two new students in the class and I am really excited to have them there. After the class wrote out their goals, I shared my own goals with them: become a better teacher, help my students succeed, prepare them for the next grade level. The eyes of the new students lit up and they were soaking in every word. They seem like bright students and eager to learn. I hope their desire to learn will have an influence on the rest of the class. Next, I discussed my class rules:
1. Try your best
2. Be respectful
3. Listen
And my discipline policy (X - warning, XX - leave the class until ready to follow the rules, XXX - lose your long break). It is fun to start at the beginning of the school year since I can lay out my expectations and establish my own policies.
Immediately following I teach 6B. They are a fun group of students (Julie taught them Literature last year) and I am looking forward to working with them. After a half hour break, I teach 6A. I substituted for them last year and worked with some of them during the soccer clinic. We went through the same things I had discussed with the 5th graders. They are better listeners, so it didn't take quite as long to go through everything.
At noon, I was done teaching. Sarah didn't have very many students in her last class, so she ended early and we taxied home together. The afternoon mostly consisted of lesson planning and trying to stay cool. The city electricity went out again for an hour, so we had our fans on and lots of cold water. In the evening, around 6:30, we went to the art supply store called Zanest. Sarah got a taste of the market at night when it is ten times busier (cooler though too). I tried to look at it through her eyes, going back to January when I went to the market for the first time. It seems like a lifetime ago!
When we got back, we watched a movie with John and Mary. It was a relaxing way to end the evening, even though it meant another late night!
Wednesday, August 29th:
It was already pretty warm when Mary and I started our walk to the school; part way there, the school's maintenance man and his little daughter stopped to give us a ride! So thankful!
Had a very encouraging time in all of my classes. I outlined the procedures for our class (how to: start with a warm-up assignment while I collect homework, ask a question, ask to leave, organize their binder, etc.) Each class seemed attentive and eager to follow through correctly. It will be interesting to see which group picks up on them first (and whether or not I can remember to enforce the procedures!) :P
After school (which is still in "preparatory week") Sarah and I walked home for more lesson planning. I got a lot accomplished and it is good to feel motivated and implement new methods that were too difficult to start half way through the year. I am hopeful (and praying) that the consistency will help improve behavior this year. Sarah and I made dessert in the late afternoon for our team meeting. We made no-bake peanut butter bars, which are always a good standby.
Team night provided much needed refreshment in the midst of a busy week. We shared a wonderful meal together. Lisa made a salsa chicken spaghetti casserole, which was the most flavorful dish I've tasted here (as I recall) and Mary made a great salad with Ranch dressing. Andy shared a devotion about the blood of Jesus Christ. The verse given to me to read was Hebrews 13:12 "Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with His own blood, suffered without the gate." God's Word jumped from the page and spoke directly at me. Since I started packing to come here, I've struggled with leaving my family and friends to live a life that is so different from theirs. It was hard over the summer to relate in our experiences. As a team we have adopted a new acronym - FOMO - Fear Of Missing Out. I definitely have FOMO. It is hard to live so far away, knowing that my brothers are going to keep growing up, my sister is going to keep moving on with her life, and my parents will continue going through their daily routine ... without me! I want to share every moment with them - taking my brother to football practice, sympathizing with my dad over his number-crunching, helping Mom grocery shop, and cuddling up for the bedtime stories. Tonight's Scripture reminded me that Jesus suffered OUTSIDE the gate that I might be sanctified with His own blood. His suffering took Him from the heights and glories of Heaven to a lowly manger to a scornful people to the shame of the cross. May God make me willing to suffer (in a small way by comparison) outside the gate of my family and physical comforts that others would be sanctified.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
May 25th through 26th (Days 138-139): The First of the Goodbyes
May 25th:
This morning Stacy and I shared one last coffee moment before I headed off to fellowship. She leaves tomorrow with Dan and Julie, so we've been trying to do a few of the "traditional" things that we've enjoyed together over the past few months. We had a large gathering at fellowship today. I really enjoyed the songs we sang. Dan led the music ... another pleasant memory to look back on as we soak up our last few moments with them. Enjoyed a great potluck lunch, then over to Dan and Julie's to move some of their furniture to my apartment. It was not as stressful as other moves I've participated in. The guys took care of everything and before I knew it, the apartment was brimming with fun goodies - a wash machine, a bookshelf, a microwave, portable desk, and a bunch of kitchen things.
It was close to 4pm by the time we got everything moved. I visited with Stacy, then ate a yummy dinner - sauteed green beans and onions with the leftover meat from our Greek dinner. Enjoyed chatting with a few friends from back home before heading for bed.
May 26th:
Sore and tired as I sit down to write this entry. I went to the school this morning at 8:30am. It was hard getting up ... I don't think my body was ready for the weekend to be over. The students had their math final this morning. They will have finals the rest of the week and then they will be out for SUMMER BREAK! My job this morning was to move between the two fourth grade classrooms and read questions out loud. Some of the kids tried to get the answers out of me, while others said, "Miss, this is so easy!" Some of them finished in 30 minutes, others took the full two hours. After the test was finished, I went into the teacher room and graded tests with all the other teachers. It didn't take too long since I had three other teachers helping me. After we finished, John came in with his finals. His questions were much more in-depth, so he wanted to be able to give partial credit. We came up with an assembly line that helped speed things up (it was getting close to 1pm and we were supposed to be at a team "Goodbye" lunch at 12.) We finally finished grading at 2pm. It was nice to see the other teachers pitch in to help us. After picking up visas and salaries, we headed over to Dan and Julie's. Thankfully we got to visit for a few minutes before saying "Goodbye." Stacy had gone back home to get her bags, so John and I hopped in the taxi with Dan and Julie back to our apartment. We said goodbye to Stacy and waved them on their way. We hopped in two separate taxis and went back over to Andy and Lisa's. Chilled with the team, then John and Mary had to get home as they were expecting visitors.
Went with Andy and Lisa to Zeri Park to celebrate Zander's 3rd birthday! I had a blast, especially since I was the only one small enough to fit on the rides with Zander! :)
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After we covered almost the entire park, we went back to their place for dinner. Mm-mm good! On the taxi ride home, the driver complimented me on my Kurdish :) I had an expat friend tell me that if I ever wanted to boost my language-proficiency esteem, I should just hop in a taxi! Though I know I am far from fluency, it was nice to be reminded that God has brought me a long way in the language department (one step at a time). I can be thankful for understanding so much more now than I did upon arrival.
Came home and cleaned up house/new furnishings. Did a lot of scrubbing, so my body is really tired now. John got the washer set up, so that will be something fun for tomorrow!
This morning Stacy and I shared one last coffee moment before I headed off to fellowship. She leaves tomorrow with Dan and Julie, so we've been trying to do a few of the "traditional" things that we've enjoyed together over the past few months. We had a large gathering at fellowship today. I really enjoyed the songs we sang. Dan led the music ... another pleasant memory to look back on as we soak up our last few moments with them. Enjoyed a great potluck lunch, then over to Dan and Julie's to move some of their furniture to my apartment. It was not as stressful as other moves I've participated in. The guys took care of everything and before I knew it, the apartment was brimming with fun goodies - a wash machine, a bookshelf, a microwave, portable desk, and a bunch of kitchen things.
It was close to 4pm by the time we got everything moved. I visited with Stacy, then ate a yummy dinner - sauteed green beans and onions with the leftover meat from our Greek dinner. Enjoyed chatting with a few friends from back home before heading for bed.
May 26th:
Sore and tired as I sit down to write this entry. I went to the school this morning at 8:30am. It was hard getting up ... I don't think my body was ready for the weekend to be over. The students had their math final this morning. They will have finals the rest of the week and then they will be out for SUMMER BREAK! My job this morning was to move between the two fourth grade classrooms and read questions out loud. Some of the kids tried to get the answers out of me, while others said, "Miss, this is so easy!" Some of them finished in 30 minutes, others took the full two hours. After the test was finished, I went into the teacher room and graded tests with all the other teachers. It didn't take too long since I had three other teachers helping me. After we finished, John came in with his finals. His questions were much more in-depth, so he wanted to be able to give partial credit. We came up with an assembly line that helped speed things up (it was getting close to 1pm and we were supposed to be at a team "Goodbye" lunch at 12.) We finally finished grading at 2pm. It was nice to see the other teachers pitch in to help us. After picking up visas and salaries, we headed over to Dan and Julie's. Thankfully we got to visit for a few minutes before saying "Goodbye." Stacy had gone back home to get her bags, so John and I hopped in the taxi with Dan and Julie back to our apartment. We said goodbye to Stacy and waved them on their way. We hopped in two separate taxis and went back over to Andy and Lisa's. Chilled with the team, then John and Mary had to get home as they were expecting visitors.
Went with Andy and Lisa to Zeri Park to celebrate Zander's 3rd birthday! I had a blast, especially since I was the only one small enough to fit on the rides with Zander! :)
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We had fun on the Ferris Wheel together (and yes, Andy shaved off his facial hair for the summer)
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There was a great view from the top:
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Came home and cleaned up house/new furnishings. Did a lot of scrubbing, so my body is really tired now. John got the washer set up, so that will be something fun for tomorrow!
Monday, May 14, 2012
May 13th through 14th (Days 126-127): When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemon Bars!
May 13th:
Woke up this morning with a bit of a cloud hanging over me. Spent time praying through it, but still had some heaviness as I went to school. The weather matched my mood. The city was covered with a dust cloud. Even the shadows on the sidewalk seemed dusty.
The 9:15 math class was trying. There was a dead bird in the room that kept disrupting class, though I'm sure it would've chosen to die elsewhere if it had known what a ruckus it would cause. The boys could not sit still at all. I ended up keeping some of them through the break and re-teaching the lesson. Graded papers during my break and turned in the final exam with answers to the curriculum coordinator. They collected them in manila envelopes (each one labeled with a specific grade and subject).
The 11am art class went well, but I had to break up a cat fight at the beginning of class. (Sounds like I was teaching anatomy - from birds to cats.) Two of the girls were clawing at each other because one of them had moved her desk, which intruded on the other girl's space. Of course neither of them took responsibility. We went into the hall and because they wouldn't apologize, I made them write apology letters during class. By the end of the period, they were smiling and best friends again. They decorated and re-decorated their letters, showing them to each other intermittently, so that there really wasn't any need to force the exchange.
During the half hour break, I continued grading papers. The end of the phase is coming up, so students are anxious to improve their grades. The 12:15 class was quiet when I came in (except for their now routine, top-of-the-lungs greeting). Two of the boys kept talking and being disruptive, but I tried to move through the lesson. All of a sudden something happened and a fight between them broke out. I sent the main antagonist into the hall, and continued the lesson in peace. When I let him back in after "5 minutes" - it may have extended a little beyond ;) - I thought we would finish the class quietly. I brought the other boy to the front of the room and had him work through one of the problems on the board. All of a sudden, a full, .33L water bottle came shooting to the front of the room like a missile. It was intended for the student, but hit the board right between us and barely missed my head. I had to react fast as boy #2 reached down for the bottle and tried to throw it back. I disarmed him of the first one, but he had a second one before I could blink. It barely missed boy #1, who picked it up and launched it again. I ended up deflecting it with my hand so that it wouldn't hit any of the other students. There was a cease fire. I dragged both of them outside as the Arabic teacher entered the room. The boys would not apologize. The Arabic teacher got upset with them for causing me grief, but they still refused. I told them they would have to write apology letters (deja vu?) to turn in tomorrow. I rushed off, needing to meet up with H and J. It bothered me that I couldn't follow through and would have to wait until tomorrow.
A quiet taxi ride to H's (which is always a blessing) and a good time with J. H is feeling better (her allergies have been bothering her). And J is really improving in his reading. We had a nice time together, though I really had to pray that the Lord would help me leave the incidents at school behind. He answered my prayer and gave me the strength to encourage H and be completely attentive to J. There was road construction along the main route back home, so the taxi driver had to take the long way. Thankfully I was wearing my sunglasses and he couldn't ask me any questions. (I bought some new "Kurdish" sunglasses when I went to the market with T. Since wearing them, I've noticed that I don't get honked at or "nee-howed" wherever I go. The dark hair comes in handy!)
Got home and felt like a pity party, but realized that my discouragement was merely the result of relying in my own power to resolve the issues at school. God had clearly given me wisdom during the "cat fight" - I was able to pray while taking the girls out of the class, but I had gotten distracted when dealing with the boys and didn't seek His help. My pity party didn't last long and I went over to John and Mary's for a visit.
Came home and Skyped with the family. (Happy Mother's Day, Mama!) Eithen is changing, but still gives me lots of kisses on the webcam. Good to talk with everyone (except Caleb and Stephen who were spending the night at a friend's). Afterwards I did some crazy baking and made lemon bars for our team dinner with another batch to take to school. I also made more granola. Tired, but in a better mood by bedtime.
May 14th:
Got to school and finished grading papers just in time for class. Students are starting to turn in a lot more homework as the phase comes to end, so that also means more time spent grading for me. When I walked into class this morning, I told the kids that if they didn't want to be in class, they were free to leave. If I wrote their names on the board and they didn't go to the garden, then I would take them to the principal after class. They were amazed that I would let them go to the garden without "minusing" them (meaning penalizing them). I assured them that they wouldn't be penalized, but that it was their choice to come to class and learn. If they didn't want to, they could go outside. On the other hand, if they kept other students from learning, then I would have to deal with their misbehavior. The first offender was pretty excited at going to the garden, taunting his classmates, who (to my relief) weren't impressed. He noticed their reaction and hesitated at the doorway. I told him that if he didn't stand outside but continued to disrupt, he would see the principal. He chose to stand in the doorway and stood as still as I've ever seen him for 20 minutes. There were other boys who crossed the line and left. They also stood just outside the classroom and eventually asked to come back in and learn. Two boys, fifteen minutes before class ended, decided that it would be fun to go to the garden and they left, but a teacher confronted them, asked why they were outside and sent them back to apologize. I ended up keeping them through part of their break. We didn't cover as much material as I would've liked, but I did see improvement.
During the break all the teachers told me how much they liked the lemon bars. A success towards my goal - introducing new foods to the country, one dessert at a time! It is really fun to have them talk to me now and include me in their conversations (which sometimes means that one of them will have to translate). Nadia has mentioned everyday how much fun she had taking me to dummbalah!
My 12:15 class got the same lecture about not being in class if they didn't want to learn. By the end of class three boys were standing in the hallway. They tried to disrupt class, but thankfully the rest of the students were engaged in the lesson, at least until the last 10 minutes of class. At that point they started talking and wouldn't settle down. Apparently they weren't attentive for the teacher after me either and it was decided that they would lose both breaks tomorrow. I'll probably help cover some of that time and have them review for their test.
I stayed at the school until 2:30 and hung out in the teacher room. The cleaning lady is quite a character; if words could clean, the school would be sparkling. As it is, the gossip circulates and so does the dirt. Jaco is very friendly though and everyone gets along with her. She enjoys teaching Assyrian to anyone who is willing to learn - I've picked up a few phrases, though my pronunciation doesn't meet the standard John has already set. In the break room, Jaco was teaching one of the Arabic-speaking teachers some Assyrian and I started to catch on to what they were referring to (the conversation was in Arabic). The lesson extended into English as another teacher translated for me. It was fun to learn with them and laugh at our mistakes - it is so easy to feel waaayyyy behind everyone else because they can speak at least two and usually closer to four languages.
I like to stay until 2:30 because then I get to talk to the kids as they load up or wait for their rides. They asked me if I was coming back next year and hoped I'd be teaching them. As it stands right now, it looks like I'll be teaching 5th grade math and story.
When I got home, I took a nap (with all the Assyrian floating around in my brain). Then headed off with John, Mary, Henry, and Stacy to our team meeting. We have the funniest team ever. Zander wanted us to sing along to his "drumming," so we all launched into a song (that Zander didn't know). A snapshot of the moment would've revealed six adults belting out "I've Been Working on the Railroad." We struggled to remember all the lines, but by the second time through we had it down. Now how often do you get a group of adults singing kids songs? Shows what happens when you are immersed in an ESL community! :) We had a nice summery meal. Lisa made a fruit salad and a cajun bulgur salad; Julie made red pepper hummus; and Mary made pretzels! We topped it off with lemon bars for dessert and a devotional that looked at the depths of creation (and all the new discoveries they are making at the bottom of the ocean). We ended the night with our Skype call to Dave and Lisa and taxied home.
Feeling emotionally tired as I think of ending the school year ... I will definitely miss my students. Two and half months back home seems like a long time to be away from them, but then I know that the time will fly by and I'll be missing "home" life once again. Leaving is bittersweet. I can't wait to get back to the things that are familiar, but will miss all the things that I've worked so hard at that have become familiar here. Trying to be rooted and built up in God, established in the faith that He is working all things according to His purpose and for His glory. When my affections are bound up in Him, then no matter where I go or what I am doing, as long as it is with Him, I will have all my joy and happiness. So then the goal must be, to "live to the hilt every situation I believe to be the will of God" (Jim Elliot).
Woke up this morning with a bit of a cloud hanging over me. Spent time praying through it, but still had some heaviness as I went to school. The weather matched my mood. The city was covered with a dust cloud. Even the shadows on the sidewalk seemed dusty.
The 9:15 math class was trying. There was a dead bird in the room that kept disrupting class, though I'm sure it would've chosen to die elsewhere if it had known what a ruckus it would cause. The boys could not sit still at all. I ended up keeping some of them through the break and re-teaching the lesson. Graded papers during my break and turned in the final exam with answers to the curriculum coordinator. They collected them in manila envelopes (each one labeled with a specific grade and subject).
The 11am art class went well, but I had to break up a cat fight at the beginning of class. (Sounds like I was teaching anatomy - from birds to cats.) Two of the girls were clawing at each other because one of them had moved her desk, which intruded on the other girl's space. Of course neither of them took responsibility. We went into the hall and because they wouldn't apologize, I made them write apology letters during class. By the end of the period, they were smiling and best friends again. They decorated and re-decorated their letters, showing them to each other intermittently, so that there really wasn't any need to force the exchange.
During the half hour break, I continued grading papers. The end of the phase is coming up, so students are anxious to improve their grades. The 12:15 class was quiet when I came in (except for their now routine, top-of-the-lungs greeting). Two of the boys kept talking and being disruptive, but I tried to move through the lesson. All of a sudden something happened and a fight between them broke out. I sent the main antagonist into the hall, and continued the lesson in peace. When I let him back in after "5 minutes" - it may have extended a little beyond ;) - I thought we would finish the class quietly. I brought the other boy to the front of the room and had him work through one of the problems on the board. All of a sudden, a full, .33L water bottle came shooting to the front of the room like a missile. It was intended for the student, but hit the board right between us and barely missed my head. I had to react fast as boy #2 reached down for the bottle and tried to throw it back. I disarmed him of the first one, but he had a second one before I could blink. It barely missed boy #1, who picked it up and launched it again. I ended up deflecting it with my hand so that it wouldn't hit any of the other students. There was a cease fire. I dragged both of them outside as the Arabic teacher entered the room. The boys would not apologize. The Arabic teacher got upset with them for causing me grief, but they still refused. I told them they would have to write apology letters (deja vu?) to turn in tomorrow. I rushed off, needing to meet up with H and J. It bothered me that I couldn't follow through and would have to wait until tomorrow.
A quiet taxi ride to H's (which is always a blessing) and a good time with J. H is feeling better (her allergies have been bothering her). And J is really improving in his reading. We had a nice time together, though I really had to pray that the Lord would help me leave the incidents at school behind. He answered my prayer and gave me the strength to encourage H and be completely attentive to J. There was road construction along the main route back home, so the taxi driver had to take the long way. Thankfully I was wearing my sunglasses and he couldn't ask me any questions. (I bought some new "Kurdish" sunglasses when I went to the market with T. Since wearing them, I've noticed that I don't get honked at or "nee-howed" wherever I go. The dark hair comes in handy!)
Got home and felt like a pity party, but realized that my discouragement was merely the result of relying in my own power to resolve the issues at school. God had clearly given me wisdom during the "cat fight" - I was able to pray while taking the girls out of the class, but I had gotten distracted when dealing with the boys and didn't seek His help. My pity party didn't last long and I went over to John and Mary's for a visit.
Came home and Skyped with the family. (Happy Mother's Day, Mama!) Eithen is changing, but still gives me lots of kisses on the webcam. Good to talk with everyone (except Caleb and Stephen who were spending the night at a friend's). Afterwards I did some crazy baking and made lemon bars for our team dinner with another batch to take to school. I also made more granola. Tired, but in a better mood by bedtime.
May 14th:
Got to school and finished grading papers just in time for class. Students are starting to turn in a lot more homework as the phase comes to end, so that also means more time spent grading for me. When I walked into class this morning, I told the kids that if they didn't want to be in class, they were free to leave. If I wrote their names on the board and they didn't go to the garden, then I would take them to the principal after class. They were amazed that I would let them go to the garden without "minusing" them (meaning penalizing them). I assured them that they wouldn't be penalized, but that it was their choice to come to class and learn. If they didn't want to, they could go outside. On the other hand, if they kept other students from learning, then I would have to deal with their misbehavior. The first offender was pretty excited at going to the garden, taunting his classmates, who (to my relief) weren't impressed. He noticed their reaction and hesitated at the doorway. I told him that if he didn't stand outside but continued to disrupt, he would see the principal. He chose to stand in the doorway and stood as still as I've ever seen him for 20 minutes. There were other boys who crossed the line and left. They also stood just outside the classroom and eventually asked to come back in and learn. Two boys, fifteen minutes before class ended, decided that it would be fun to go to the garden and they left, but a teacher confronted them, asked why they were outside and sent them back to apologize. I ended up keeping them through part of their break. We didn't cover as much material as I would've liked, but I did see improvement.
During the break all the teachers told me how much they liked the lemon bars. A success towards my goal - introducing new foods to the country, one dessert at a time! It is really fun to have them talk to me now and include me in their conversations (which sometimes means that one of them will have to translate). Nadia has mentioned everyday how much fun she had taking me to dummbalah!
My 12:15 class got the same lecture about not being in class if they didn't want to learn. By the end of class three boys were standing in the hallway. They tried to disrupt class, but thankfully the rest of the students were engaged in the lesson, at least until the last 10 minutes of class. At that point they started talking and wouldn't settle down. Apparently they weren't attentive for the teacher after me either and it was decided that they would lose both breaks tomorrow. I'll probably help cover some of that time and have them review for their test.
I stayed at the school until 2:30 and hung out in the teacher room. The cleaning lady is quite a character; if words could clean, the school would be sparkling. As it is, the gossip circulates and so does the dirt. Jaco is very friendly though and everyone gets along with her. She enjoys teaching Assyrian to anyone who is willing to learn - I've picked up a few phrases, though my pronunciation doesn't meet the standard John has already set. In the break room, Jaco was teaching one of the Arabic-speaking teachers some Assyrian and I started to catch on to what they were referring to (the conversation was in Arabic). The lesson extended into English as another teacher translated for me. It was fun to learn with them and laugh at our mistakes - it is so easy to feel waaayyyy behind everyone else because they can speak at least two and usually closer to four languages.
I like to stay until 2:30 because then I get to talk to the kids as they load up or wait for their rides. They asked me if I was coming back next year and hoped I'd be teaching them. As it stands right now, it looks like I'll be teaching 5th grade math and story.
When I got home, I took a nap (with all the Assyrian floating around in my brain). Then headed off with John, Mary, Henry, and Stacy to our team meeting. We have the funniest team ever. Zander wanted us to sing along to his "drumming," so we all launched into a song (that Zander didn't know). A snapshot of the moment would've revealed six adults belting out "I've Been Working on the Railroad." We struggled to remember all the lines, but by the second time through we had it down. Now how often do you get a group of adults singing kids songs? Shows what happens when you are immersed in an ESL community! :) We had a nice summery meal. Lisa made a fruit salad and a cajun bulgur salad; Julie made red pepper hummus; and Mary made pretzels! We topped it off with lemon bars for dessert and a devotional that looked at the depths of creation (and all the new discoveries they are making at the bottom of the ocean). We ended the night with our Skype call to Dave and Lisa and taxied home.
Feeling emotionally tired as I think of ending the school year ... I will definitely miss my students. Two and half months back home seems like a long time to be away from them, but then I know that the time will fly by and I'll be missing "home" life once again. Leaving is bittersweet. I can't wait to get back to the things that are familiar, but will miss all the things that I've worked so hard at that have become familiar here. Trying to be rooted and built up in God, established in the faith that He is working all things according to His purpose and for His glory. When my affections are bound up in Him, then no matter where I go or what I am doing, as long as it is with Him, I will have all my joy and happiness. So then the goal must be, to "live to the hilt every situation I believe to be the will of God" (Jim Elliot).
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
May 7th through 8th (Days 120-121): HaPpInEsS
May 7th:
Really warm first thing this morning. I find that I have to walk on the shady side of the street, otherwise I've worked up a sweat by the time I get to school. (Perhaps it is more lady-like to say that I start perspiring? glowing? glistening?) The test went well in both classes. My afternoon math class was funny ... each class is supposed to greet their teacher, "Good Morning, Miss ..." or "Good Afternoon, Mister ..." Well today they weren't quite in unison, but at least they remembered that it was the afternoon (I usually tease them if they say "Good Morning.") Anyway, the third class down the hall really has it down. Just as my class was getting quiet and preparing for their test, the teacher must have walked into their room, because they belted out a loud, perfectly-timed greeting. My fourth graders looked at me, and I asked, "Do you think you can do better than that?" On the count of three, they had the whole hall echoing! It was pretty funny. I peeked my head out and looked at the third graders and they shook their heads, defeated.
During my breaks I had some funny conversations with the teachers. The guys were talking about their marriages - the meals they thought their wives would be able to cook, but learned afterwards that they couldn't, the jobs that their wives ask them to do around the house. It is funny that in a place so different from America, the conversations can sound so similar!
As I walked home, a dust storm kicked up. It was extremely windy and I was thankful I had brought my sunglasses ... I ended up wearing them to protect my eyes from the dust. Got home and made the meal for team dinner (pasta, parmesan, "sausage," and a little bit of arugula - a family recipe, except we usually have broccoli with it). Around 4, I went over to Mary's and we had some iPad time. She just got an iPad (her brother brought it from the States), so we played Scramble With Friends on our iPads ... I guess you could call it, cultivating our friendship via technology :) John watched a Star Trek episode while we played.
We taxied to Dan and Julie's for our team meeting. Since they won't be coming back next year, we spent some of our team time marking the things we would like for our apartments/houses. The rest will be sold to new, non-SGI family moving into their house. We ate a nice meal together. Julie made green beans with almonds, Lisa made cheesy bread, and Mary made cinnamon rolls for dessert. We laughed together A LOT. Next to the times when I get to help others, I think I'm happiest when everyone else is happy. Just seeing everyone bond over our students' antics and laughing about funny stories really made my day. Sitting around the table, sharing a meal together, I was reminded how much like a family we have become. Afterwards, we split into groups and shared how we're doing spiritually. As excited as I am to go home, I will miss these individuals who have helped me live life in such a challenging environment, laughed and cried with me, navigated difficult situations with me, and built me up.
May 8th:
The dust seems to have cleared up. At some point yesterday I realized that I haven't been consciously calling out to the Lord as often throughout the day, so this morning I spent time praying that God would remind me to depend more on Him. My morning class was tough ... and I asked the Lord for help a lot. (God answers prayer!) I had planned on letting them go to the garden because they had done so well on their test, but they couldn't sit still and be quiet long enough to get the lesson done quickly. I ended up keeping 8 boys after class. Three were given a warning for specific things they had done, three were held five minutes into their break, and the last two I was going to take to the principal. One of the boys had lied to me and told me he needed to go to the bathroom and went to the principal instead (showing him his test and saying that I had marked him wrong for a question he had done correctly); the other grabbed a girl's hair and was dragging her over the desk. They burst into tears when I told them they would need to see the principal - because I (and other teachers) have taken them so often, they've been told that they will be "dismissed" if there are further problems. I told them that they should have thought of that ahead of time, then prayed silently for wisdom. I told them that because they had hurt someone else (versus simply taking up my class time or talking, which only hurts themselves), I couldn't grant mercy and they would need to accept some kind of punishment. I decided that they both needed to write apology letters and turn them in tomorrow (neither of them seemed very pleased, but that wasn't the point). If they don't turn them in, then they will have to see the principal ... time will tell.
My 10:15 art class was pretty good. I told a few of the boys during the break that my 4th grade class was not very good for me, and would they help me out today? They agreed and were actually the best students in class. Some of the boys get incensed pretty quickly ("Miss, he say bad words to me.") and at least one tussle will break out. Today it didn't happen until nearly the end of class. It was definitely a better session than it has been the past few weeks.
My 12:15 math class remembered yesterday's greeting and topped it today! Most days, I have more fun with this second group of fourth graders. They are attentive and responsive, so I feel I can be a little more flexible. Unfortunately the last time I released them to the garden, they weren't very good for their Arabic teacher after me, so I told them today that I wouldn't let them go to the garden even though they had done well on their test. They were disappointed, but I hope they will remember that privilege comes with responsibility. Three of the boys were not attentive at all today, and I had to take them aside after class.
Worn out by the time school ended. But had a nice conversation with another teacher before heading for home. As I was leaving, the kids were just getting on their buses and some were sitting around waiting for their rides. I decided to stop and talk with them and it was nice to listen to them jabber away without having to tell them to be quiet and get to work. They asked me later why I stayed and I told them that I wanted to hear more about them instead of making them always listen to me. One of my little fourth graders (who has a brother in eighth grade) insisted on giving me a ride home, so I waited until their father showed up and got a ride with them.
I am becoming very Kurdish ... I ate, then took a nap when I got home. (A lot of the teachers that I've asked take naps in the afternoon, eat, grade papers, then sleep again from 2 in the morning until 6 or something like that). Anyway, I don't think I'll be going to bed at 2 any time soon! When I got up, I worked on the last test for math and the final (almost finished with it), then went over to John and Mary's around 8pm. We watched the first half of "Our Mutual Friend," based on the book by Charles Dickens, which I read and successfully finished two months ago. We've been trying to watch it since then, but just haven't had time. Mary made some amazing milkshakes - vanilla ice cream, milk, instant coffee, and chocolate pieces. Yummo! It was a good filler for my "Starbucks Frappuccino" craving... Mary and I managed to squeeze in a "couple" rounds of Scramble on our iPads too :P
Every night I find I can go to bed thankful for something! So much happiness ... my desire is to see it all coming from God, so that as the trials come, my affections will be grounded in Him.
Really warm first thing this morning. I find that I have to walk on the shady side of the street, otherwise I've worked up a sweat by the time I get to school. (Perhaps it is more lady-like to say that I start perspiring? glowing? glistening?) The test went well in both classes. My afternoon math class was funny ... each class is supposed to greet their teacher, "Good Morning, Miss ..." or "Good Afternoon, Mister ..." Well today they weren't quite in unison, but at least they remembered that it was the afternoon (I usually tease them if they say "Good Morning.") Anyway, the third class down the hall really has it down. Just as my class was getting quiet and preparing for their test, the teacher must have walked into their room, because they belted out a loud, perfectly-timed greeting. My fourth graders looked at me, and I asked, "Do you think you can do better than that?" On the count of three, they had the whole hall echoing! It was pretty funny. I peeked my head out and looked at the third graders and they shook their heads, defeated.
During my breaks I had some funny conversations with the teachers. The guys were talking about their marriages - the meals they thought their wives would be able to cook, but learned afterwards that they couldn't, the jobs that their wives ask them to do around the house. It is funny that in a place so different from America, the conversations can sound so similar!
As I walked home, a dust storm kicked up. It was extremely windy and I was thankful I had brought my sunglasses ... I ended up wearing them to protect my eyes from the dust. Got home and made the meal for team dinner (pasta, parmesan, "sausage," and a little bit of arugula - a family recipe, except we usually have broccoli with it). Around 4, I went over to Mary's and we had some iPad time. She just got an iPad (her brother brought it from the States), so we played Scramble With Friends on our iPads ... I guess you could call it, cultivating our friendship via technology :) John watched a Star Trek episode while we played.
We taxied to Dan and Julie's for our team meeting. Since they won't be coming back next year, we spent some of our team time marking the things we would like for our apartments/houses. The rest will be sold to new, non-SGI family moving into their house. We ate a nice meal together. Julie made green beans with almonds, Lisa made cheesy bread, and Mary made cinnamon rolls for dessert. We laughed together A LOT. Next to the times when I get to help others, I think I'm happiest when everyone else is happy. Just seeing everyone bond over our students' antics and laughing about funny stories really made my day. Sitting around the table, sharing a meal together, I was reminded how much like a family we have become. Afterwards, we split into groups and shared how we're doing spiritually. As excited as I am to go home, I will miss these individuals who have helped me live life in such a challenging environment, laughed and cried with me, navigated difficult situations with me, and built me up.
May 8th:
The dust seems to have cleared up. At some point yesterday I realized that I haven't been consciously calling out to the Lord as often throughout the day, so this morning I spent time praying that God would remind me to depend more on Him. My morning class was tough ... and I asked the Lord for help a lot. (God answers prayer!) I had planned on letting them go to the garden because they had done so well on their test, but they couldn't sit still and be quiet long enough to get the lesson done quickly. I ended up keeping 8 boys after class. Three were given a warning for specific things they had done, three were held five minutes into their break, and the last two I was going to take to the principal. One of the boys had lied to me and told me he needed to go to the bathroom and went to the principal instead (showing him his test and saying that I had marked him wrong for a question he had done correctly); the other grabbed a girl's hair and was dragging her over the desk. They burst into tears when I told them they would need to see the principal - because I (and other teachers) have taken them so often, they've been told that they will be "dismissed" if there are further problems. I told them that they should have thought of that ahead of time, then prayed silently for wisdom. I told them that because they had hurt someone else (versus simply taking up my class time or talking, which only hurts themselves), I couldn't grant mercy and they would need to accept some kind of punishment. I decided that they both needed to write apology letters and turn them in tomorrow (neither of them seemed very pleased, but that wasn't the point). If they don't turn them in, then they will have to see the principal ... time will tell.
My 10:15 art class was pretty good. I told a few of the boys during the break that my 4th grade class was not very good for me, and would they help me out today? They agreed and were actually the best students in class. Some of the boys get incensed pretty quickly ("Miss, he say bad words to me.") and at least one tussle will break out. Today it didn't happen until nearly the end of class. It was definitely a better session than it has been the past few weeks.
My 12:15 math class remembered yesterday's greeting and topped it today! Most days, I have more fun with this second group of fourth graders. They are attentive and responsive, so I feel I can be a little more flexible. Unfortunately the last time I released them to the garden, they weren't very good for their Arabic teacher after me, so I told them today that I wouldn't let them go to the garden even though they had done well on their test. They were disappointed, but I hope they will remember that privilege comes with responsibility. Three of the boys were not attentive at all today, and I had to take them aside after class.
Worn out by the time school ended. But had a nice conversation with another teacher before heading for home. As I was leaving, the kids were just getting on their buses and some were sitting around waiting for their rides. I decided to stop and talk with them and it was nice to listen to them jabber away without having to tell them to be quiet and get to work. They asked me later why I stayed and I told them that I wanted to hear more about them instead of making them always listen to me. One of my little fourth graders (who has a brother in eighth grade) insisted on giving me a ride home, so I waited until their father showed up and got a ride with them.
I am becoming very Kurdish ... I ate, then took a nap when I got home. (A lot of the teachers that I've asked take naps in the afternoon, eat, grade papers, then sleep again from 2 in the morning until 6 or something like that). Anyway, I don't think I'll be going to bed at 2 any time soon! When I got up, I worked on the last test for math and the final (almost finished with it), then went over to John and Mary's around 8pm. We watched the first half of "Our Mutual Friend," based on the book by Charles Dickens, which I read and successfully finished two months ago. We've been trying to watch it since then, but just haven't had time. Mary made some amazing milkshakes - vanilla ice cream, milk, instant coffee, and chocolate pieces. Yummo! It was a good filler for my "Starbucks Frappuccino" craving... Mary and I managed to squeeze in a "couple" rounds of Scramble on our iPads too :P
Every night I find I can go to bed thankful for something! So much happiness ... my desire is to see it all coming from God, so that as the trials come, my affections will be grounded in Him.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
April 23rd through 24th (Days 106-107): Short and Sweet
April 23rd:
One of those days when I am happy to be alone in my thoughts. The weekend stirred up a lot of emotions and thoughts, so it was good to take some time to process them. School went well. I only taught the two math classes, but had a lot of grading and a couple meetings. By the time I got home, I was tired (I haven't slept well the last two nights and am still tired from the picnic). I really wanted to take a nap, but had a cup of tea and powered through so I could write my math test for tomorrow. John, Mary, Stacy and I headed off for our team meeting at 5pm. Lisa made chicken biryani (a Kurdish dish), Mary made hummus, and Stacy made a cucumber, tomato salad. It was nice to have the week off! Julie made frozen fruit salad for dessert, which we polished off without a problem. Julie's parents are visiting, so they joined us for our meeting. The highlight of the evening was feeding Zephie her rice cereal. Lisa just started her on it this last week, so it reminded me of feeding Eithen his first cereal. Seeing how much Zephie and Henry have grown in four months makes me wonder how much Eithen has changed...
April 24th:
Went to the copy room to get my tests printed and much to my relief there was a ream of paper sitting on the copier. Plenty of paper to get enough tests copied ... and then ... "Believe me, Miss, we are all out of ink! It will be an hour." Ohhh... We improvised and the "rowdy" class got a review day. Some of the kids were having a really hard time focusing, so I let the "good" team go to the garden early and made the others review the lessons until they were sitting still. Thankfully there was enough paper by the time I got to my second 4th grade class (who can't handle change). I graded their tests afterwards and am encouraged to see that they're improving! We'll see how the test goes tomorrow for the other class...
When I got home, I changed into comfy clothes and made a frozen banana smoothie. Got an email notification regarding my flight home, so I called the airlines. It turns out that the carrier changed for one of my flights ... of course that was only established after a 45 minute phone call on hold. Cooked up some sausage, egg, spinach, and cheese for dinner, then decided I would make some more granola, since I had finished it off this morning and need to eat up the rest of the dates. I realized I didn't have honey, so I had to change into long-sleeves, pants, and a long shirt for a trip around the corner. After some charades, I figured out the word for honey. Unfortunately the first two places I tried didn't have any, so I had to go a little further and got some with the honeycomb too ... Came home and threw the granola together, trying not to keep the oven on too long, since it has been getting warmer and warmer in the afternoons.
Spent the remainder of the evening resting...
One of those days when I am happy to be alone in my thoughts. The weekend stirred up a lot of emotions and thoughts, so it was good to take some time to process them. School went well. I only taught the two math classes, but had a lot of grading and a couple meetings. By the time I got home, I was tired (I haven't slept well the last two nights and am still tired from the picnic). I really wanted to take a nap, but had a cup of tea and powered through so I could write my math test for tomorrow. John, Mary, Stacy and I headed off for our team meeting at 5pm. Lisa made chicken biryani (a Kurdish dish), Mary made hummus, and Stacy made a cucumber, tomato salad. It was nice to have the week off! Julie made frozen fruit salad for dessert, which we polished off without a problem. Julie's parents are visiting, so they joined us for our meeting. The highlight of the evening was feeding Zephie her rice cereal. Lisa just started her on it this last week, so it reminded me of feeding Eithen his first cereal. Seeing how much Zephie and Henry have grown in four months makes me wonder how much Eithen has changed...
April 24th:
Went to the copy room to get my tests printed and much to my relief there was a ream of paper sitting on the copier. Plenty of paper to get enough tests copied ... and then ... "Believe me, Miss, we are all out of ink! It will be an hour." Ohhh... We improvised and the "rowdy" class got a review day. Some of the kids were having a really hard time focusing, so I let the "good" team go to the garden early and made the others review the lessons until they were sitting still. Thankfully there was enough paper by the time I got to my second 4th grade class (who can't handle change). I graded their tests afterwards and am encouraged to see that they're improving! We'll see how the test goes tomorrow for the other class...
When I got home, I changed into comfy clothes and made a frozen banana smoothie. Got an email notification regarding my flight home, so I called the airlines. It turns out that the carrier changed for one of my flights ... of course that was only established after a 45 minute phone call on hold. Cooked up some sausage, egg, spinach, and cheese for dinner, then decided I would make some more granola, since I had finished it off this morning and need to eat up the rest of the dates. I realized I didn't have honey, so I had to change into long-sleeves, pants, and a long shirt for a trip around the corner. After some charades, I figured out the word for honey. Unfortunately the first two places I tried didn't have any, so I had to go a little further and got some with the honeycomb too ... Came home and threw the granola together, trying not to keep the oven on too long, since it has been getting warmer and warmer in the afternoons.
Spent the remainder of the evening resting...
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
April 17th through 18th (Days 100-101): How Time Flies
April 17th
As I went to bed last night, I read through Luke 4 (the text we will be studying on Friday). It dawned on me (and probably because I heard it somewhere else before) that the devil was tempting Christ to take the shortcut to His ministry on earth. Because Christ was "made in the likeness of men," He would feel the weaknesses of the flesh - fatigue, pain, hunger. The first temptation was to avoid these by changing the stones to bread for nourishment. Christ's purpose for being in the flesh was not to live His life conveniently without suffering, but to live by and according to the Word of God, ultimately fulfilling the Word. "For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day." Christ came in the flesh to inherit a kingdom. The second temptation (as listed by Luke) is to skip the rest of His life on earth and receive "all the kingdoms of the world" in a moment. Yet Christ, consistent with His first statement (that man lives according to God's Word) can not use evil means, though the end would still be accomplished. In a final attempt, the devil attacks the very heart of the gospel. He tempts Christ to avoid the cross. How many men, in their inability to face the wrath of God, have taken their own lives trying to escape? Yet Christ can not. In order to redeem His people, He must be forsaken, He must bear the full punishment for sin, and die on a cross.
As Christ could not avoid weakness, though He was the Son of God, I must not expect to live conveniently, but live with a full view of my shortcomings, walking in the strength of the Lord.
As Christ could not implement evil means to fulfill the Father's will, so I must look to the Father for His guidance moment by moment that I might not fall prey to any of my own schemes.
As Christ could not escape the suffering and shame ordained for Him, so I can not expect any less; I must be ready to endure the cross with a thankful heart that I am not forsaken.
This morning my fourth grade class was much better. We had a one problem test, completed the overview for two lessons, and I explained how they could receive partial credit on their homework by showing their work. I notice that this class does much better when I can keep the lesson moving (which is challenging when I have to talk over so much noise. Need to pray about teaching the lesson more creatively for this group). After class I called up one of the students and asked her if she had given her homework to specific individuals (each one had the exact same answers). She confirmed my suspicions for all of the boys, but when I asked about her best friend, she looked down and denied that she'd cheated. I wasn't sure how to proceed, but in the same moment, the friend came up, put her hand on her friends shoulder, and told me that she copied! Amazement and gratitude to God filled my heart in the same second. I thanked her for telling the truth and when I graded the homework, gave her 100%, making a note on her paper that the truth is more important than getting the right answers.
My 3rd grade art class was not up to their usual standard of behavior. I hope it is because there is a holiday tomorrow and they are antsy to have a day off. During the half hour lunch break, I read a story in one of the fourth grade classrooms. I handed out invitations to both classes and told them they could bring their food and eat while they listened. About ten students trickled in and out of the room during the break. I think most wanted to make a good impression, but I had three who were really attentive and asked me questions afterwards. I am reading "Little Pilgrim's Progress," but not sure if there will be enough time to finish before the school year ends.
My 12:15 class was pretty good. They can't run through material as quickly (even the "good" students need to have things repeated), but more of them have started to turn in homework and are showing ALL their work! Cheating has also subsided. Spent an hour after class in the teacher lounge grading papers and encouraged to see the progress. One of my quiet students was just starting to come out of his shell in my art class, when I switched to teaching math. I was afraid that he would retreat again, but today he actually turned in his homework and seems to understand more than I thought! He has some learning disabilities and troubles at home, but is very sweet and responds to my eye contact.
It seems appropriate that today would be my 100th day of being here. It would not be difficult to list at least 100 blessings that God has showered on me lately. I really feel how much I don't deserve them. His goodness far exceeds what I can ever imagine. Though I depend on Him for everything - strength to live in Christ, hope to persevere, light to understand - He graciously meets my needs, and gives me extra besides.
At 3, Mary, Julie and I went to Buhar City. It is a store on the other side of town that has a lot of dishes and cookware for better prices than we can find in the market. Next door is a market called "TeamMart" where we also found some good deals on food. The latest craze on our team is Magnum Infinity. It is dark chocolate ice cream covered in a dark chocolate shell. We each got one for the ride home - delicious, but really rich! After we unloaded our purchases we all went to Jovia for dinner (John, Dan and Henry too). We saw some friends from fellowship there (a funny coincidence), then enjoyed curry chicken and the Jovia Spec (I think they meant "Special"). Mary wanted to find something for Henry to sit upright in, so we went to a few baby stores on the way home.
April 18th:
"...of making many books there is no end." This verse runs through my mind nearly every time I sit down to update the blog. Sometimes it is helpful to release my thoughts on "paper," but other times I feel like I run through the same itinerary over and over again. There was no school today, so perhaps I feel a little purposeless.
Regardless, it was a busy day. We went to the governor's house at 11am. One of the governor's sons had posted something inappropriate on his Facebook, and Andy and John talked to the principal about it. The principal phoned the mother, who promptly invited the entire team over to their house as a way of reconciliation. Andy and John tried to explain that we were not upset or took it personally, but simply wanted the son to realize that some things are not appropriate. All to no avail. The principal picked us up at 10:30am and we were off to the governor's mansion. (I didn't have to come, but was curious to see what it would be like.) As we walked up the steps, it was apparent that this was no ordinary house. Two caged birds greeted us on the patio. The patio was mostly overtaken by an inset fountain, but was also furnished with a shaded wicker bench and some potted plants. As we stepped into the house, I involuntarily sucked in my breath. The white couches were gilded with silver and rhinestones. (Lisa and Andy both reached for Zander who had started to clamber onto one.) The walls were covered floor to ceiling with elegant wallpaper and the room was carefully arranged with attractive furniture. The governor was out of town, but his two wives hosted us. We stayed for a little over half an hour. During that time we were given pieces of candy, water, coffee, and at the end, a variety of sweet cakes. The student's mother made sure to tell us in a variety of ways that no harm was meant. John and Andy (through the principal who translated for us) responded accordingly until there was nothing left to say. There is no sense of "I am sorry. It won't happen again." in this culture. Everything must be round about so that in the end, everyone is absolved. As we left, the family gave Zander a two-seater tricycle as a gift. He was thrilled!
Lisa and I went to the market afterwards to buy clothes for Zephie and Zander and gifts to take back to the States. I always enjoy going with Lisa since we shop almost identically. While Lisa went into one stall, I stopped in at the one next door. I took awhile looking for things and was worried she would've moved on by the time I came out. Nope! She was still shopping too! Because we're both pretty thorough, it's nice to go out together.
When I got home, I did my laundry, grated a block of cheese, and made some thank-you cards. I haven't had to cook too much lately, but I did make some yummy pasta for dinner tonight. I boiled the noddles, then added sausage (80% chicken and 20% beef), parmesan-like cheese, and a little bit of spinach. It almost tasted like one of our family recipes back home! It was good to feel productive.
Around 7pm, Stacy and I took the neighbor kids to Geli Park for ice cream. The youngest is about Jaden's age. He held my hand the entire time - I didn't realize how much I missed having a little hand tucked into mine!
As I went to bed last night, I read through Luke 4 (the text we will be studying on Friday). It dawned on me (and probably because I heard it somewhere else before) that the devil was tempting Christ to take the shortcut to His ministry on earth. Because Christ was "made in the likeness of men," He would feel the weaknesses of the flesh - fatigue, pain, hunger. The first temptation was to avoid these by changing the stones to bread for nourishment. Christ's purpose for being in the flesh was not to live His life conveniently without suffering, but to live by and according to the Word of God, ultimately fulfilling the Word. "For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day." Christ came in the flesh to inherit a kingdom. The second temptation (as listed by Luke) is to skip the rest of His life on earth and receive "all the kingdoms of the world" in a moment. Yet Christ, consistent with His first statement (that man lives according to God's Word) can not use evil means, though the end would still be accomplished. In a final attempt, the devil attacks the very heart of the gospel. He tempts Christ to avoid the cross. How many men, in their inability to face the wrath of God, have taken their own lives trying to escape? Yet Christ can not. In order to redeem His people, He must be forsaken, He must bear the full punishment for sin, and die on a cross.
As Christ could not avoid weakness, though He was the Son of God, I must not expect to live conveniently, but live with a full view of my shortcomings, walking in the strength of the Lord.
As Christ could not implement evil means to fulfill the Father's will, so I must look to the Father for His guidance moment by moment that I might not fall prey to any of my own schemes.
As Christ could not escape the suffering and shame ordained for Him, so I can not expect any less; I must be ready to endure the cross with a thankful heart that I am not forsaken.
This morning my fourth grade class was much better. We had a one problem test, completed the overview for two lessons, and I explained how they could receive partial credit on their homework by showing their work. I notice that this class does much better when I can keep the lesson moving (which is challenging when I have to talk over so much noise. Need to pray about teaching the lesson more creatively for this group). After class I called up one of the students and asked her if she had given her homework to specific individuals (each one had the exact same answers). She confirmed my suspicions for all of the boys, but when I asked about her best friend, she looked down and denied that she'd cheated. I wasn't sure how to proceed, but in the same moment, the friend came up, put her hand on her friends shoulder, and told me that she copied! Amazement and gratitude to God filled my heart in the same second. I thanked her for telling the truth and when I graded the homework, gave her 100%, making a note on her paper that the truth is more important than getting the right answers.
My 3rd grade art class was not up to their usual standard of behavior. I hope it is because there is a holiday tomorrow and they are antsy to have a day off. During the half hour lunch break, I read a story in one of the fourth grade classrooms. I handed out invitations to both classes and told them they could bring their food and eat while they listened. About ten students trickled in and out of the room during the break. I think most wanted to make a good impression, but I had three who were really attentive and asked me questions afterwards. I am reading "Little Pilgrim's Progress," but not sure if there will be enough time to finish before the school year ends.
My 12:15 class was pretty good. They can't run through material as quickly (even the "good" students need to have things repeated), but more of them have started to turn in homework and are showing ALL their work! Cheating has also subsided. Spent an hour after class in the teacher lounge grading papers and encouraged to see the progress. One of my quiet students was just starting to come out of his shell in my art class, when I switched to teaching math. I was afraid that he would retreat again, but today he actually turned in his homework and seems to understand more than I thought! He has some learning disabilities and troubles at home, but is very sweet and responds to my eye contact.
It seems appropriate that today would be my 100th day of being here. It would not be difficult to list at least 100 blessings that God has showered on me lately. I really feel how much I don't deserve them. His goodness far exceeds what I can ever imagine. Though I depend on Him for everything - strength to live in Christ, hope to persevere, light to understand - He graciously meets my needs, and gives me extra besides.
At 3, Mary, Julie and I went to Buhar City. It is a store on the other side of town that has a lot of dishes and cookware for better prices than we can find in the market. Next door is a market called "TeamMart" where we also found some good deals on food. The latest craze on our team is Magnum Infinity. It is dark chocolate ice cream covered in a dark chocolate shell. We each got one for the ride home - delicious, but really rich! After we unloaded our purchases we all went to Jovia for dinner (John, Dan and Henry too). We saw some friends from fellowship there (a funny coincidence), then enjoyed curry chicken and the Jovia Spec (I think they meant "Special"). Mary wanted to find something for Henry to sit upright in, so we went to a few baby stores on the way home.
April 18th:
"...of making many books there is no end." This verse runs through my mind nearly every time I sit down to update the blog. Sometimes it is helpful to release my thoughts on "paper," but other times I feel like I run through the same itinerary over and over again. There was no school today, so perhaps I feel a little purposeless.
Regardless, it was a busy day. We went to the governor's house at 11am. One of the governor's sons had posted something inappropriate on his Facebook, and Andy and John talked to the principal about it. The principal phoned the mother, who promptly invited the entire team over to their house as a way of reconciliation. Andy and John tried to explain that we were not upset or took it personally, but simply wanted the son to realize that some things are not appropriate. All to no avail. The principal picked us up at 10:30am and we were off to the governor's mansion. (I didn't have to come, but was curious to see what it would be like.) As we walked up the steps, it was apparent that this was no ordinary house. Two caged birds greeted us on the patio. The patio was mostly overtaken by an inset fountain, but was also furnished with a shaded wicker bench and some potted plants. As we stepped into the house, I involuntarily sucked in my breath. The white couches were gilded with silver and rhinestones. (Lisa and Andy both reached for Zander who had started to clamber onto one.) The walls were covered floor to ceiling with elegant wallpaper and the room was carefully arranged with attractive furniture. The governor was out of town, but his two wives hosted us. We stayed for a little over half an hour. During that time we were given pieces of candy, water, coffee, and at the end, a variety of sweet cakes. The student's mother made sure to tell us in a variety of ways that no harm was meant. John and Andy (through the principal who translated for us) responded accordingly until there was nothing left to say. There is no sense of "I am sorry. It won't happen again." in this culture. Everything must be round about so that in the end, everyone is absolved. As we left, the family gave Zander a two-seater tricycle as a gift. He was thrilled!
Lisa and I went to the market afterwards to buy clothes for Zephie and Zander and gifts to take back to the States. I always enjoy going with Lisa since we shop almost identically. While Lisa went into one stall, I stopped in at the one next door. I took awhile looking for things and was worried she would've moved on by the time I came out. Nope! She was still shopping too! Because we're both pretty thorough, it's nice to go out together.
When I got home, I did my laundry, grated a block of cheese, and made some thank-you cards. I haven't had to cook too much lately, but I did make some yummy pasta for dinner tonight. I boiled the noddles, then added sausage (80% chicken and 20% beef), parmesan-like cheese, and a little bit of spinach. It almost tasted like one of our family recipes back home! It was good to feel productive.
Around 7pm, Stacy and I took the neighbor kids to Geli Park for ice cream. The youngest is about Jaden's age. He held my hand the entire time - I didn't realize how much I missed having a little hand tucked into mine!
Monday, April 16, 2012
April 15th through 16th (Days 98-99): Back to the Routine
April 15th:
Left a little early this morning so I could makes copies of the test. (John and Mary were kind enough to print off my papers, so I stopped by their apartment first - Mary handed me the test, and told me that John has shingles! Another discouragement from the enemy, but John seems to be bearing it patiently. Medical issues are the last thing any of us want to have here!)
Once again, the copy shack at school was running low on paper, so I only copied off enough for my first class. The class was much quieter today and there was definitely improvement. They still don't understand all of the concepts they should have learned already, but they remember the things we have learned together so far.
After my first class, I subbed for 6th grade. Some of the girls from soccer were in the class, so it was fun to see them again. (It amazes me how unruly the students will be for a sub! I remember that our behavior for a sub was always more scrutinized.) Apparently we are going to have an Art Fair at the beginning of May (I hope this doesn't turn out like the Valentine's Day party). Since the kids are "supposed" to turn things in this week, I taught them how to write their name using one-point perspective to submit for the fair.
Went directly to my 3rd grade art class and taught them the same technique. It was really encouraging to see that my third graders were more attentive and even produced better work than the 6th graders! It was a good test to see how much they have improved: working diligently on their projects, drawing more details, keeping their work neat and expressing their creativity. Had a half hour break, which flew by since I had to administer the math test to three students who have trouble with English comprehension, answer students' questions from the homework, and copy off the rest of the tests for the next class. The second class of 4th graders are showing improvement as well, though I've noticed that some of them score really well on their homework, yet can hardly do one problem on the test (they have tutors who "help" them at home). I subbed for their teacher after me and had them work on the name project too.
When I left, I went straight to H's house and worked with J for a little awhile. H is always gracious to feed me. We talk for a little while, then I take J up to his room which doubles as a schoolroom. We read together and play some word games, then H will bring us hot chocolate and coffee while we finish. J has really improved in reading, and I am thankful for new friends. H had some syrup on the counter, which she found at Mazi just a few days ago. When I left, I took a taxi to Mazi and picked up three bottles (one for every family on the team) - we haven't seen any syrup in Duhok, so it's important to stock up on those things! :)
By the time I got home I was exhausted. No time for a nap though ... graded some of the tests, then Skyped with my family. I got to wake up Eithen, but I think he was disappointed when he realized I wasn't actually there in person. Four months is a long time to have not given any hugs to the brothers ...
When I dropped off the syrup to John and Mary after my call, they were just eating dinner and invited me to join them. Mary had made a new kind of bread with rosemary, which was super yummy! So grateful for kind neighbors... not having to cook anything made it much easier to go back home and finish grading.
April 16th:
Last night I had my first annoying mosquito experience. I could hear it, but couldn't kill it. Keeping the fan on during the night helped keep it from hovering over my head. When I woke up this morning I was thankful not to have any new bug bites, but as I was reading and praying, that annoying mosquito kept flying in front of my face! (I actually asked the Lord to let me kill it, but didn't get to until I was about ready to walk out the door.) The weather today was strange. It looked like it was going to clear up this morning, so I prepared for warmer weather, but threw on a light coat before heading out. Thankful I did since it started to sprinkle once I got to school. The rest of the day stayed windy and cool.
My rowdy class lived up to its name this morning. Both teams ended up losing their break (which means I lose mine too ... oh, the sacrifices we make for our kids!) Seven of the boys scooted out, so when they came back in, I escorted them down to the principal's office. (The cleaning ladies sit in a corner next to the principal's office, so they always see me bringing down the kids and they will "cluck" in disapproval. At first I think there was some skepticism from them and other teachers that I wasn't doing my job if I had to take kids to the principal, but since getting to know me a little better, they will now scold the students as I bring them by.) When we got to the door of the office, the boys started arguing with me about why they "deserved" their break. As I waited patiently for them to finish, two of the boys surprised me. They actually apologized for taking up my class time and not taking the punishment they deserved. (Did I actually just hear them say that?!) Hopeful that it came from their hearts, I let them go back to class ... just in the nick of time, because the principal came out, asked me what had happened, then took the other five into his office. Later, as I was grading papers in the teacher's lounge, he came and told me that he had given the boys yellow cards, which their parents would sign and return to him. I was really encouraged to have so much support from him, especially since I have been trying not to go to him immediately, but implement methods that will motivate the students instead of squelch their efforts.
Spent my break grading tests, then headed off to the second 4th grade class. It seems like they are starting to understand more of the lessons. I am encouraged to see that the middle level students are making improvements. Not only do they turn in homework, they are also participating in class and making an effort to learn. It is interesting to be on this side of the gradebook. I am beginning to understand the frustrations I could sense from my teachers, not necessarily because of me, but because no matter how they taught, the attentive, "good" students always did well and the poor students always did poorly. It is really the "middle" group that I have to focus on and watch for their advancement. The climax will be the day when all of my students are active in their own education, striving to grow their minds and reaching out for new opportunities.
Came home and took a nap. My allergies have really been bothering me and I think a cold may be setting in. My body is aching and tired. Feel tension building, but not sure why. After my nap, I made dessert for our team dinner tonight - Brownie Batter Dip with crackers and fruit on the side for dipping (compliments of Stacy). We moved our team dinner to 5pm so we could all get home earlier. Julie made Taco Salad; chips and toppings by Lisa; and Mary's salsa and queso on the side. For team time, we wrote down the lies we tell ourselves or that the enemy whispers to us, then countered them with Scriptures. Spent a good time praying. By the time we'd finished eating, I was feeling worse. I almost went home after team devotions, but decided I'd better just stick it out. Skyped with Dave and Lisa and found out that the situation in Suli is not getting better. Our teammates may be going back to America soon. Lots to keep praying about. Thankful that it has not reached us, but eager for the Lord's will to be done, knowing that this is not easy for our colleagues.
Made it home, ready to crash into bed and hoping I feel better tomorrow.
Left a little early this morning so I could makes copies of the test. (John and Mary were kind enough to print off my papers, so I stopped by their apartment first - Mary handed me the test, and told me that John has shingles! Another discouragement from the enemy, but John seems to be bearing it patiently. Medical issues are the last thing any of us want to have here!)
Once again, the copy shack at school was running low on paper, so I only copied off enough for my first class. The class was much quieter today and there was definitely improvement. They still don't understand all of the concepts they should have learned already, but they remember the things we have learned together so far.
After my first class, I subbed for 6th grade. Some of the girls from soccer were in the class, so it was fun to see them again. (It amazes me how unruly the students will be for a sub! I remember that our behavior for a sub was always more scrutinized.) Apparently we are going to have an Art Fair at the beginning of May (I hope this doesn't turn out like the Valentine's Day party). Since the kids are "supposed" to turn things in this week, I taught them how to write their name using one-point perspective to submit for the fair.
Went directly to my 3rd grade art class and taught them the same technique. It was really encouraging to see that my third graders were more attentive and even produced better work than the 6th graders! It was a good test to see how much they have improved: working diligently on their projects, drawing more details, keeping their work neat and expressing their creativity. Had a half hour break, which flew by since I had to administer the math test to three students who have trouble with English comprehension, answer students' questions from the homework, and copy off the rest of the tests for the next class. The second class of 4th graders are showing improvement as well, though I've noticed that some of them score really well on their homework, yet can hardly do one problem on the test (they have tutors who "help" them at home). I subbed for their teacher after me and had them work on the name project too.
When I left, I went straight to H's house and worked with J for a little awhile. H is always gracious to feed me. We talk for a little while, then I take J up to his room which doubles as a schoolroom. We read together and play some word games, then H will bring us hot chocolate and coffee while we finish. J has really improved in reading, and I am thankful for new friends. H had some syrup on the counter, which she found at Mazi just a few days ago. When I left, I took a taxi to Mazi and picked up three bottles (one for every family on the team) - we haven't seen any syrup in Duhok, so it's important to stock up on those things! :)
By the time I got home I was exhausted. No time for a nap though ... graded some of the tests, then Skyped with my family. I got to wake up Eithen, but I think he was disappointed when he realized I wasn't actually there in person. Four months is a long time to have not given any hugs to the brothers ...
When I dropped off the syrup to John and Mary after my call, they were just eating dinner and invited me to join them. Mary had made a new kind of bread with rosemary, which was super yummy! So grateful for kind neighbors... not having to cook anything made it much easier to go back home and finish grading.
April 16th:
Last night I had my first annoying mosquito experience. I could hear it, but couldn't kill it. Keeping the fan on during the night helped keep it from hovering over my head. When I woke up this morning I was thankful not to have any new bug bites, but as I was reading and praying, that annoying mosquito kept flying in front of my face! (I actually asked the Lord to let me kill it, but didn't get to until I was about ready to walk out the door.) The weather today was strange. It looked like it was going to clear up this morning, so I prepared for warmer weather, but threw on a light coat before heading out. Thankful I did since it started to sprinkle once I got to school. The rest of the day stayed windy and cool.
My rowdy class lived up to its name this morning. Both teams ended up losing their break (which means I lose mine too ... oh, the sacrifices we make for our kids!) Seven of the boys scooted out, so when they came back in, I escorted them down to the principal's office. (The cleaning ladies sit in a corner next to the principal's office, so they always see me bringing down the kids and they will "cluck" in disapproval. At first I think there was some skepticism from them and other teachers that I wasn't doing my job if I had to take kids to the principal, but since getting to know me a little better, they will now scold the students as I bring them by.) When we got to the door of the office, the boys started arguing with me about why they "deserved" their break. As I waited patiently for them to finish, two of the boys surprised me. They actually apologized for taking up my class time and not taking the punishment they deserved. (Did I actually just hear them say that?!) Hopeful that it came from their hearts, I let them go back to class ... just in the nick of time, because the principal came out, asked me what had happened, then took the other five into his office. Later, as I was grading papers in the teacher's lounge, he came and told me that he had given the boys yellow cards, which their parents would sign and return to him. I was really encouraged to have so much support from him, especially since I have been trying not to go to him immediately, but implement methods that will motivate the students instead of squelch their efforts.
Spent my break grading tests, then headed off to the second 4th grade class. It seems like they are starting to understand more of the lessons. I am encouraged to see that the middle level students are making improvements. Not only do they turn in homework, they are also participating in class and making an effort to learn. It is interesting to be on this side of the gradebook. I am beginning to understand the frustrations I could sense from my teachers, not necessarily because of me, but because no matter how they taught, the attentive, "good" students always did well and the poor students always did poorly. It is really the "middle" group that I have to focus on and watch for their advancement. The climax will be the day when all of my students are active in their own education, striving to grow their minds and reaching out for new opportunities.
Came home and took a nap. My allergies have really been bothering me and I think a cold may be setting in. My body is aching and tired. Feel tension building, but not sure why. After my nap, I made dessert for our team dinner tonight - Brownie Batter Dip with crackers and fruit on the side for dipping (compliments of Stacy). We moved our team dinner to 5pm so we could all get home earlier. Julie made Taco Salad; chips and toppings by Lisa; and Mary's salsa and queso on the side. For team time, we wrote down the lies we tell ourselves or that the enemy whispers to us, then countered them with Scriptures. Spent a good time praying. By the time we'd finished eating, I was feeling worse. I almost went home after team devotions, but decided I'd better just stick it out. Skyped with Dave and Lisa and found out that the situation in Suli is not getting better. Our teammates may be going back to America soon. Lots to keep praying about. Thankful that it has not reached us, but eager for the Lord's will to be done, knowing that this is not easy for our colleagues.
Made it home, ready to crash into bed and hoping I feel better tomorrow.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
April 9th through 10th (Days 92-93): The Light Shineth in Darkness
April 9th:
Slept in this morning and felt better when I woke up. Exercised, cleaned, and puttered around the house until 2:30pm. John, Mary, Stacy and I headed over to Andy and Lisa's for an early Skype call with Dave. He updated us on our current situation. Though I struggled with the initial decision and hearing it about second-hand during the first few days, the call with Lisa (Saturday night) brought a lot of clarity. Since then I have sought how I might honor God through this situation - in my attitude, submission, support, etc. In light of this, I have been very thankful for parents who instilled in me the utmost importance of honoring God above all else, no matter the cost. Not only did they guide me through difficult circumstances in my life, they also demonstrated this principle in the decisions they made in their lives. With regards to the situation at hand, I know that the best way I can honor God is to submit to the leadership He has placed over me. Even though I may not fully understand the implications of their decision, I can trust that "the powers that be are ordained of God." Even more, I can trust that the implications will fall out for His glory and for my good, resting in His promise that, "them that honor Me I will honor."
After our Skype call, we ate dinner and worshiped together. I made stroganoff; Lisa made roasted veggies; and Julie made a strawberry field salad to go on the side. We topped it off with Mary's Nutella and banana crepes for dessert.
Made it home by 9pm, though it still felt like a long day.
April 10th:
Caught up on correspondence this morning. At 11am, friends from the fellowship picked me up so we could visit an orphanage nearby. We walk by it (or at least what is left of their summer camp sign) on the way to Andy and Lisa's house and I had often wondered about it ... I finally found out that it really does exist and that a friend knows the former manager, T (a single woman who impressed me with her professionalism and heart for the children). T acted as our translator as we met with the current director of the orphanage. Through T, I explained that I was born in Japan, then given up for adoption to my parents who raised me in America. The director asked T a question in Kurdish. As she turned to me to translate, she colored and explained that it was a rather personal question. I encouraged her to proceed and she asked why I had been given up for adoption. I explained that I had been born out of wedlock, that it was surprising in Japanese culture that the woman had even given birth to me, and that when her lover found out, wanted nothing to do with a baby. The director, upon translation, referenced a Kurdish saying, something to the effect of: "You have dismissed me with one eye, therefore I dismiss you with both." I was disappointed with myself that I had not taken the opportunity to proclaim God's goodness through my adoption and that the director had come away with this statement of bitterness. Perhaps God will provide another opportunity for me to explain how greatly blessed I am to have been adopted. We asked many questions to which they told us that are 35 boys and 17 girls. The orphanage was started in 1979. There is a facility for the boys and another for the girls (just down the road). All of the children came from Duhok and surrounding areas. Some of the children they heard about on the news and took them in, some were dropped off by relatives who couldn't look after them, and others were handed to the police who brought them to the orphanage. One of the latter was a little 2 and half year old who was handicapped. No one came forward as the parents, so the orphanage gave her a new name and took her in.
After our meeting (which included water, instant coffee served in tiny mugs, and a piece of candy - traditional hospitality), we took a tour of the orphanage. We went to a large common room where about twenty boys were sitting on couches around the edges of the room. I was rather intimidated as the two ladies with me were able to speak to the children in Kurdish. J wandered to the right side of the room and began a conversation with some of the workers. The other lady and I went to the left where six boys were crowded together on a couch. She started the conversation by asking each one their name. Several responded in English, but didn't communicate any further. I kept praying that God would open a door for me to get to know them despite the language barrier. I sat down on the floor in front of them and through T, I asked the boys their favorite subject in school and their favorite color. As T was pulled aside into a different conversation, I (mostly through hand motions and a few Kurdish words) asked them how old they were. Some were the same age as my brother, Stephen, so I tried to tell them that I had four brothers who were 11, 9, 4, and 2. Their eyes lit up and as we continued our disjointed conversation, they moved down onto the floor next to me. Pretty soon I had a group of a dozen boys hovering around me. They were anxious to tell me every English word they could think of. Words were flying all around, "Apple, dog, doctor, fire fighter, I am talking, I am listening." I could barely ask questions, but enjoyed seeing their happiness as they secured my attention. Their smiles were a ray of light in the midst of our dark trial.
The facilities were well-kept and very clean. They have different rooms for each age group. There is a bed for every boy. An armoire is attached to the bed, designed in a way that gives each boy his own space. We were there for almost two hours. As we left, we stopped at the deaf institute, which shares the same property. They were eager to say hello to us. When I tried to sign my name, their eyes opened wide and all at once I had fourteen hands trying to tell me their names too. They use similar signs, but I think some of their words (like the days of the week) are different based on their cultural needs. I went to the market afterwards so I could think and wander. It seems a strange place to go, but there are no other places that I know of where a single woman can walk around without seeming too out of place. God kept me from evil comments and I was able to walk around in relative peace.
The weather changes quickly - sometimes rainy, other times sunny and warm. Everything is becoming green.
.JPG)
Came home for a quick lunch (around 2:30), then went over to John and Mary's. There had been a long dialogue via email about our situation, running between our team, the director in Nashville and the administrator in Erbil. We spent well into the night trying to connect with everyone and pleading with God for His wisdom and direction. I didn't get to bed until after midnight.
Slept in this morning and felt better when I woke up. Exercised, cleaned, and puttered around the house until 2:30pm. John, Mary, Stacy and I headed over to Andy and Lisa's for an early Skype call with Dave. He updated us on our current situation. Though I struggled with the initial decision and hearing it about second-hand during the first few days, the call with Lisa (Saturday night) brought a lot of clarity. Since then I have sought how I might honor God through this situation - in my attitude, submission, support, etc. In light of this, I have been very thankful for parents who instilled in me the utmost importance of honoring God above all else, no matter the cost. Not only did they guide me through difficult circumstances in my life, they also demonstrated this principle in the decisions they made in their lives. With regards to the situation at hand, I know that the best way I can honor God is to submit to the leadership He has placed over me. Even though I may not fully understand the implications of their decision, I can trust that "the powers that be are ordained of God." Even more, I can trust that the implications will fall out for His glory and for my good, resting in His promise that, "them that honor Me I will honor."
After our Skype call, we ate dinner and worshiped together. I made stroganoff; Lisa made roasted veggies; and Julie made a strawberry field salad to go on the side. We topped it off with Mary's Nutella and banana crepes for dessert.
Made it home by 9pm, though it still felt like a long day.
April 10th:
Caught up on correspondence this morning. At 11am, friends from the fellowship picked me up so we could visit an orphanage nearby. We walk by it (or at least what is left of their summer camp sign) on the way to Andy and Lisa's house and I had often wondered about it ... I finally found out that it really does exist and that a friend knows the former manager, T (a single woman who impressed me with her professionalism and heart for the children). T acted as our translator as we met with the current director of the orphanage. Through T, I explained that I was born in Japan, then given up for adoption to my parents who raised me in America. The director asked T a question in Kurdish. As she turned to me to translate, she colored and explained that it was a rather personal question. I encouraged her to proceed and she asked why I had been given up for adoption. I explained that I had been born out of wedlock, that it was surprising in Japanese culture that the woman had even given birth to me, and that when her lover found out, wanted nothing to do with a baby. The director, upon translation, referenced a Kurdish saying, something to the effect of: "You have dismissed me with one eye, therefore I dismiss you with both." I was disappointed with myself that I had not taken the opportunity to proclaim God's goodness through my adoption and that the director had come away with this statement of bitterness. Perhaps God will provide another opportunity for me to explain how greatly blessed I am to have been adopted. We asked many questions to which they told us that are 35 boys and 17 girls. The orphanage was started in 1979. There is a facility for the boys and another for the girls (just down the road). All of the children came from Duhok and surrounding areas. Some of the children they heard about on the news and took them in, some were dropped off by relatives who couldn't look after them, and others were handed to the police who brought them to the orphanage. One of the latter was a little 2 and half year old who was handicapped. No one came forward as the parents, so the orphanage gave her a new name and took her in.
After our meeting (which included water, instant coffee served in tiny mugs, and a piece of candy - traditional hospitality), we took a tour of the orphanage. We went to a large common room where about twenty boys were sitting on couches around the edges of the room. I was rather intimidated as the two ladies with me were able to speak to the children in Kurdish. J wandered to the right side of the room and began a conversation with some of the workers. The other lady and I went to the left where six boys were crowded together on a couch. She started the conversation by asking each one their name. Several responded in English, but didn't communicate any further. I kept praying that God would open a door for me to get to know them despite the language barrier. I sat down on the floor in front of them and through T, I asked the boys their favorite subject in school and their favorite color. As T was pulled aside into a different conversation, I (mostly through hand motions and a few Kurdish words) asked them how old they were. Some were the same age as my brother, Stephen, so I tried to tell them that I had four brothers who were 11, 9, 4, and 2. Their eyes lit up and as we continued our disjointed conversation, they moved down onto the floor next to me. Pretty soon I had a group of a dozen boys hovering around me. They were anxious to tell me every English word they could think of. Words were flying all around, "Apple, dog, doctor, fire fighter, I am talking, I am listening." I could barely ask questions, but enjoyed seeing their happiness as they secured my attention. Their smiles were a ray of light in the midst of our dark trial.
The facilities were well-kept and very clean. They have different rooms for each age group. There is a bed for every boy. An armoire is attached to the bed, designed in a way that gives each boy his own space. We were there for almost two hours. As we left, we stopped at the deaf institute, which shares the same property. They were eager to say hello to us. When I tried to sign my name, their eyes opened wide and all at once I had fourteen hands trying to tell me their names too. They use similar signs, but I think some of their words (like the days of the week) are different based on their cultural needs. I went to the market afterwards so I could think and wander. It seems a strange place to go, but there are no other places that I know of where a single woman can walk around without seeming too out of place. God kept me from evil comments and I was able to walk around in relative peace.
The weather changes quickly - sometimes rainy, other times sunny and warm. Everything is becoming green.
.JPG)
Came home for a quick lunch (around 2:30), then went over to John and Mary's. There had been a long dialogue via email about our situation, running between our team, the director in Nashville and the administrator in Erbil. We spent well into the night trying to connect with everyone and pleading with God for His wisdom and direction. I didn't get to bed until after midnight.
Right now I feel that the devil is trying to distract us from our task here – to proclaim good news to the poor; to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed. We are getting wrapped up in speculation and trying to feel good about it by looking at “sound reason” and good ideas. As we struggle to push our plans forward, we continue to face defeat. It reminds me of the Israelites – whenever they were defeated by the enemy, they discovered unconfessed sin within the camp. “The Lord said to me, ‘Say to them, Do not go up or fight, for I am not in your midst, lest you be defeated before your enemies.’ So I spoke to you, and you would not listen; but you rebelled against the command of the Lord and presumptuously went up into the hill country.” The more we strive to make this right and sort it out, the further we seem to stray from trusting the Lord and looking to Him to be our strength. We are looking to outward means, when perhaps our best recourse would be to ask, “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” On my part, the sin lies mostly with the way in which I have handled the situation since hearing about Dave’s decision second-hand. Instead of praying for my leaders and turning in trust to God, I sought to have it make sense. In light of the fact that “[we] cannot stand before [our] enemies until [we] take away the devoted things from among [us]” I have had to evaluate my “devoted things” – my devotion to logic, my devotion to independence, my devotion to working things out and have a plan, my devotion to myself. Though I have confessed these to the Lord, the situation stills hangs over us like a dark cloud. As the darkness lingers, the struggle continues to be in submitting to leadership and waiting on the Lord. Scripture helps to remind me that I must be like Ruth and wait, knowing that my kinsman Redeemer will not rest until the matter is settled. I must wait like David until I hear the sound in the mulberry trees to bestir myself, knowing then that the Lord has gone out before me.
Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
March 26th and 27th (Days 78-79): Change of Plans
March 26th:
When I woke up this morning I could feel the winds of change blowing across my face ... not really, it was probably just the wall heater, but around here, where everything changes, I wouldn't have been too far off to make that prediction. I had my early morning class today and everything went well. I am able to use the soccer clinic as an incentive for the students to work hard and stay on task. I told several of the boys that for every misbehavior in class, they would have to sit out one minute at soccer. This struck a cord with one of my most troublesome boys who LOVES soccer. He likes to speak to the other students in Kurdish so I won't understand. After losing three minutes of soccer, he changed his mind. I had a good day with him and he was even friendly towards me after class.
Walked home, thankful to be back with my students. Went to a market up the street to pick up ingredients for tonight's salad dressing. Groups of boys were gathered in front of different shops, hanging out after school (school is broken up into different sessions, so some students only attend 4 hours a day, 6 days a week). At times like this, I feel guilty for creating such havoc in the middle of their day I end up attracting so much notice as I simply walk along the sidewalk. I figure that at least 20,000 Duhokis have seen me, that leaves only 230,000 more to go!
One group of schoolgirls said hello to me as I worked my way to the store, then followed me along the sidewalk as I returned. They finally gathered up enough courage to ask me my name and I asked them their's, if they lived in the neighborhood and how old they were. Perhaps all the attention will at least provide an opportunity to develop relationships with children in my vicinity.
Dan called me to say that the curriculum coordinator needed to talk to me, so I walked back to school a little earlier than usual. It turns out that the 3rd and 4th grade math teacher is expecting triplets! Her friend came in to take over her classes, but it doesn't look like the new teacher will be able to cover the 4th grade material. After working out the schedules, I am now teaching 4th grade math and 3rd grade art. Ah! How things can change in a matter of minutes!
As I left school, some of the 7th and 8th grade girls that I've been getting to know from the soccer clinic came up and chatted with me. I didn't really have any way to get to know them before, so I am thankful that our interaction at soccer is spilling over into my time at school.
Came home and prepped the salad for our team dinner. Julie made lasagna and Mary made bread with garlic butter, so I made an Italian salad with "Olive Garden" dressing. While preparing it, I went to use some lemon juice that I had squeezed quite awhile ago. Without even thinking about how long it had been in there, I turned the lid on the top and BANG, it smashed into the palm of my hand. I was extremely thankful that it had been directed into my hand and not into my face! One of those moments that takes us by surprise and reminds us how much we depend on God and how faithful He is to direct our every footstep.
Our Italian meal was really good! We have so much fun just talking together that the time flies by and we are usually late for our Skype call. This week the call ended up being postponed until Wednesday. Over Lisa's coconut-chocolate-cookie bar dessert, we enjoyed worshiping together and talking about the hope we have in God. While sharing the hope God gave me to come here and leave everything behind, I realized just how much I miss Eithen. (He has been carrying my picture around with him at home and made me a play-doh heart the other day.)
Finally feeling the slightest bit of an emotion (in missing Eithen) was relieving. The last two weeks I have felt very listless spiritually. At times, I see that God is providing me a rest from all the spiritual labors we've had in the last month, at other times I am battling against the temptation to indulge in mental laziness. Just within the last few days I've felt a surge of emotions bottling up inside of me without any way to release them. Back home I might go golfing, get a massage or even go for a run, but none of those options exist here. I find myself relying solely on God. Talking with the team was helpful, but I keep praying that God will burst the floodgate of emotions or calm the stormy waves.
Being in this state reminds me that:
Without spiritual revelation, I understand nothing
Without the Holy Spirit, my prayers mean nothing
Without divinely-granted life, I can feel nothing
Without Christ, I am nothing.
This afternoon while reading a book on Jonathan Edwards - "Lover of God," I was convicted to pray that these words might also apply to me: "He viewed the Scripture as a living thing. It pulsed with life; it shone with beauty; it bore the glory of God." Though my emotions are inexplicable right now, God's Word does not change. I pray that like the mighty river, which, overtaking the stream, guides it at last into the vast expanse of the ocean, God's Word will overtake my life, governing my emotions, ruling my thoughts and moving me into the infinite goodness of my Heavenly Father.
March 27th:
Did not sleep well last night. At times I felt I couldn't breathe. Kept praying until peace finally came after midnight. Woke up feeling more encouraged. At 8, I went over to John and Mary's for French Toast - I haven't had French Toast in a really long time! Mmmmm... Good!
As I walked to school, there was a chill in the air and it definitely looked like rain. Tut, tut! The teachers are much friendlier with me - a funny incident in the teacher lounge today seemed to bring all the barriers down with one group of teachers and I finally felt included in their group.
At 9:15 I had my first math class with the rowdy group of 4th graders. It was definitely a challenge - in part because they are not very attentive and in part because I am teaching them in a way completely foreign to them. They are used to having the teacher stand at the front and write the answers to every question on the board. It was complete mayhem in the class as I tried to go through the material for two lessons (in preparation for the test originally scheduled for tomorrow). I started sending the noisiest students outside and told them I would not postpone the test if they were not going to listen. "But Miss!! Whaaatttt!" After I sent one student out of the room, he returned with the principal (Can you imagine that happening in the States?!) ... the principal told the students to sit down and be quiet, then proceeded to let each student give his/her side of the story (in Kurdish). Because I couldn't understand what they were telling him and wasn't able to give him my assessment of the situation (he doesn't understand very much English), the students definitely had the advantage. I stood silently, asking the Lord for favor. ("He is my defense, I shall not be moved.") I could generally follow what each student was saying, and felt that one or two said things in my favor. In the end, I think he told them to sit still and pay attention...
Most of the teachers select a "responsible" student who collects the homework during the day and has it ready for the teacher before class. The class begged me to pick a "responsible" student, so I asked them which student had told the principal the truth about what had happened. Most of the students had either complained to the principal or not said anything; in the end, it was one of the quietest girls who defended me to the principal (I never thought she liked me because I've told her repeatedly not to talk to her friend in class). I hope that being the "responsible" one is an encouraging reward for standing up for the truth even though it must have been difficult.
When the class ended, I told the students that I would give them an extra lesson if they stayed during their break. About ten students stayed and I was able to explain to them the importance of learning the math concepts, not just the right answers. We covered a lot of material in fifteen minutes and the students who came back at the end of the break were intrigued by what I was doing with the others. I am hopeful that I will be able to inspire them with a love for learning.
Moved on to my 3rd grade art class and had a good time. It was much easier as the routine is already fairly established. At 12:15 I had the other 4th grade math class. I felt that the lesson went more smoothly and I was able to lay out my expectations in advance, giving an overall idea of what I was trying to accomplish.
Walked home, went to the market with Stacy, then back to John and Mary's for spelling bee prep. There is going to be a spelling bee between all three schools, so John and Mary graciously opened up a practice session on Tuesdays for the 7th and 8th graders. The students were grateful for the help and were impressed that Mr. John would go to so much trouble to help them. What a great demonstration of the type of love we receive from God - exceeding our needs and expectations! I was able to hang out with them and enjoyed connecting students' names (that I hear about from the team) with their faces. Some of the girls from soccer were there, so I didn't feel too out-of-place.
John, Mary, and I went to the "Sheep" Restaurant afterwards for meat skewers. When we got home, I wrote a letter to the parents of my math students, outlining what their students should expect each day, what is required for good grades and how they can get additional help.
Ready to crash into bed...
When I woke up this morning I could feel the winds of change blowing across my face ... not really, it was probably just the wall heater, but around here, where everything changes, I wouldn't have been too far off to make that prediction. I had my early morning class today and everything went well. I am able to use the soccer clinic as an incentive for the students to work hard and stay on task. I told several of the boys that for every misbehavior in class, they would have to sit out one minute at soccer. This struck a cord with one of my most troublesome boys who LOVES soccer. He likes to speak to the other students in Kurdish so I won't understand. After losing three minutes of soccer, he changed his mind. I had a good day with him and he was even friendly towards me after class.
Walked home, thankful to be back with my students. Went to a market up the street to pick up ingredients for tonight's salad dressing. Groups of boys were gathered in front of different shops, hanging out after school (school is broken up into different sessions, so some students only attend 4 hours a day, 6 days a week). At times like this, I feel guilty for creating such havoc in the middle of their day I end up attracting so much notice as I simply walk along the sidewalk. I figure that at least 20,000 Duhokis have seen me, that leaves only 230,000 more to go!
One group of schoolgirls said hello to me as I worked my way to the store, then followed me along the sidewalk as I returned. They finally gathered up enough courage to ask me my name and I asked them their's, if they lived in the neighborhood and how old they were. Perhaps all the attention will at least provide an opportunity to develop relationships with children in my vicinity.
Dan called me to say that the curriculum coordinator needed to talk to me, so I walked back to school a little earlier than usual. It turns out that the 3rd and 4th grade math teacher is expecting triplets! Her friend came in to take over her classes, but it doesn't look like the new teacher will be able to cover the 4th grade material. After working out the schedules, I am now teaching 4th grade math and 3rd grade art. Ah! How things can change in a matter of minutes!
As I left school, some of the 7th and 8th grade girls that I've been getting to know from the soccer clinic came up and chatted with me. I didn't really have any way to get to know them before, so I am thankful that our interaction at soccer is spilling over into my time at school.
Came home and prepped the salad for our team dinner. Julie made lasagna and Mary made bread with garlic butter, so I made an Italian salad with "Olive Garden" dressing. While preparing it, I went to use some lemon juice that I had squeezed quite awhile ago. Without even thinking about how long it had been in there, I turned the lid on the top and BANG, it smashed into the palm of my hand. I was extremely thankful that it had been directed into my hand and not into my face! One of those moments that takes us by surprise and reminds us how much we depend on God and how faithful He is to direct our every footstep.
Our Italian meal was really good! We have so much fun just talking together that the time flies by and we are usually late for our Skype call. This week the call ended up being postponed until Wednesday. Over Lisa's coconut-chocolate-cookie bar dessert, we enjoyed worshiping together and talking about the hope we have in God. While sharing the hope God gave me to come here and leave everything behind, I realized just how much I miss Eithen. (He has been carrying my picture around with him at home and made me a play-doh heart the other day.)
Finally feeling the slightest bit of an emotion (in missing Eithen) was relieving. The last two weeks I have felt very listless spiritually. At times, I see that God is providing me a rest from all the spiritual labors we've had in the last month, at other times I am battling against the temptation to indulge in mental laziness. Just within the last few days I've felt a surge of emotions bottling up inside of me without any way to release them. Back home I might go golfing, get a massage or even go for a run, but none of those options exist here. I find myself relying solely on God. Talking with the team was helpful, but I keep praying that God will burst the floodgate of emotions or calm the stormy waves.
Being in this state reminds me that:
Without spiritual revelation, I understand nothing
Without the Holy Spirit, my prayers mean nothing
Without divinely-granted life, I can feel nothing
Without Christ, I am nothing.
This afternoon while reading a book on Jonathan Edwards - "Lover of God," I was convicted to pray that these words might also apply to me: "He viewed the Scripture as a living thing. It pulsed with life; it shone with beauty; it bore the glory of God." Though my emotions are inexplicable right now, God's Word does not change. I pray that like the mighty river, which, overtaking the stream, guides it at last into the vast expanse of the ocean, God's Word will overtake my life, governing my emotions, ruling my thoughts and moving me into the infinite goodness of my Heavenly Father.
March 27th:
Did not sleep well last night. At times I felt I couldn't breathe. Kept praying until peace finally came after midnight. Woke up feeling more encouraged. At 8, I went over to John and Mary's for French Toast - I haven't had French Toast in a really long time! Mmmmm... Good!
As I walked to school, there was a chill in the air and it definitely looked like rain. Tut, tut! The teachers are much friendlier with me - a funny incident in the teacher lounge today seemed to bring all the barriers down with one group of teachers and I finally felt included in their group.
At 9:15 I had my first math class with the rowdy group of 4th graders. It was definitely a challenge - in part because they are not very attentive and in part because I am teaching them in a way completely foreign to them. They are used to having the teacher stand at the front and write the answers to every question on the board. It was complete mayhem in the class as I tried to go through the material for two lessons (in preparation for the test originally scheduled for tomorrow). I started sending the noisiest students outside and told them I would not postpone the test if they were not going to listen. "But Miss!! Whaaatttt!" After I sent one student out of the room, he returned with the principal (Can you imagine that happening in the States?!) ... the principal told the students to sit down and be quiet, then proceeded to let each student give his/her side of the story (in Kurdish). Because I couldn't understand what they were telling him and wasn't able to give him my assessment of the situation (he doesn't understand very much English), the students definitely had the advantage. I stood silently, asking the Lord for favor. ("He is my defense, I shall not be moved.") I could generally follow what each student was saying, and felt that one or two said things in my favor. In the end, I think he told them to sit still and pay attention...
Most of the teachers select a "responsible" student who collects the homework during the day and has it ready for the teacher before class. The class begged me to pick a "responsible" student, so I asked them which student had told the principal the truth about what had happened. Most of the students had either complained to the principal or not said anything; in the end, it was one of the quietest girls who defended me to the principal (I never thought she liked me because I've told her repeatedly not to talk to her friend in class). I hope that being the "responsible" one is an encouraging reward for standing up for the truth even though it must have been difficult.
When the class ended, I told the students that I would give them an extra lesson if they stayed during their break. About ten students stayed and I was able to explain to them the importance of learning the math concepts, not just the right answers. We covered a lot of material in fifteen minutes and the students who came back at the end of the break were intrigued by what I was doing with the others. I am hopeful that I will be able to inspire them with a love for learning.
Moved on to my 3rd grade art class and had a good time. It was much easier as the routine is already fairly established. At 12:15 I had the other 4th grade math class. I felt that the lesson went more smoothly and I was able to lay out my expectations in advance, giving an overall idea of what I was trying to accomplish.
Walked home, went to the market with Stacy, then back to John and Mary's for spelling bee prep. There is going to be a spelling bee between all three schools, so John and Mary graciously opened up a practice session on Tuesdays for the 7th and 8th graders. The students were grateful for the help and were impressed that Mr. John would go to so much trouble to help them. What a great demonstration of the type of love we receive from God - exceeding our needs and expectations! I was able to hang out with them and enjoyed connecting students' names (that I hear about from the team) with their faces. Some of the girls from soccer were there, so I didn't feel too out-of-place.
John, Mary, and I went to the "Sheep" Restaurant afterwards for meat skewers. When we got home, I wrote a letter to the parents of my math students, outlining what their students should expect each day, what is required for good grades and how they can get additional help.
Ready to crash into bed...
Sunday, March 25, 2012
March 24th and 25th (Days 76-77): Last Day of Break and First Day Back to School
Yes... the picture you've all been waiting for!
Here we are in our Kurdish attire (you might see the men wearing these outfits around town and at the market, but the women don't really wear their Jilli Kurdis except for special occasions, like Kurdish picnics!)
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March 24th:
I had a great time at the soccer clinic this morning! Picked up Lisa and Julie in a taxi. Even though we were right on time, we ended up chatting with students while we waited for the attendant to unlock the gate to the soccer field (everyone here runs on Kurdish time, which is usually late). My allergies were still bothering me, so I felt a little lethargic starting out. I stayed for both girls' sessions and helped coach the goalies. For the last twenty minutes of each session, the girls scrimmage against each other. Since there aren't many players, the coaches end up scrimmaging too. The older girls' group was a lot of fun and I am starting to connect with some of the players. I stayed to watch the fourth grade boys' session and take pictures of my students. During the scrimmage they needed an extra player, so I jumped in and played with them. I think the boys thought it was pretty neat to have their teacher play with them. Of course it helped that I scored a goal!
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Stopped for a sandwich on the ride back and picked up some vegetables at the corner stand. After I ate, showered, did some laundry and baking, I visited with Mary over a cup of tea. Henry is now rolling over, and Mary has two recipes for bread that are both amazing! Went back home and prepped for school. I also switched over the clothes in my closet and put away all my sweaters ... in the hope I won't need them for the next few months. Ate a light dinner, then went to bed early (at least earlier than I have been). Thankful that I am not as sore after soccer as each week passes.
March 25th:
Uncertain what today's class would bring. Prayed for much wisdom and patience as I walked to school. It was a beautiful morning and nice not to wear a jacket. As soon as I walked up the steps to school, I realized just how much I'd missed it.
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As I was hanging up my laundry, I heard my Skype "ringing" and sat down to talk with Mom, Dad, Stephen and Jaden. The internet has been acting up a little bit lately, so our call was interrupted several times as Skype tried to "find our connection." Still enjoyed hearing their voices and getting all the news from home.
After our call, I made a fruit smoothie (with frozen banana, apple, nectarine juice and a little bit of yogurt.) Yummy! Then off to bed...
Here we are in our Kurdish attire (you might see the men wearing these outfits around town and at the market, but the women don't really wear their Jilli Kurdis except for special occasions, like Kurdish picnics!)
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March 24th:
I had a great time at the soccer clinic this morning! Picked up Lisa and Julie in a taxi. Even though we were right on time, we ended up chatting with students while we waited for the attendant to unlock the gate to the soccer field (everyone here runs on Kurdish time, which is usually late). My allergies were still bothering me, so I felt a little lethargic starting out. I stayed for both girls' sessions and helped coach the goalies. For the last twenty minutes of each session, the girls scrimmage against each other. Since there aren't many players, the coaches end up scrimmaging too. The older girls' group was a lot of fun and I am starting to connect with some of the players. I stayed to watch the fourth grade boys' session and take pictures of my students. During the scrimmage they needed an extra player, so I jumped in and played with them. I think the boys thought it was pretty neat to have their teacher play with them. Of course it helped that I scored a goal!
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March 25th:
Uncertain what today's class would bring. Prayed for much wisdom and patience as I walked to school. It was a beautiful morning and nice not to wear a jacket. As soon as I walked up the steps to school, I realized just how much I'd missed it.
View from the school
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The school
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Kids playing on the new Mini-Tennis court
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It was good to see the teachers again. Everyone was really friendly - makes me hopeful that I will build some profitable relationships during the next few months. My 11am class was starting to be a challenge right before I left for the break, but thankfully they were attentive today. They even remembered the principles we were focusing on three weeks ago! It really made my day when one of the girls (who happens to have the worst sulky face I've ever seen) followed directions without even being reminded!
After class, I headed right out and caught a taxi to Zeri Park to visit H from the International Fellowship. The taxi driver didn't know where to go, but he "phoned a friend" and got directions. :) I am going to help tutor H's five-year old son - English is their second language, so it has been difficult for him to enroll in an English-speaking school here. His dad works with him in the morning before work, but H would like him to have more practice. [I talked to the curriculum coordinator at CSM, and they don't need me to teach 3rd grade Humanities anymore. I was asking the Lord why, when H expressed their need for English help. Thankful to be able to use my time in this way.]
H and I ate lunch together (I had real kimchee for the first time in ... 3 months?), then J (the little boy) and I wrote a story using simple three-letter words. He was so happy to be able to read it to his mom before I left.
I caught a taxi home and even though the driver didn't know the sweet shop that we usually use as a reference point, I was able to direct him to my neighborhood using Kurdish directions. It was encouraging to realize I can get by much better than when I first arrived - still a long way to go, though. After I got home, Stacy and I walked down to the market. She caught the bus to go to her English lessons, and I headed off to the second-hand part of the market. It seems like just yesterday we were there to buy sweaters and winter apparel, now I am in need of a few summery clothes. It took a lot of digging, but I found a long, cotton skirt and two blouses (both appropriately long, but light enough for the warm weather).
On the way home, I stopped at the vegetable den and picked up salad fixings for tomorrow night's team dinner. At one stand, I was perusing their leafy greens and picked up a bunch; at the same time I heard a voice at my elbow say, "Spinach." The voice belonged to the customer standing next to me - I think that was about the extent of his leafy greens vocabulary since he didn't know what parsley was. It was an interesting part of the everyday experience here - one minute the taxi driver doesn't know where to go (seems rather crucial, doesn't it?) and the next someone is helping you identify spinach (not so crucial...).
As I walked home, my thoughts were focused on my reliance upon God and how my pride strives so hard to be independent. I found myself thanking God for how far He has brought me since this time one year ago, when I first began preparing to go "where ever He might lead."
Once I got home, I threw a load of laundry in the washer, then got busy in the kitchen. Since the spinach doesn't come pre-washed in a sealed baggie, I spent 20 minutes cutting off all the stems and hand-washing it. (All that training as a flower cleaner certainly paid off!) Thankfully I have a lovely salad spinner (one of those one-of-a-kind finds at the market), so that cuts down on some of the time at the end. Completed the same process for the parsley.
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As I was hanging up my laundry, I heard my Skype "ringing" and sat down to talk with Mom, Dad, Stephen and Jaden. The internet has been acting up a little bit lately, so our call was interrupted several times as Skype tried to "find our connection." Still enjoyed hearing their voices and getting all the news from home.
After our call, I made a fruit smoothie (with frozen banana, apple, nectarine juice and a little bit of yogurt.) Yummy! Then off to bed...
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