The First Week of Teaching

My first week of teaching has come to an end, and it has been quite the adventure. From last week when I was told that I wouldn't be teaching, but just assisting, to now when I realize that I actually have done a lot of the teaching. What a difference! I have come in and stated my expectations. The kids are starting to figure them out. I have stepped up the plate several times in getting the students to behave in a manner more appropriate for school. I have introduced new strategies for learning English. The kids love me to death and give me many hugs.

The week was a little challenging. Trying to manage kids that have never been managed before really wears a person out, and it can be very frustrating. But I must be doing something right because the kids are starting to get it and they really enjoy having me in the classroom. I just hope they will also start picking up more English,,,,

In the afternoons, Laurel and I have been tutoring, One little boy is a hyperactive 3rd grade boy who is really fun. We come up with activities and games for him that allow him to learn while being wild and moving. We also meet a few times a week with a teenage boy and just help him with his English by conversing with him and playing games,

The teenage girl has still been coming over quite often just to hang out. She took us out to get traditional Paraguayan clothes and taught us a few dance moves, We also went to the capybara park and walked around with her and played on the playground (never too old to have fun, right?). We have had many good conversations.

Tomorrow (Saturday) I will be teaching and leading the youth group at the church and the Bible study for the young girls in the morning. I am excited for this opportunity and hope it goes well!

Things I have noticed:

*"Winter" in Paraguay is more like a warm spring.

* Almost no wild animals still exist here, they have all been hunted and eaten,

* It is more likely for me to be considered German than American. Several times people have tried to speak to me in German.

*Rules are made as a guideline, and are usually broken.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

*Pray that my new friend, the teenager who spends time with us, would be able to get a scholarship to go to a good Bible college somewhere. She would be the first and only member of her family to attend college. She wants to be a missionary, but her family does not have the money to support her college dreams,

*Pray for my lessons with the kids and the youth group this weekend.

*Pray that I would have wisdom for when to step in and help the teachers, and when to let it be cultural.