The Beginnings of a New Life

I want to type and write an update but I cant put my feelings and thoughts in a concise package. I feel as though I will be rampaging rather than have something insightful to say. I dont want to go on rambling like some people are in the habit of doing... Oh well... I just ask for prayer and the strength the continue with the call God has placed on my life despite the set backs and frustrations of my personal life. I trust God wholeheartedly that he has our best interests in mind and that his ways are higher than my and his thoughts are higher than mine. There is a reason and a purpose, I just havent located it yet. God I trust you and you alone. Guide me in my prayers so that I pray what your Spirit has in mind! Love you father.

Its Been A While and A Lot Has Occured.

I apologize to those who were left hanging near the end of my blog. I thought that I should finish the tale of my latest adventure overseas. The last week of school went by all to fast. Some of my students would come up to me and say, "Miss. Rachel, would you wear make-up and nice clothes on Friday? We would like you to look beautiful." Slightly taken back by the comment and realized the good nature in it, I granted their request. I then had other students come up to me saying that Friday was going to be lots of fun! I grew in suspicion that something was going to happen on my last day at the school. And I was right! All morning the kids were nervous. Kinda odd. Then a man with a big white box walked into our classroom and asked for the head teacher. She quickly shooed him away. Then next I had to come down to the office to sign a paper for the embassy?! So I went down and signed it. I went back into the classroom and all my students were standing around and yelled, surprise. They had pop, chips and a cake (which is very expensive) They had tons of presents for me. It was such a delight to share with them. Later my teacher told me that the students raised over 4,000 tk. That's roughly 50 bucks. I was astounded. I got a group photo and lots of hugs and kisses! I was an overwhelming day and I miss them a lot. I often think about them and the school and pray that they have a great coming year that is full of God and His wisdom.
The travel home was most uneventful, except I bought a starbucks coffee and forgot that I had to go through security again... not enjoyable or as pleasant as I had wanted. Oh well. Also, it was quite strange walking through Kuwait airport... it was as if I had only just been their before. Its true, I was but I felt easy, familiar like I had walked that airport a hundred times. Crossing from one world to another is always a strange feeling. The connection to both creates a catechism in the heart and whom you want to be with. Although Im home, I often pray for them and perhaps will return one day (with my husband, so say the women there... they insist. If I dont return with a husband they said they would find me one:) Got to love those ladies always looking out for my best interest lol.
I am glad that I am home. I knew that once I returned from my trip, it would be the last for a while. No sure how long but for now. I knew that going there satisfied my desire to travel and speak to that people group once I arrived and returned. I knew before I went that I would return home and be with my family. As it turns out, my feeling was correct. God has me home to be with my family and especially my dad. Most of you know he battled with kidney cancer 2 years ago. They removed the one kidney and said that they got it all and it should not return. 2 years later he has three nodules on his pancreas. They removed 60% of the pancreas and his spleen. Two days ago, he now has nodules on his thyroid. More than this fight with cancer, my family has been under attack from the enemy. I dont know why (I do cause were Christians and there is sin in the world) but you get my drift. My dad is a wonderful man who has sacrificed his life for his family. Everything he has done for us has been for our benefit. So why him? Why does my dad have to suffer? The answers to these questions, I can not answer. All I know is that we are all here for a purpose and that purpose is to Glorify God in ALL that we do or say. I will choose to praise Him even in the midst of uncertainty. I trust God with my families life and mine. Whatever happens, will happen for a reason. God has given the grace to continue the race even with the hurdles in the way. I will praise God for the days I have with my dad and create lots of memories. I love my dad so much! On another note,I also give him praise because he has given me a job! I am a new teacher now with Stayton Christian School. I am so excited and I thank God for his provision. I will dwell of the good and pray for the difficult circumstances.
Today, the Lord was speaking to me during church. The word soft came into my mind. God I ask that you would keep me soft and pliable. Keep my heart quieted and comforted. I ask that I would not harden my heart and become foolish. Make me a woman after you own heart! Help me to be the soft spirited woman who continues fervently pray when all else seems to fail and there isnt any other way! Help me to speak kindly when frustrated or hurt. Help me to be strong for the ones I care for when they are hurting. Thank you for all that you do for those who love you! May you be glorified in everything. Im trusting you Lord, I know you wont let go. You make a way to mend a hurting heart!

Your princess
Rachel

Lots of Happenings

So much has gone on in the last several days that it is hard to keep it all straight. The day after the wedding, I had my fourth grade girls come over for a tea party. They had never been to a tea party yet, tea is to Bengali as coffee is to American. Wait now that I think about it I feel like I have just repeated myself. Have I talked about this party already? Well if I have too bad :) So I went to the store on my own and got peanut butter and jelly and bread for sandwiches. I made that and cheese sandwiches. I cut the crust off and everything! Then I cut them into little triangles. I also had chanuchur (spicy tail mix) and biscuits (cookies) as well as Bangla cha. They all were dressed really nicely. We played Uno while we waited for all the girls to come. All but a few did come. I was told later by my principal that the girl who got chicken pox in my class was crying because she couldnt attend my party and that she wouldnt get to say good bye to me :) Isnt that super sweet. So anyway, we had food and tea and it was amazing. We played pictionary, signs, and then went outside and played freeze tag. The girls were super funny. It was a very good day!
Last night I went over the the KG (kindergarten) teacher's house. her daughter is in my class and she begged her mom to have me over. During class she kept coming up to me and saying how excited she was that I was coming over. After school I walked over to the house (it was super close). I arrived around 3:30pm. Jenny (the daughter) showed me her computer that she was playing on. We then did her science homework together. Then her mom brought me Bangla Cha, bannana's and cookies with chocolate on it. OOO it was super good! Then we watched some YouTube videos. After that her mom and I were chatting. It was amazing how much her mother opened up to me. We discussed our childhood pasts. Jenny had told her about my adoption and her mother is ways can relate and so we had a really good discussion. I felt honored that she would treat me like family in that way. After that, Jenny taught me some Bengali dances. Oh my work it was fun. She tied bells around my ankles so that when I danced, I made noise. I felt really cool!! I might have looked stupid but were to friends having fun. I then taught Jenny how to do the Charleston, the waltz, some tango, and salsa dancing. She was a hoot to watch any try to do that Charleston. She thought the tango was really funny. We did the cheek to cheek thing. Oh man :) Then we played Mono-polly (Monopoly). She wooped me. I kept getting in Jail and she would grab all the properties that should could get her hands on. (I think I gave her too much money :) Im sure of it) After much playing, we decided to watch a movie Little Mermaid 2. Her mother said that it was time to eat. So we paused the movie to get some food. He mom piled on the rice. I took a little bit of each thing. Then Jenny said that I must eat more because that is what a good woman does (they eat and get fat) So Jenny's mom took my plate from me and piled more food on. There was chicken, veggies, eggs, beef and fried pumpkin. I literally had the largest bowl of food that I have ever eaten in my life. We went to sit down and I dug in (eating with my hand of course). I got 3/4ths the way through and the mom took my plate and asked if I wanted more. I said a little more rice to finish my egg. She came back with another full plate of food. Oh I was hurting by this time (I was sooooo full but it tasted sooooo good) So I ate about half the second plate and I slowed down really fast. Then her mother finally said, that I ate with a lot of energy and so I didnt have to finish my plate. I graciously gave her back the left over. She thought that I was silly for not eating at least another plate of food lol. Then she gave me ice cream that was really good! I was the honored guest and I felt like a queen. She is probably the best cook here! I loved it sooo much... I had so much curry that my nail turned yellow from eating lol. After ice cream, I went home and arrived at 8:30pm. I spent 5 hours with the family and it was amazing. It was what I really had wanted to do. I love just sitting in the house and being surrounded by this wonderful family who loves the Lord and served me and treated me like one of them. I wish I could have done this more, but I am thankful for the chance that God gave me! I pray that He would continue to bless them. 3 days to go...
I had to teach on the spot today because Miss J was stuck in a traffic jam coming back from the 5th grade field trip. Lol I had 5 minutes to look over prepositions before I taught the lesson. It went well for such a short notice. Oh boy I love being flexible! I love being a teacher

The Wedding

I was invited to a wedding this last weekend. I was very excited to attend because I havent attended one yet. I woke up really early on friday morning to get ready. The wedding was to take place after church. I was very excited to wear my Sari. I had been waiting for an opprotunity to wear one and here it was! I woke up 2 hours before it was time to leave for the church. I got everything put into place and now I was working on the pleets near my chest. This took the longest to complete. It took so long that I had to give up and just wear a Salwar-Chamise. There was no one to help me to put it on and I didnt want a fiasco with the Sari. I was glad that I didnt wear it because we ended up walking to the church and it would have been a pain to walk so far in a Sari. I was sweating like a pig when I arrived and there were only fans, no air conditioners. It was so hot! I had no clue what was going on during the survice because I dont speak their language. :) But after and hour and a half of singing and preaching, church was over and we all filed outside. They surved a snack to the congregation. I was so glad that they fed us something small because my tummy was rumbling and we would not eat for quite some time later. The wedding was supposed to start at 11 and it was 15 till. But, the wedding didnt start until almost noon. Typical lol! So we chated for a while until the wedding began. There werent any decorations (which is not usual, this marriage was for a poorer family). The bride was decorated nicely with a Sari, a vail, Henna all over her feet and hands with gold paint outlining the Henna, then she had gold paint over her eyebrows. There was a sermon and exchanging the rings. The bride never once looked up. She was very timid. This was an arranged wedding. They only had met briefly before when the parents were evaluating the other. I cant imagine what was going through either of their heads. I would be thinking, what am I getting myself into? I cant imagine getting married to someone I dont know and then have to live with family members becuase it is customary. Anyway, the only time she looked at him was to put a lai of flowers over his head and he to her as well. The flowers were orange, red, and yellow. They were beautiful. Of course it clashed with the bride (who wore red, gold, and green) because the more colors the better... lol... After the wedding we headed back to my building where the reception was held. There was a huge tent that was very colorful. The bride and groom were set in the front of the house. People who wanted to congratulate them would feed the bride and groom sweets. Literally feed them :) it was cool. Then we were hearded to go eat. The feast consisted of rice, two type of chicken, boiled eggs and veggie curry with shrimp! It was nice and spicy! They literally fed about a 100 or more people. They had huge pots over a makeshift fire outside. It was awesome! It was so hot and I needed to rest. I decided with a full belly to take a nap. The wedding was fun and lots of good food! The people hear said that the wedding was way more simple than usual. But since they didnt have a lot of money, they focused on feeding people. Feeding people is the most important thing to do. It is an honor to serve people!

I have 4 days left and I will be home soon! Keep us all in your prayers please and I will see you soon!

PARTY!!!

Today was an amazing day. I woke up around 8 o' clock, had some french toast made by Shemole! Then, Alexis and I worked out in my room. Then we went to Kings Confectionery. Oh man, it was sooo sweet smelling. The entrance to the building was really sketchy. But as you climbed the stairs, sugar and coffee filled your nose. We entered to restaurant and it was bitter cold. It felt like an ice box compared to the 70 percent humidity with 85 degrees F. It was wonderful. I picked up a tray and some tongs. I was able to pick whatever I wanted and place it on my tray. There were sweet rolls with meat, delicate cakes, pound cake, tarts, doughnuts (beside elaborate cakes, kings is known for their doughnuts), and many other delicious items. I chose a large doughnut that was half white frosting with nuts and the other half pure peanut butter topping. MMMM it was delicious. I went to the counter to pay and I also ordered a REAL CAPPUCCINO! Oh how I love real coffee that is bitter and sweet at the same time. The we sat down at a table and corrected papers for school. It was the best two hours of my life. What could be better than a fancy doughnut and coffee in a cool place? But that is not all!
This afternoon I had all the boys from 4th grade come to the house. All 13 boys came! It was wonderful. We played soccer for a half hour. There was this wasps nest by the swing set and multiple times we hit the bar and they wasps were everywhere. There were many nice saves and blocks done by the boys playing. I didnt get any pictures because I was too busy playing. After that we went up stairs and had cold mango juice with ice cream sandwiches, watermelon and chips. Oh it was delightful. Well sort of... they boys were quite rowdy and loud. But none the less they were cracking me up. Then half the boys went back to play soccer and the other half played LIAR with me. They had never played before but they thought that it was a really fun game. Then when 5:30 hit, I ushered them all outside. We continued to play more soccer and basketball. Oh it is a hoot to watch these kids play because they are not used to using their hands... so funny! I was given a VERY lovely present by one of my students. It was a beautiful orna and a wonderful bracelet. I cant wait to wear it! I am so glad that I had the chance to bring the boys over. Next week I am planning a tea party with the girls from 4th grade. We will have small sandwiches and tea in china cups.
The times seems to be winding down but I still want to be useful and helpful. I will have more time to interact with my students as more as an auntie rather than their teacher and that is really exciting! Anyway, Thank you all for your prayers and encouragement. I shall see you all soon!

Shobo Nobo Borsho

Happy New Year. Last Wednesday was the New Year and it was a blast. I relaxed most of the day. I was invited by some girls ( a language student, and a second grade teacher from WCA) in my building to visit one of the librarians at school. I knew of the librarian and thought that it would be really fun to go and visit her at her home. Her children also attend the school, grade 5 and 2. On the new year most people wear red and white, I didn't have any lol. We hailed a baby taxi around 2:30 in the afternoon. Lots of people were coming back from DC Hill where the nationals go to celebrate the new year (it wouldn't be safe for foreigners to go). It was a sea of red and white that lined the streets. Whole families would dress a like... kind of reminded me of when families in the church get matching Christmas sweaters :) and take pictures. Anyway I saw lots of Saris, punjabies and shalwar chamises. They were all dressed very nicely. I even saw some more traditional dress, with bright heavy makeup, jewelry in their hair and around their neck and wrists. These women usually have loads of flowers adorning their head to keep their hair all knotted in a bun. They looked like painted dolls. Finally we arrived to the house. It was a small two roomed house with tiny kitchen. She welcomed us into her home with open arms. Her two beautiful daughters were there as well, they were timid to see some of their teachers at their house (two rooms, one for the living room and the other for sleeping) These nationals all usually sleep together in the same room. They did eventually warm up to us once they got to know us as aunties rather than their teacher. It was a hot day and luckily the fan was running and they gave us cold water. Although we had already eaten lunch, the mother insisted that we eat what they had for lunch. It was vegetable mush (a specialty during this holiday) with rice. It was quite good actually, very flavorful. I ate a little to please her :) We were all so delighted to be hosted by the librarian. We sat on plastic chairs and two cushioned chairs. There wasn't much room but it suited the small group quite comfortably. When we finished, they brought out more cold water. They also brought a pitcher of water so that we could wash our eating hand (they don't use cutlery). Then the father of the librarian came out and brought sweet fried things (they are like a thin pastry in the shape of a flower and deep fried. They were so good ( I ate four). Then they brought out some specialty snacks for the new year. I didn't much care for these because they were like balls of hard packed sand (really just rice flower packed) that had a hint of black licorice (I am not fond of either). I bit off a hard chunk and then took a gulp of water and swallowed it hole (I had to repeat this process several times before I finished the snack) I didn't feel so good after that. Every thing else was wonderful. They also showed us some video's on their computer of their girls on a TV program. It was wonderful. She also feed us Cha with is homemade tea with milk and sugar. It was the best Cha I have tried! Then the oldest girl took down her harmonium and played a song. She sang as well with the piece. It was beautiful! What an amazing gift she has. By the time we realized what time it actually was, it was about 5 o clock. It was such a good time that we lost track. The whole family was so hospitable! I love it! I thank God for allowing me to do what I have wanted to do and that was going and visiting. God knows the desires of our heart and if we wait and be patient, he will eventually grant us the desires of our hearts! I hope this has shown you how hospitable and loving these people are. It is a blessing to be so blessed with food and good company! Happy New Year

28 Days Left

I have 28 days left here in this beautiful country. As I contemplate living here, my time has been a blessing but I have had some frustrations. I have not written much because I have been reflecting on a lot of things. Last week, I hit a wall. I was so frustrated at the fact that I could do nothing independently. Although I would prefer to go places with people, I am not free to leave a party when I feel like it, I have to depend on someone else to take me home. I have also been frustrated with not knowing the language. I had wanted to get into language lessons but it never got off the ground for several reasons. I was frustrated that I didnt have anywhere to go or do outside of school really. I have wanted to go visiting to other peoples house (nationals) but I have not been given the opportunity. While I have gone out shopping or to an American's house for dinner, it is not the same to go to a nationals house and speak with them about their culture. I wanted to immerse myself into their lives and glean from them but that is not how it worked out. So I basically recluse myself and watched movies on my computer and read books everyday after school. If I wasn't doing those things I was working on student teaching, trying to distract myself from my frustrations. I believe people here could tell that I was not really myself. I didn't want to express my emotions because I didnt know how to express them myself. I tried to trick myself in believing that everything is okay. I had the opportunity to speak to a friend from back at school and she explained that it was culture shock. I didnt want to believe her because I didnt want to have it. It is not that its a bad thing, but to me it shows weakness that I cant handle it. But she tried to point out that it happens and its not a sign of weakness but a sign of adjusting to a life style that you arent familiar with. I told her that I wasnt ready to accept what she had to say to me. So to say the least I was numb the rest of the week to my frustrations.
I continued to seek the Lord for guidance and wisdom for teaching and for the future when I return to America. I continued to read the Holy Scriptures and I came to realize something today. I know that I cant teach on my own and that God has to give me the strength to teach effectively. However, I ignored the fact that I not only need dependence on God for teaching but also for my life and spiritual well being in the here and now. While I tricked myself in believing that I was dependent on him for those things, I was not. Most of you know that I like to do things on my own time, I like to do them the way I would like them done and I like to be independent. And a few days ago, I realized yet again that I can not live anywhere without dependence on him. Although God has tried to teach me this multiple times, this time was on a grander scale that I didn't think was possible. So to say the least, God yet again revealed himself to me and reminded me of Ephesians 5:15-33. In verse 15 Paul says to be careful on how you walk, to be wise and understand what the Lord's will is. Then in verse 21 to submit to one another out of reverence for Him. He then jumps into the whole wives submit to your husband. I believe that verses 22-33 are not about the women being a lesser sex but a picture of how He loves the church and how the church should Him. It is His delight to love us, give himself up for us and sanctify us for the day of his return. It is the church's response then to submit our lives unto Him who cares for us in every way. It is in this way that a marriage works between Him and the church. So should that not also occur among the husband and wife when they merry? Anyway, I found myself reevaluating how well I submit (depend) on Him. I need to depend on him out of respect and reverence because of what he has and is doing for me even though I do not deserve it, even if it is as simple and depending on Him to provide a way home for me. I should be grateful for the care that these workers here have taken care of me. I have been selfish. I ask for forgiveness for my selfish desire to be independent of the body of Christ which is ultimately being independent of God. I thank you father for the opportunity to live here and meet so many amazing people. Despite my stubbornness, you have provided many spiritual encounters where you have spoken through me and used me for your glory. It is unfathomable why you would use a human (corruptible)to carry out your perfect will and work. But I thank you for using me anyway. I feel honored and humbled. I welcome these frustrations in hopes of learning more about you and leaning closer to your breast to hear your heart beat! I pray that you continue to give me the strength and desire to depend on you and your people to complete the work you have for me here in these last couple of days. Do not punish my students for my stupidity. May I have even more opportunity to speak your name and the truth that you have given to us! Amen

A New Point of View

As most of you know, I have been living in one of the largest cities in this country. It is thriving with people packed into tiny spaces littered with debris, cockroaches, wild dogs and inky black fumes from buses. This weekend was a get away for all the personnel that have been working at the school as well as various other associated people doing different jobs associated with the the group work here in the city. We all traveled to a village about three hours away, southeast of our major city. Alexis, her mother and I had to take a hired taxi. The man that was supposed to drive us was not able to but his friend was. So we piled into his car for the three night stay in the countryside. We needed petrol (gas) so we stopped for some. There were about 40 baby taxis' waiting in line for gas as well as about five cars. We waited and waited but no one was pumping the gas. Finally after a half hour of waiting a man emerges from the building. The taxi told us that he was on his tiffin (lunch) break. Yes, we waited to get gas while the man was on his break and no one else was able to cover for him. The taxi driver was unscathed while us Americans were irritated and itching to get on the road. Several hours later, winding in and out of the two lane highway passing trucks, large buses, rickshaws and baby taxies (going about 100 kilometers per hour) we made it to the wonderful village of Maulumgaht. We drive onto a compound where one of the major hospitals had been built for the natives to be treated for various reasons. The workers and the NGO's (Non-governmental people)lived. I stayed at the guest house with several other families that had arrived earlier from my city. It was a beautiful place. Above there is a picture of the view from the front of the place I was staying. The room was nice and I met a lot of people that lived on the compound.
The next day, we had a full day of prayer, praying for various needs that people had about their work that they were doing or families that they knew needed prayer and all sorts of things. We split into groups and visited peoples houses to pray for a couple of hours. That evening we had a worship service. The music was really good and it was refreshing to be in a beautiful place away from the city and enjoying uplifting music. I was given an opportunity to sing with two other girls during the service as a special song. We sang "Wonderful, Merciful Savior" The people loved it and God was glorified.
The next day, Alexis, her mother and I went to Cox's Bazar. We drove about an hour out of the village to a honeymoon spot for the natives (5 year goal meeting were taking place during this time). I saw the ocean. Oh my it was beautiful. The sand was tanned colored and the waves were crashing on shore. The sky was robin's egg blue with some white clouds in the distance. The temp was just right for the beach. We stopped and talked on the the sand. There were a lot of people at the beach (your typical day at the beach like Americans). However, no one was wearing a bathing suit. Everyone was fully clothed. I saw a woman wading into the water in her burqua (the black shapeless sack some women wear with a completely covered face). Could you swim in the water when you could hardly see let alone move when you are waited down by fabric? Others were swimming in their Shalwar Chamise and orna. The men wore shorts and t-shirts. I could not believe it. I was really excited because at the beach you are permitted to show your ankles! That was a highlight for me! I saw someone with a ski-du renting it out for people to take rides. I also saw horses in which people could take a gallop on the beach. The water was as warm as a bath. It is noting like the fridge water during the summer in Oregon. This was soothing and completely enjoyable. Just off the beach there were tons of little tiny shops that sold seashells and pearls. All their pearls were fresh watered ones. For a necklace, I spent 2 dollars. (a string of pearls, can you believe it?) We also had lunch and just enjoyed our relaxing time at the beach.
That evening when I got home, Kathy asked me if I would like to take a tour of the hospital. Okay, this part of my weekend trip was just amazing. Three of us went to survey the hospital that was started by a national believer. When you picture hospital, picture the hospital on the TV show M*A*S*H. That is it! The hospital was made from concrete. There were several wings to the hospital (which all the walkways were exposed to the outside). I was able to see where they made prosthesis. They are currently working to make a leg that can be used for people who's leg was cut off above the knee. They made all the prosthesis right there at the hospital. As we moved through, I was able to see where they kept all the medicine. The stock was very low but still functional. If the nurse is going to give medicine they have to mix their own liquids (in USA it is all done for you). We then moved into the canteen. All I have to say is that I would not eat there. Next, we moved to the main part of the hospital where the patients first arrive. There are separate waiting rooms which is divided by a curtain, one for men and one for women. Women are treated by Women and men treated by men. The women are not seen on Saturdays because it is a holy day. If it is an emergency the women will be seen by men. The ward was nothing special, rather uncomfortable. There are no private rooms, just one large room. If a family member is sick, the family must feed the member who is sick. There is no hospital food to be prepared (there simply is not enough staff). If the patient needs a ventilator, well the family has to hand pump the air bag until they can breath on their own. There is no continual flow of electricity and the generator can not support the ventilators so they one who needs if must constantly by attended to by a family member pumping air into their lungs at a steady pace. Many patients die because they can not get the care that they need by their untrained family members. Again, there is not enough nursing staff to tend to this need. Because there is no constant flow of electricity, there are no IV drips either. They have to use the old method of gravity drip iv for medications. Their emergency room only contains an oxygen tank and minimal supplies. There literally is really no emergency room. The take it as it comes. One thing that I was told is that they are more prepared to handle rice poisoning. Rice poisoning is a misnomer. It is poison that they use in the rice field to kill the rats. But when money troubles or arguments among family members or someone fails a big exam they will try and commit suicide by taking the poison. The poison literally attaches itself to the receptors in your brain and makes your lungs secret more fluid than normal so that you basically drown on land in your own lungs. They have ways to deal with this but the patient must be treated with in 24 hours, if they are not then they will die. Sadly, they say this is one of the most common problems that come into the hospital. Please be praying for this hospital. They are building a new building and need lots of guidance and prayer. They have believers who are social workers that work with family members of the sick. But they really need our support and prayer as they work with the natives.
But here is the best part of all. As we walk past the wards and the emergency rooms, we arrived in the Women's ward. We arrived at the desk and there was a box off to the side that was wooden and inside was a new born baby. It was in the warming box. the ladies said that we could hold the baby. I was second in line. As I held that new born baby (only an hour and a half old) I was reminded of what a blessing little children are. The baby still had the fluid on it from the womb and the eyes were just starting to open and look around. It was as long as my forearm and as wide as my biceps. All I could do it just marvel at this little tiny baby girl in my arms (the mother hadn't even held it yet). She looked at me and put her finger in her mouth. She was radiating heat form her body which warmed my soul. I could not help but think what would become of this precious child in my arms. Would she have to wear a burqua, will she be safe in her home, will she come to know Him, who will she marry, will she make a difference in our world? All these questions came flooding in. How what a precious little one she it. God may your protect her and my the people who believe at the hospital have some influence in her life or her mothers life so that they may come to know you. Protect her comings and goings, may she we wise and learn form you!All in All the trip was amazing.
One more thing that I wanted to share with you that should be encouraging is that I had the opportunity today to share the complete gospel with my students. We have a four day weekend because of Easter. One of my students said that Easter was the celebration of Spring. Right then I had the chance to lay it all out for them and tell them about how He died and rose again. I also had a chance to have a discussion about if this world was designed or was it by chance. So many of these situations are coming up and I ask that these seeds that are planted will take root and begin to be nurtured. Also that more discussion will come out of our talks today!

The Mella

After school, I was invited to go to the Mella. The Mella is a huge traveling fair. It is not the type of fair that you or I would think of. It is more like a trade fair. It is a place where you go to buy things from different countries around the country that I am staying in. The Mella is here for about a month. I have already gone several times. Usually they I have gone, it was in the morning so that place was not very busy. However, this time we went in the afternoon when it was cooler. There was a ton of people.
So, Alexis, her mother, Mrs. Allen and I all piled into the van and drove to the Mella. As we trotted down the street toward the entrance, the street became so congested that it took use several minutes to go 5 feet. Finally we arrived near the entrance and the driver pulled to the side and let us out. We played leap frog to cross the street dogging cars, buss', rickshaws, baby taxi's and people. We walked down the dusty path passing shops that had purses, pottery, child toys, plastic wear, and even a fake flower shop. They were packed tightly together. It was a jigsaw puzzle to scoot around people and get to the next booth.
There were throngs of people there all crowding into this narrow street to reach the entrance to the main part of the fair. They are not afraid to get close together even if you are sticky from sweat rolling down your body all day long. There were all sorts of people. Some people with full burquas (complete coverages of black), other women had just the head covering and their beautiful dress, others like me were wearing the shalwar-chamise and orna, men in punjabies (traditional dress), mullahs (holy men), others in jeans and t-shirts and children in all sorts of dress. It was wonderful to see a sea of colors brightly shinning in the sun light. The popular colors of this area are neon orange, yellow, neon green, bright blue, gold and red. The clothes will usually have three to four different (even contrasting colors) on them with maybe two different prints. Although, I am not a fan of their attire, I must admit that it is growing on me. Mom, you might have to reteach me how to dress when I come back :). Mind you, this is all even before we enter the main part of the fair.
Not only where there a lot of people but lots of different social classes mingling together. There were a lot of wealthy people but also a lot of poor people. When our group was looking at purses, I had two children tapping my arm wanting food and or money. They were not any older than 9 or so. I had older men with walking sticks coming to me holding out a mettle peddlers pan bumping my arm for money. There were also women coming up to me. It was tough to ignore them and move on. Even if I wanted to give them something, I was not able to. See, if I give one something, then I would have to get everyone something and if I didnt then I would have a real big problem on my hand. Oh I wished that I had something for each one, even if it was just a cracker or a mango bar. The eyes of the children were pleading and misty. Their weather-beaten face cried out for moisture to sooth the tightness. Their clothes were tattered and would barely provide protection from the extreme heat and or the cool winters for warmth. There were cripples lining the narrow rode holding out their hands for anything they could have. Some had bowed lags, others had only one leg, some were blind while others had withered hands.
As I think back about these people, I am angry. I am angry at sin and Satan. I am angry that we fell from grace and allowed sin to ravage the bodies that were given to us by God. I am sick to think that there are children tonight who will sleep on the hard ground with growling tummies. I hate sin and its affects. My heart cries out to God for justice. When will these people be justified? But then I think, when justification comes for those who are less fortunate and dont know God, their lot will be worse than it is now. Sin will be eradicated one day and we will have our victory and justification over sin and death. But those whom we feel terribly for will live in eternity with out the presence of God which is hell. They will no longer be plagued by only a bowed leg or an empty tummy, or blind, they will live in eternity in hell. And this is why people that I work with are here. They are here to share what they know and that is that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords is greater than death and disease. While we may suffer here on earth, we will not have to for eternity. I find it very sobering to think about those children and adults who have so little but I am encouraged and implored by God to pray for their salvation. I can give them any earthly comfort but it will all be in vein if I do not share why I am giving.
I have so much more to say about the inside of the Mella but I almost feel like this last paragraph is meant to sink in to some of your hearts. I am so privileged to be here and have this opportunity to not only teach at the school, but see the needs of the other ministries that are done through this organization. They are giving food to villages, teaching other nationals about the word, they are printing and giving out tailored tracks to different religious people, they are also providing medical care to all sorts of people on the compound in another part of the the country and they also have a traveling clinic that they go around in to bring aid to remote areas and they are also do AWANA for young persons so that they are being taught the scriptures. I am telling you that God is doing great things here, amongst the people who desperately care about these people and willing to lay down their lives for them. I am blessed and humbled to be surrounded by such great saints. They will be rewarded a heavenly reward for their service to the King.
I ask that you will continue to pray for the school and its students. I ask that you would also pray for more opportunities to share the gospel with whomever we meet. I challenge you to ponder on what I have written and see how you might be able to apply what I have thought about in your daily life. In your going, disciple! Speak and urge on one another toward a godly life that is worth living. Share what you know for you never know what God may use to bring that person into his kingdom.

Business of the Classroom

Life has been whirling around me as I teach full time at school. My cooperating teacher jetted over the Thailand two days ago and left me to fend for myself. I love having my own classroom. I can not wait until I can start a new year with my own students. There has been so many lessons that I cant even keep them straight. For example, on Tuesday I was supposed to teach lesson 91 which was rounding to the nearest thousandths place. But because I was so excited about teaching lesson 92 (line graphing) I completely overlooked lesson 91. I drew a huge graph on the board to chart the number of jumps a couple of students could do in a minute counting 5 minute intervals. The kids loved jumping and trying to have stamina. It was funny. I used different colors for each child and even had a table to organize my data. I told the students to open their books and we all realized that I skipped lesson 91. So today we did lesson 91. Oops :). In science we are learning about forces. I showed a picture of Darth Vader and OB One Kano-bi and they all laughed, they were like "Miss Rachel, that is not the kind of force we are studying." To teach about force and load, we played tug-o-war. And today we also had an experiment about load and effort on a lever with a fulcrum. The students had to decide where the fulcrum should be (closer to the effort or the load) so to use the least force. It went really well. We also played 'Mother May I' for grammar. We were learning about confusing verbs and the verbs may and can were a focal point so to reiterate that may deals with permission, we played the children game.
We also played Jeopardy today to review for their grammar test that is coming up on Sunday. The game went really well but I am having a problem with my students when they play competitive games. The boys gloat and the girls are sassy about winning. However, when the girls loose they say "It is just a game" and they are really good sports about it. However it is difficult when I keep having to tell them to listen and hear the person who is answering. They get out of hand. I understand that it is a game and it is supposed to be fun and interactive but when people are gloating and the noise is too high, the game no longer is fun. I want them to encourage each other no matter what the out come is of the game. But since they are not believers, to what extent can I expect godliness. Or can I not at all and just have to learn to encourage them to simply be moral people. But they cant be moral people when they do not have any good in them. I have God in me and I therefore have good because He is good. But these children don't know the God that I know. It is hard when I say things like God wants us to be honorable and respectful and encourage each other but they don't know the God I know. How can I expect my children to have moral lives when they don't know any different than their sinful nature. At what point do I say, I have done what I can and let it go. But I never want to let it go because I want them to be the best person that they can be and that is a servant of the King of Kings. I want my students to love not only in word or talk but in deed and in truth (1 John 3:18). Children are not the only ones that struggle with this problem, adults do to, even believers. But we know to ask God to show us and bring peace and love to the forefront of our minds. But they don't know the personal God that you and I do. How do I foster moral characters into people who don't know Christ. I know that I am rambling but this is a question that I am struggling with. I ask that you would pray for my students, that they would see the truth and the grace that God has given us and they with the help of the father be the best that they can be. I also ask that you pray for me, I ask that I would have wisdom when I speak to the kids about God and difficult moral characters that they lack. I ask that you would pray that I would be a light to these children. They are precious and beautiful children. They need our prayers. Thank you!

ANSWERS!

On March 8, 2010, I was reading in the Daily Bread devotional about His gift of life to us and I was convicted about the story that was shared. It talked about a boy who was walking along the beach and there were hundreds of starfish that were stuck on the land. The boy quickly began trying to pick them up and throw them into the ocean. A man walked by and said to the boy that he cant possibly save them all. The boy said that the man was right but it makes a big difference to each one if I do. There are so many lives in this world that one can get overwhelmed by the multitude. As I sit and pray for my students, I can not fathom never seeing them again and especially if they do not know Him. I get overwhelmed and being to recluse because there is nothing that I can do. He used this devotional to remind me that I cant share with all people but the ones that I do and they believe it makes a big difference in their lives. When that person believes, there is a joyous party for that person in heaven. Luke 15:7 says, "Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance." I cant help but joy with the throngs of angles and believers in when even the gospel is shared with people who are lost because a seed is planted.
I was in high spirits that day excited to see what God might show me that day. But a couple of days went by and I had forgot already what he had taught me. But yesterday, I was reminded about this verse in class. I had read them the children's book that I wrote about a boy named Saul who was adopted and the trials that he went through. Saul is them taken to a fantasy land (orania, heaven)and he meets the Bridegroom who writes Saul's name in the lambs book of life. But this day in class we were reading from the curriculum a story about a girl who lived in a dormitory in Africa. The house parents tried to make it feel like home so they made a big deal about birthdays. The main character went to her house parent to say what she wanted for he birthday and the parent replied and talked about two birthdays, one when you are physically born and then another one when you are saved. One of my students raised his hand and asked what it meant to be saved. Since he asked me, I was able to share basically the gospel with him (because it is a school that is for all religious students I have to gloss over believers things like this because it is offensive) because he asked me about it. Another one of my students said that it was like the story of Saul when he met the Bridegroom. They had connected my story about Saul being saved to this story in the curriculum.
It was a wonderful blessing of a seed that I was able to plant by the grace of God. I can not save my entire class but I can plant seeds and encourage my students to walk with HIm. I would stop everything to teach these children about Him. Thank you God for that chance that I had to share with my students about the Gospel. I pray that I might have more opportunities like that. I ask that you would pray the same. These children need to hear and believe so that they too may know the Love and Goodness that we know.

Teaching is Tough

I have just completed two full days of teaching all the subjects. On day one, I was really excited but nervous to teach all day. I didn't know what to expect. I have complete control of the classroom. I am reminded of what Paul says, I wish that not many of you become teachers for you will have stricter judgment. I am responsible for 25 lives 5 hours a day five times a week. They spend most of their time with me and engaging in learning about themselves and the world around them. I have a great responsibility to make sure that they are being fed physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. I have realized that this coming into teaching but I did not know the affect it would have on my body and even creativity. After two days of teaching, I feel like my brain is stretched and I have no creativity left. I know that is not true but still. I remember when I was a kid learning all these things new the first time was difficult. But I now realize that I have to have all the information, at once in my brain, so that I know where the end result with be and bring my children to that same place. It is like having the big picture in your brain plus all the little details. If you miss a detail then you might possibly not get to the end result.
It is also difficult when you have developed a relationship with the children and they get a bad grade. You want them to succeed so badly that you almost pray that you dont have to give them this grade but you have to. Not only that, but when you are the teacher, you feel as though you have taught the lesson wrong or that you made a mistake, why else did they get the wrong answer. I felt this way in Grammar today. We were going over present-tense verbs. There are four rules to keep in mind when doing these types of verbs. It is difficult to only have one day where we learn about these types of verbs. Some of the kids were all over the map in trying to spell the verb in the correct tense. Others did well and still others did great. I know that is typical but I want them all to understand the first time. It was also a little disheartening when Their science quiz grades went down today, especially when I warned them about certain questions that they would find difficult. About 2/3 got A and B and the rest got C. I know that is a good bell curve but from the last quiz more got 100%.
Another thing to keep in account is that my style is not spoon feeding. I do not like it. I find that happens a lot in elementary education. My students can think when they choose to do so. But more often than not they make silly mistakes and rush through their work. The students have come up to my and said, you didnt say this. They I said well you did read the chapter didnt you, and they say yes. Then I reply well, I did talk about it but you have to now apply it. Fact is not good enough, how might it apply to life. I find that in college, I would do the same thing though. I would just read the page because I had to but didn't pay too much attention to it. I just need different ways to motivate them to care about what they are reading. See, I know how to motivate but it is also difficult to do that in another country. This country will not read for fun. They do not choose to learn on their own, outside of a trade job, for it is not encouraged. Creativity is not either, in fact it can be shunned sometimes. Learning about this culture takes you on a ride that never ends. There are so many facets to it, I don't think I can keep up.
I just ask for prayer for my classroom and I. I have been soaking up the word and enjoying God for what he has provided me with and the blessing that He is to me. I am also inviting his spirit into my classroom and my mind. But for some reason, I feel like my creative juices have run dry and my energy to halt. I could use some prayer and encouragement. Do not get me wrong as you read this, I love that I am here and it is an amazing experience that I am having but it is stretching me and molding me into potentially becoming a great teacher one day. I thank God everyday for this opportunity. Though trials may come, my faith will be proved genuine and I will succeed because teaching is what he has called me to do!

DRAMA

Last night was so much fun. The high schoolers have been practicing for the play of the year. This year they did The Wizard of OZ. My class is on the sixth floor and the roof is on the seventh. The students dont have anywhere to practice their play (all venues are too expensive to rent for months at a time)on the roof. Every afternoon as I am grading papers and talking with my Supervising Teacher, I hear them yelling and singing and laughing. The drama closet also happens to be in my room :) I got people coming in and out. I see strange green costumes and other ones that look like some sort of paint and pattern mix up happened at the factory that made the clothes. There was so much color (can you guess the scene) I didnt know what do to. Then there were flowers galore. One day a student was getting the wicked witches broom out of the closet. The broom is very long and the fan on the ceiling was running. Yep ZZZZZ... went the fan and pieces of the broom came flying at me. She gave it a hair cut :)! Oh one day they decieded to clean out the drama closet. I did not know that all the stuff in my room could come out of such a small space. It was a amazing.
To say the least I have been anticipating this program. I kept thinking, where in the world are the going to find a stage big enough to make this work. Well it all culminated last night. My two housemates and I ate an early dinner (quarter to six) and then headed out. We left the compound where I am staying and traveled across town with several other ladies. Finally after several minutes, we made it to the theater. We climbed up several steps. I knew that some of the my students from class four would be there but I didnt realize that 6 or more of them came! There are three performances to choose from. It was really nice to see my kinds outside of class. Finally, we were seated in and air conditioned room (praise God!) There was stadium seating except the first several rows. I was in row E from the front. I was nice and close to hear the students. The didnt have a lot of cordless mics so only the ones of the scene who where leading the songs would have the mic. It was kinda hard to hear them because they had only practiced on the actual stage three or so times. One of the little girls that lives in our compound was there and she sat next to me! We was so excited, she told me that she could scream. Well the lights went out and the curtains opened.
This was a special program because during the year the boy who was supposed to play the Tin Man actually died due to a freak accident while eating, he choked on a piece of meat and died almost instantly. The drama season and students were so affected by it that they didnt think they could make it. But they replaced the part with a mechanical dolly. They knew that the student would want them to go on with the show. The show then was dedicated to him and his family. So this play was really important.
Oh my word! They did such a great job!!! The play was amazing. The students all had great mid-west accents. The lion and scarecrow were my favorites. The lion actually sounded like the character on the movie, I think he did better than the movie! He even had the lisp and I could still understand him. The witch was amazing too. She was actually believably scary. And her laugh and finger pointing were right on. The facial expressions were fantastic! I think its thanks to the Indian films lol. You could see that they really enjoyed this play and put their entire heart and soul into it. The humor was fantastic. So much energy and aw it was really cool! I am so proud of them. I cant wait to get the feed back from my students on Sunday.
Now on to other things. I will be teaching all day for at least three full weeks starting Sunday. I am really excited but I have a lot of planning to get done. It will be a challenge but I think I am ready. My principal came and observed me and she had nothing but good things to say about my science and math lesson. She said that even in the last several weeks I have improved. I thank my God for giving me the ability and creativity to come up with engaging lessons that the students would like. Please pray that God would provide me with the strength need to do my very best and glorify him in the process.
Yesterday and the day before was World Maths Day. I dont know if I talked about it, but 4th grade and up had a chance to participate in World Maths Day. It is a day around the whole world in which school pre-register to play math games. It have a series of levels (5 i think) First level is addition and subtraction questions. The game picks three other children who are also playing from around the world to see who will answer the most math questions in one minute. One of my students played some other children from Germany, Qutar, Brazil, UK, USA, AE, Italy, Austria ect. They had a blast. Since we are in this time zone, we actually get another 12 hours :) So in the last two days they have been able to have 45 minutes each day to play. They loved it!!! I am so glad that they were able to participate in this type of game. I wonder why America has not heard of it yet. When I have my own classroom, I want my children to play. I even got to play :)
Anyway, I must get ready for the day. Please keep praying for my students. I had an opportunity yesterday to speak with one of my believing students and encourage her in the things the we know. She claims that she doesn't have friends and so please just pray that I can speak into her life and encourage her more. Oh pray for another one of my students, she is having surgery on her neck to remove a growth that is growing inside. She said she is not scared but just for quick recovery. The surgery is today. She will be out of class for a week. Oh by the way I was encouraged when I went to AWANA (for the first time ever) and saw that at least 5 of my kiddos from class go to. And two other children just believed. Praise Him! So you can be praying for those children! Thank you for all that you have done for me and for these children!

Characters of Class 4

I realized today that I kinda told you about the general stuff about the school but not much about the characters that are in Class 4. Like I said earlier, this school was founded about 12 years ago by a woman and her husband who are still the administrators. There are grades from KG 1 to class 12. The students are placed by their skill level not their age. I believe there is a 23 year old in class 12. Most of my students are 11 when technically they should be only 9. The school is housed in one whole building and a bridge was built to connect the main building to the one next to it which houses the high school on the top four floors. (the bridge is made out of mettle and plastic but I assure you its sturdy just kinda funny to see a bridge in between two separate buildings owned by two different people) My class is on the sixth floor (there is no elevator :)) So I climb every day about 5 flights at least four times a day. Way to go legs! I currently teach all the subjects except grammar and science. I will pick up grammar on tuesday and then the following sunday pick up grammar. I will then teach for three weeks straight all by myself. By the way, I was able to get enough material for the students to make their own homemade compasses in groups. They loved it! I asked them to find out which way America was from inside the building. Since we were studying the Pony Express we needed to know which way was St. Joseph MO so that we could use it :). Then we learned about a map, the key, compass rose and a sun dial. These types of experience helps in learning to read and being able to connect their experience to the reading and make it personal to their own lives. Otherwise, the story becomes boring and useless. So we actually went way over out time for reading but they were asking such good questions!.
Anyway, my characters. Oh what to say about my class? I chuckle because of how funny they are. I have 25 students in my class, 13 boys and 12 girls. Usually they are mixed in their seating but the parents asked if they could be separated because when they are at this age (according to them) they cannot keep their hormones at bay anymore. So they need to be split boy and girl. I have your normal breakfast club students. The clown of my class is A (call him that to protect him). Today we were reading my book that I wrote and he said, "Miss Rachel, your story is so touching. I cant wait to hear the body of the story!" He said it with a little smirk and glint in his eyes. He says things like "If you were president what would you change about our country?" He also says "Your so cool, Miss Hoerner." Most of the students want to be American and so you will hear them say English slang or idioms and you think where did that come from? Then there is F. She has such a valley girl attitude. She thinks shes all that and a bag of chips. She's funny too. There is A. He is super smart. He gets A+ on everything he does practically. I usually grade his test first because it is easier using that then the answer book. There is also P. He is exactly like my nephew Henry. Oh man, they look alike, talk alike, think alike. He even has some of the same mannerisms. S is like the mother of the students. She is super sweet and kind most of the time, but man can she bite back sometimes. Then there is Sa. She is so shy and quite. She has the quietest voice you will ever hear. I feel like I need to be standing right next to her to hear her. This is just a glimpse and there is so much more about them that I could say.
I will say that the households here are much different that you would think. Almost every home has a maid, cook, driver, a guard for the house and other servants. I am told that the students are very rude to these people. It is because they see these people as not people but something lower than human. These jobs are for people who aren't educated and do not help society. It is hard to imagine how these children in my class who are so sweet and respectful toward me can be so abominable to people at home. Often the father will eat dinner and then the children and then the mother and she only eats if there is any food left. The way that you and I think is completely backwards here. This next week for Moral Ed we are discussing courtesy. Somethings that you would think should be just automatic are things that they have never even considered before. Simple ideas like not yelling at people or being rude to them is so foreign here. One day we are going to compare cultures so I will definitely describe the differences. They will be doing a project where they mus find five people that are not related to them and ask them their name, what they do and what they like to do. This is to get them to talk to people that they might ignore for various reasons so that they realize that they are people just like them with real dreams and desires.

Side Note: Passing gas and burping here is totally accepted. I find that when someone burps at the table or in public, where you would think people would be more discreet, it still shocks me. I think, how rude. But here it is totally normal. It can be entertaining to say the least.

Anyway, you can be praying for these next several weeks for my students and my student teaching full time.

PS Thank you to all who have commented or written me emails about my blog. The encouragement is wonderful and keeps me going! Thank you as well for your prayers. May God bless you always where ever he has you!

A Mesh of Things

A lot has gone on in the last couple of days. I will start with Saturday. In the wee hours of the morning I got reading to attend the staff picnic. I put on my new outfit that I had got from the tailor. The Chemise (top) is a deep purply red color with a very small dark blue pattern in it. Together it looks like an even deeper purple. The sleeves have a strip of white silk that has silver specs in it. The neckline I drew myself. Kinda wavy to that creates a V neck. It is lined with one string of silver sequence. The Shalwar (pants) is made from the same fabric that the trim of the sleeves are. The pants are baggy and tie at the waist. My Orna (the shawl over my shoulders) is white with a flower pattern sown into it. The center of each flower has a silver bead in it. Then I did my make-up like a native with eye liner that swoops out to the side of my face (just to the end of the eyebrow). I added purple eyeshadow. Then I squeezed on the bangles that I bought which were purple and silver. I pulled back my hair cause I knew that it would be hot.
Alexis and I took a baby-taxi to the school so that we could leave by 7:30am. We arrived on time. However, in native time it was more like 8. The women all came in their best clothes and the men in their nice shirt and pants. We all climbed into the two buses that were waiting for us. The buses were interesting to say the least. The seats were WAY too close for comfort (made for small people). The ceiling had lamps for the night time. It was like the type of lamp you would see in a house over the dinner table. The bus driver started the bus and it roared to life. We pulled out into traffic. I looked at the door of the buss s and it was WIDE OPEN. I looked a Alexis who was sitting right next to me and explained that they needed to shut the door. Apparently, in this country they do not close them. Rather they have a man who stands at the door the whole time (kinda like a conductor) He is there so that when we stop people do think that it is the city bus. Anyway we continued down the road to our destination that was two hours away (I know, that for for a picnic?) Yes, two hours away was a tea garden that we were going to. Most of the way was paved until we spilt and went down a smaller path that would only allow one car at a time let a lone a bus going one way and a car coming the other way. The road was so bumpy that since I and Alexis were in the back, we literally flew into the ceiling. When we came back down, our seat was off the chair. It was like a roller coaster. Then several minutes later, all of a sudden the bus was going into the rice patties that were on either side of the road. Apparently a portion of the road was blown out and they were trying to fit it. So into the rice patties the buss went trying not to get stuck. Finally we reached the tea garden. It was so beautiful. We were by a small lake with lots of trees and places to run and play. The gardens were rows and rows of short little bushed. It reminded me of a vineyard but with tea bushes. We played games and had a wonderful meal. I got a picture! The food was truly spicy that my nose was running and Alexis found a chili that was as long as her hand from tip to the bottom of her palm in her rice. They also had chicken, salsa, veggies, and another gravy chicken dish. It was all so good. I love eating with my hand too! No utensils people. All children would die to eat like the natives do! I was able to talk with lots of the staff people and meet their families, relatives and other children they were associated with. I am so glad that we went! But it was a long day, 8 hours total for a picnic...
Yesterday was mother language day that was made into a national holiday by the UN. So lots of the natives wore white and black and put red flowers in their heads and all over their bodies. Most people walk barefoot to the monuments that are erected for their language. You see another country only wanted their language to be the national language but the natives here fought back. Some soldiers went to the university and killed the protesters. From there this country was an independent country and had its own language. To this day the people are very proud of their heritage and language. My students did a commemoration today in honor of the language by doing a skit while the girls played a song in their language. The program was closed by the singing of the national anthem. What a beautiful and melodious song it is! They did a great job!
In reading class, my students had a chance to do a relay race up and down the hall way stairs to deliver mail to simulate the Pony Express. The kids has a lot of fun with it. It is this type of experience that I want the to have so that they can connect with the stories better. Later in the week we are going to take a look at how to read a map in relation to the Pony Express. I will be making a homemade compass out of a needle, string, magnet and a glass jar. I think they are really going to like the simulation.
In Moral Ed, I am really getting a chance to speak into these children's lives. We are learning about flexibility. Today's lesson was about a quote by Helen Keller. “When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.” When a situation comes that is difficult, do not focus on the difficulty or yourself but look for the positive in the difficult situation. Learning to have an optimistic attitude can cause one to see the other door of happiness that has been open and then you can move on with your life. Being flexible is adapting to different situations around you no matter the circumstance.
A prayer request that I have is that most people in the country from the time they are little, they are taught to lie if it helps them. In class many of the students will cheat and have someone give them the answer so that they can get a good grade without truly understanding the concept. I am having a difficult time understanding why they are always doing this. I guess it is the spirit of betterment and self preservation. Please pray that I can encourage them to do their best not someone else's best.
This is a long post but such good things are happening that I want to share them all with you. I pray that this blog finds you well! Please keep praying for my students, the staff and my cooperating teacher and I so that we give these children the education that they need so that they may go into the world and speak truth!

Fat Hands and Fat Feet

One of the most wonderful and tiring but rewarding opportunity that I have in the this country is to design my own clothes. I designed this outfit for the picnic on Saturday that is just beautiful, if I do say so myself. Well, today was the day to pick it up. When I got it, I was completely overwhelmed by how beautiful the tailor did it. The fabric plus detail and custom fitting cost $10 total. Is that not the most amazing thing that you have ever heard of? Since, I was at the shopping complex with a couple of other girls, I decided that I needed bangles to go with my outfit since that is the fashion. So I went to one store and bought matching bangles for my outfit. The natives hands are much smaller because they themselves are small. So it was very somewhat difficult to get it over my hand. Well I did so I bought the set. Then we all stopped at a shoe store. They didn't have anything over an 8 1/2. Too bad I wear a 9 1/2 to 10. They told me that my feet were too big to find shoes. Gee thanks a lot! So that was a bummer. Then I also decided that I needed bangles for my sari that I purchased. So I went in search for deep red and gold. The girls and I went to a little shop. I saw the ones that I wanted and asked to see them. Alexis told me that they were glass. Not thinking too much I tried to put them on. All of a sudden the glass BROKE. (I felt like I was in China Town where there are signs that say 'you brake you buy, we brake we cry') All of our eyes became the size of our entire head along with a huge gasp. I felt so bad that I think my heart skipped a beat. Anyway, I needed to pay for it. The salesman said they were such and such a price but it was way jacked up because I am white and he obviously knew that I would pay for them at any cost. However, the amount that he suggested was just taking advantage. It was a very sticky situation. 3 girls and the rest were men... not good. So we looked at other ones and the man came down in price by a lot and I just purchased them. I now have bangles that ill have to saw off some bone on my hand to get them over. Anyway, I am a clumsy, big American. Oh well, it could happen to anyone. At least im not a LOUD, clumsy, big American.

Rain

It has been dusty here for a very long time. The leaves on the trees are brown, not green. When you blow your nose, all that comes out is clumps of mud. While the children play on the field, they come in dustier than a duster. In the morning Tripti cleans my room and by the afternoon the floor is covered in a thin layer of dust again. However, today it rained. It rained just enough to wet the ground and make the dust subtle down to relax and stay put. You can literally smell it raining. As the rain contacts with the dirt, the smell of earth rises to your nose and refreshes your mind and body. I feel like I am back in my own town. The people are glad that it is raining because the rain is what helps the mango trees to grow and blossom. This country is known for its mango blossoms that are all yellow and orange, dotting the trees. This rain is call the mango rain. They say that the mangoes are very sweet and juicy. A week before I leave to come home, mangoes will be in season, and I can partake of the wonderful gift that He has given us. However, on the negative side, there is so much pollution here that it is acid rain. Its not very concentrated but it can still be harmful. I was told by some people today that the natives loose their hair because of the acid in the rain. Can you believe that? I never thought that could actually happen. I guess I wont be playing in the rain today :)
Any way, I just thought that you might enjoy this little peace of heaven among the dust. i am doing well and looking forward to this weekend when I attend the picnic. I will be picking up my new outfit that I had made for the picnic. Cant wait to meet all the staff's family and commune with them. I will write soon! Love you all!

A Visit to the Village

I had a wonderful opprotunity to go and visit a village that is an hour away from my city. Several middle school girls a seventh grade boy and one ninth grade boy along with Madam all went in the school van to the PlayPlace for poor village children. It was began by a woman by the name of Mrs. Bower (sp) Her husband was working for a fabric company which was the second leading employment provider in this country besides the government. Since there are NO playgrounds in the country (besides the school), she decided that it would (SICK I JUST SMASHED A MISQUITO AND IT BLEED ALL OVER MY HAND, IT PROBABLY WAS MY BLOOD IN ITS BELLY) be a good idea to create a palace for these children to play. So she brought in playground equipment and it is still there today after many many many years. She then also started art classes for the children and reading clubs. Eventually she gave the place over to some NGO's. She has also written several children's books. Anyway after 30 years or so, she returned for one of the last times. She asked that some children from the school come and put on a short program for them. So I got invited and we went. One student did Tae Kwon Do for them. Another told a national funny story and the other student did a traditional dance (I got it on video...) The kids loved it and the students did wonderful! Anyway, to say the least, I had a joy today playing with the children and being out in the village.

SIDE NOTES
- did you know that cockroaches only fly when they are mating?
- did you know that two weeks out of the year, flying termites come and invade this country (guess what time of year? March!) Apparently, they eventually loose their wings and die. The people here told me that I will see wings everywhere and their black bodies close by. They said as long as I keep my doors closed, no problem... sure right.. thats what they want me to think... really I am going to be eaten a live by things that are supposed to eat wood and NOT fly, but these are super bugs I tell you!!!

Well good night... dont let the termites bite!

Joys of the City!

Well it has been some time since I have updated my blog. We are always guessing and trying to anticipate when the electricity goes out, but it is worthless. There is no rhyme or reason to the electricity flow! TIB! So to say the least, when I have time to sit down and write, the electricity goes out or my computer dies. Anyway, despite the that all is going well. I began teaching this week. Teaching in the classroom is so much better than teaching in front of your peers in the college classroom, let me tell you. I find that the children gives me energy to teach. When they are enthusiastic I am too! The students that are in my class are a hoot! I have picked out the class clown. He is a short boy who has glasses. His dad is an actor and of course he takes after his father. He bring such life the room that when our feet are dragging, we are sustained. I have also identified the mother of the room. She is a slender beautiful young lady who opens the student's wrappers for tiffin (snack time). I have also found the trouble maker (not really for they are all really good kids) He is so funny because he coordinates with his buddies and they all talk to each other in their language. I have to brake them up and say 'Uhem, English thank you!' There are so many more students that I could talk to you about. I finally know all their names and faces! It is getting easier and easier. I am also feeling more and more confident and comfortable with them. I have one particular student that I feel I am most here for. He is a student that just arrived a month ago from the States. He has had a difficult time adjusting. I have been working and encouraging him through this process and hes starting to come around SEED PLANTED! Keep him in your thoughts. He just needs someone to be a constant in his life to that he has security. I think He knew what He was doing when He put me with the boy in the states that I baby sat. That job prepared me for teaching her definitely.
There are some difficulties that I face teaching in an all ESL school. I knew that most all of the students did not know any English before arriving at the school. Now they are in fourth grade and are almost fluent. It is amazing. However, in the last two days I have had to teach about humor and idioms. Unfortunately, we are using a North American curriculum. So for a foreigner, it is difficult to get the humor and idioms that they are not familiar with. I know that they have the idea of idioms and humor down but just not the same types they are used to. So it is truly hard to know if they are really understanding. I wonder if they have their own idioms. I am sure they do? Perhaps I should ask them. It is also hard to know what they understand or dont understand in a passage of reading. They are so polite (and the culture does not encourage creativity or thinking for yourself) that they do not ask questions or challenge the teacher. So when I am going over a passage that has vocabular that I think they know, they actually dont and so the understanding of the passage becomes difficult. Learning how to teach ESL is difficult. Where is Annie (my previous roommate) when you need here language skills? Anyway, all that to say I am really getting to know the students and they are so forgiving with cultural mistakes and or confusion in my instructions. I am able to speak into their lives and share the Love with them. I couldn't have asked for a better class or cooperating teacher.
Now on to the fun part. I went to a Bazar the other afternoon to purchase some fabric to take to the tailor. I am having him make two Shalvar Chamise with Orna (long top with baggy pants and a shall) Then I also bought a Sari. It is deep red with gold sequence in a leaf pattern. I cant wait to see it when they are all made. Okay so we drove to the Bazar in the school van. There was a cacophony of people everywhere trying not to get ran over by rickshaws or motorcycles or cars for that matter. Most of the people in the open air bazar were males. However, a good number of them accompanied women to the shops. So imagine, in the middle of this huge crowd, a van full of about six white, mostly tall, Americans get out. Can you imagine all the stairs in our direction? I felt as if I should have placed myself in a glass box for all of them to gawk at me and also for my protection. I am so thankful that we had three men with! But man the circus must have come to town because there was a huge crowd around us. When we would stop on the side of the street, people would actually stop and stair at us from only a few inches from us. They then would call their friends over to take a look at what waltzed in. Trying to cross the street was another venture all of its own. Man if you were not fast enough or alert enough you would get ran over. It is like the yellow and white taxi cabs in Chicago; they dont stop for you at any time. And man do these people use their horns. It as if the horn was an extension of their angry vocal cords. Honk here and honk there... so loud. It amazes me how loud this city is, louder than Chicago sometimes, without the noise of the 'L'. (oh funny side note, the people are afraid of cats. Don't remember if I told you but they are. They don't have any sense of a pet either.) However, annoying and rather irritating the men and people in the streets were with their constant stair of our every move, shopping was fun. I got to barter with with the sales people through a native gentleman from the school. When you walk off the street into a building the aisle is very narrow and on either side of the wall several little alcoves made that housed fabrics all the way to the ceiling. Rows and rows of fabric in all different colors and styles and patterns. There are three different types of fabric alcoves (shops) There were the three piece Shalwar and Chamise with Orna or there are shops with only bolts of fabric and then there are shops that sell Saris. The fabrics that they use here are so New Orleans. It is very gaudy. There are patterns of all different colors and shapes. They might use two different patterns with six colors all together. They are also into embellishments such as sparkles everywhere. It is like a sea whirl of sparkle and color. But then you also have the burqa. It is a black drape over the whole body with a separate black head peace and face mask. But now the fashion is that those are colorful. This is allowed only in some families. But people mostly wear the Shalwar and Chamise... the people that would wear the Sari for everyday wear would be the village people. The city people usually only wear them to weddings and fancy parties. And man can these people party... all hours of the night. The family schedule here is nuts. The children dont go to be until at lease 2 am. They have dinner around 11pm. But anyway, oh man the city smells really bad, especially in this Bazar. Few, it smells of a mix of fesses and garbage. There is so much polution from littering that the city has actually outlawed plastic bags. The bags are not biodegradable and so it was killing their soil. They then were not able to produce crops. So now they only use brown bags.

Well the power just went out :) So I am going to send this before the internet goes. I will write later :)

Love you all!