We have four American girls, one American grandpa, and a Taiwanese teacher in our house. Every morning, we four American girls start our day with 6am exercise. We hold each other accountable. We knock on the doors of sleepy team mates. We leave little "congratulations" notes to mark another success. At 8:30am, we pray for each other before we leave for school. Part of our ministry here is learning to love each other, taking care of each other as we take care of our students. Our American grandpa helps us take care of the house, he listens to our struggles with stubborn students, and forgives us when we're crabby. He is a model of selflessness and humility for us to mimic. Our Taiwanese coworker is a good roommate and we always share silly stories of the what our students have been up to and sometimes watch tv shows together. I'm so blessed to have them, each one of them in this house. It certainly is a beautiful place.
It's necessary, because teaching is not without it's struggles. Of course. Any teacher will tell you that.
A teacher's work is never done, nor is a missionary's. There is so much love and grace we want to give, but at the same time we must be disciplined in order to keep the high standards of the school and in order to keep our authority (students know that American teachers are a bit softer than Taiwanese teachers, and they're good at using it to their advantage!) Most of the struggle is just classroom management. When we struggle with that, we also struggle with feelings of failure. But we must keep going, and we must keep loving in a firm way. God gives us grace to not give up.
Spanish classes are my biggest struggle. We have no textbooks, and no fund to buy them. I did my best to construct a first semester curriculum for the students' to use, but I cannot do the job of a team of professionals. I'm waiting to send my request to the administration for a Spanish textbook fund... if that doesn't happen, I'll be talking with Lutheran schools in America to see if they have any old textbooks that they can donate. I am in prayer about this, as a solid Spanish program could be a real advantage for Concordia and keep its reputation as an elite school.
A few weeks ago we had a young person's confirmation at church, and next week a student is getting baptized. I'll post some photos. Praise God that He is the one who changes hearts! We cannot do it, but His Word is powerful.
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." -- Ephesians 3:19-20
The weather is cooling, and I'm finally able to sit at my desk and walk to my class without sweating profusely. Mango season is almost over, soon to be replaced with oranges in the marketplace. Chinese classes are going well and I'm reading a second grade textbook right now (it's challenging enough!) My colleague has been teaching me free of charge, which is a real Godsend, and so I always try to gift her with fruit or other food to show my appreciation (as is customary in Taiwan). I'm resigned to the fact, however, that no matter how fluent my Chinese may become, I'll forever stick out in Asia with my blond hair!
The weather is cooling, and I'm finally able to sit at my desk and walk to my class without sweating profusely. Mango season is almost over, soon to be replaced with oranges in the marketplace. Chinese classes are going well and I'm reading a second grade textbook right now (it's challenging enough!) My colleague has been teaching me free of charge, which is a real Godsend, and so I always try to gift her with fruit or other food to show my appreciation (as is customary in Taiwan). I'm resigned to the fact, however, that no matter how fluent my Chinese may become, I'll forever stick out in Asia with my blond hair!
Thank you so much for your encouragement and your prayers. I love hearing from you all, via emails or facebook, and you are a joy to me in my ministry. Remember that you are not alone in your faith-- along with you, millions of Christians from all over the world are setting their sights on eternity, renouncing this world and its ways, living lives of love and waiting for Christ to return as He promised. You are not alone!
In Christ,
Anna Gruen
A letter that keeps me going...
A letter that keeps me going...
