Time has been going so fast. It's hard to believe that it's the middle of October already. Since the last blog entry some interesting things have happened.
I'm happy that things are beginning to progress in an “upward” direction with maggie, and I know that things are definitely moving in that realm, cuz the enemy is NOT happy. The very next day after I had that conversation with her, I had the worst day ever since I’ve been here . Everything seemed to be going wrong. I didn't want to be here, I was SO lonely, I forgot my keys and was locked out of my apartment, I had to pay a bunch for a locksmith to get me in, and the ONE day I bring my cell phone to class it rings, and I was so flustered, it was SUCH an OFF day, I spent most of it in my room feeling sorry for myself. I didn't realize until later that dude, it's warfare!! Stuff happened the night before to the glory of G, and the enemy wants to discourage me and stop it,.... well, I've got him figured out now and he is not going to with this battle. Today is a new day and the battle belongs to the Lord!!!
After that miserable day, I woke up the next morning earlier then usual and declared it as a GOOD day! A new day, and no matter what it brings my way, I will still declare it a GOOD day! I've made up my mind about that. This was especially important cuz I had my dreaded class 24... the most difficult ones who are very low level and very unmotivated to learn. I had to phych myself up for it. I devised a completely unique lesson tailored to them. There is another class at about their same level, but that class actually wants to learn, and it makes a world of difference cuz I can use the same lessons I do for all the others with them. With this unmotivated class I have to do something totally different. I need to make the class very fast paced, high energy, funny, and with lots of variety to keep their attention, cause them to have fun, and get them involved. Some still had their heads on their desks, but it was the best class with them yet. I've decided that it's too early to expect them to speak a lot, so for now I will do more on listening and simple fun tasks to break the ice and get them more comfortable with me, and build up their confidence; then I will gradually incorporate more speaking tasks. This is the only way I think I will reach them.
I have started drinking more fluids to curb these symptoms of dehydration. I drink tea every morning. The Oolong tea has lots of caffeine and helps me wake up.
The guys finally brought up a closet for me yesterday. I have been living out of my suitcase this entire time. After putting my things in it, I realized that I brought way too many clothes. It's almost embarrassing.
I've begun a new lesson set. This time I am teaching them the "Yellow Submarine" song by the Beatles. No doubt I will never want to hear it again when the week is through... but hey, the kids think its fun! And I get to sing in front of them all and make a big dork out of myself. They love it. the bad part about it was I envisioned the fill-in the-blank-with-the-right-lyrics excersize to last longer, so I was left with nothing to do but sing for them and act like I knew what I was doing. Ah, well! Another thing I did that was fun, was a "Mad Lib" with the song. It was way funny. "We all dance with a purple girl...etc" Instead of "We all live in a yellow sub..." you get the idea.
Sometimes It gets difficult for me to work up the energy to be enthusiastic during class. I want to teach each class with the same level of enthusiasm, but it's easy to get burnt out.... Especially since I am an introvert, and being in front of people is VERY stretching for me! Yesterday I was draggin my feet, I had one class left in the afternoon and dragged myself there, but there were no students! That class had been canceled cuz they had a special assignment. Whew! But I didn't know if I was going to make it through the rest of the week.... but isn't He good!! His mercies are new every morning! I dont' know how He does it... but He gives me enough to last each day. PTL!
Today some students from class 19 asked if I could "hang out" with them on Saturday. I'm so impressed with their retention! I taught them "hang out" three weeks ago! I'm excited to be able to spend some time with them, and tickled that they wanna spend time with me.
So China sent a man into space the other day for the first time in history I think. It's the biggest news around here. I say, good for them! It's pretty amazing.
The only other funny or exciting things these days is Martin killed a rat, which he so lovingly refered to as a "she." I mentioned once that I wanted to get a fish, and he said, "You women have control issues! You always need something to control!" Brenda concluded that he has mom issues! Nigel got some fish, but according to Martin has nothing to do with control since Nigel's a guy. He even got a very nice little aquarium for them. One of the fish has already died.
While walking along the road by the pet and plants place (say that ten times fast), Brenda and I met some other foreigners from Canada. They teach at a nearby private school. We were surprised that we've never seen them before, but aparently they are not in the loop with all the other foreign teachers in the area. They were not invited to the Teacher's Day program or the National Holiday dinner. They were very young. Not even finished with college yet. Hopefully we can help them feel more connected. It's nice knowing you're not the only foreigners in the city.
I bought some waffle-type things from a street vendor. If I see him again I have to take a piture of his contraption. All connected to his bycicle is a small propane tank, a fire tin, the waffle smoosher thingy, a bucket of batter, and a small table. It's pretty amazing. Very recourceful and clever.
My Chinese is improving. The other day at the restaurant, I was able to order my food with little problem, and help the others as well. I don't mean to brag, but the other two that were with me have been teaching in china before (one for 1 year, one for 3!). I think if I study hard and practice, I can get around with no problem.
Thanks for all your Pryrs and Encouragement!
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