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!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
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!
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!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
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.
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.
Monday, March 8, 2010
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!
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!
Thursday, March 4, 2010
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!
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)