Tired, But Encouraged

Well, week 2 of teach is now well underway. Here are some things I've learned:

1) Teaching is TIRING
2) Lesson planning in TIRING
3) Coffee is GOOD :D
4) Watching students' eyes open brightly with understanding is REWARDING
5) It really pays off to be a CREATIVE teacher (thanks, Mom, for all your good ideas and inspiration)
6) All work and no play really is a BAD IDEA
7) Prayer is PIVOTAL to every aspect of our lives
8) It is not fun having a cough that will not GO AWAY
9) No matter how slowly you speak, some things just do not translate across CULTURES
10) YELLING is not a good motivator, but honest, sober DISCIPLINE accomplishes a lot

Class A, also known as "Full House" (after a Korean show, not poker or the American show), has been a great class for me. I have posted some pictures on my picture site if you'd like to see them. They are very animated, friendly, and they also seem to be very intelligent. I'm almost a little sad that at the end of this week, I will go to teach Class B, aka "Fantastic 24." But I'm excited about their class, too, as Rick (my teammate) tells me that they are a good and well behaved bunch.

Teaching is an interesting sort of occupation. It really does require you to pour yourself quite a bit in order to be effective and capable of gaining trust, respect, and favor in your students' eyes. But making that effort really seems worth it. It is a pretty great feeling to share a complex concept with the students and see them be able to grasp it and then perfectly complete an exercise that utilizes the skills just taught. I just hope they retain this stuff as well as they learn it initially!

But, all the many great things aside, I am still very tired. There is still so much preparation involved in each day's activities. I think this will get easier as I go, but I know that this entire first semester will just be tough. And I have had a nagging cough through it all. I don't know why it isn't going away either. Very annoying, for sure.

Anyway, I have passed on my afternoon nap today (they are almost a requirement for sanity) to write this because I realize I haven't given many updates lately. So, even though it isn't the best of my writings or stories, I hope you'll know it means a lot for this to be here. And perhaps when there is another block of free time, I can write about some of the fun things I've done here!

Everybody take care of themselves, let me know how you're doing, and continue praying diligently for all things and all the saints!

Prayer and Some Arrival Details

For those interested in the prayer article, click on the "Detour" sign above, or just click here! I can't guarantee its complete validity, but I can say that Rick and I have at least seen some of the sermon's principles at work here, so we are encouraged to continue praying daily. Here is the original blog post below.

Whew! A lot has happened since our arrival. I wish I could explain to you everything that has been going on, but for time and other considerations I will not. But suffice it to say, it has been an amazing time, full of many good things and anticipation for many more.

Some news items: We did arrive safely. I suffered from what I think was bronchitis combined with the flu for about 5 days. I'm still not completely over it, but for all practical purposes, I'd say I'm well again. I have been getting to know the lay of the land, some of the students from previous years, some friends of our program, and the other foreign teachers here. I may not get to mention them in great detail, but Peter and Glenn are the two other foreign teachers who live in our building. Peter is from Sweden, but he has spent many years in America as well (and even New Zealand, so we had some fun stories to share). Glenn is from England, and his love for soccer runs deep and true. Both of these guys are great fun, and I am thankful to have them here in addition to my teammate Rick.

Rick and I begin our teaching tomorrow morning. Wow. That really blows my mind. Day 1 should be pretty easy, I think, but it has a lot of formalities involved as well. Let's all hope that I am truly prepared to meet the challenges ahead of me (and the same for Rick!). I know this year will not be a cakewalk. I know some wrenches are going to be thrown our way. But I cannot deny that our time here has been met with so much blessing already that it's hard to believe that there are not big things in store for the year ahead.

Now, for your homework assignment. I have placed a link on the picture at the top of this post. It is to a sermon that Rick and I have come across (actually, one of Rick's friend heard this pastor speaking and wanted to know more, so this is a taste of what was out there). I know many of you come from many different backgrounds and beliefs, but I want each of you to read this sermon and give it some deep consideration. I cannot vouch with full validity of the things discussed in this sermon. They challenge my mind and world views quite a bit, but I tell you with all honesty - Rick and I have been living like what is in there is true, while asking for correction if it is not, and thus far, we have not been disappointed in the results. So much so that I think you would be remiss to dismiss this information without first giving it a try yourself. Perhaps with a friend - it is easier to stay vitalized with someone sharing the burden. But I want you all to try this, and tell me if the flames are not felt in your life and in the lives of the people you meet.

Now I have to go to bed. Blessings to you all. Your lives have enriched mine, and I am thankful for that.