Friday, October 23, 2009

Of friends and students

You know how good it feels to be wanted? Tuesday, upon my arrival at my students' house near the school, Marta burst out of her room with an anticipatory smile, ready to greet me with kisses and hear about my summer and tell me about hers. Sergio also, came out to say hi, a little bashful but happy to see me. Marta and Sergio are siblings, preteens I taught private English lessons to last year, and thankfully am continuing with this year. Last year I went to see the family in a play at their church and it's delightful to work for them. They also contract someone to help out with the cleaning in the house a few days a week, and she used to make an orange juice for me every Friday when I went to give Sergio a lesson. On my way from school to their house, I ran into the woman, Lucia, and we got to catch up in the 3 extra minutes I had. Then, I walked as quickly as I could so I wouldn't be late for the classes.

Wednesday was the third Bible Study. We're studying Mark, noting how Jesus mentored the disciples and how he interacted with the people, learning to be mentors ourselves. It's been delightful so far, and I've noted changes in me as we've gotten into the word more. It's great having a group of people to study with, and since we have "homework" for each day, it's creating a habit of reading and praying every day. I notice the difference when I spend more time with God...we're better friends. Funny how that works.

At school (work) we're working on classroom management and preparing to give the science test next week. I'm relating to the kids well, even better than last year, a good consequence of being in the main classroom the whole time and co-teaching. Some of the kids' lives really depress me, so with them I'm trying to give lots of love while balancing it with the needs of the whole class. At least there are two of us in the classroom. There is always so much to learn, and then some things that can be improved but never mastered, and then others that are new every time and so a mystery.

2 comments:

  1. Your Bible study group builds in discipline like the BSF group I attend does. It is important to seek out a group/person that will have some built in accountability. Sad comment, I guess, that we don't do a better job of self discipline.
    It's a good feeling to be appreciated. One little girl that I taught last year often runs to hug me,not much beats that!
    I think you will grow a lot in that classroom this year. Sounds like a good fit.
    Love, Mom

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  2. I'm glad you finally posted! I was wondering how things were going. Sounds like it's going really well- I'm excited for you :)

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