Jumbled Thoughts

As the days continue to roll by, less and less seems out of the ordinary or worth writing about. But I realize that part of this is just my adjustment to life here. Assuming that you still want to hear a bit about my experiences, here are a few jumbled thoughts of mine. Mostly my highlights of the week.

Last Sunday, Kayla and I went on a hike with the younger Pathfinder group. It was good for me to spend time with my students outside of the classroom. It is always a nice reminder that although these kids try my patience everyday, they are still great kids just looking for love in the only way they know how. It was also good exercise. I wasn’t expecting it to be quite so far. Here when they say, “Let’s go for a walk," it’s just a slow walk, so I assumed a hike would be a stroll through some pretty terrain. I was surprised to learn part way through the hike that the round trip distance would be twenty miles! That’s the equivalent of walking to Bonao, our nearest town. I still like to blame my soreness on this adventure.

I also love the end of church services. Not because the program is over, but because of the line of kids outside the church doors. At home, if I remember correctly, a handshake is about all you get. But here they exchange hugs and kisses with everyone. I am apologizing now in advance if I fall into this habit by the time I get home. It is likely.

I also received a proposal this last week. One of my fifth grade students, Luis, down on his knee and kissing my hand. It was pretty adorable. Can I please bring him home with me?

I continue to learn the cello. We now have two cellos on the campus which is exciting because I get more time to practice. Before it was an hour and a half a week which is just enough to recognize my need for more time. I will never judge a squeaky musician again. I completely understand.

I had my teacher evaluation this last Thursday. As I was just starting to teach, the director walked in and sat down. It was one of those days that I was planning on doing a review and my students were leading it with presentations. It was a risky idea because if I am not careful, these kids can get pretty excited and out of control. But I don’t mind if they are learning and I figured only I would know how it went. Not so. But it was an enjoyable class. Every once in a while I would look in her direction to see her response. It was fun to see her getting into the lesson and repeating the words after me.

Friday I also made it back into Bonao to run a few errands. My favorite purchase was my new cell phone. Picture a chalkboard erase covered in an attractive gold metallic cover. That’s my new phone. They looked at me funny when I chose that one. It wasn’t like there weren’t other options. But who can argue with the great $9 price tag they had given my phone. I was pretty excited!

That was my week. A little on the long side but one more down. I really do love these kids so that helps. John 3:30 – “He must become great; I must become less.” It may be a little out of context but this is my prayer for this next week. Less of me, and more of God. Amen.