The Honeymoon is Over.

... And after three weeks of well-behaved students, we're now starting to settle into the ordinary rhythm of school.  The newness has worn off-- students get bored quickly again, and they need motivation to keep working.   I've heard that the first year of teaching is a LOT of work, and I'm finding it to be true, especially as I create my own Spanish curriculum as I go (the school has no textbook, and doesn't want one).  I feel like I can never get ahead, and I look at my calendar and wonder how it's already Tuesday when yesterday was Friday.  BUT, you Americans know what I'm talking about.  Business is an integral aspect in American life.  Often times we don't know how to stop, and so I know you understand.


Teaching is rewarding, but so messy.  What is the best way to explain Jesus' parables to English learners?  Are my students comprehending everything?  Are they getting the information they need for their big exams?  Are they developing as people?  Am I showing equal concern for all students, or am I showing favoritism?  How do I engage the boys and girls in my class, when their interests and learning styles are so different?  These are the questions of a teacher, and sometimes I think these questions largely go unanswered.


If I had time to write, I'd tell you more about the house church I visited.  The place was flooded with food and families ready to welcome in new students of the local universities.  I'd tell you about the hiking trip I went on with a Taiwanese family, and all the Taiwanese things I learned and saw and ate.  I'd tell you more about Team Taiwan and how we at times drop personal plans to be there for each other and offer a hug and a listening ear.  Mostly I would tell you about my students.  They are each so precious, and I can't believe that I've been entrusted with their education and development.  God has blessed me with a handful of Christian students in each class that give me so much joy, and many more students who are willing and want to learn more about the Bible.  Please please please pray for my students.

In some ways, I feel as if I have finally passed over into adulthood.  I now no longer just take care of myself with an occasional helpful action offered to a friend, but I have children to take care of on a regular basis.  It changes the entire way I think and live.  I hope that I can be a blessing while I am here in Taiwan, but I sure am being blessed back quite a bit.  God is always teaching me and maturing me.  I guess He's good at this sort of thing:

"He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

Philippians 1:6

I have confidence that this is true for all of you serving on the mission front back in America.  God is doing great works in you.

In Christ,

Anna

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