Different Country, Same Struggle

On this day in Rey Curre, I taught my fourth graders to say how they are feeling and my third graders to recite the days of the week, and I gave my first after-school English class to the high school students. There were 14 students present in all, and they were eager and responsive. We teased; we laughed; we got down to business. It was informal but productive, and I really enjoyed it. So, what seems to be the struggle you may ask?

Lesson planning. Why does it cost me so much? How do I choose what to teach? There is much to consider...what they already know, what the government expects them to learn, what would be most useful to them in their future. Nevertheless, they are learning. They are learning the body parts during our morning routine when we stretch to music. They are learning to introduce themselves and greet other people. They are learning how to dialogue on the telephone.

Furthermore, they are teaching. They are teaching this American girl to be tranquila. They are teaching this American girl to accept hugs and kisses and snacks every from a group of 53 caring students. (Not a day goes by that at least a handful of students haven't offered me a bite of their snack, and I usually oblige except for that sticky ice cream that drips onto my skirt as the students eagerly hold it up to my mouth.) They are teaching this American girl that my presence here is enough.

As I sat drinking coffee today during the break between classes, I brooded over a less-than-perfect lesson. Unbeknownst to me, several of my fourth graders were in my room straightening up my desk and writing me a note to say that they loved me. Did I earn such a kindness? That would be difficult to calculate, but the selflessness of the students is not. Later on, I sat outside the house drinking coffee (yes, again!) and watching my host nephew running around in the front yard. Every few seconds, he would look back to see my smiling expression. We continued like this for several minutes. I didn't say a word to him; he just wanted to know that I was watching and that I approved.

As this day comes to an end, I too am looking back for that smiling face. And, I see it. I see it in my director who likes having me around to pick on me for working too hard. ;) I see it in my elementary students who race to hold my hand to walk to lunch. I see it in the tasty meals and warm welcome that I receive daily from my host family. I see it in the smiles and laughter of the high school students as I animatedly act out the language and solicit their responses. I see it in the friendly jeers from my soccer mates who patiently watch me learn to play. I see it in the letters and emails and Facebook comments from friends and family back home. I see it in the Creator God who delights in watching me experience the joys that He has created. Glory to God!